All Access Ship Tour $$$!!!

[Ret MP]

On my second Oasis Class cruise on the Allure, I noticed that there was only two propeller washes/cavitation trails, so, in the engine room control center I noticed that the center Pod wasn't showing any telemetry that it was functioning.  I didn't get a chance to ask question about it in there.  When we got to the bridge, again, I could see that, I believe it was, the center Pod didn't seem to have any telemetry showing that it was functioning. So, I asked.  Man you would of though I asked them for the worlds most sensitive and classified information.  The mumbling and stumbling of the words was remarkable.  After being a little relentless with the question(s), they finally admitted that the center (again, I believe it was the center Pod) Pod had issues, (I don't remember the issues) and that it had been like that for a cruises or two and that they are safe and authorized to run with only 2 Pods providing propulsion and that the Pod was going to be fixed during their next scheduled dry dock (when ?).  

 

After the cruise, I went into an Internet website (so you know it's true and factual) and saw that it was reported that the Allure was running on just 2 Pods.  No big deal.  BTW, I never felt unsafe or anything like that on the cruise.  

Edited January 13, 2023 by Ret MP

[chengkp75]

95% of ships only have one propeller.  Cruise ships are "safe and authorized" to sail on one azipod.  Certain ports, notably all US ports, will require a tug escort in the port, since the steering has no redundancy with only one pod.  The tug is standby for steering redundancy.

[goldfish65]

Absolutely worth it IMO to see how the ship operates, plus, each part you visit, the staff is very passionate and kind and gracious to answer questions. 

[Ret MP]

4 minutes ago, goldfish65 said:

Absolutely worth it IMO to see how the ship operates, plus, each part you visit, the staff is very passionate and kind and gracious to answer questions. 

That's for sure.  Not only that, I've found that almost all crew, tour or not, are very proud and more than willing to discuss their ship and their position on the ship.  Much like many of us are/were proud of our jobs and facilities.  

[NightOne]

Just got back from the cruise on Wonder of the Seas and thought I would give a little feedback on my experience with the all access tour.

 

1. Stated it was a 2 hour our but we went almost 3 hours

2. Seen Galley, Storerooms, Engine Control Room, Guest Laundry, Sheet folding area, Crew Uniform Shop, Bridge, and I-95 (of course) - maybe some other stuff that is not coming to mind right now

3. Captain's Q&A was during the tour so we missed it - also didn't get to see the captain on the bridge - this was a bummer

4. We had to be quiet in the ECR and didn't get any info from the engineers

5. Went to Aqua Theater at the end and got to talk to the head guy of the show and ask questions but no backstage

6. Pictures were allowed but not video

7. Employee guiding the tour was from the shore excursions team

 

Overall it felt rushed and less detailed than other tours I had been on but it was still excellent. I would do it again.

[shof515]

do you get any swag for doing the tour? when i did it on carnival i got like a photo, cookies and few other things

[NightOne]

1 hour ago, shof515 said:

do you get any swag for doing the tour? when i did it on carnival i got like a photo, cookies and few other things

 

Luggage tag and some rope thingy with guides on ship knots

[captain bob]

We have been invited to the bridge several times  and I would say if you are in to all things maritime, it would be worth it even if you have to pay a bit. Very cool to go out on the bridge wings and look down thru the glass deck. Once had to get to the bridge at 5 am to see them navigate into port. My wife slept in.......

[NightOne]

One important thing I forgot to mention. On Royal they gave us these ear pieces so we could hear what they were saying even in the back. This was an issue on other tours. Great idea and execution.

[mrsync]

On 1/12/2023 at 8:22 AM, Ret MP said:

On Rustbucket we actually walked thru a door to a "catwalk" and back thru a second door.  I think the entire walk on the "catwalk" was about 15-20 feet.  There were stairs leading down from the "catwalk" to the engine room floor, but it was chained off and a security attendant standing by. From what I observed, you could eat off the floor and, well, just about every surface, truly amazing.   No photography allowed.  It was a great experience!  I'd love to see the engine room of an Oasis Class ship.  

What is "Rustbucket" that you keep referring to???

[Biker19]

11 hours ago, mrsync said:

What is "Rustbucket" that you keep referring to???

Usually Carnival.