Around The World Without Flying: A tour of the ship

As we had several ‘sea days’ before reaching Hawaii, I decided to go on a tour of this ship - the Celebrity Solstice. This is quite expensive, but allowed me to visit not only the bridge and kitchens, which I have seen on a couple of other ships, but also many other key areas, including the engine control room, the laundry, the recycling room and the food storage area.

Since the bridge and engine control room are very high security areas, we started our tour by signing documents and having a body scan to ensure we were not carrying anything dangerous on our person. A female security guard checked the women and a male security guard checked the men. Our handbags also were checked. This security check allowed us to go to the bridge and was repeated before we entered the engine control room. I would add that every time you board the ship from going ashore, you have to walk through a scanner and everything you carry on board is X-rayed. I think that is really great - it makes me feel safe.

Up on the bridge, it was amazing to see and learn about how the position of the ship can be so finely controlled, especially its sideways movement to place it into the exact allocated spot right next to a dock. We were fortunate to have a young English officer as our guide on the bridge. She explained everything just so clearly. All of us were most impressed by her and we asked her about the training they undergo. She had already completed her studies at the training school for naval officers in England, which is now being followed by practical experience. Higher levels of training can then be undertaken to achieve promotion to higher levels of responsibility. Her nature was so calm and steady and her passion for her work was so obvious, I can see her being a highly respected ship’s captain one day. She would also be a great lecturer or trainer. Apparently more and more young women are entering this field, which is great.

From there we walked through corridors that normally are only accessed by the crew, which was a fascinating journey. The corridors were a hive of activity. On the way we learned about steps that are taken to keep the crew healthy despite their long hours, working 7 days a week for months on end before they have a long break. They are all given a long rest break halfway through their day.

The crew of this ship come from more than 60 different nationalities. Each wears a badge that states their first name and their country. I always make a point where I can of asking a crew member about their country, which they always appreciate. The crew are very proud of having a job on the ship. When they saw us in their area, we were greeted with many delighted grins.

The engine control room also was fascinating. Here we would see images of everything happening in the engine room, as well as lots of data continually feeding onto screens. There are four big diesel engines in the engine room itself, though the number of engines operating at a given time depends on the conditions. The amount of diesel fuel used per minute was quite staggering, though not surprising when you think it is used not only to drive the engines that keep the ship moving but also to supply all the electrical power used in the ship, including the desalination plant, the vast laundry, heating and cooling, refrigeration, lighting, computers and, of course, steering the ship. I have been on ships where the electrical power supply is generated using a gas turbine, which is much more efficient than a diesel engine, but I guess they have their reasons for their choice.

In the recycling room we learned that the ship recycles everything it can, including the massive amount of cans and wine and beer bottles that are consumed every day. There are strict regulations about how these must be separated from other waste and cleaned before being crushed. Only certain ports where there are recycling plants then accept them. We also learned that any money paid by the recycling plants is used to provide special opportunities and treats for the crew.

The laundry was absolutely huge, as sheets, towels, etc., are continually laundered in a massive machine 24 hours a day. Guests’ personal laundry is done in a special section. I never use that - the machines and detergents are far too harsh for my clothes. Every morning I have a ritual. After my shower, I hand-wash everything in my basin then roll it in my towels and hang it in my bathroom to dry. But I must admit I will kiss my very gentle washing machine when I get home!

The kitchens were spotlessly clean and highly organised, as you would expect when they have to provide over 4000 meals three times a day, and afternoon teas etc. as well. But what was of even greater interest to me was the huge storage areas for food. We walked into the vast unit for storing fruit and vegetables. It was jolly cold! There we learned something very embarrassing for me as an Australian. What is ordered depends on the relative numbers of people of different nationalities. More Americans means more beef, more Australians means more lamb. But, more Australians also means far more alcohol. They apparently consume more than twice the amount of alcohol of any other nationality. That is an absolute disgrace! (A teetotaller myself, I have always been appalled by our drinking culture and the number of people who drink to excess. Little wonder we have all the other problems that go with that - drunk drivers, bashings, domestic violence, and so forth. It’s a side of Australia that concerns me greatly.)

The view from the bridge.

Looking along the bridge.

Another view of the bridge.

Our very helpful bridge officer, who gave permission to take her photo.

Some of the control panel on one of the extensions to the bridge that overlook one of the sides of the ship, used to dock the ship. Officers standing here can see exactly what they are doing.