Need help with visit to the bridge on the EOS 6/25/09

[doulaamy]

Hey cruisers..

I've found out that the "backstage tours" are reserved for those who are of higher status. My sons are absolutely obsessed with ships and marine life. Meeting the captain in the bridge would be incredible for them. I know that the capt and his team do walk around the ship.

 

Is it possible for those that qualify to transfer it to other cruisers?

Is this something that would even be possible? I realize that they have strict rules for security reasons, but I know they try to accomodate requests also. We are celebrating A LOT on this cruise...10th wedding anniversary, the conclusion of our 2nd and final deployment, and starting a new life without the military lifestyle! It's a very important vacation for us.

 

Thank you!

[rubrrick]

Hey cruisers..

I've found out that the "backstage tours" are reserved for those who are of higher status. My sons are absolutely obsessed with ships and marine life. Meeting the captain in the bridge would be incredible for them. I know that the capt and his team do walk around the ship.

 

Is it possible for those that qualify to transfer it to other cruisers?

Is this something that would even be possible? I realize that they have strict rules for security reasons, but I know they try to accomodate requests also. We are celebrating A LOT on this cruise...10th wedding anniversary, the conclusion of our 2nd and final deployment, and starting a new life without the military lifestyle! It's a very important vacation for us.

 

Thank you!

 

 

Is this your first cruise on Royal Caribbean??

 

After you answer that...........maybe I can help.

 

Rick

[doulaamy]

Is this your first cruise on Royal Caribbean??

 

After you answer that...........maybe I can help.

 

Rick

 

I'm happy to say...yes...

[rubrrick]

I'm happy to say...yes...

 

 

That's nice...........what ship, what date, and why do you think that you would be entitled to a trip to the bridge??

 

Normally, in todays market, Diamond Plus are allowed an escorted visit to the bridge. Also......there are some that are donating money to charities that are allowed to visit the bridge for their donation.

 

At the Captains descretion..........his guests are invited to the bridge.

 

Years ago.........it was an open bridge. Well, I can't say that........my first experiences were on freighters.........and it was an open bridge. But I was related to the Captain......and lived in his quarters.

 

After 9/11, it is very diffucult to be on the bridge.......even in port.

 

I wish that I could advise you on a way that would satisfy you.

 

I wish you a wonderful voyage!!

 

Rick

[Rancher Dave]

My recommendation is a nice handwritten letter explaining your wish and why...Do this immediately on day one so the Captain can get it and make the invite.

 

I sailed 2x with one captain in RCCL who has some expeience sailing the oil field waters as I did during college...so I put that together and indicated I'd love to come see what a cruise ship bridge is all about...at Platnium reception he looked at me and said...you wrote a nice letter and will hear from staff tomorrow about an invite to tour the bridge. It was a great expeience.

 

Just because you ask does not mean you get an invite. I am sure having sailed with same captain more than once, Platnium, and a few other factors which can't be duplicated factored favorably into the invite.

 

Be nice when you see him, although the Master of the Ship he is a person as well and nice fair kind treatment of him will be remembered.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

 

Rubrrick, I enjoyed a Summer of hauling Cargo to US NAS Bermuda at St George... that was the fist place I saw a cruise ship, all lit up at night there was one of the original RCCL ships!!! took until last year or quite a while before seeing the inside of one though.

[HurricaneSally]

There is a deck outside the bridge where you can look inside. Maybe that will be enough for your sons.

[doulaamy]

That's nice...........what ship, what date, and why do you think that you would be entitled to a trip to the bridge??

 

Normally, in todays market, Diamond Plus are allowed an escorted visit to the bridge. Also......there are some that are donating money to charities that are allowed to visit the bridge for their donation.

 

At the Captains descretion..........his guests are invited to the bridge.

 

Years ago.........it was an open bridge. Well, I can't say that........my first experiences were on freighters.........and it was an open bridge. But I was related to the Captain......and lived in his quarters.

 

After 9/11, it is very diffucult to be on the bridge.......even in port.

 

I wish that I could advise you on a way that would satisfy you.

 

I wish you a wonderful voyage!!

 

Rick

 

Well the title of my post says it all..

EOS 6/25/09-East Carribean and Bermuda

It's not about entitlement, just about a mom who'd like to fulfill her son's dreams any way she can. Which charities?

[cruiseguy1016]

By EOS you mean Explorer, not Enchantment correct? As HurricaneSally stated there is the Peek a Boo bridge that overlooks the bridge on the Explorer.

[doulaamy]

Be nice when you see him, although the Master of the Ship he is a person as well and nice fair kind treatment of him will be remembered.

Enjoy your cruise.

quote]

 

I plan on doing exactly that. I'm quite familiar with the aspects of "humbleness" as I've been a Marine Corps wife for 10 years. It would absolutely be a time to remember.

