Want a bit of heart-racing (or stopping) fun? Cruise Passenger picks the most adrenalin filled waterslides at sea. But if these slides are not quite your cup of tea (or cocktail), there are plenty of water themed parks on these fabulous ships.
Green Thunder – Carnival Legend, Carnival Cruise Lines
This heart-stopping slide is the steepest and fastest on the high seas. It was part of the line’s $7 million refurbishment to the ship. Those who dare, climb several flights of stairs to the top where they then prepare to drop 34 feet.
But if it is a little too daring, you can always check out the Legend’s Splash Park which also includes a PowerDrencher Tipping bucket.
Aqua Duck – Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, Disney Cruise Line
The slide is located on Deck 12, and is infamously known as the “aqua coaster.” The roller coaster like slide is full of twists and drops, as you ride through the 765-foot course, you can quickly take in the views high above the ocean…until the raft drops into the lazy river at the end.
The ships also have themed splash zones for the little cruisers aged eight years and younger- Nemo’s Reef on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy and AquaLab, also on Disney Fantasy, have water jets, fountains, and mini-water slides.
Vertigo – MSC Preziosa, MSC Cruises
The Vertigo slide is 390 foot long and sits on top of Deck 18. Brave riders travel down the side of the ship at the speed of 13mph. Inside the slide are several bands of colours that change when the sun shines through.
If you want something a little bit more relaxing, the MSC Divina contains an infinity style Garden Pool.
Free Fall- Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Cruise Line
With the largest water parks on the fleet, these ships are destined for thrill seekers. Standing above the free fall, the anticipation hits as you wait for the trap door to vanish from underneath your feet. Passengers are able to watch the action below through the see through tubes.
On a less heart pumping level- Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway have Nickelodeon-themed aqua parks for toddlers. They feature life-sized characters, such as SpongeBob SquarePants, along with water squirters and shallow splash pools.
Epic Plunge- Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line
The name says it all. The four stories slide is on Deck 15. Riders sit in a raft and then slide down the closed tube before being shot out into a giant yellow and red bowl, where you endlessly swirl around until being sucked into a hole that drops out into the water.
Need time away from the kids? At Spice H2O, the adult-only area is located on the top deck of Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway, and Norwegian Getaway. There are waterfalls and caves to enjoy a bit of time away from the sun.
Speedway Splash- Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Cruise Lines
Fly down the two lane racing slides with a fellow competitor. At the finish line there are checkered flags and flashing lights as well as a screen announcing the winner.
Carnival Sunshine also features the longest water slide in the fleet — the 334-foot-long Twister. It also contains mini-racing slides for the little competitors as well as the Power Drencher, which drops 300 gallons of water on top of eager cruisers.
