1 00:00:02,803 --> 00:00:08,206 Narrator: At 1,034 feet long and 213 feet tall, 2 00:00:08,208 --> 00:00:11,443 Msc bellissima is one of the largest 3 00:00:11,445 --> 00:00:13,345 Cruise ships on the planet. 4 00:00:15,950 --> 00:00:19,618 This leviathan carries over 5,500 guests 5 00:00:19,620 --> 00:00:24,957 To destinations all across europe. 6 00:00:31,399 --> 00:00:34,700 How did engineers build a cruise ship this big? 7 00:00:37,371 --> 00:00:41,040 And what innovations keep it sailing all year round? 8 00:00:46,981 --> 00:00:50,416 We unlock the secrets that help this vessel 9 00:00:50,418 --> 00:00:52,918 Deliver a super-smooth ride. 10 00:00:55,389 --> 00:00:58,424 From ingenious stabilizers to keep the ship level 11 00:00:58,426 --> 00:01:00,959 In the roughest seas, 12 00:01:00,961 --> 00:01:02,861 To near-silent propellers 13 00:01:02,863 --> 00:01:07,266 That thrust it fast through the water, 14 00:01:07,268 --> 00:01:13,105 To reveal what it takes to build the ultimate mega cruise ship. 15 00:01:13,107 --> 00:01:16,108 -- Captions by vitac -- www.Vitac.Com 16 00:01:16,110 --> 00:01:19,144 Captions paid for by discovery communications 17 00:01:22,516 --> 00:01:25,584 The mediterranean coast. 18 00:01:25,586 --> 00:01:27,219 Tourists from around the world 19 00:01:27,221 --> 00:01:29,721 Flock to these spectacular shores 20 00:01:29,723 --> 00:01:34,493 To soak up the area's rich history, culture, and sunshine. 21 00:01:37,031 --> 00:01:40,999 Each year, over 3 million of them choose to take it all in 22 00:01:41,001 --> 00:01:46,705 From the comfort of a luxury mega cruise ship, 23 00:01:46,707 --> 00:01:49,308 12 cruise operators 24 00:01:49,310 --> 00:01:52,010 Running a total of 40 supersized vessels 25 00:01:52,012 --> 00:01:55,214 Compete for a slice of the $60 billion 26 00:01:55,216 --> 00:01:57,583 Mediterranean vacation industry. 27 00:01:59,787 --> 00:02:02,855 Passengers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience 28 00:02:02,857 --> 00:02:05,057 Expect five-star service, 29 00:02:05,059 --> 00:02:08,927 Spacious outdoor areas with the finest amenities, 30 00:02:08,929 --> 00:02:13,932 And an itinerary full of stops in spectacular locations. 31 00:02:13,934 --> 00:02:19,004 To corner the market, operator msc cruises 32 00:02:19,006 --> 00:02:23,542 Built this extraordinary cruise ship -- 33 00:02:23,544 --> 00:02:26,011 Msc bellissima. 34 00:02:26,013 --> 00:02:29,414 At 1,034 feet long, 35 00:02:29,416 --> 00:02:35,454 141 feet wide, and 19 decks high, 36 00:02:35,456 --> 00:02:38,690 This is msc's biggest ship, 37 00:02:38,692 --> 00:02:41,493 The innovative engineering hidden inside 38 00:02:41,495 --> 00:02:43,896 Bellissima's mighty frame 39 00:02:43,898 --> 00:02:47,633 Helps give passengers the ultimate cruise experience. 40 00:02:49,703 --> 00:02:52,437 A unique hull design allows it to glide 41 00:02:52,439 --> 00:02:54,840 Into shallow european ports. 42 00:02:57,678 --> 00:03:01,380 Superfine membranes filter molecule-sized particles 43 00:03:01,382 --> 00:03:07,052 To turn the salty sea into pure drinking water. 44 00:03:07,054 --> 00:03:10,222 An ingenious scrubber system cleans noxious chemicals 45 00:03:10,224 --> 00:03:13,058 From exhaust released above the deck. 46 00:03:15,296 --> 00:03:19,831 All of these elements combine to make msc bellissima 47 00:03:19,833 --> 00:03:21,767 The ultimate cruise ship. 48 00:03:21,769 --> 00:03:26,371 ♪ 49 00:03:26,373 --> 00:03:31,243 11:00 a.M. Barcelona, Spain. 50 00:03:31,245 --> 00:03:33,178 Bellissima opens its gangways 51 00:03:33,180 --> 00:03:36,982 And welcomes passengers onboard. 52 00:03:36,984 --> 00:03:40,552 Immigration purser alfonso gargiulo 53 00:03:40,554 --> 00:03:44,289 Has six hours to get all of them onto the ship. 54 00:03:56,637 --> 00:03:59,705 Across the ship, the 1,500 person crew 55 00:03:59,707 --> 00:04:01,673 Completes final preparations 56 00:04:01,675 --> 00:04:05,110 Before the vessel departs for its seven-night voyage, 57 00:04:05,112 --> 00:04:09,615 Which will include stops in six iconic mediterranean cities. 58 00:04:13,020 --> 00:04:17,289 From the port of barcelona, bellissima will head northeast 59 00:04:17,291 --> 00:04:20,859 Along the spanish and french coasts. 60 00:04:20,861 --> 00:04:23,895 First stop, marseille. 61 00:04:23,897 --> 00:04:26,765 The voyage continues into italian waters, 62 00:04:26,767 --> 00:04:30,502 Stopping next in genoa to pick up vital supplies. 63 00:04:33,173 --> 00:04:36,074 From here, the ship will head southeast, 64 00:04:36,076 --> 00:04:40,479 Stopping at naples and messina. 65 00:04:40,481 --> 00:04:45,017 The ship will then call into valletta, malta. 66 00:04:45,019 --> 00:04:50,022 Before it makes the 747-mile trip back to barcelona. 67 00:04:52,126 --> 00:04:56,161 Bellissima is double the size of a traditional liner 68 00:04:56,163 --> 00:05:00,065 And carries three times as many passengers. 69 00:05:00,067 --> 00:05:03,502 Building a ship this big with a draft shallow enough 70 00:05:03,504 --> 00:05:06,305 To enter the most popular mediterranean ports 71 00:05:06,307 --> 00:05:08,840 Is a huge engineering challenge. 72 00:05:11,545 --> 00:05:13,412 The ship's draft is the distance 73 00:05:13,414 --> 00:05:17,516 Between the bottom of its keel and the waterline. 74 00:05:17,518 --> 00:05:21,420 The more load a ship carries, the deeper its draft becomes. 75 00:05:24,191 --> 00:05:25,857 A large traditional liner 76 00:05:25,859 --> 00:05:30,162 Carries 2,000 passengers throughout 12 decks, 77 00:05:30,164 --> 00:05:32,197 And has a 28-foot draft, 78 00:05:32,199 --> 00:05:36,568 Shallow enough to enter most harbors. 79 00:05:36,570 --> 00:05:39,538 But today's mega cruise ships need extra decks 80 00:05:39,540 --> 00:05:42,040 To entertain thousands more passengers 81 00:05:42,042 --> 00:05:45,177 Than the largest classic liners. 82 00:05:45,179 --> 00:05:48,947 Adding this extra weight to a standard liner design 83 00:05:48,949 --> 00:05:50,916 Would make its draft so deep 84 00:05:50,918 --> 00:05:53,485 That the ship could run aground in port. 85 00:05:53,487 --> 00:06:00,092 ♪ 86 00:06:00,094 --> 00:06:03,161 Shipbuilders chantiers de l'atlantique 87 00:06:03,163 --> 00:06:05,097 Came up with a solution when they designed 88 00:06:05,099 --> 00:06:08,900 And built bellissima in 2016. 89 00:06:08,902 --> 00:06:11,670 The engineers at this facility in France 90 00:06:11,672 --> 00:06:14,906 Weld over 1,100 tons of steel every week 91 00:06:14,908 --> 00:06:19,478 To construct msc's fleet of mega cruise ships. 92 00:06:19,480 --> 00:06:22,381 Design manager guillaume lagree 93 00:06:22,383 --> 00:06:25,417 Has to balance every new vessel's size 94 00:06:25,419 --> 00:06:29,621 With its need for a shallow draft. 95 00:06:41,535 --> 00:06:43,735 Guillaume sculpted bellissima's hull 96 00:06:43,737 --> 00:06:47,806 To make the supersized cruise ship float higher in the water. 97 00:06:51,478 --> 00:06:54,346 A ship floats higher and reduces its draft 98 00:06:54,348 --> 00:06:58,417 When it spreads its weight over a larger area. 99 00:06:58,419 --> 00:07:01,153 Guillaume's team takes a traditional hull shape 100 00:07:01,155 --> 00:07:03,955 And stretches it longer. 101 00:07:03,957 --> 00:07:08,593 And pulls the beam wider to 141 feet, 102 00:07:08,595 --> 00:07:13,331 Increasing the area of its hull in contact with water. 103 00:07:13,333 --> 00:07:15,133 The team also flattens the keel 104 00:07:15,135 --> 00:07:18,870 For extra clearance over marine obstacles. 105 00:07:18,872 --> 00:07:22,340 This ingenious design means bellissima should glide 106 00:07:22,342 --> 00:07:26,077 Into most ports with no danger of running aground. 107 00:07:28,549 --> 00:07:34,085 But this innovative design is just one part of the solution. 108 00:07:34,087 --> 00:07:35,854 Classic liners were constructed 109 00:07:35,856 --> 00:07:39,758 From thick steel plates riveted together, 110 00:07:39,760 --> 00:07:44,596 Which made them strong, but also very heavy. 111 00:07:44,598 --> 00:07:46,398 Building bellissima's huge structure 112 00:07:46,400 --> 00:07:50,068 Using these traditional techniques and materials 113 00:07:50,070 --> 00:07:54,573 Would cancel out the benefits of the ship's hull redesign. 114 00:07:54,575 --> 00:07:58,243 Any vessel still risks grounding if it weighs too much. 115 00:08:02,249 --> 00:08:03,615 At the shipyard, 116 00:08:03,617 --> 00:08:05,984 Engineers use an innovative construction method 117 00:08:05,986 --> 00:08:12,023 To keep the frames of ships like bellissima as light as possible. 118 00:08:12,025 --> 00:08:16,661 They build ships by welding together boxes 119 00:08:16,663 --> 00:08:19,264 Made out of lightweight sheet steel. 120 00:08:21,635 --> 00:08:27,205 Project manager elise guerin oversees the operation. 121 00:08:36,683 --> 00:08:40,051 To make bellissima's deck, robots welded together 122 00:08:40,053 --> 00:08:42,354 Large sheets of steel, 123 00:08:42,356 --> 00:08:46,691 Each less than 10 millimeters thick. 124 00:08:46,693 --> 00:08:48,560 Workers welded on metal plates 125 00:08:48,562 --> 00:08:51,429 Called stiffeners to strengthen the decks. 126 00:08:53,800 --> 00:08:57,035 Next, computer controlled plasma cutting machines 127 00:08:57,037 --> 00:09:02,240 Sliced more steel to make the deck's walls. 128 00:09:02,242 --> 00:09:07,045 A team of welders join these wall pieces to the decks 129 00:09:07,047 --> 00:09:11,583 To make a giant reinforced hull section. 130 00:09:11,585 --> 00:09:14,586 They joined together an average of 12 hull sections 131 00:09:14,588 --> 00:09:17,756 To build a megablock. 132 00:09:17,758 --> 00:09:22,027 This super-huge ship section is 141 feet wide 133 00:09:22,029 --> 00:09:28,533 And 33 feet tall and weighs more than 1,100 tons. 134 00:09:28,535 --> 00:09:29,868 Elise's team used 135 00:09:29,870 --> 00:09:32,470 One of the most powerful gantry cranes in europe 136 00:09:32,472 --> 00:09:36,141 To lift in place each of the 50 megablocks 137 00:09:36,143 --> 00:09:38,176 That make up bellissima. 138 00:09:38,178 --> 00:09:44,082 ♪ 139 00:09:57,898 --> 00:10:01,199 It took elise's team around 18 months 140 00:10:01,201 --> 00:10:04,369 To turn over 38,000 tons of steel 141 00:10:04,371 --> 00:10:06,371 Into the finished bellissima. 