Last week Norwegian Cruise Line announced that they would be building an Aqua Park on top of the Norwegian Breakaway. This park will be the first one at sea with five multistory waterslides including Free Fall and The Whip. They will also have a three story sports complex with the largest ropes course at sea, including The Plank where a section of the ropes course extends eight feet over the side of the ship.
We have ships right now that have ropes courses, multiple water slides, character meals, fireworks at sea and water coasters. There are others with rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, water theaters, surfing, ziplining and a grass lawn!
When Oasis of the Seas came out, she was the largest cruise ship in the world. Allure of the Seas though was built just a slight bit larger so she could have bragging rights.
The question that comes to mind is if it is best to be the biggest, longest, tallest or first to do something in the cruise industry. What are the drawbacks?
The Carnival Dream has had large waterslides on the ship since she began sailing in 2009. How has that affected the ship? I hear a number of complaints about the movement of the Carnival Dream, that it rocks side to side more than expected. This indicates to me that the slides are acting like a sail. Our course not everyone who cruises this ship will say this, but it is worth noting.
Why do you go on a cruise? Do you go to get away from it all or do you go to be entertained? If it is the later, many of the newer ships will give you lots to choose from. If you want to get away from it all, some have fabulous spas and solariums, relaxation rooms and therapy rooms to enjoy. You can pretty much get exactly what you want out of a vacation by going on a cruise with all that the ships today have to offer.
What is the next thing we will see on a cruise ship? A roller coaster? A motion simulator that recreates the sinking of the Titanic or a pirate’s battle? I can’t wait to see who comes up with the next latest and greatest in the industry, but will still question if it is best.
Personally I go on a cruise to enjoy the experience of being on a ship …. and that is all I need to make me happy. I hate the idea of a cruise ship becoming more of a floating resort with all the companies focusing on being the biggest or the best or the first to do something.
I”d love to see a roller coaster!
I just wonder when all the extras become too much. I think its great that the cruise lines are offering extra perks and fun things to do while on board, yet I can’t help but be a little cynical and when it will reach the saturation point.