Pacific Explorer
P&O Cruises Australia
Watch my Bridge tour video here
Somehow, I had the foresight to leave a bottle of water, an effervescent electrolyte tab, some paracetamol and a bercocca on the desk next to my bed within arm's reach before crashing out after my degustation at a Taste of Salt the previous night. So when I was awoken by a pounding hangover up at 7am, I downed the fizzy, orange concoction and summarily went back to sleep. An hour later, I was chipper and pain-free.
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Captain Roger Bilton |
Somehow, I had the foresight to leave a bottle of water, an effervescent electrolyte tab, some paracetamol and a bercocca on the desk next to my bed within arm's reach before crashing out after my degustation at a Taste of Salt the previous night. So when I was awoken by a pounding hangover up at 7am, I downed the fizzy, orange concoction and summarily went back to sleep. An hour later, I was chipper and pain-free.
There was NO way I was going to miss meeting Captain Roger Bilson on the Bridge this morning.
You see, the opportunity to visit the navigational nerve centre of ship is utterly thrilling, and such a privilege. I was also very much looking forward to meeting Captain Bilton, as his reputation of being a bit of a character preceded him.
If you've never been up to the Bridge, and you have the chance, TAKE IT. We were escorted by the lovely Jane Herron, who is currently the Hotel Director on Explorer (Now, she has an interesting story! Having started her sea career in the casino, she has worked tirelessly to rise through the ranks to this impressive Officer's role). Through winding passage ways and secret doors with signs that read "Crew Only", we worked our way up, up, up.
As we passed the Captain's and First Officer's quarters, there was a hallowed silence. There was just one more door to walk through (butterflies fluttered in my tummy). As it swung open, I took a deep breath and stepped onto the Bridge.
And there he was, standing resplendent in his blazing whites. The Captain. Extending his hand out, he shook mine and I might have blushed just a little. It might sound cliched, but is there anything more swoon-worthy than a man in uniform?
After a tour of the navigational controls ( I promise I didn't touch anything, well maybe a few buttons) the Captain explained the various instruments and proudly introduced his crew.
Despite popular belief, there is no big steering wheel, but there is a mini one. I was pleasantly surprised that two of the four Bridge crew were women! Go the ladies!
We were then allowed to step outside for an uninterrupted view of the wide, blue yonder.
Inhaling the salt air deeply, I wished I could stay here forever.
Before we knew it, it was time to move on. I lingered behind, wanting to treasure every last moment and drink in the stunning view from the biggest windscreen I had ever gazed out from.
If you've never been up to the Bridge, and you have the chance, TAKE IT. We were escorted by the lovely Jane Herron, who is currently the Hotel Director on Explorer (Now, she has an interesting story! Having started her sea career in the casino, she has worked tirelessly to rise through the ranks to this impressive Officer's role). Through winding passage ways and secret doors with signs that read "Crew Only", we worked our way up, up, up.
As we passed the Captain's and First Officer's quarters, there was a hallowed silence. There was just one more door to walk through (butterflies fluttered in my tummy). As it swung open, I took a deep breath and stepped onto the Bridge.
 |
| I'll never wash my shoulder again.... |
And there he was, standing resplendent in his blazing whites. The Captain. Extending his hand out, he shook mine and I might have blushed just a little. It might sound cliched, but is there anything more swoon-worthy than a man in uniform?
After a tour of the navigational controls ( I promise I didn't touch anything, well maybe a few buttons) the Captain explained the various instruments and proudly introduced his crew.
Despite popular belief, there is no big steering wheel, but there is a mini one. I was pleasantly surprised that two of the four Bridge crew were women! Go the ladies!
Inhaling the salt air deeply, I wished I could stay here forever.
 |
| Looking straight down into the sea! |
Before we knew it, it was time to move on. I lingered behind, wanting to treasure every last moment and drink in the stunning view from the biggest windscreen I had ever gazed out from.
