For many years Royal Caribbean has been the leader of innovation in the cruise industry. Its Freedom cruise ships were the largest in its class. The Allure and Oasis of the Seas are 40% bigger than virtually anything else.

The company was first to introduce full-length Broadway musicals such as Saturday Night Fever, Chicago and Hairspray to an appreciative audience. Right now they are still the only ones with shopping centres and even ice rinks. One of their other brands, Celebrity, even boasts real grass lawns and Apple i-lounges.

The past week Royal Caribbean has, however, shown that it will not baulk at copying other’s ideas if these were good enough.

It started with an announcement that Royal Caribbean will from now on offer a chauffeur service for passengers who join Celebrity Eclipse and Independence of the Seas in Southampton or Jewel of the Seas in Harwich. Saga Cruises offered this well before them and Saga’s offer is included in the cost of the cruise if the journey is less than 75 miles. Royal Caribbean passengers will have to pay £65 for the first 15 miles plus an additional £1.40 per mile after that for this privilege.

The second copycat idea is a behind-the-scenes tour for cruise lovers who are curious to see what is going on in the galley, on the bridge and back stage in the theatre.

While this is certainly a great idea, it is not original. Last year Princess Cruises came up with exactly the same idea; even the price of $150 is the same.