So next time I needed to get to the theatre, I went the same way -- it was like walking along Oxford Street a week before Christmas! So many people. But all spick and span.

On one visit we went to very stern of the ship where the rudder came up through the hull. At the time there was a problem with the seal so that while we stood their watching when the ship pitched you could see seawater splash into the area and run off to some drain in the floor.

In the same space there was a storage area to the left and in it were a number of porcelain toilets and sinks. I asked about them and they said that they had been purchased from the manufacturer when that model was discontinued and had been there for more than 20 years. Apparently it was pretty difficult to find replacement parts for a 40 year old former ocean liner.

I think the tailor staff on the Rotterdam also made the uniforms for all the employees in the HAL fleet so they had an extensive behind the scenes tailoring operation. This was great if you ever needed any work done on you Tuxedo or other clothes.

They also had a full furniture shop on board and a machine shop. I had the heel of one of my shoes repaired in the furniture shop and they actually welded a wheel back onto our baby carriage when it broke during a Panama Canal cruise.

No charge for any of the repairs!!!

quote:

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Originally posted by sread:
On another ship, I was invited to a lady friend's cabin in crew country. But that's another story....!

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I've also enjoyed seeing the crew and Officer's mess, crew disco, gym, pool, cabins, etc. Most recently on CARNIVAL PRIDE, I was given a full behind the scenes tour by an Australian dancer in the show. He was a lot of fun.

On GOLDEN PRINCESS, one of my old friends in the Purser's department gave me the full tour.

I was most impressed with the crew areas on RADIANCE OF THE SEAS, where every crew cabin is fitted out with a flat screen panel that has internet access. That is better than anything the passengers have!

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Originally posted by gohaze:
Having a tour of the ship by one of the crew is fine, but things like sneaking up to the bow at night especially "after a few drinks" is just plain STUPID.
In fact going into the crew quarters without an invitation is infringing on their privacy and why should you as a passenger think you have that right.
Stay OUT of there.
As for other working parts of the ship, they can be DANGEROUS places for the IGNORANT which is what you are if you go to 'sneaking' into them.
Wake up and use some common sense.
....peter

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Peter,
I really don't need or appreciate a "scolding" from you or anybody else (save it for your children). I am a grown adult and fully aware and responsible for my own actions. I have over 50 cruises under my belt as a passenger and worked onboard ship as an Officer (and in the head office) for years. I know all about crew areas and have never considered myself "in danger". It's not like I'm venturing down to the engine room.

My god you must live a sheltered and boring life.

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Originally posted by Barryboat:
Of course I have snooped around in crew areas and unauthorized parts of the ship. Been to the top of the QE2 smoke stack, engine room (all when I was a passenger not as crew) Been up the side of the stack on the Westerdam. Top of Norway's funnel and crows nest. Love to explore the engine rooms of cruise ships and liners...most of the time crew have no idea who I was or why I was there but didn't ever say anything...probably different nowdays post 9/11. Saw the old dog kennels on the Rembrandt. Expored every inch of the ss United States. Explored the engine room of the Zaandam, crew areas, etc. As a ship buff I'm less likely to climb up the stacks these days but I still enjoy exploring the forward parts of the ship at the bow, anchor mechanism.

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Good for you Barryboat. I think you are a little more adventuresome than I am! I have never been to the top of a smokestack or ventured down to an engine room... but I would sure like to someday!

Like you, I am a ship buff and when I venture into these areas, it is not to invade on anyone's privacy, but to learn as much about the ship as possible. I am certainly interested in all the physical aspects of the ship, and this includes the areas that passengers don't see.

The tip of the bow is just an amazing place IMO. Nothing like standing there on a beautiful starlit Caribbean night with the wind blowing through your hair and the sound of the waves crashing against of the bow. It's a magical experience, and I feel sorry for anyone if they have cruised and not experienced it. At least on the Voyager and Grand class ships, the area has been opened up to the public somewhat (no doubt thanks to the movie Titanic).

At best it is an exhibition of bad manners.

This type of thing can involve prying into others personal affairs when taken to the extreme. I strongly disapprove of this practice.

For those who think this is an OK thing, let them leave their cabin door open so that others can snoop around their personal things at leisure

[ 10-26-2002: Message edited by: topgun ]

quote:

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Originally posted by topgun:
I have to agree with Gohaze about snooping in unauthorized areas of a cruise ship.

At best it is an exhibition of bad manners.

This type of thing can involve prying into others personal affairs when taken to the extreme. I strongly disapprove of this practice.

For those who think this is an OK thing, let them leave their cabin door open so that others can snoop around their personal things at leisure

[ 10-26-2002: Message edited by: topgun ]

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How you get from wondering around crew areas such as the main corridor, bow, funnel, or engine room, to prying into peoples personal affairs is beyond me? I don't recall anyone saying they were hanging around crew cabins waiting to sneer in. Maybe this is something you want to do?

The fact that you strongly disapprove is of no concern to me.

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Originally posted by gohaze:

You didn't say what sort of Officer you were but it wouldn't appear to be one that was concerned with safety.

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You're right Peter.... I was an Officer onboard ship that had absolutely no concerns with safety. Now I work for an airline and again, I have no concern for safety. In fact, safety is always the furthest thing from my mind. I guess you have me all figured out? Get real buddy.

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Originally posted by gohaze:
Good. that got a reaction.

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Yes Peter,
It's surprising, but you do tend to get a reaction when you start referring to people as "stupid" and "ignorant". It's funny how that works.

You might even find yourself receiving stronger reactions off the internet if this is the type of diplomacy you use in everyday life. No doubt you've had a broken nose or two.

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Originally posted by Namlit:
ummmm.... relax Ernie. Peter, you could tone-down a bit, too We're all friends here, Okay? Peter's comments seem pretty appropriate, especially without knowledge that Ernie has been an officer on the high seas. I would agree that it seems highly unsafe for the average, intoxicated, cruise passenger to go snooping around where they do not belong.

Both of you ought to try not to take every comment you disagree with as a personal attack on you. This is supposed to be fun, yes?

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Who said anything about being intoxicated? That is the problem with people today, making assumptions without knowing the facts. I stated "a couple drinks". That is far from intoxicated, for my body anyway.

You mentioned Peter's comments being appropriate... well, I don't consider calling anyone "stupid" and "ignorant" 6 0îppropriate. Of course, maybe things are different in friendly Canada?

Regardless, this is my last comment on the matter. I certainly don't need to explain myself to anyone on this list or justify my actions. If you don't agree with it, I guess that's your problem. I will continue taking several cruises a year, and if I happen to explore the crew areas, so be it.

Rather sad when 'adults' have to resort to such things to add a spark to their lives.