Gone are the days when all you’d find to entertain you onboard a cruise ship is a game of shuffleboard and a running track. Now, attractions range from expansive ropes courses to go-karting tracks and bungee jumping structures. With cruise lines now vying to get in with the millennial market, attractions seem to be getting more and more impressive and varied; so much so, that we decided to take a look at what the world’s most prominent cruise lines have to offer. Without further ado, we present our top four adventure attractions at sea…
SkyRide, Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival Vista
Found onboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Vista ship, SkyRide is a unique attraction. Half rollercoaster, half bike ride, SkyRide offers guests the chance to glide high above the ship on a suspended two-lane course. Race against friends and family while looking over the ocean’s blue waters as you zip safely above the ship in a pedal-powered go-mobile vehicle. The fright-factor on this might be high, but as is the fun-factor!
Sky Rail, Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Escape
Boasting an impressive five Sky Rail zip tracks, the Norwegian Escape is known for its adrenaline-inducing activities. An expansive ropes course created by Cruise Ship Interiors Expo (CSIE) exhibitors, Ropes Courses Inc, Sky Rail encourages guests to release their inhibitions as they endure up to 99 exhilarating challenges. Newly-expanded, the course features three stories, creating one of the most action-packed experiences at sea.
RipCord by iFly, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Anthem of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas
As if being out at sea wasn’t exciting enough, Royal Caribbean introduced RipCord by iFly. The skydiving simulator mimics the feeling of flying, bringing new levels of action to those looking for a holiday thrill. Plus, friends and family alike can enjoy seeing your face contort in the gravity-defying tunnel, as there’s a viewing area next door.
AquaDuck, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy
This unique, self-titled “water coaster”, found aboard Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, is the first of its kind at sea. Combining elements of waterslides and rollercoasters (hence the name), AquaDuck is comprised of 765 feet of snaking, winding tubes, with the odd uncovered section, where guests can take in the views, (if you’re brave enough to open your eyes that is!)
Coming soon…
Adventure attractions may have come leaps and bounds since their initial introduction, but cruise lines continue to up the ante, trying to create the most thrilling experiences at sea. Soon to come from Carnival Cruise Line is BOLT, the “ultimate sea coaster”. Coming soon on Carnival’s Mardi Gras ship, BOLT will be the first rollercoaster at sea. Guests can speed around an open-air course, but here’s the twist – BOLT puts you in the driver’s seat, meaning you can control exactly how fast you go.
What’s next?
So, what’s next for adventure attractions at sea? Is there anywhere left to go or have the cruise lines conquered all heights already? Will cruise lines introducing more adventure attractions encourage multigenerational cruising or deter it?