Strap yourself in to the Thrill Theatre onboard the brand new Carnival Vista and prepare for a wild ride.

As part of the world’s first IMAX screen at sea, the theatre offers viewers a multi-dimensional experience where the seats move back and forth and side to side.

If you think that’s cool, you’ll also be sprayed with water and bubbles to make you feel like you are on a circus ride.

Then there’s the SkyRide, another first at sea. This open-air cycling track is suspended above the ship’s top deck, almost 50 metres above the water.

There are two rails so you can race your friends or pedal around at a more sedate pace to enjoy the view.

Carnival Vista was launched this week and heralds a new level in the battle for bigger, better and more exciting ships and activities.

But, in the words of the television ad, wait – there’s more

Last night, Royal Caribbean unveiled the world’s biggest ship. Harmony of the Seas is truly monolithic.

She spans 16 guest decks, encompass 227,000 gross registered tons, carry 5,479 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,747 staterooms.

Costing more than a US$1billion, Harmony of the Seas is the 25th ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet and boasts highly anticipated first-at-sea experiences, including:

  • A 30 metre drop with The Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, plunging adrenaline seekers 10 stories down from deck 16 to the Boardwalk on deck 6
  • 2,150 tons of water in 23 swimming pools, whirlpools, two FlowRider surf simulators and waterslides, including the Perfect Storm, a thrilling trio of waterslides, and the Splashaway Bay waterpark for young guests
  • The first double-story Wonderland, the specialty restaurant concept first introduced onboard the global cruise line’s Quantum class of ships delivering an imaginative and whimsical feast for all the senses
  • The debut of Broadway’s hit musical Grease in the Royal Theater and spectacular diving shows in the AquaTheater
  • 11,252 works of art showcased throughout the ship and Central Park, a living park in the center of the ship which features a total of 10,587 plants, 48 vine plants and 52 trees, some over 6 meters high
  • VOOM, the fastest internet at sea, which allows travellers to stay connected, stream their favourite entertainment, video chat and share their adventures with friends and family at home

Harmony of the Seas will homeport in Barcelona, Spain. Her first 34 seven-night sailing in the western Mediterranean is on June 7.

In November 2016, Harmony will arrive at her homeport of Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from where she will offer seven-night eastern and western Caribbean sailings.

Over on the Carnival Vista, the excitement keeps on coming.

Cool off in the Kaleid-O-Slide a multi-sensory water tube slide with colourful, kaleidoscope-style rotating lights and crazy visual effects. It’s 138 metres of heart-pumping fun.

Also being rolled out are three new high-tech productions which feature live performances, LED staging and special effects. Productions centre around classic American rock anthems by Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, Styx and Kiss or iconic films like Footloose and Dirty Dancing.

Carnival Vista and Harmony of the Seas are game changers for the industry in terms of activities and entertainment. Their new features are a combination of good old fashioned thrill rides and the latest high tech innovations.

We predict that you’ll see this type of fun-tech onboard all the big ships within the next decade.

Check out some pictures onboard Carnival Vista.