142 00:10:10,110 --> 00:10:13,511 Megablocks make it possible for engineers to build a vessel 143 00:10:13,513 --> 00:10:17,248 That weighs almost the same as a traditional liner 144 00:10:17,250 --> 00:10:20,385 But is double the size. 145 00:10:20,387 --> 00:10:24,022 Constructing bellissima from thin but tough steel 146 00:10:24,024 --> 00:10:26,725 Keeps the ship's 7,000 passengers and crew 147 00:10:26,727 --> 00:10:28,226 High in the water 148 00:10:28,228 --> 00:10:31,329 And prevents the ship from running aground in port. 149 00:10:34,434 --> 00:10:35,834 In barcelona, 150 00:10:35,836 --> 00:10:40,071 The dockside crew releases bellissima's mooring lines 151 00:10:40,073 --> 00:10:44,809 And the ship's huge engines thrust it out of port. 152 00:10:44,811 --> 00:10:48,980 The eight-day mediterranean voyage begins, 153 00:10:48,982 --> 00:10:51,416 What ingenious technology makes the propellers 154 00:10:51,418 --> 00:10:55,487 On this mighty ship near silent? 155 00:10:55,489 --> 00:10:58,056 And how does it create over 3 million gallons 156 00:10:58,058 --> 00:11:01,259 Of drinking water out of the salty sea? 157 00:11:01,261 --> 00:11:06,064 ♪ 158 00:11:07,701 --> 00:11:11,536 ♪ 159 00:11:11,538 --> 00:11:15,840 Narrator: As day one of its eight-day voyage comes to an end, 160 00:11:15,842 --> 00:11:18,343 Cruise ship msc bellissima 161 00:11:18,345 --> 00:11:22,113 Powers across the mediterranean sea 162 00:11:22,115 --> 00:11:25,450 Towards the city of marseille on the french coast. 163 00:11:25,452 --> 00:11:30,155 ♪ 164 00:11:30,157 --> 00:11:34,926 Most of the 5,600 passengers onboard spend the evening 165 00:11:34,928 --> 00:11:38,196 In one of the ship's 32 bars and restaurants. 166 00:11:40,467 --> 00:11:42,467 Or in one of the vessel's two theaters 167 00:11:42,469 --> 00:11:44,469 Watching live performances. 168 00:11:44,471 --> 00:11:49,274 ♪ 169 00:11:49,276 --> 00:11:50,642 At the end of the night, 170 00:11:50,644 --> 00:11:52,610 Passengers retire to their cabins 171 00:11:52,612 --> 00:11:55,380 To rest up for the second day of their trip. 172 00:11:58,051 --> 00:12:01,619 Housekeeping manager supriyanto must ensure 173 00:12:01,621 --> 00:12:04,823 Every passenger onboard gets a good night's sleep. 174 00:12:14,468 --> 00:12:16,468 The ship will have to travel over night 175 00:12:16,470 --> 00:12:20,672 At a speed of up to 20 knots, or 23 miles per hour, 176 00:12:20,674 --> 00:12:24,776 To reach marseille by 8:00 a.M. 177 00:12:24,778 --> 00:12:28,413 Belowdeck, four huge diesel electric engines 178 00:12:28,415 --> 00:12:32,617 Produce 40 megawatts to power the vessel's pair 179 00:12:32,619 --> 00:12:36,087 Of 20-foot-diameter propellers. 180 00:12:36,089 --> 00:12:38,289 Insulation stops engine noise 181 00:12:38,291 --> 00:12:40,625 From disturbing the sleeping passengers. 182 00:12:43,296 --> 00:12:45,864 But it does very little to quiet the noise made 183 00:12:45,866 --> 00:12:47,665 By the spinning propellers. 184 00:12:47,667 --> 00:12:53,304 ♪ 185 00:12:53,306 --> 00:12:58,610 The faster a propeller rotates, the more thrust it produces. 186 00:12:58,612 --> 00:13:02,147 An area of low pressure forms in front of each propeller blade 187 00:13:02,149 --> 00:13:05,416 As it slices through the water. 188 00:13:05,418 --> 00:13:09,521 The pressure is so low, the water boils. 189 00:13:09,523 --> 00:13:12,657 Creating thousands of tiny team-filled bubbles 190 00:13:12,659 --> 00:13:15,827 On the surface of the blades. 191 00:13:15,829 --> 00:13:21,933 These bubbles pop -- a phenomenon called cavitation. 192 00:13:21,935 --> 00:13:26,070 One tiny bubble pop on its own doesn't matter. 193 00:13:26,072 --> 00:13:29,274 But thousands popping simultaneously 194 00:13:29,276 --> 00:13:31,943 Can send powerful, noisy vibrations 195 00:13:31,945 --> 00:13:34,045 Throughout the entire ship. 196 00:13:36,149 --> 00:13:37,782 To ensure bellissima's passengers 197 00:13:37,784 --> 00:13:39,717 Get a good night's sleep, 198 00:13:39,719 --> 00:13:42,654 Hydrodynamic engineer loic morand had to come up 199 00:13:42,656 --> 00:13:45,523 With a way to eliminate cavitation noise. 200 00:14:01,641 --> 00:14:05,810 Many traditional propellers have three blades. 201 00:14:05,812 --> 00:14:08,680 Their fast rotation generates huge thrust 202 00:14:08,682 --> 00:14:11,216 To push a ship forwards. 203 00:14:11,218 --> 00:14:15,587 But the propellers' fast turning speed creates noisy cavitation. 204 00:14:18,191 --> 00:14:22,460 One solution is to slow the propellers' rotation, 205 00:14:22,462 --> 00:14:24,028 Which will generate fewer bubbles 206 00:14:24,030 --> 00:14:27,999 And cut cavitation noise. 207 00:14:28,001 --> 00:14:32,470 But slow propellers will reduce a ship's thrust. 208 00:14:32,472 --> 00:14:34,839 To bring the ship back up to speed, 209 00:14:34,841 --> 00:14:37,208 Loic's team adds two extra blades 210 00:14:37,210 --> 00:14:39,510 To each of the ship's two propellers. 