10 Amazing Cruise Ship Amenities

A surf simulator, planetarium, and even a trendy ice bar are some of the cutting-edge amenities that are making an impression in the industry.

Learn about some of the most interesting and unique features that are available while sailing the high seas.

The experience of going on a cruise is not the same as it used to be. The traditional cruise experience is being reimagined by cruise lines, which are moving away from staples such as buffets and miniature golf in favor of increasingly cutting-edge and enlightening pursuits both onboard and onshore. Whether you want to go on a cruise to experience exciting new destinations or simply enjoy superior facilities while at sea, there are a lot of advantages that can spark your curiosity. Some of these perks include skydiving and surf simulators, a planetarium, and even an ice bar. The following is a list of some of the most recent and popular ship amenities that are making a mark.

Simulations of skydiving, in addition to an observation pod

Anthem of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, both owned and operated by Royal Caribbean, each provide their guests with a variety of exciting and memorable onboard amenities. The RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator is a distinctive experience that provides cruisers the sensation and exhilaration of skydiving at sea in a safe and controlled air tunnel. Daredevils may get their adrenaline pounding on the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator. In addition, the on-board surf simulator known as Flowrider makes it simple to learn how to ride waves, which is ideal for those who are more daring and would like to become proficient surfers. The simulator lets cruisers to ride waves just as the pros do by pushing water in a limited area at an intense, supercharged speed that resembles the intensity of surfing in the ocean. This allows the water to be pushed at a similar speed.

When you are ready to see the world from a different perspective, you can take a ride in the North Star, which is an observation pod that provides you with unrivaled views of the ship, the ocean, and anything else in the vicinity. The North Star, which was modeled after the London Eye and is located 300 feet above sea level, has space for up to thirteen visitors and offers ample room to roam around so that you can take in the scenery from a variety of vantage points. The best part is that the cost of your trip already accounts for all of these high-tech amenities on board.

A Svedka and Inniskillin Ice Bar

The Svedka and Inniskillin Ice Bar on the Norwegian Epic takes the cake when it comes to chilling off in style. Because the fashionable bar maintains such a low temperature throughout the establishment, the temperature in the room never goes higher than 17 degrees Fahrenheit. While you take in your cold surrounds, you can sip cocktails at subzero temperatures from a frozen ice pod as you relax and enjoy the experience. You shouldn’t miss out on seeing the ornamental ice sculptures, the frozen stools that line the bar, and the lighting system that imitates that of the northern lights if you get the chance. While you enjoy your time in the cold, supplemental clothing and equipment are available to help keep you warm.

A planetarium at sea

The Queen Mary 2 owned by Cunard has its very own planetarium that is to scale. You can explore the universe in outer space with engrossing visual rides and other cutting-edge features as you are traveling over the ocean. The Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City is responsible for curating the short programs that are shown in the theater that has a capacity of 150 people. Planetarium shows on the Queen Mary 2 are narrated by famous actors, such as Harrison Ford and Tom Hanks, in a manner that is analogous to that of the American Museum of Natural History.

Rock climbing and zip lines are included on board.

A exciting zip lining experience may be found on other Royal Caribbean ships, including the Oasis of the Seas and other ships in the fleet. The opportunity to be suspended nine decks above the ship’s boardwalk while experiencing an exhilarating 82-foot journey across the ship as loved ones take photos from below is one of the best features of the zip line.

If rock climbing is more your speed than zip line, several of Royal Caribbean’s action-packed ships also have rock climbing walls that are 30 feet tall and built for climbers of varying skill levels. Because there are multiple routes offering a variety of rock climbing experiences, no two climbs are ever the same. Your package will include not just access to the wall but also the necessary safety gear, including harnesses, shoes, and helmets. The climbing wall is open for most of the day. Climbers of any age are welcome to try their hand at the ship’s rock climbing wall, which offers a great way to rev up your heart rate after spending the day lazing by the pool and indulging at the ship’s buffet.

A literal “snow chamber.”

In the health-focused LivNordic Spa aboard Viking’s first oceangoing ship, the Viking Star, passengers can escape to a chilly, snow-covered room to focus on their own personal wellness. The so-called Snow Grotto is an onboard location that is always covered in snow throughout the day in order to live up to its name as an area that is supposed to help passengers improve their circulation. Guests can warm up in the sauna or get relaxing massages and other spa services outside of the snowy area.

A theater with a 4D interactive experience.

There is nothing novel about the presence of movie cinemas on board ordinary ocean ships. However, the Preziosa, Divina, Splendida, Fantasia, and Magnifica ships from MSC Cruises take the experience of watching a movie to a whole new level with their 4-D interactive theaters. These theaters feature an exhilarating motion ride that engages all of the senses and make the experience more immersive. Their 10-seat theater is outfitted with motion chairs that rumble, tilt, and gyrate in time with animated 4-D films. In addition, high-tech effects such as wind, strobes, fog, rain, and even scents will be used to enhance the excitement of the experience.

A vertigo water slide

The water slide that is the longest for a single rider at sea is one of the most impressive extras that a cruise ship can offer its passengers. Thrill enthusiasts will rejoice in the fact that the MSC Preziosa has the ideal slide for them. The Vertigo slide takes you on an adventure that spans 390 feet of twists, turns, splashes, and genuine fun. It begins on deck 18, and the journey begins there. As you are ready to race down the slide, make sure to take in the breathtaking vistas of the ocean below you. And if you dare to keep your eyes open as you speed through the tube, you will see bands of color that create a hypnotizing strobe effect for you to experience.

The ocean’s most challenging high-ropes course.

The Norwegian Breakaway, which is operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, is intended to transport passengers to warmer climes. On the other hand, the ship features an aquatic park and three distinct levels of action-packed activities within its Sports Complex for passengers who are seeking for some excitement while they are on vacation. In addition to rock climbing, you will find a miniature golf course with nine holes, a plank that extends eight feet over the side of the ship, and the largest ropes course at sea. The ropes course will challenge you to conquer more than forty elements as you make your way through an impressive multilayered complex.

A thrilling roller coaster on the water

AquaDuck is the name of Disney Cruise Line’s first ever onboard water coaster, which can be found on both the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy ships. The high-speed water slide has water blasters that will propel you 765 feet through twists and turns as you make your way around the top deck of the ship. Additionally, areas of the slide that are translucent will reveal one-of-a-kind views of the sea and the ship. The two-person raft will take you on a one-of-a-kind thrill trip through a winding tube that will culminate with a splash down into a calm river.

Unlimited spa services offered in the privacy of your room

For a very long time, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has maintained its status as a leading all-inclusive luxury cruise company in the industry. And because Regent wants to be recognized as a leader in the luxury cruising sector, its Seven Seas Explorer features an upscale Regent Suite that will include an in-room spa treatment area with unlimited spa treatments for guests. This is part of Regent’s effort to establish itself as the cruise line that offers the best luxury vacations. If you go all out and splurge on this suite, you may look forward to receiving limitless massages, facials, and other specialized spa services. Even better, the suite will also come equipped with a sauna, a hot tub with a glass enclosure, and panoramic views of the ocean in all directions.