"Tour of the Bridge" questions

[Ariel Wanna-be]

Has anyone done this?

How long/interesting is it?

Can it be reserved in advance, or is it like the Palo/Spa ressie process?

If you can only make reservations when you get on the ship, do you have to line up early like you do for Palo?

What day does it take place on, and what time does it usually start? Is there more than one tour? How long does it take?

Any info is appreciated!!

 

[thegales]

The tour is only offered on Port Days.

Yes, you need reservations, but it is not a mad rush. I don't remember when we went to guest services on Departure date, but there was no line (probably after dinner). We were able to go the following day, while in Key West.

We thought it was interesting. Ours was given by a CM from the entertainment staff, and he did a fine job. There was Q&A, but he didn't know all the anwers. Our DD8 and DD6 enjoyed it up to a point. You actually do not go onto the bridge, but on the walk way above it. I think the total time was about 30 minutes.

 

[markºoº]

The previous poster is correct.

You are not actually on the "bridge" but on the catwalk above the bridge.

A CM does all the talking and you do not interact with any crew members on the bridge. Since you are in port, it is likely no officers will actually be visible on the bridge.

The CM explains the major controls and takes questions.

No video is allowed but photos were ok.

Sidenote: We were on the Aug 28, 2004 Magic sailing that was extended and rerouted due to hurricane Francis. They had charts all over the place at the Navigator's station and the Captain was on the bridge and appeared to be in a hurry for the tour to get over. The Navigator and Captain were going back and forth from charts to a back room we could no see and I'm sure we were distracting.

 

[disneygatorfan]

Ariel,

I can't remember if children were allowed, I suspect they weren't... anyway, I enjoyed the Kitchen Tour, way more then the Bridge tour.. its done on the 7 day only though.

I also enjoyed the Art of the Theme tour...

 

[PPFQP]

Has anyone done this?

How long/interesting is it?

Can it be reserved in advance, or is it like the Palo/Spa ressie process?

If you can only make reservations when you get on the ship, do you have to line up early like you do for Palo?

What day does it take place on, and what time does it usually start? Is there more than one tour? How long does it take?

Any info is appreciated!!

You have to reserve a time in advance -- you do that at Guest Services and they give you tickets for your time. The times are during port days, and not very convenient if you are doing excursions. Go early in the week to get a time that works for you. We got a time for 2:30 the day at Castaway Cay and decided to forgo it becasue we were having too much fun on the beach. So, I can't actually report on the experience.

Kids can go -- they gave us four tickets, including two for our 9-year old twins.

 

[Ariel Wanna-be]

Thanks, everyone!

 

[Muushka]

When we cruised last year I thought I remembered that kids weren't allowed, but I may be wrong. There was a child-appeared to be around 9 or 10 on the tour. He kept asking questions-so many that nobody else got to ask anything. I remember thinking 'he isn't even supposed to be on this tour'!
But, again, I may be wrong.

 

[glindamood]

Muushka - I thinkg there are adult only tour times as well as family tour times. The one I took on the Wonder if February was adults only.

 

[krhardy]

ok, different spin...I have a friend who will be cruising with her DF when she cruises next....he is certified to captain 1 class lower than a major cruise ship...he has his merchant marines license, a rather large boat himself...what would the chances be of him getting a private tour of the actual bridge? I know security is an issue, just curious.

 

[PPFQP]

ok, different spin...I have a friend who will be cruising with her DF when she cruises next....he is certified to captain 1 class lower than a major cruise ship...he has his merchant marines license, a rather large boat himself...what would the chances be of him getting a private tour of the actual bridge? I know security is an issue, just curious.

Honestly? The chances are slim to none, unless he personally knows some one on the ship who will agree to it. My husband is similarly qualified and wrote a letter and was politely refused.

 

[Rate Queen]

In August we did the bridge tour. We did ask several questions of the CM. When she was unable to answer some, she went into one of the rooms at the back of the bridge and asked the person on duty to come out. He did so and answered all our questions graciously. It was fun and informative. We did have young children in our group. One little boy asked non stop questions of the CM before the tour started but once we were on the bridge he suddenly got very shy.
It was worth it.

 

[Donalds_best_pal]

ok, different spin...I have a friend who will be cruising with her DF when she cruises next....he is certified to captain 1 class lower than a major cruise ship...he has his merchant marines license, a rather large boat himself...what would the chances be of him getting a private tour of the actual bridge? I know security is an issue, just curious.

Only way for personal tour of bridge is if you no someone. Mosty security concern. I am friends with DCL President and he was on our cruise. Invited me up to the bridge on 12-18 cruise and got to press the horn while leaving CC. It was great.

Matt

 

[erikthewise]

On our (4-day) cruise all children 8-12 had the opportunity to take a bridge tour as part of their Oceaneer Lab activities. Before we found out we had tickets for them, so it was not a problem on that tour anyway. It is moderately interesting but by no means a "must-do".

An even better way to see the bridge, if that's all you want, is to use the treadmills in the Vista Spa exercise room, which directly overlook the bridge. You actually get a better view from there than on the bridge tour!