211 00:14:42,482 --> 00:14:45,917 Having five blades increases the propeller's surface area 212 00:14:45,919 --> 00:14:48,253 Pushing against the water. 213 00:14:48,255 --> 00:14:53,057 This boosts thrust with little increase in cavitation. 214 00:14:53,059 --> 00:14:56,461 These special propellers allow the ship's passengers and crew 215 00:14:56,463 --> 00:14:59,464 To enjoy both a fast and quiet ride. 216 00:14:59,466 --> 00:15:05,403 ♪ 217 00:15:05,405 --> 00:15:07,438 In this giant foundry, 218 00:15:07,440 --> 00:15:11,743 Engineers forge propeller blades from an aluminum bronze alloy. 219 00:15:14,247 --> 00:15:16,681 Robots cut and polish the cooled metal 220 00:15:16,683 --> 00:15:19,050 According to a precise computer design 221 00:15:19,052 --> 00:15:20,919 To shape the five blades. 222 00:15:35,635 --> 00:15:39,103 The individual blades fit into a central hub 223 00:15:39,105 --> 00:15:42,507 To create a giant 20 foot diameter propeller 224 00:15:42,509 --> 00:15:45,843 Weighing over 33 tons. 225 00:15:45,845 --> 00:15:48,980 Bellissima's two propellers attach to a pair of mounts 226 00:15:48,982 --> 00:15:50,515 On the ship's stern. 227 00:15:54,321 --> 00:15:57,021 Thanks to loic and his team, 228 00:15:57,023 --> 00:16:00,058 Bellissima's propellers are among the quietest installed 229 00:16:00,060 --> 00:16:02,593 On any operational cruise ship. 230 00:16:04,764 --> 00:16:07,365 The guests onboard sleep peacefully 231 00:16:07,367 --> 00:16:10,201 As the ship sails towards marseille. 232 00:16:22,449 --> 00:16:27,618 ♪ 233 00:16:27,620 --> 00:16:30,621 At 8:00 a.M., bellissima pulls into marseilles 234 00:16:30,623 --> 00:16:32,290 Right on schedule. 235 00:16:34,327 --> 00:16:36,361 The passengers take in all the sights 236 00:16:36,363 --> 00:16:39,263 And sounds of the famous french city 237 00:16:39,265 --> 00:16:44,235 Before returning to the vessel eight hours later. 238 00:16:44,237 --> 00:16:49,974 At 6:00 p.M., the ship set sail for genoa, Italy. 239 00:16:49,976 --> 00:16:54,345 Ahead lies a huge challenge for the ship's crew. 240 00:16:54,347 --> 00:16:58,483 They must keep over 5,600 passengers fed 241 00:16:58,485 --> 00:17:01,119 While navigating through over 1,200 miles 242 00:17:01,121 --> 00:17:02,854 Of turbulent seas. 243 00:17:05,525 --> 00:17:08,226 What engineering secret helps this megaship 244 00:17:08,228 --> 00:17:11,029 Stay stable in the roughest waters? 245 00:17:12,999 --> 00:17:14,766 What technology 246 00:17:14,768 --> 00:17:18,736 Allows it to produce fresh water on demand? 247 00:17:21,408 --> 00:17:24,242 ♪ 248 00:17:25,945 --> 00:17:29,414 ♪ 249 00:17:29,416 --> 00:17:33,151 Narrator: It's day three of msc bellissima's eight-day voyage 250 00:17:33,153 --> 00:17:35,019 Around the mediterranean. 251 00:17:35,021 --> 00:17:37,722 At 8:00 a.M., the mighty cruise ship docks 252 00:17:37,724 --> 00:17:40,324 At the italian port city of genoa. 253 00:17:42,595 --> 00:17:47,331 Here, the crew loads 420 tons of provisions 254 00:17:47,333 --> 00:17:52,637 Into the ship's 21 giant storerooms belowdeck. 255 00:17:52,639 --> 00:17:56,674 The supplies include nine tons of flour, 256 00:17:56,676 --> 00:18:04,315 15 tons of meat, and over 22 tons of fresh fruit, 257 00:18:04,317 --> 00:18:06,551 Enough to keep the passengers and crew fed 258 00:18:06,553 --> 00:18:09,387 For the remainder of the voyage. 259 00:18:09,389 --> 00:18:12,590 But this ship's lifeblood is fresh water. 260 00:18:14,427 --> 00:18:18,329 Together, the ship's passengers, crew, and all its processes 261 00:18:18,331 --> 00:18:20,798 Consume over 3 million gallons of water 262 00:18:20,800 --> 00:18:23,167 During a typical eight day voyage. 263 00:18:25,705 --> 00:18:30,174 Supplying this much fresh water is a huge engineering challenge. 264 00:18:32,145 --> 00:18:34,579 To make things even more complicated, 265 00:18:34,581 --> 00:18:38,182 Room onboard the ship is at a premium. 266 00:18:38,184 --> 00:18:39,684 Cabins and entertainment areas 267 00:18:39,686 --> 00:18:42,820 Take up 74% of the space onboard. 268 00:18:44,891 --> 00:18:47,592 The engineering department and guest service occupy 269 00:18:47,594 --> 00:18:51,162 An additional 23%. 270 00:18:51,164 --> 00:18:53,764 And the vessel's fuel, ballast, and waste tanks, 271 00:18:53,766 --> 00:18:55,399 Another two%. 272 00:18:57,670 --> 00:18:59,070 That leaves enough space to carry 273 00:18:59,072 --> 00:19:01,672 Just over one million gallons of water. 274 00:19:04,043 --> 00:19:07,678 Less than half of what bellissima needs to run systems 275 00:19:07,680 --> 00:19:10,047 And supply its 7,000 passengers 276 00:19:10,049 --> 00:19:12,350 And crew for their eight day voyage. 277 00:19:12,352 --> 00:19:18,356 ♪ 278 00:19:18,358 --> 00:19:21,425 At the shipyard, 279 00:19:21,427 --> 00:19:24,562 Engineers deploy an innovative technology 280 00:19:24,564 --> 00:19:27,131 To make sure bellissima and its sister ships 281 00:19:27,133 --> 00:19:30,168 Never run out of fresh water. 282 00:19:30,170 --> 00:19:35,206 Project manager antioine gondet oversees the operation. 