Cruises were once known for visiting destinations, relaxing, and unlimited food. However, with cruise lines constantly pushing the envelope of what’s possible on a mega cruise ship, cruises are now packed with impressive attractions.
Whether you’re a thrill seeker or just love seeing the newest innovations in the cruise industry, these onboard attractions will blow your mind!
With that said, here are the most impressive onboard attractions on cruise ships.
Best Onboard Attractions On Cruise Ships
1. Category 6 Waterpark
Cost: Included
Featured onboard Royal Caribbeans Icon of the Seas, Category 6 waterpark features six record-breaking water slides. This waterpark has something for everyone, from drop slides to raft slides designed for families.
At one time, having a single waterslide onboard a cruise ship was impressive. However, Royal Caribbean took things to the next level by designing a cruise ship with a complete waterpark!
If you’re a water slide lover, then you’ll love this incredible onboard attraction.
2. Bolt: The Ultimate Sea Coaster
Cost: $15 per passenger
Bolt: The Ultimate Sea Coaster is a groundbreaking attraction found exclusively on Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee ships. This exciting all-electric roller coaster zips along an 800-foot track, reaching up to 40 mph speeds while soaring 187 feet above sea level.
Riders control their speed, adding a personal thrill factor as they twist, turn, and dive with jaw-dropping ocean views.
I recently sailed onboard Carnival Celebration and had the chance to experience Bolt. As someone who loves thrill rides, this one did not disappoint.It was truly incredible to experience an adrenaline rush from the rollercoaster while taking in beautiful ocean views.
Read my Carnival Celebration review here: Carnival Celebration Cruise Ship Review (Hits & Misses)
3. Cliffhanger Swing
Cost: TBD
The Cliffhanger Swing is the only over-water swing ride at sea. Debuting on MSC Cruises MSC World America in April 2025, this thrill ride will be epic.
Located in The Harbour, a multi-level family district packed with fun, this thrilling ride elevates guests 50 meters above the ocean, offering unbeatable views and an unforgettable adrenaline rush.
4. Robotron
Cost: $10 per passenger
Robotron is MSC Cruises futuristic thrill ride aboard MSC Seascape that takes high-tech fun to new heights. This robotic arm ride lifts up to three guests nearly 175 feet above sea level, flipping and spinning them in every direction for an adrenaline rush.
Riders can personalize their experience by choosing their thrill level and even selecting their favorite music to play while they’re on the ride. With stunning ocean views and amusement park-level excitement, Robotron is worth trying for adventure seekers.
When I sailed on MSC Seascape, I had to try Robotron. This ride was awesome and a great way to get a birds-eye view of the cruise ship.
You will love this unique onboard attraction if you’re a thrill seeker.
Read my review on MSC Seascape here: Best Things To Do On MSC Seascape – Activities & Ship Overview
5. RipCord by iFly (Indoor Skydiving)
Cost: $54 per passenger (price may vary)
RipCord by iFLY is Royal Caribbean’s skydiving simulator, offering cruise passengers the incredible freefall experience without ever leaving the ship. Found on Quantum-class and Quantum Ultra-class ships like Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas, this innovative attraction uses a wind tunnel to simulate the sensation of skydiving.
Riders gear up in a flight suit and helmet, receive a safety briefing, and get hands-on instruction from a certified guide before stepping into the vertical wind tunnel. Once inside, powerful fans lift you off the ground, allowing you to float, spin, and experience the thrill of flight while enjoying incredible ocean views.
RipCord by iFLY is designed for all skill levels, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro.
6. Go-Kart Track
Price: $15 per passenger
Many Norwegian Cruise Line ships feature the Go-Kart Track, an exciting, high-speed attraction that brings the thrill of racing to the open sea.
Found on cruise ships like Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, and Norwegian Joy, the Go-Kart track is a full-sized, multi-level racetrack located on the ship’s upper decks,
The track is designed for both beginners and experienced racers, with speed limits and turns that make it fun for all ages. Drivers race in electric go-karts that zip along the course, navigating sharp bends and straightaways.
Since this attraction is very popular, making reservations in advance is a good idea.
When I sailed onboard Norwegian Joy, I purchased the weekly pass to race as much as I wanted throughout the week. I took advantage of the weekly pass and raced multiple times a day.
