Cruising these days is not just by relaxing by the pool, hitting the buffet, pampering yourself at the spa or belting out some tunes at the karaoke lounge. While these things are cool, there are heaps of cool activities, cruise lines have created some amazing things for first time cruisers to try.
Go ziplining
Asia’s largest cruise company, Royal Caribbean has a zipline cord on its Oasis-class ships, which are some of the largest ships in the world. You’ll fly from one side of the atrium to other – 82 feet across. You’ll get a full view of the ship – especially when you’re being belayed nine decks up from the Royal Promenade.
Drink at an ice bar
On the Norwegian Getaway, guests will be able to chill out at the ship’s special ice bar. The temperature is kept at a frosty -8C but you’ll be given special thermal gear before you can sip on your cocktails. There are special ice sculptures as well as Miami-themed pieces including one of the famous Ocean Drive skyline.
Skydive
While you not actually be skydiving, you can try the iFly on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-Class ships like Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas. The iFly is a sky diving simulator machine. After a safety briefing, you’ll be kitted out with a flight suit, goggles and helmet. You’ll then be put into a glass-enclosed 23-foot high vertical wind tunnel and off you go. While the ride is extremely short, you’ll get to try sky diving without actually sky diving!
Have dinner in a circus
Guests looking for a bit of magic, the Norwegian Epic’s Cirque Dreams & Dinner a dinner and theatre show where you can watched skilled acrobats and contortionists while you feast on a delicious dinner.
Race around in the sky
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Vista has the first race course – in the sky! The ship has ‘bike’ suspended from an 800-foot dual racing track above the ship’s 12th deck. You can race your friends or take a leisurely ride around to take in the views. If you’re a real speed enthusiast, you can even reach speeds of up to 18 miles an hour.
Go for a bumper car ride
Royal Caribbean’s SeaPlex centre has it all – a circus school, full-size basketball court, the roller rink at sea as well as a bumper car arena. You’ll be able to ride around the first ever bumper car course at sea!
Walk the plan
Become a real pirate onboard the Norwegian Getaway. The ship has a plank eight feet from the edge of the ship. But don’t worry, you’ll be carefully harnessed in so you won’t be dropping off the side. And just to prove to everyone back home that you managed to push your limits, you’ll get a special souvenir snap to commemorate the heart-stopping achievement.