Holland America Line Reintroduces In-Depth “Behind-the-Scenes” Ship Tours
Cruise aficionados and curious travelers alike can add a truly immersive experience to their next Holland America Line voyage. I’ve already enjoyed the galley tour’s insider look at culinary choreography and now I’m eager to explore even more behind-the-scenes opportunities. Beginning this month, the cruise line is reviving its coveted “Behind-the-Scenes” ship tours, offering unprecedented access to operational areas normally reserved for crew and officers. Whether you’ve always wondered where navigational decisions are made or how fresh linens and live entertainment are managed, this tour promises an insider’s perspective on the floating cities we love to sail.
What You’ll See: From Navigation to Nightclub Backstage
Each tour spans multiple key locations aboard the vessel, designed to showcase the full spectrum of shipboard operations:
Navigational Bridge
Step onto the command center where officers chart courses, monitor radar and maintain communication with ports worldwide. Watch as the captain and bridge team explain real-time decision-making processes and share anecdotes from challenging weather encounters.
Galley and Bakery
Witness the choreography behind thousands of daily meals. Your guide—a member of the culinary team—will demonstrate how the galley handles menu prep, food safety and supply logistics. Plus, catch a behind-the-scenes peek at the bakery, where fresh breads and pastries are produced around the clock.
Engine Control Room
Delve into the mechanical heartbeat of the ship. Learn how chief and first engineers supervise propulsion, power distribution and environmental controls to ensure smooth sailing.
Support and Service Zones
Gain insight into seldom-seen but vital areas like the main laundry, recycling center and provisioning storerooms. See how the environmental officer and provision master coordinate to keep the ship both efficient and sustainable.
Entertainment and F&B Backstage
Explore World Stage dressing rooms and marshalling areas, and discover the workflows behind shipboard shows. Visit behind the bars to see cocktail inventories, bartending prep and glass-washing operations that keep happy hours flowing.
Meet the Crew Behind Your Cruise
A highlight of the tour is the chance to interact directly with the people who make the magic happen. Depending on your ship’s itinerary and staffing, you may be introduced to:
- The Captain or a senior Bridge Officer
- Executive Chef or Chief Baker
- Chief Engineer or First Engineer
- Environmental Officer
- Provision Master
- Bar Manager and Entertainment Cast Members
At each stop, your onboard host will explain day-to-day responsibilities, share little-known facts (did you know some ships recycle over 90% of their waste?), and answer your burning questions. By the tour’s end, you’ll walk away with a richer understanding of the teamwork and technology that keep a vessel running seamlessly.
Booking Information & Souvenirs
Behind-the-Scenes tours are currently available on select Holland America Line ships and will expand fleet-wide by July 31, 2025. Tours can be reserved onboard at Guest Services for $179 per person, with an accessible option for guests with mobility considerations.
Each participant receives:
- A ship-specific lanyard
- A souvenir photo collection from your tour
- A commemorative certificate to mark the occasion
Spaces are limited, and bookings tend to fill quickly—especially on sea days when guests are eager to explore every corner of the ship.
Why These Tours Matter
By peeling back the curtain on behind-the-scenes operations, Holland America Line is fostering greater transparency and guest engagement. These tours:
- Educate: Guests learn how complex systems—from navigation to waste management—are integrated.
- Celebrate Crew: Meet the seldom-seen teams whose dedication ensures safety, comfort and culinary excellence.
- Enhance Appreciation: A newfound respect for the scale and sophistication of modern cruise ships.
As Carole Biencourt, Holland America Line’s Vice President of Onboard Revenue, explained, “We hear so often from guests who’d love to see the bridge or where our chefs prepare their meals. By bringing back this tour experience we’re pulling back the curtain to these areas that are rarely visited. It’s a fascinating look at the inner workings of a cruise ship, and guests love meeting the crew members who work behind the scenes to create such a memorable experience.”
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, the Behind-the-Scenes tour offers a rare opportunity to deepen your connection with life at sea. Next time you sail with Holland America Line, be sure to book early—and prepare to see your ship in a whole new light.
