And again, we pretty much have a schedule worked out that we're happy with for sea days. Breakfast, internet time, an hour long workout in the gym, lunch, trivia and/or nap time, laundry, dinner, evening show, etc.
But, we had an interesting diversion today!
They don't advertise the fact that you can request a tour of the bridge. And even when you make a request, it is met with "it may not be possible". And if it is possible, and they receive too many requests they institute a lottery system.
But we made a request anyhow, and yesterday afternoon there was an envelope slipped under our door that contained an official invitation to tour the bridge. They ask you not to tell other passengers about your good fortune! However, you are welcome to take photographs, but not video.
There were 15 of us on the tour. We were met by one of the 3rd officers who was a woman from Philippines, and two security officers.
View from the side of the bridge.
View looking back.
Lots of high tech navigation equipment!
The girl was really informative, and we were able to ask lots of questions. We were up there almost an hour!
There is no big steering wheel!
Everything is all electronic, and steering is done by tiny joysticks not much bigger than a video game.
The 1st officer.
The captain was not on the bridge at this time.
Notice the watch officer on the left. Despite all of the electronics and sensors, they still have humans keeping an eye on what's out front. Often, they are just keeping their eyes open for sea life since many areas of this cruise are in protected waters where they have different procedures, including the type of fuel they use.
It was really interesting and I'm glad we made the effort. We can also make a request to see the engineering and engine room. We'll do that tomorrow, and keep our fingers crossed.
I thought we would show you what the lunchtime buffet is like...
The table area of the buffet section.
Fruit.
Sandwiches.
Cold cuts and grilled vegetables.
Salad fixings.
Corn chips, salsa, and guacamole.
Spinach pie.
More salad stuff.
Roast turkey breast and veggies.
Cold cuts, and cheeses.
Desserts.
There was also breads, soups, and various casseroles as well as sections specifically designated as gluten free, sugar free, and vegetarian. You will not starve at the buffet. But, we met one couple who refuse to eat at the buffet because "that's where all the germs are". I told them we like to live on the edge!
So, we've had two days at sea, and Monday morning at 7:00am we arrive at Reykjavik, Iceland. We have been to Iceland before, but it was in October 2012. We're meeting up with a local Icelandic lady who has been reading this blog since our visit there in 2012!
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Very cool you got to tour the bridge!
ReplyDeleteFYI there is another blogger couple on your ship, very experienced cruisers! Best Dreamy Destinations on Facebook.
It was pretty neat to see the bridge and how it operates and what is involved with moving the ship from one location to another. What an interesting job these people have. We are hoping to see the engine room next with any luck, not even sure if they run tours there or not.
DeleteWe have reached out to these people but they are more "travel agents" than bloggers but it would be interesting to talk with them.
She's right about the buffet; we're convinced that's where we caught Norovirus in the southwestern US when we did our "Grand Circle" trip to hike multiple national parks back in 2006. Many other travelers on that same circle got very ill with norovirus as well, and one of the common places so many of us had stayed had a huge dinner buffet. It was delicious, but.... Of course we'll never know for sure, and I would certainly partake of the buffet on your ship, but with all those hands touching the serving utensils, I'd wash my hands thoroughly before eating.
ReplyDeleteThe bridge tour was very cool - how great that you got to do that!
We have eaten at a lot of buffets over the years and have never got sick because of it, maybe we just have a strong immune system. Onboard they have wash stations at each entrance to the buffet with someone standing there to remind you to wash your hands, they also have hand santizer in the aisle near the buffet itself.
DeleteThe bridge tour was pretty neat and very interesting. Today we are going to ask if they do a tour of the engine room as well as the kitchen. Apparently some ships do this and others don't.
Very cool pictures of the bridge! I had an idea of what would be there but wow, what a control room. I couldn't go on this cruise, you'd have to chain me to my room durning meal times :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed our tour of the bridge, it was definitely pretty interesting to see. Now we are hoping that they will offer a tour of the engine room and maybe even the kitchen.
DeleteYou definitely have to have a lot of self restraint with all the food that is available onboard. We are trying hard to not eat too much more than what we normally eat and overall I think we are doing pretty good but we also go to the gym on sea days to work it off and on port days we do a ton of walking/hiking.
Have you noticed many/all of the ship and cabin crew, waitstaff are Asian? You should chat with them if you haven't already. Very interesting lives they lead!
ReplyDeleteThere are certainly a lot that are from Asia but there are also quite a few from India, Africa, Mexico and South America. We have talked to some and yes, they have some interesting stories and lives.
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