283 00:19:46,586 --> 00:19:50,454 Hidden deep inside bellissima is an ingenious system 284 00:19:50,456 --> 00:19:54,158 That turns over 250,000 gallons of seawater 285 00:19:54,160 --> 00:19:56,527 Into fresh water each day. 286 00:19:56,529 --> 00:20:01,299 ♪ 287 00:20:01,301 --> 00:20:05,436 Pumps suck seawater into the ship through pipes in its hull. 288 00:20:08,474 --> 00:20:10,608 Layers of sand and special carbon 289 00:20:10,610 --> 00:20:13,277 Filter out the largest pieces of debris. 290 00:20:15,348 --> 00:20:18,916 Next, filters remove microscopic contaminants 291 00:20:18,918 --> 00:20:21,686 50 times smaller than a human hair. 292 00:20:23,923 --> 00:20:26,657 Then the water passes through columns, 293 00:20:26,659 --> 00:20:30,127 Each containing a spiral of molecular membranes. 294 00:20:30,129 --> 00:20:33,664 The superfine membrane weave separates salt chloride ions 295 00:20:33,666 --> 00:20:37,235 From water molecules. 296 00:20:37,237 --> 00:20:41,939 Once free of salt, this fresh water is ready to use onboard. 297 00:20:46,179 --> 00:20:48,379 The process converts almost three gallons 298 00:20:48,381 --> 00:20:51,649 Of water per second when the ship is at sea. 299 00:21:03,863 --> 00:21:07,131 ♪ 300 00:21:07,133 --> 00:21:10,001 At the end of day three of the cruise, 301 00:21:10,003 --> 00:21:16,173 The megaship departs genoa and heads out into open sea. 302 00:21:16,175 --> 00:21:19,010 This is when the water plant kicks into action. 303 00:21:21,347 --> 00:21:24,415 Powerful pumps pressurize the fresh water... 304 00:21:26,753 --> 00:21:29,020 ...And push it through dozens of miles of plumbing 305 00:21:29,022 --> 00:21:31,222 Woven throughout the ship. 306 00:21:34,794 --> 00:21:38,796 20 giant tanks each hold up to 66,000 gallons 307 00:21:38,798 --> 00:21:42,533 Of the desalinated water. 308 00:21:42,535 --> 00:21:45,403 This liquid must pass through one last process 309 00:21:45,405 --> 00:21:47,972 Before it's fit for passengers to drink. 310 00:21:50,376 --> 00:21:52,510 Vice president of environmental operations 311 00:21:52,512 --> 00:21:55,546 And compliance minas myrtidis 312 00:21:55,548 --> 00:21:58,716 Must ensure the system works without a hitch. 313 00:22:16,903 --> 00:22:18,302 Man: Yeah? 314 00:22:28,581 --> 00:22:32,249 ♪ 315 00:22:32,251 --> 00:22:36,420 Narrator: It's the morning of day four of bellissima's cruise, 316 00:22:36,422 --> 00:22:39,557 The megaship docks at naples. 317 00:22:39,559 --> 00:22:41,225 Passengers disembark to visit 318 00:22:41,227 --> 00:22:43,928 The famous roman ruins of pompeii. 319 00:22:43,930 --> 00:22:47,998 ♪ 320 00:22:48,000 --> 00:22:52,069 They return to the vessel six hours later. 321 00:22:52,071 --> 00:22:54,905 The megaship leaves port en route to messina 322 00:22:54,907 --> 00:22:57,775 On the island of sicily. 323 00:22:57,777 --> 00:23:02,179 But new challenges lie ahead. 324 00:23:02,181 --> 00:23:05,516 Strong sirocco winds can make this part of the journey 325 00:23:05,518 --> 00:23:09,253 Very bumpy for the passengers and crew. 326 00:23:09,255 --> 00:23:11,055 What ingenious technology 327 00:23:11,057 --> 00:23:15,493 Keeps this megaship stable in the roughest seas? 328 00:23:15,495 --> 00:23:17,461 And what is its secret for producing 329 00:23:17,463 --> 00:23:21,565 Some of the cleanest emissions of any ship in its class? 330 00:23:30,343 --> 00:23:33,878 Narrator: It's dinner time on day four of msc bellissima's 331 00:23:33,880 --> 00:23:37,314 Eight-day mediterranean cruise. 332 00:23:37,316 --> 00:23:39,350 Thousands of passengers enjoy meals 333 00:23:39,352 --> 00:23:42,253 In one of the ship's four huge restaurants. 334 00:23:44,323 --> 00:23:47,158 Maitre d' vincenzo porzio 335 00:23:47,160 --> 00:23:51,162 Must make sure every diner receives five-star service. 336 00:24:02,542 --> 00:24:05,810 But running a restaurant at sea has its challenges. 337 00:24:08,614 --> 00:24:10,147 Sudden changes in weather 338 00:24:10,149 --> 00:24:12,216 Can make this stretch of water rough 339 00:24:12,218 --> 00:24:16,353 And cause the ship to pitch and roll. 340 00:24:16,355 --> 00:24:19,590 Choppy seas make any ship move from side to side, 341 00:24:19,592 --> 00:24:22,259 Risking spills and even injuries. 342 00:24:28,534 --> 00:24:31,802 And if the ship encounters a big squall, 343 00:24:31,804 --> 00:24:34,572 The effects onboard can be devastating. 344 00:24:37,076 --> 00:24:39,043 The higher a ship floats in the water, 345 00:24:39,045 --> 00:24:41,512 The greater the effect can be of violent movements 346 00:24:41,514 --> 00:24:45,049 Caused by rough seas. 347 00:24:45,051 --> 00:24:48,052 Bellissima's towering 213-foot height 348 00:24:48,054 --> 00:24:49,820 Makes it vulnerable to a phenomenon 349 00:24:49,822 --> 00:24:53,057 Called parametric rolling. 350 00:24:53,059 --> 00:24:56,560 Large regularly-timed waves hitting the ship head on 351 00:24:56,562 --> 00:24:59,430 Make the vessel see-saw. 352 00:24:59,432 --> 00:25:02,500 When a large wave reaches the back of the vessel, 353 00:25:02,502 --> 00:25:05,402 It makes the ship tip forward. 