Royal Caribbean International Making Waves in Cruising, Literally
September 08, 2005
Royal Caribbean has more or less become the Willy Wonka of fun and games at sea today, adding more to the average cruises than ever before. From the rock climbing wall to bungee trampolines and ice skating, and the recently announced top deck aqua park that is in the works for the highly anticipated Freedom of the Seas, soon-to-be largest cruise ship on Earth. But the latest, unprecedented, new venture in onboard excitement from Royal Caribbean is a surfing machine.
Also known as a FlowRider, this part machine - part pool contraption is 32 feet wide and operates on a similar principle as a stationary lap pool. Pumping a sheet of water up an incline simulates the wave effect while participants use Flowboards (looks like a snowboard, acts like a surfboard) or Boogie boards to "surf" the waves.
Though not the first FlowRider ever as this device has debuted at several waterparks and resorts around the world, this will be the first FlowRider to debut at sea. It will be introduced to the cruising world on the 3,600-passenger Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas ship, currently under construction and slated for a May 2006 maiden voyage.
This surf pool joins other water features in the top deck aqua park including an adults-only solarium with two cantilevered whirlpools extending 12 feet past the sides of the ship (112 feet above the ocean), a main area with two pools, and interactive sculpture fountains, ground geysers, a cascading waterfall and circular pool with a current.
These everlasting gobstopper-style offerings are part of an industry-wide effort to convince non-cruisers that cruising can be relaxing, yes, but also very exciting for people of all ages and interests.
Elaborate new spas, gourmet "alternative" restaurants, specialty lounges, cigar and martini bars, ice cream parlors, casinos and more have truly evolved cruising into the electrifying industry it is today. In the past year cruise lines have even introduced outdoor movie theaters, which have become a huge hit.
Cruise ships are getting bigger and more impressive as time goes by. Freedom of the Seas will not only be making its own waves, it will oversee its own energy and drinking water production much like a floating city. Once completed, the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas will weigh in at an impressive 158,000 gross tons, with a length of nearly 340 meters. The vessel will also boast 15 passenger decks, accommodating more than 5,000 guests and crew at one time.
For more information or reservations for the Freedom of the Seas' inaugural season, call 888-267-1232 to speak with a certified Cruise Specialist. Bookings on this amazing ship are filling up fast so call today!
Sources:
www.royalcaribbean.com
