Have you ever wondered what it’s like inside the cruise ship’s kitchen? Then come take a look at the behind-the-scenes kitchen galley tour. Some cruise lines, such as Princess Cruise, will offer behind-the-scenes galley tours for free, while others will charge you for the tour.
Don’t Miss the Cooking Demonstration
At Princess Cruise, the behind-the-scenes tour often follows a cooking demonstration in the theater, so make sure to attend! It’s a fantastic way to see the chefs in action and learn about their culinary techniques. This tour is typically scheduled during a sea day, so keep an eye out for it in the daily planner!
A Spotlessly Clean Kitchen
Cruise ship kitchens are held to incredibly high hygiene standards. I was impressed at how immaculate the galley looked—no grease and no mess! Staff members constantly clean as they go to maintain a pristine, hygienic cooking environment.
Water Dispenser
One of the first things you’ll spot is the water dispensers. These high-efficiency water dispensers fill the pitchers the assistant servers use to serve water in the main dining room.
Prep Work in Action
The kitchen never sleeps! Even during off-hours, cooks are hard at work prepping ingredients for the next meal service. This constant preparation ensures everything runs smoothly when it’s time to serve passengers.
Handwashing Stations
There are several strategically placed handwashing stations in the kitchen. I was happy to see this level of hygiene! Crew members must wash their hands frequently, a critical practice when preparing food for thousands of passengers! Check out I Went on My First MSC Cruise, Here is My Honest Review
Cucumber and Fruit Sculptures
I love how the kitchen staff made an effort to surprise us during our tour. One of the most beautiful surprises in the galley is the stunning display of cucumber and fruit sculptures. These intricate designs showcase the artistic talents of the kitchen staff and add an elegant touch to meal presentations. Check out Is Celebrity Cruise Really More Upscale? Honest Review
Commercial Toaster
Have you ever wondered how toast is prepared for hundreds of people at once? The commercial toaster is efficient and capable of toasting large quantities of bread in record time. I wish I could see it in action! Check out I’ve Been on Over 25 Cruises, Here is How Much Extra Gratuity I Give to the Cruise Staff
Liquor and Wine Storage
Have you ever wondered where the cruise ships keep all the wine and liquor? All liquor and wine storage areas are securely locked to limit access. This ensures careful inventory management and prevents unauthorized access. Check out 8 Reasons Why Cruise Ship Beverage Packages are a Waste of Money
Massive Dishwashing Area
The dishwashing area is massive and extremely clean and organized. Equipped with powerful machines, this space ensures every dish, glass, and utensil is spotless and ready for the next meal service. Check out I’ve Been on Over 25 Cruises, Here is How I Cruise on a Budget
Designated Place for Dirty Dishes
Cruise ships have a streamlined process for handling dirty dishes. Specific collection zones ensure that used dishes and utensils are quickly transported to the dishwashing area without disrupting kitchen operations. Check out 9 Clever Ways to Increase Storage in a Small Cruise Ship Cabin
Juice Dispensers for Main Dining Room Orders
The juice dispensers behind the scenes look exactly like those at the buffet! You can order these juices for free from the main dining room. Check out 11 Rookie Mistakes that Will Ruin Your Cruise Embarkation Day
Espresso and Industrial Coffee Machines
Coffee is a big part of the drink station, they have impressive espresso machines similar to the ones found at the cafe. It’s important to keep the thousands of coffee drinkers on the cruise ship happy! Check out 10 Ways to Score Free Champagne at a Cruise (How to Get Free Drinks!)
Pastry Side of the Kitchen
I didn’t realize there was a separate pastry section. Here, pastry chefs work their magic, creating amazing treats and desserts that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Check out 15 Cruise Dining Hacks You Need to Know About
Cakes Galore
During our tour, we saw dozens of cakes on display, ready to be served. They were getting ready to serve these masterpieces at the buffet! Check out 12 Things You Should Never Do at a Cruise Buffet
Mechanics at Work
It’s not just chefs in the galley! You might catch a glimpse of mechanics ensuring that all kitchen equipment is in top-notch condition. Their behind-the-scenes efforts keep the operation running smoothly. Check out 24 Best Foods to Eat on Cruises
More Cakes to Impress
Here is another photo of the impressive cakes. If you’re a dessert lover, you’ll appreciate the impressive cakes throughout the galley. Check out 12 Disembarkation Day Mistakes People Make When They Get Off the Cruise Ship
Squash and Cucumber Sculpture
Just sharing one of my favorite squash and cucumber sculptures. Check out 10 Best Things About Going on a Princess Cruise