354 00:25:05,404 --> 00:25:07,638 The way the weight is distributed across a ship 355 00:25:07,640 --> 00:25:11,976 This tall can then cause the vessel to roll to one side. 356 00:25:11,978 --> 00:25:16,280 When the next wave hits, it rolls back the other way. 357 00:25:16,282 --> 00:25:19,550 Each new movement is more extreme than the last 358 00:25:19,552 --> 00:25:22,586 And can cause passengers to become seasick. 359 00:25:26,692 --> 00:25:31,228 At the shipyard where bellissima was constructed, 360 00:25:31,230 --> 00:25:34,832 Engineers worked to solve the problem. 361 00:25:34,834 --> 00:25:38,402 First they identified the specific type of ship movement 362 00:25:38,404 --> 00:25:41,505 That causes passenger sickness. 363 00:26:07,366 --> 00:26:10,134 To minimize this rolling motion, 364 00:26:10,136 --> 00:26:12,469 Engineers installed a pair of fin-shaped 365 00:26:12,471 --> 00:26:14,905 Stabilizers into the vessel's hull. 366 00:26:17,143 --> 00:26:19,376 The stabilizers arrived at the shipyard 367 00:26:19,378 --> 00:26:24,281 Ready to plug into holes cut into the ship's hull. 368 00:26:24,283 --> 00:26:29,553 Hydraulic pistons move their articulated wing-shaped fins. 369 00:26:29,555 --> 00:26:31,755 Measuring 18.4 feet long 370 00:26:31,757 --> 00:26:35,225 By 8.2 feet wide, 371 00:26:35,227 --> 00:26:37,161 These stabilizers are bellissima's 372 00:26:37,163 --> 00:26:40,364 Secret to smooth sailing in all weather. 373 00:26:40,366 --> 00:26:46,303 ♪ 374 00:26:46,305 --> 00:26:50,007 Sensors on each stabilizer measure the direction and degree 375 00:26:50,009 --> 00:26:52,610 Of the ship's roll. 376 00:26:52,612 --> 00:26:56,780 If the motion goes past just one degree, 377 00:26:56,782 --> 00:26:59,750 Bellissima's crew can deploy the pair of stabilizer fins 378 00:26:59,752 --> 00:27:02,953 Stowed inside its hull. 379 00:27:02,955 --> 00:27:07,191 The fins work like wings to correct the ship's roll. 380 00:27:07,193 --> 00:27:09,960 If the sensors detect the ship rolling starboard, 381 00:27:09,962 --> 00:27:12,830 They automatically instruct the fins to rotate, 382 00:27:12,832 --> 00:27:16,834 Shifting the vessel the other way. 383 00:27:16,836 --> 00:27:19,770 In big seas, the system works continuously 384 00:27:19,772 --> 00:27:20,938 To level out the rolling motion, 385 00:27:20,940 --> 00:27:25,876 Ensuring bellissima's passengers and crew 386 00:27:25,878 --> 00:27:28,545 Experience a smooth ride. 387 00:27:32,084 --> 00:27:35,519 Up on the ship's bridge, officers monitoring the weather 388 00:27:35,521 --> 00:27:39,289 Give the order to activate the stabilizers. 389 00:27:39,291 --> 00:27:41,892 Chief engineer luigi de martino 390 00:27:41,894 --> 00:27:44,662 Makes sure they deploy without a hitch. 391 00:27:46,632 --> 00:27:50,367 A pair of 5.2-foot-long pistons turn bearings 392 00:27:50,369 --> 00:27:53,037 That swing each fin into position. 393 00:27:55,207 --> 00:27:58,542 A computer automatically adjusts the angle of the fins 394 00:27:58,544 --> 00:28:03,447 To counteract any roll caused by waves hitting the ship. 395 00:28:15,795 --> 00:28:20,297 Each fin is just 13% the width of bellissima's hull. 396 00:28:20,299 --> 00:28:23,834 But their combined effect on the ship is huge. 397 00:28:37,383 --> 00:28:40,918 ♪ 398 00:28:40,920 --> 00:28:43,887 With the stabilizers deployed, vincenzo's team 399 00:28:43,889 --> 00:28:45,956 Is able to wait on every table 400 00:28:45,958 --> 00:28:48,592 Without danger of being thrown off balance. 401 00:28:56,302 --> 00:29:01,038 ♪ 402 00:29:01,040 --> 00:29:04,742 Bellissima arrives at messina on the morning of day five 403 00:29:04,744 --> 00:29:06,877 Of the cruise. 404 00:29:06,879 --> 00:29:12,683 After a 10-hour stay in sicily, it will power onwards to malta. 405 00:29:12,685 --> 00:29:16,587 And this megaship will face new engineering challenges. 406 00:29:18,624 --> 00:29:20,824 What innovative technology keeps the air 407 00:29:20,826 --> 00:29:26,630 Around the outside decks free from noxious exhaust gases? 408 00:29:26,632 --> 00:29:30,501 And what's the secret to maneuvering this leviathan 409 00:29:30,503 --> 00:29:32,436 Into the tightest ports? 410 00:29:37,276 --> 00:29:43,647 ♪ 411 00:29:43,649 --> 00:29:47,117 Narrator: 8:00 a.M., day six of msc bellissima's 412 00:29:47,119 --> 00:29:50,621 Eight-day tour of the mediterranean. 413 00:29:50,623 --> 00:29:52,856 The mighty cruise ship docks at valletta, 414 00:29:52,858 --> 00:29:56,827 The capital of the island of malta. 415 00:29:56,829 --> 00:29:59,029 While many passengers disembark to explore 416 00:29:59,031 --> 00:30:01,398 The winding streets of the old city... 417 00:30:03,369 --> 00:30:07,571 ...Some remain on the ship to relax on the sundeck 418 00:30:07,573 --> 00:30:10,240 Or take the plunge in the vessel's water park. 419 00:30:12,745 --> 00:30:15,879 Pool supervisor alonso stewart is onsite 420 00:30:15,881 --> 00:30:19,416 To ensure nothing ruins the guests' outdoor experience. 421 00:30:33,666 --> 00:30:36,733 Guaranteeing good air quality across a cruise ship's 422 00:30:36,735 --> 00:30:40,604 Outside spaces is a tough challenge. 