[negc]

In answer to a portion of your inquiry, the invitations to the bridge tours which are offered to suite guests and Diamond Plus Crown and Anchor members clearly indicate that the invitations are non-transferable. As others have suggested, a nicely worded letter of request addressed to the Ship's Master might result in an invitation for you and your sons but that is solely up to the discretion of the Captain. While I am sure that your sons would be thrilled to get a bridge tour, I hope that the likelihood that they will be unable to get one, should not seriously detract from their enjoyment of the cruise.:)

[HurricaneSally]

Well the title of my post says it all..

EOS 6/25/09-East Carribean and Bermuda

It's not about entitlement, just about a mom who'd like to fulfill her son's dreams any way she can. Which charities?

 

Boy, I sure hope your sons are never disappointed.

[doulaamy]

Boy, I sure hope your sons are never disappointed.

 

What is that supposed to mean?

My sons lives have been FILLED with disappointments. All they have ever known is their dad being gone with the Marine Corps, missing birthdays, school events, etc. Just trying to have a nice vacation here and learning the ropes while I'm at it.

[doulaamy]

In answer to a portion of your inquiry, the invitations to the bridge tours which are offered to suite guests and Diamond Plus Crown and Anchor members clearly indicate that the invitations are non-transferable. As others have suggested, a nicely worded letter of request addressed to the Ship's Master might result in an invitation for you and your sons but that is solely up to the discretion of the Captain. While I am sure that your sons would be thrilled to get a bridge tour, I hope that the likelihood that they will be unable to get one, should not seriously detract from their enjoyment of the cruise.:)

 

I understand their discretion and respect it as well. My kids have already been told the situation and will probably be too busy to know the difference. We'll have a great cruise regardless. :)

[HurricaneSally]

What is that supposed to mean?

My sons lives have been FILLED with disappointments. All they have ever known is their dad being gone with the Marine Corps, missing birthdays, school events, etc. Just trying to have a nice vacation here and learning the ropes while I'm at it.

 

You expressed the fact that you were willing to donate to an unknown charity in order to fullfill your son's dreams. I think that goes a little too far. Write your letter and if you can't go to the bridge, go see it from the deck outside. They can always watch it on the travel channel, where the bridge is shown.

 

I get really suspicious when people want to see all the inner workings of a ship. It makes me feel unsafe.

[doulaamy]

You expressed the fact that you were willing to donate to an unknown charity in order to fullfill your son's dreams. I think that goes a little too far. Write your letter and if you can't go to the bridge, go see it from the deck outside. They can always watch it on the travel channel, where the bridge is shown.

 

I get really suspicious when people want to see all the inner workings of a ship. It makes me feel unsafe.

 

Correction. I asked which charities because I'm curious. I did NOT say I would donate my life savings to fulfill my son's dreams. It's curiousity. Period. I did express that this was my first cruise, hence the questions.

 

Another correction. I did not say "all the inner workings." I have no care to see any other part of the ship and how it operates. Meeting the captain would be great, not meeting him would NOT hinder our experience or create a problem. It was a simple question requiring a simple answer. I got the answer from several other people. If you feel unsafe, then perhaps you should write a letter to RCCL asking them to discontinue their tours to ANYONE, regardless of status, age, etc. Geez..

[HurricaneSally]

Maybe you can just offer the captain a few grand to let your sons see the bridge.

[doulaamy]

Maybe you can just offer the captain a few grand to let your sons see the bridge.

 

Boy, isn't it amazing how bold people get when hiding behind a computer?

 

It's entertaining. Seriously. I mean really. This is better than a broadway show.

 

Did someone say popcorn?

 

I really like your technique of turning everything around that I'm saying.

*sigh*

 

Oh well. I've tried to make my point.

Thanks to everyone who gave me honest answers and took the time to post with great advice. Happy Cruising everyone!

[mation101]

I dont get the aggressiveness towards the OP. Her sons really want to see the bridge, and she was asking if there is anyone with experience on how bridge tours are given. When charities were mentioned she probably thought it might be one she already contributes to and might be qualified. I have been on bridge tours on our last three cruises, and on two of them there were kids there that were invited by someone else that was invited, it was ok'd by security before we were escorted to the bridge. She is a military family and I think she deserves a little more respect than she has received from this board.

 

I hope your sons are able to see the bridge and most of all enjoy your anniv and have a great trip

[Rancher Dave]

Make sure the kids research the ship before the cruise so they can ask teh Master various questions when they meet him at his reception. Be sure they are dressed nicely for that formal night, stand in line, meet him or her for that matter, have the kids express interest in all things Navy (er nautical) and get the captain to answer a few questions. That will put a nice spark in his/her mind about the children, mention you dropped a note to him about the kids wanting to learn more about the ship etc...

 

DD asked two of the North American home based captains why ships float, the first was caught so far off guard she answered for him, the other from a bit further North and who shares an oil field background gave a great explanation to DD. A bit of fun chat can help the cause as well.

 

As was said though it's generally stacked against folks. I know in a couple weeks DD wants to go see the bridge, DW does as well, so I will ask nicely, and hope that sharing the same deck as the wheelhouse in a nice size cabin will help the cause. I know at the reception DD will share with the Master all about the Longhorns from Voyager being at our ranch now so that is a good tie to Voyager as well. (I hope Gordon is aboard as Hotel Director when we sail since we got to know him a bit...)

