Carnival Cruise Line is bringing back its popular “Behind the Fun” onboard ship tour that takes guests into crew-only areas and offers insights into the inner workings of its ships. The tour is highly desirable for those who really love cruising and want to learn more about what life is like aboard a modern ship.

John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, announced the tour’s return recently on social media.

“A look behind the crew-only door will be returning in early February,” Heald said.

The tour was suspended during the pandemic to reduce the risk of disease transmission for both guests and crew members. Once cruising resumed and restrictions eased, staffing issues continued to cause challenges.

Behind the Fun is described as the “ultimate tour” onboard Carnival’s ships. It typically visits areas such as the bridge, engine control room, main galley and food storage areas, and may also include a look at the ship’s brig, backstage show areas and the “I-95” corridor, the nerve centre of operations. Participants also get a glimpse of crew living areas, giving insights into the daily life of living aboard a cruise ship.

Behind the Fun is only offered once per sailing on each vessel, and is limited to no more than 16 participants. Interested guests should try to book as soon as they board, as the tours are not available to book online pre-cruise.

Tours, typically offered on the last sea day of each sailing, last from 2-3.5 hours depending on the ship, and range in price from $55-95 (USD) per person. Due to security protocols, no bags, cameras, cell phones, or other recording devices are permitted.