Cruise Lines Elevate Adventure: Roller Coasters and Thrill Rides Set Sail
In an era where adventure knows no bounds, cruise lines are taking excitement to new heights—literally! The latest trend sees the installation of thrilling roller coasters and rides on the top decks of cruise ships, transforming the high seas into a playground for adrenaline enthusiasts. Whether propelled by high-tech motors, water, gravity, or human power, these shipboard thrill rides are poised to elevate your cruise experience.
Carnival Cruise Line: Bolt “Ultimate Sea Coaster” Carnival Cruise Line introduces the Bolt, touted as the first and fastest roller coaster at sea. With all-electric power, riders can reach speeds up to 40 miles per hour as they zoom around an open-air course high above sea level. Cost: $15. Available on Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee.
Carnival’s Skyride For a high-flying adventure, Carnival’s Skyride offers a unique biking-in-the-sky experience. Pedal-powered and suspended on a two-lane course, this thrilling ride provides a great lower body workout. Cost: Included. Available on Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama, and Carnival Visa.
Disney Cruise Line: AquaDuck and AquaMouse Disney Cruise Line presents the AquaDuck water coaster, where passengers in a two-person raft careen through a water-gushing acrylic tube, reaching speeds of 14 miles per hour. The AquaMouse Water Slide, Disney’s first-ever themed attraction at sea, offers a coaster-type ride featuring Mickey Mouse. Cost: Included. Available on Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, and Disney Treasure.
MSC Cruises: Himalayan Bridge and Zipline MSC Cruises introduces the Himalayan Bridge, a suspended catwalk located 195 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking ocean views. Additionally, the MSC Zipline, the longest on any cruise ship, provides an exhilarating flight at speeds up to 30 miles per hour. Cost: Included (Himalayan Bridge), $10 (Zipline). Available on MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaview, and MSC Seaside.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Aqua Slidecoaster and Go-Karts Norwegian Cruise Line’s Aqua Slidecoaster, set to debut in April 2025, combines a roller coaster and waterslide experience with dual slides and magnetic lifts. Norwegian Cruise Line also boasts the only racetracks at sea, featuring electric go-karts for friendly competition. Cost: Included (Aqua Slidecoaster), $15 (Go-Karts). Available on Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Prima, and Norwegian Viva.
As cruise lines continue to innovate, these heart-pounding attractions promise to redefine the cruise experience, making each voyage an unforgettable adventure on the open seas. Plan your cruise now and get ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime!