NCL Offers A Seven-Hour Backstage Ship Tour

Norwegian Cruise Line has launched a shipboard backstage tour, similar to a program Princess Cruises introduced last year. The NCL version is called Behind the Scenes and is available on all NCL ships, with the exception of the Norwegian Majesty.

NCL crewmembers take passengers to the galley to see the chefs at work preparing meals; the food storage areas; the theater's backstage, with a stop in the wardrobe room (to see the glittery costumes used in stage productions); the laundry areas; and the highlight - the bridge, for a meet-and-greet with the ship's captain (you also get to meet other officers along the way). Price is $55 for two hours.

But wait, there's more: An enhanced seven-hour tour (yes, seven hours), adds a sushi-making demonstration and sake tasting, a photo of the passenger group taken in the bridge, a Lavazza coffee, pre-dinner cocktails in one of the ship's lounges, and dinner with a glass of wine in Cagney's Steakhouse specialty restaurant, all for a price tag of $150.

NCL will do the tours once per cruise on a sea day. Guests wishing to book should check with guest reception on the ship.