Ep 3. Monster Ship Confidential
- TV-PG
- February 26, 2020
- 44 min
-
8.8 (10)
Richard Hammond, the well-known television personality, automotive expert, and adrenaline junkie, brings you another thrilling episode of his show, Richard Hammond's Big. In season 1 episode 3, titled "Monster Ship Confidential," Hammond sets out on a hair-raising adventure on board one of the world's largest ships.
As soon as the episode starts, we get a glimpse of the massive vessel, the Symphony of the Seas, which is the focus of this episode. With a staggering length of 1,188 feet, 18 decks, and a weight of 228,000 tonnes, the Symphony of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world. Richard Hammond is quick to point out that this "monster ship" is not just a floating hotel, but it also has an incredible engineering feat that sets it apart from other ships.
Hammond gains exclusive access to areas of the ship that are usually off-limits for passengers and even gets to meet some of the crew members who maintain the ship's ginormous engines that power the vessel. His mission is to uncover the secrets and engineering marvels behind this behemoth of a ship.
The episode takes us through the intricate inner workings of the Symphony of the Seas, starting from the ship's anchor system, which could hold up to four times the weight of the ship. Hammond also gets to explore the ship's impressive wastewater treatment plant, which is so efficient that it allows the ship to discharge purified water back into the ocean.
One of the most fascinating parts of the episode is when Hammond gets a sneak peek into the Symphony of the Seas' most prized possession, its underbelly – a massive maze-like network of pipes, cables, and structural supports, which is hidden from plain sight. He even gets to witness the ship's powerful stabilizers in action, which helps the ship ride the waves and reduces its movement during rough seas.
In addition to the incredible engineering features, the Symphony of the Seas also has luxurious amenities for its passengers. From a massive water park to an ice-skating rink, the ship is one of the most extravagant cruise liners in the world. Hammond shows us the ship's state-of-the-art theater, which houses Broadway-style shows, and the ship's casino, which spans over two floors and is the largest of any cruise ships.
Towards the end of the show, Hammond gets to interact one-on-one with the the Symphony of the Seas' captain, who commands a crew of over 2,000 staff members. The captain talks about the challenges of leading such a massive ship, and the safety protocols they have in place to keep the ship and its occupants safe.
Richard Hammond's Big season 1 episode 3, "Monster Ship Confidential," is an enthralling journey through the world's largest cruise ship. Hammond's infectious enthusiasm and charm, combined with stunning visuals, make this episode a must-watch for anyone who is interested in engineering marvels and extravagant cruise liners.