If you think cruise holidays are all about formal dinners and tranquil sea views, you may be in for a surprise!
Many of today’s major cruise ships are buzzing hubs of adventure, packed with exhilarating experiences and thrilling cruise ship activities designed to get your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping.
In this blog, we’ll dive into seven of the best activities on a cruise ship, showcasing how modern cruise lines have transformed floating getaways into thrill-finding paradises.
So, buckle up as we explore the ultimate adventures that await you on your next cruise holiday!
What Activities Can You Do On A Cruise Ship?
Gone are the days when a cruise holiday was synonymous with simply lounging by the pool and spending the evening catching a Broadway-style show. Now, alongside these more traditional cruise ship activities, there are a range of daring pursuits designed to elevate your energy and test your bravery.
Imagine scaling dizzying heights on a rock-climbing wall with the ocean sprawling endlessly beneath you or mastering a massive wave on a surf simulator —these are just a sneak peek of the opportunities for the brave-hearted on a cruise ship.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best activities on a cruise ship for those seeking ultimate excitement.
BOLT Roller Coaster – Carnival Cruise Line
Meet BOLT, the first and fastest rollercoaster at sea and a star attraction onboard Carnival Cruise Line‘s most dynamic vessels: Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and the new Carnival Jubilee.
Taking to the 800-foot track that towers up to approximately 187 feet above the ocean, you can reach speeds of up to 40 miles an hour. But don’t worry; as you weave through sharp turns and navigate its drops, BOLT offers the unique ability of enabling riders to control their speed in its two-person electric cars.
With stunning ocean views, pulse-pounding pivots and spectacular speeds, BOLT will rev up your cruise experience with an energy rush like no other!
Ultimate Abyss – Royal Caribbean
Dare to face Royal Caribbean‘s Ultimate Abyss, the tallest dry slide at sea, where only the bold dare to venture and the bravest return.
Stand at the precipice and peer into the enveloping darkness that beckons from below. Heed the call of the unknown as you prepare to take the plunge. Standing at 150 feet above sea level, you’ll descend ten thrilling storeys into the multi-sensory mysteries of the deep.
This intense experience is not for the faint of heart but promises an unforgettable rush for those who dare to answer its call. You’ll find Ultimate Abyss on Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Allure of the Seas.
Cliffhanger – MSC Cruises
Get ready to soar above the waves with MSC Cruises‘ latest innovation, Cliffhanger, the only over-water swing ride at sea. Set to make a splash in April 2025, this dynamic attraction will debut on the MSC World America, the cruise line’s upcoming US flagship.
You’ll find Cliffhanger in the Family Aventura district, perched 50 metres above the ocean. Begin this exhilarating ride on one of four seats close to the deck. But be prepared as powered arms lift and swing you out over the ship’s edge, offering an incredible sensation of flying.
As the first of its kind and lining up to be one of the best activities on a cruise ship, Cliffhanger promises a remarkable experience, swinging between the vast sky and the sweeping ocean. It’s a fantastic way to spend some time onboard if you’re an adrenaline chaser looking to elevate your cruise experience.
Perfect Storm Waterslide – Royal Caribbean
Modern mega cruise ships are nothing short of floating amusement parks, featuring a dazzling array of exciting waterslides for you to enjoy. For example, there’s Carnival Cruise Line’s Twister Waterslide, Free Fall on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway Class ships and Frightening Bolt, the tallest waterslide at sea on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.
However, when looking for things to do on a cruise ship, one standout feature that takes aquatic action to new heights is the Perfect Storm waterslide complex. You’ll find it on four of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships: Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas.
Perfect Storm, comprising the twin slides Typhoon and Cyclone, towers four decks high and invites you to race a partner side-by-side through exciting spirals and rapid descents. These slides aren’t just about speed; they also feature translucent sections that offer stunning sea views as you zoom by.
Ropes Course And Plank Walk – Norwegian Cruise Line
Swing into excitement on Norwegian Cruise Line’s multi-level ropes course, the largest at sea and a highlight on the Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Breakaway, and Norwegian Getaway. This aerial adventure features 40 challenging elements, including climbing, balancing, and zipping across the top deck on Sky Rail zip tracks.
If you’re the ultimate daredevil, summon the courage to walk The Plank—a spine-tingling 8-foot walk that extends over the ship’s edge. Of course, you’re safely attached to a harness, but that doesn’t stop your pulse from quickening when you catch a glance of the waters below.
Whether navigating through the course or braving The Plank, it’s an invigorating way to challenge yourself while enjoying panoramic ocean vistas.
Formula Racer – MSC Cruises
Feel the energy of high-speed racing with MSC Cruises’ Formula Racer, an adrenaline-pumping F1 simulator found on nine of MSC Cruises’ ships.
Strap into an actual race car cockpit and take control as you zoom around virtual circuits displayed on a large screen. Experience the rush of navigating famous Grand Prix tracks at speeds of up to 200 mph while realistic car dynamics, such as whining engines and bouncing suspensions, keep you enthralled in the moment.
Whether you’re a racing enthusiast or a super-speed-seeker, Formula Racer is an intoxicating cruise ship activity, offering an immersive, pulse-quickening experience that captures the excitement of Formula 1 racing while cruising the high seas.
Which Cruise Ship Has The Most Fun Activities?
The mega ships across all the leading cruise lines have enough fun-filled features onboard to keep your excitement-seeking side fulfilled throughout your cruise holiday. However, one cruise line may be edging ahead when offering a mind-boggling array of bold and brave activities onboard its ships: Royal Caribbean.
In January 2024, Royal Caribbean Cruises raised the bar again for innovative, fun, and exciting features with the launch of Icon of the Seas, arguably the cruise ship with the most activities. This floating marvel not only boasts seven pools and the largest ice arena in the fleet but also features Thrill Island, a neighbourhood dedicated entirely to elevated excitement.
Here, you can catch a wave on the new and improved version of FlowRider Surf Simulator, experience courage-conquering heights on Crown’s Edge—where your walkway drops away, leaving you suspended over the ocean—or take on the wild twists and turns of Category 6 Waterpark, home to the first suspended family raft slide and open free-fall slide at sea. If you’re a climbing enthusiast, head to Adrenaline Peak, where you can enjoy a high-octane rock-climbing experience with varying difficulty levels.
Icon of the Seas caters to every type of thrill-seeker, making it a top pick for anyone seeking an action-packed cruise vacation.
Cruise holidays today offer the chance to set sail into a world where excitement meets the open seas, featuring everything from heart-racing heights to serene views from above. With an array of dynamic activities, modern cruise ships offer unparalleled experiences that cater to every taste, ensuring your voyage is as exhilarating as it is memorable.
To find out more about the cruise ship activities for adrenaline enthusiasts, please get in touch with our cruise specialists.
