6 Amazing Things You Didn’t Know Were on Cruise Ships
The popularity of cruise travel in recent years has been boosted by an array of new luxury liners featuring all manner of pastimes and activities to enjoy.
Gone are the days when you simply sat back on the sun-drenched deck and gazed across the sea with a cocktail in your hand, waiting for the next exotic port to appear on the horizon.
These days, cruise ship operators provide some pretty breath-taking, adrenaline-pumping activities for their passengers. Here are six of the most amazing…
1. Go karting
That's right, Norwegian Cruise Lines have ensured their ship 'Norwegian Joy' is true to its name. It features a two-storey competitive go-kart track. But if careering around a go-kart track with the deep blue sea as a backdrop doesn't do it for you, the ship also boasts water slides, simulators, laser tag – and, for those who want to take the weight off afterwards, a casino.
2. Sky diving
It doesn't sound like the sort of activity you'd yearn for on a luxury cruise ship, but on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas, you can try it. It's not real sky-diving mind you – but this simulator, called RipCord by iFly, gets you pretty close. The free fall wind tunnel was introduced in 2014 and has proved to be a big hit.
3. Surfing
That's right, you can try surfing on-board a cruise ship too. This amazing machine, called Flow Rider, is also installed on the Quantum of the Seas.
4. 4D cinema
MSC cruise ships boasts full 4D cinema systems on its ships. These amazing machines let passengers experience all the fun of a theme park ride, without leaving the cinema room. The 10 seat systems are set into hydraulic gizmos which make you feel like you're on a real rollercoaster.
5. High ropes
They rope you into all sorts on the Norwegian Getaway, including a real pirate's plank and one of the largest ship-based water parks ever built. But it also boasts a heart-stopping high ropes course, which features more than 40 different elements. Test strength, stamina, balance and much else besides – while burning off those pina coladas...
6. Ice Bar
Speaking of pina coladas... if you fancy a little rest after all that activity, why not take the weight off in Norwegian Epic's Ice Bar. All the furniture in this novel drinking hole are hewn from real ice. Make sure you wrap up well!
Taking a cruise this summer?
Cruises are a unique way to unwind and enjoy some new destinations and experiences. But things can go wrong offshore just as they can on land. That's why here at starttravel.co.uk we offer a Cruise Cover option that can be added to any single trip travel insurance policy.
What's covered?
- Up to £1,500 for a missed port departure
- Cabin confinement up to £1000 (£75 per day)
- Itinerary changes up to £500 (£75 per port)
- Up to £500 for unused excursions
- Up to £750 for cruise interruptions