Julie Delahaye, Travel Editor at the Daily Express, got a rare glimpse of the Captain's Bridge aboard the Marella Voyager cruise ship and discovered a terrifying feature: two small platforms that jut out over the ocean, complete with glass bottoms.
Inside the Captain's Bridge
Reaching the Bridge required passing through numerous security checkpoints. The sheer size of the Bridge was impressive, far beyond the couple of screens, a desk, and large windows she had imagined. It was full of different stations with monitors, computers, and PA systems, all with radars, paperwork, numbers, and data she could not get her head around.
The area is manned 24/7. The Captain and Bridge Officers take shifts, but there are always at least two people on hand, even if the ship is docked.
A Terrifying Feature for the Heights-Averse
While modern cruises run on high-tech features, a wooden helm remained, and when offered the chance to sit in the Captain's chair, don his hat, and pick up the binoculars, she jumped at the chance. However, one terrifying feature stood out: the two small platforms designed to help Captains check the ship's alignment when docking in tight spaces.
Stepping out onto the platform, she was unprepared for how windy it was and the fact that the glass-bottom allowed her to see the ocean beneath her. For a cruise fan not used to heights, it set off all her adrenaline and cortisol in one big go. She quickly stepped back inside, where crew members reassured her that it can be daunting when you're not used to it.
How Passengers Can See the Bridge
Some ships offer small group tours of the Bridge, often at an additional cost. Other ways to see the Bridge include an invitation from crew members or the Captain, or sometimes asking at guest services. More information about Marella Voyager sailings is available on tui.co.uk/cruise.