The track is so much fun and one of the most impressive attractions at sea.
7. Zip-Line
Price: Included
Zip lines on cruise ships are one of the most innovative attractions ever seen on a vessel. When the Oasis of the Seas set sail in late 2009, the Zip Line was the main onboard attraction that sent waves through the cruise industry.
Cruise passengers soar across the promenade, passing staterooms and getting a birds-eye view of the cruise ship. This thrilling experience is like no other offered on other cruises.
Having tried the zip line on Oasis of the Seas, I have to say that this is one of my favorite onboard attractions. The adrenaline rush you get as you step off the platform and are suspended over the promenade is like no other.
MSC Cruises also offers a zip line experience onboard MSC Seaview and MSC Seaside. The zip line is suspended above the top deck where cruise passengers can take in the panoramic views of the ocean or even cruise ports of call.
8. Dry Slides
Venom Drop
Cost: Included
The Venom Drop is a thrilling dry slide featured on MSC Cruises MSC World Europa and the upcoming MSC World America. Spanning 11 decks, it’s the longest dry slide at sea, offering an adrenaline-packed descent from the top of the ship to the lower decks.
Made of stainless steel and designed to seamlessly blend with the ship’s futuristic aesthetic, the Venom Drop takes dry slides at sea to the next level. Located on the World Promenade of the MSC World Europa, this slide delivers an unforgettable rush, making it a must-try attraction for all adrenaline lovers.
The Ultimate Abyss
Cost: Included
The Ultimate Abyss is a 10-story dry slide feature on certain Oasis-Class cruise ships. Located towards the aft of the cruise ship, this dry slide is fun and scary.
When I sailed onboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, I conquered the Ultimate Abyss several times. Since it’s located at the top deck, it’s a great way to travel down to the promenade area quickly!
The Drop
Cost: Included
The Drop is the world’s only drop dry slide featured on Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. From deck 16 to deck 8, The Drop is a thrilling ride that provides a freefalling experience to its “drop” design.
10. Aqua Coaster (NCL)
Cost: TBD
The Aqua Slidecoaster aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Aqua is an exciting, innovative attraction that combines the thrill of a rollercoaster with the fun of a waterslide. This two-person ride features high-speed twists and turns, with cruise passengers propelled by powerful magnets to reach speeds of up to 31 mph.
The slide spans multiple decks and even offers dueling lanes for a competitive racing experience.
11. Ice Skating
Cost: Included
Although other onboard attractions may be exciting, ice skating will always have a special place in my heart. To this day, the fact over 15 Royal Caribbean cruise ships feature ice skating rinks is incredible.
Ice skating is a fun activity offered on Icon-Class, Oasis-Class, Voyager-Class, and Freedom-Class cruise ships.
One of the cool things about Royal Caribbean cruise ships having ice skating rinks is that they have an ice skating show. The ice skating show is one of the most impressive shows at sea, and it is a great time for the whole family.
Related: Best Royal Caribbean Ships For Families – Complete Guide
12. FlowRider Surf Simulator
Cost: Included
FlowRider is Royal Caribbean’s signature surf simulator, where guests can experience what it’s like to ride the waves. Found on several of Royal Caribbean’s ships, including the Oasis-class vessels like Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, the FlowRider offers an exciting, interactive experience for cruisers of any skill level.
The ride uses a powerful water flow to create a continuous wave that lets you try your hand at surfing or bodyboarding.
Cruise guests can take part in lessons or just enjoy free ride time, and the experience is supervised by instructors for safety. The FlowRider is open to all guests who meet the height and health requirements, and it’s one of the most popular attractions at sea.
Honourable Mentions:
- SkyRide
- Bumper cars
- Ropes courses
- Bowling alleys
- Escape rooms
- Aqua theater
- Virtual reality
- Laser tag
- North Star
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What’s your favorite onbard attraction? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Ethan Schattauer, a seasoned cruiser since the age of four, has gone on over 40 cruises with his family. Drawing from his extensive travel experiences, Ethan offers a fresh and youthful perspective on the world of cruising. He also writes about cruise cuisine, onboard experiences, and practical tips, providing valuable insights for cruise travelers worldwide.
