I went on TUI cruise ship and got sneak peek at the areas passengers don't see

EXCLUSIVE: I went on TUI cruise ship and got sneak peek at the areas passengers don't seeI went behind the scenes on a Marella cruise and ended up getting a sneak peek at some of the rooms that the passengers usually don't get to seeTravelLucy Needham Deputy Head of Showbiz16:22, 16 Apr 2026Updated 16:23, 16 Apr 2026This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreView 4 ImagesThe bridge wing is used for manoeuvring during docking, undocking and navigating tight spaces Cruises are made to feel effortless - from island-hopping, flowing cocktails to all-inclusive dining. But behind the scenes, an army of staff are working around the clock to keep things powered to the highest of stands.For my first Caribbean cruise on board the Marella Discovery, I was given access to areas passengers don't normally see. After getting to grips with the 11-deck vessel - home to nine restaurants, six bars and everything from mini golf, an escape room and a climbing wall to keep you entertained, it was time to see the ship from a new angle.Here’s everything I learned...Where the magic happensOnly a handful usually get to see the command centre of any ship; the bridge. Here, the Captain and his crew navigate these huge vessels from ‘parking’ in tight corners at the docks, to steering the course when out in the middle of the ocean. The view from the bridge was unlike anything I’d seen before, and quite impressive. We watched how the crew navigated as our ship docked among huge superyachts owned by millionaire (just to add that extra bit of pressure).Your air con affects the speed of the shipView 4 ImagesThe air con stat in your room has more power than you thinkNext, I head into the engine room where a team operates the smooth running of five engines, two massive propulsion motors and multiple air-conditioning systems - working 24 hours a day. Modern cruise ships like the Marella Discovery distribute power to mee...