423 00:30:40,606 --> 00:30:42,973 The ship needs a reliable source of power 424 00:30:42,975 --> 00:30:46,510 To run all its essential systems 425 00:30:46,512 --> 00:30:49,313 And provide all passengers onboard 426 00:30:49,315 --> 00:30:51,748 With a constant stream of electricity. 427 00:30:51,750 --> 00:30:57,287 ♪ 428 00:30:57,289 --> 00:30:59,556 Bellissima's four diesel electric motors 429 00:30:59,558 --> 00:31:01,925 Work around the clock. 430 00:31:01,927 --> 00:31:03,327 At peak output, 431 00:31:03,329 --> 00:31:07,865 They produce 67 megawatts of electricity, 432 00:31:07,867 --> 00:31:10,634 Enough to power 50,000 homes. 433 00:31:12,705 --> 00:31:18,075 But burning heavy fuel oil produces exhaust gases. 434 00:31:18,077 --> 00:31:20,878 Many cruise ships vent these fumes from funnels 435 00:31:20,880 --> 00:31:24,481 Positioned above the top deck. 436 00:31:24,483 --> 00:31:27,584 On bellissima, these outlets are just a few feet above 437 00:31:27,586 --> 00:31:30,621 The ship's popular water park. 438 00:31:30,623 --> 00:31:33,023 So engineers have to make sure guests 439 00:31:33,025 --> 00:31:35,125 Don't breathe in harmful gases. 440 00:31:35,127 --> 00:31:41,565 ♪ 441 00:31:41,567 --> 00:31:43,233 Classic liners solved the problem 442 00:31:43,235 --> 00:31:44,735 With long exhaust funnels 443 00:31:44,737 --> 00:31:48,972 That release dirty sulfurous fumes high above the top deck. 444 00:31:51,076 --> 00:31:55,479 Bellissima's upper-most public space is over 180-feet high, 445 00:31:55,481 --> 00:31:58,181 Nearly double the height of a classic liner. 446 00:31:58,183 --> 00:32:02,085 And it's around 33 feet away from the ship's exhaust outlet. 447 00:32:06,358 --> 00:32:09,092 Simply making bellissima's funnels longer 448 00:32:09,094 --> 00:32:10,928 Will create a big problem 449 00:32:10,930 --> 00:32:14,431 When the megaship enters ports spanned by low bridge decks. 450 00:32:15,434 --> 00:32:20,704 [ ship horn blows ] 451 00:32:20,706 --> 00:32:24,775 ♪ 452 00:32:24,777 --> 00:32:27,744 At the shipyard, workers raced to finish building 453 00:32:27,746 --> 00:32:32,849 Bellissima's sister ship, msc virtuosa. 454 00:32:32,851 --> 00:32:36,586 A giant equipment install reveals both ships' secret 455 00:32:36,588 --> 00:32:39,923 To beating harmful fumes. 456 00:32:39,925 --> 00:32:44,428 A pair of huge steel drums, 16 feet in diameter 457 00:32:44,430 --> 00:32:50,100 And over 33 feet tall, each weighing 22 tons. 458 00:32:50,102 --> 00:32:53,537 These steel drums called scrubbers remove almost 459 00:32:53,539 --> 00:32:56,273 All of the environmentally damaging sulfur compounds 460 00:32:56,275 --> 00:32:58,709 From the engine's waste gases 461 00:32:58,711 --> 00:33:00,978 As they move through the exhaust system. 462 00:33:16,695 --> 00:33:19,997 Nozzles inside a scrubber's drum 463 00:33:19,999 --> 00:33:24,501 Spray nearly 6,000 gallons of seawater per minute 464 00:33:24,503 --> 00:33:27,270 Into beds packed with metal filings. 465 00:33:29,341 --> 00:33:33,510 Engine exhaust gases rise through the moist beds 466 00:33:33,512 --> 00:33:37,481 And pollutants dissolve into the water. 467 00:33:37,483 --> 00:33:40,283 Water droplets trickle down the inside of the drum 468 00:33:40,285 --> 00:33:44,154 And collect in a treatment chamber. 469 00:33:44,156 --> 00:33:47,257 Here, a chemical process separates the clean water 470 00:33:47,259 --> 00:33:49,760 From pollutants. 471 00:33:49,762 --> 00:33:52,763 And the waste forms a sludge. 472 00:33:52,765 --> 00:33:55,932 Experts responsibly dispose of this waste on land 473 00:33:55,934 --> 00:33:57,467 When the ship is in port. 474 00:33:57,469 --> 00:34:03,106 ♪ 475 00:34:03,108 --> 00:34:06,443 Bellissima departs valletta and powers forward 476 00:34:06,445 --> 00:34:11,081 Into open water toward its final stop -- barcelona. 477 00:34:13,385 --> 00:34:16,853 The scrubbers kick into high gear to clean waste gases 478 00:34:16,855 --> 00:34:20,524 Ejected by the ship's four giant diesel electric motors. 479 00:34:39,511 --> 00:34:44,414 On the top deck, guests are busy racing down the water slides 480 00:34:44,416 --> 00:34:46,583 Or working on their tans, 481 00:34:46,585 --> 00:34:48,952 Oblivious to the ingenious technology 482 00:34:48,954 --> 00:34:50,320 Working in the background. 483 00:35:01,200 --> 00:35:03,867 750 miles of open sea 484 00:35:03,869 --> 00:35:06,503 Lie between the vessel and barcelona. 485 00:35:08,907 --> 00:35:11,875 Will this giant ship arrive on schedule? 486 00:35:14,113 --> 00:35:15,378 And what is its secret 487 00:35:15,380 --> 00:35:18,582 For docking in the narrowest, busiest ports? 488 00:35:18,584 --> 00:35:25,188 ♪ 489 00:35:26,825 --> 00:35:33,730 ♪ 490 00:35:33,732 --> 00:35:35,098 Narrator: In the mediterranean, 491 00:35:35,100 --> 00:35:40,804 Cruise ship msc bellissima closes in on barcelona. 492 00:35:40,806 --> 00:35:43,974 The port city is the last stop on the mighty vessel's 493 00:35:43,976 --> 00:35:48,578 Eight-day, 1,864-mile journey. 