[aqhacruiser]

I dont get the aggressiveness towards the OP. Her sons really want to see the bridge, and she was asking if there is anyone with experience on how bridge tours are given. When charities were mentioned she probably thought it might be one she already contributes to and might be qualified. I have been on bridge tours on our last three cruises, and on two of them there were kids there that were invited by someone else that was invited, it was ok'd by security before we were escorted to the bridge. She is a military family and I think she deserves a little more respect than she has received from this board.

 

I hope your sons are able to see the bridge and most of all enjoy your anniv and have a great trip

 

I do not understand it either as I read it as a simple question as her boys would love to see the bridge. I've been on many bridge tours and I love taking pics from there and I've met a variety of people on the tours that are not Diamond Plus nor staying in a suite. In April on the Ex. a WW2 vet and his family ( first time cruisers) were with us on the bridge and his son in law simply walked up to the Captain during the Welcome Reception and said his father in law was in the Marines on a ship in WW2 and asked if possible could he see the bridge area and the next day they received an invite. If I had met this family first I would have had them included on one of my tours. D plus members include family and friends on tours all the time so I do not see anything wrong with this lady asking for a tour for her sons as the worse that can happen is they will say no. Tours are given all the time on the Ex. including as recent as 3 days ago. On my 11/30/08 we had a young couple, first time cruisers that were invited by the Captain himself at our table for a bridge tour and they were thrilled! I met another person last year that wrote a note to the Captain ( first time cruiser) and just dropped it off at Guest Relations and received an invite.

Good luck to the OP and I hope your sons get a chance to see the bridge! If not as Dave said you can take them to the peek a boo bridge on the Ex. where they can look down into the bridge area. You have a great itinerary on a great ship and I hope your family enjoys the cruise! :)

[brn2crz]

Dont sweat it Doulaamy...I see Hurricane Sally aka barb...is still the same.

She doesn't like people with children.or most people for that matter.

Good luck and happy sailings

[CelestialDreamer]

Hey cruisers..

I've found out that the "backstage tours" are reserved for those who are of higher status. My sons are absolutely obsessed with ships and marine life. Meeting the captain in the bridge would be incredible for them. I know that the capt and his team do walk around the ship.

 

Is it possible for those that qualify to transfer it to other cruisers?

Is this something that would even be possible? I realize that they have strict rules for security reasons, but I know they try to accomodate requests also. We are celebrating A LOT on this cruise...10th wedding anniversary, the conclusion of our 2nd and final deployment, and starting a new life without the military lifestyle! It's a very important vacation for us.

 

Thank you!

 

I have no advise other than what has already been said. I just wanted to add my thanks to you and your family for all the sacrifices you've made for all of us! I hope your boys get to see the bridge and I wish you all a great cruise and a happy civilian life!! It's a big adjustment for all of you!!

[Cruise_Couple]

Hey cruisers..

I've found out that the "backstage tours" are reserved for those who are of higher status. My sons are absolutely obsessed with ships and marine life. Meeting the captain in the bridge would be incredible for them. I know that the capt and his team do walk around the ship.

 

Is it possible for those that qualify to transfer it to other cruisers?

Is this something that would even be possible? I realize that they have strict rules for security reasons, but I know they try to accomodate requests also. We are celebrating A LOT on this cruise...10th wedding anniversary, the conclusion of our 2nd and final deployment, and starting a new life without the military lifestyle! It's a very important vacation for us.

 

Thank you!

 

I do not have an answer to your question, but I understand and applaud your efforts to make a special memory for your sons! Also, and more importantly, my family thanks your family for the sacrifices you have made for us by being a military family! WE APPRECIATE YOU!!!

[GMoney]

Boy, isn't it amazing how bold people get when hiding behind a computer?

 

It's entertaining. Seriously. I mean really. This is better than a broadway show.

 

Did someone say popcorn?

 

I really like your technique of turning everything around that I'm saying.

*sigh*

 

Oh well. I've tried to make my point.

Thanks to everyone who gave me honest answers and took the time to post with great advice. Happy Cruising everyone!

 

OP - Just ignore Sally. She's the same person who argues on these boards with 14 year olds who are passionate about cruising. We all understand what you are trying to do. Good luck to you.

[doulaamy]

I dont get the aggressiveness towards the OP. Her sons really want to see the bridge, and she was asking if there is anyone with experience on how bridge tours are given. When charities were mentioned she probably thought it might be one she already contributes to and might be qualified. I have been on bridge tours on our last three cruises, and on two of them there were kids there that were invited by someone else that was invited, it was ok'd by security before we were escorted to the bridge. She is a military family and I think she deserves a little more respect than she has received from this board.

 

I hope your sons are able to see the bridge and most of all enjoy your anniv and have a great trip

 

Thank you for your comments and for sticking up for me. Her words are not nice actions on behalf of the CC boards. For a newbie, it gives the wrong impression.

 

I appreciate your words. We plan on having the best time we can possibly have! Thank you!