Princess Cruises is giving passengers the chance to get an up-close view of the inner workings of a cruise ship when its newest vessel, the Ruby Princess, debuts November 9, 2008.

Pre-9/1,1 it was fairly easy for passengers to visit a cruise ship’s bridge and galley but increased security precautions ended the free tours.  Aboard Ruby Princess, the $150 “Ultimate Ship Tour” direct access to the engine control room, bridge, laundry, medical center, photo lab, print shop, back stage, galley and food production areas and funnel. 

Scheduled twice per cruise, the tours conclude at the Bridge, where passengers will meet the Captain and his bridge team and learn about state-of-the-art navigational equipment and safety systems.