494 00:35:48,580 --> 00:35:52,616 Captain raffaele pontecorvo and his officers 495 00:35:52,618 --> 00:35:55,652 Will have to reverse the vessel over a mile 496 00:35:55,654 --> 00:35:58,655 Down this narrow channel to reach the busy harbor. 497 00:35:58,657 --> 00:36:01,291 Parking backwards means the ship will be facing 498 00:36:01,293 --> 00:36:03,527 The right way for a fast departure 499 00:36:03,529 --> 00:36:06,830 Later this afternoon. 500 00:36:06,832 --> 00:36:12,502 But guiding this ship to its berth is a huge challenge. 501 00:36:12,504 --> 00:36:16,173 The vessel's tall profile makes it vulnerable to high winds 502 00:36:16,175 --> 00:36:19,576 Blowing it off course. 503 00:36:19,578 --> 00:36:22,145 One wrong move during the reversing maneuvering, 504 00:36:22,147 --> 00:36:25,048 And it could collide with another megaship. 505 00:36:39,364 --> 00:36:41,398 Bellissima relies on a responsive 506 00:36:41,400 --> 00:36:44,534 Steering system to help guide it through narrow channels 507 00:36:44,536 --> 00:36:46,336 In all weather conditions. 508 00:36:46,338 --> 00:36:49,973 [ ship horn blows ] 509 00:36:49,975 --> 00:36:54,277 ♪ 510 00:36:54,279 --> 00:36:58,281 At the shipyard in France where bellissima was built, 511 00:36:58,283 --> 00:37:03,720 Engineers prepare to install a sister ship's propulsion system, 512 00:37:03,722 --> 00:37:07,958 A pair of 20 megawatt electric motors in waterproof housings 513 00:37:07,960 --> 00:37:09,893 Called podded thrusters. 514 00:37:12,231 --> 00:37:16,466 Unlike fixed propeller propulsion systems, 515 00:37:16,468 --> 00:37:19,769 These pods swivel their propellers to direct thrust 516 00:37:19,771 --> 00:37:21,605 Precisely where it's needed. 517 00:37:42,828 --> 00:37:47,998 Bellissima carries a pair of podded thrusters at the rear. 518 00:37:48,000 --> 00:37:50,200 Four fixed thrusters in the bow 519 00:37:50,202 --> 00:37:53,236 Direct powerful jets of high velocity water 520 00:37:53,238 --> 00:37:55,972 To help steer the ship from the front. 521 00:37:55,974 --> 00:37:59,676 Together, they make this huge vessel highly nimble. 522 00:37:59,678 --> 00:38:05,415 ♪ 523 00:38:05,417 --> 00:38:08,251 Outside barcelona port, 524 00:38:08,253 --> 00:38:11,821 Captain raffaele engages the podded thrusters. 525 00:38:14,259 --> 00:38:17,661 They slowly turn the vessel 180 degrees. 526 00:38:17,663 --> 00:38:23,900 ♪ 527 00:38:23,902 --> 00:38:29,739 The ship is ready to begin the 1.2 mile journey to its berth. 528 00:38:29,741 --> 00:38:33,576 Luckily, high winds are not an issue today. 529 00:38:35,614 --> 00:38:38,948 But threading this giant ship through the port's entry channel 530 00:38:38,950 --> 00:38:42,952 Is still no simple task. 531 00:38:42,954 --> 00:38:46,656 Moored up on one side is a mega cruise ship. 532 00:38:46,658 --> 00:38:49,893 On the other, a massive container vessel. 533 00:38:51,997 --> 00:38:56,266 Environmental engineering officer pasquale maresca 534 00:38:56,268 --> 00:38:59,269 Helps steer a perfect line between them. 535 00:39:14,653 --> 00:39:18,054 Pasquale relay's readings from this laser measurer 536 00:39:18,056 --> 00:39:20,156 To track the distance between bellissima 537 00:39:20,158 --> 00:39:21,825 And the moored megaships. 538 00:39:26,998 --> 00:39:31,501 ♪ 539 00:39:40,512 --> 00:39:43,012 Bellissima's berth comes into view. 540 00:39:45,417 --> 00:39:48,585 Captain raffaele turns the rear thrusters 541 00:39:48,587 --> 00:39:51,855 And pulses the bow thrusters to delicately maneuver 542 00:39:51,857 --> 00:39:56,960 The 1,034-foot-long ship alongside the key. 543 00:40:09,374 --> 00:40:15,745 ♪ 544 00:40:15,747 --> 00:40:18,415 The megaship completes its eight-day, 545 00:40:18,417 --> 00:40:23,253 1,864-mile voyage right on schedule. 546 00:40:32,831 --> 00:40:36,766 Passengers disembark to return home 547 00:40:36,768 --> 00:40:39,135 After their mediterranean adventure. 548 00:40:54,486 --> 00:40:57,387 Msc bellissima is one of the most innovative 549 00:40:57,389 --> 00:40:59,622 Mega cruise ships in the world. 550 00:41:03,495 --> 00:41:05,395 Built into its mighty structure 551 00:41:05,397 --> 00:41:08,465 Is a series of engineering marvels 552 00:41:08,467 --> 00:41:10,200 That make this ship the pinnacle 553 00:41:10,202 --> 00:41:12,335 Of passenger vessel design. 554 00:41:16,074 --> 00:41:18,441 A wide hull and small draft 555 00:41:18,443 --> 00:41:22,679 Allows it to slide into the shallowest ports, 556 00:41:22,681 --> 00:41:25,114 Extra-quiet propellers drive the ship 557 00:41:25,116 --> 00:41:27,951 Without disturbing the guests, 558 00:41:27,953 --> 00:41:30,553 An ingenious water plant 559 00:41:30,555 --> 00:41:36,493 Turns the salty sea into crystal-clear drinking water, 560 00:41:36,495 --> 00:41:42,131 Fin stabilizers keep the ship steady in the roughest weather, 561 00:41:42,133 --> 00:41:44,767 Exhaust scrubbers clean waste gases 562 00:41:44,769 --> 00:41:47,170 And reduce noxious emissions. 563 00:41:50,809 --> 00:41:53,510 This giant passenger vessel 564 00:41:53,512 --> 00:41:56,312 Is one of the world's biggest cruise ships. 565 00:41:58,283 --> 00:42:03,686 Msc bellissima is built to be the ultimate.