Almost two years since being closed down, Royal Caribbean is ready to bring one of its signature activities back to life.
Royal Caribbean has a well-deserved reputation for adding incredible attractions on its cruise ships. The sort of things you'd see and think "I can't believe you can do that on a cruise ship".
One of those was the Skypad, which originally included a bungee trampoline experience with virtual reality that offered a way for passengers to play virtual games in a fun way.
Unfortunately, the cruise line suddenly closed it down in March 2023 and since then, it's remained dormant.
In a statement to RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com, Royal Caribbean announced it has a new vision for the Skypad that it's putting on one ship to start.
Available only on Spectrum of the Seas, the new Skypad expedition: Adventure in Space & Underseas is available for passengers to try.
Here's how Royal Caribbean describes it:
During this experience, adventurers can immerse themselves into the vastness of interstellar space and explore the depths of the ocean and vibrant coral reefs through the lens of virtual reality technology.
Guests put on VR goggles and ear cups that are meant to block out ambient sound, and then watch a film. The different films have pace, sci-fi, and under-water themed episodes.
There is an additional cost, and is priced at $15 per person. Guests must be at least 6 years old, but kids under 12 need to be accompanied by parents or legal guardians.
You can book the Skypad experience before the cruise begins via the Pre-Cruise Planner or on the Royal Caribbean app.
At this time, it's only available on Spectrum of the Seas. Spectrum of the Seas is based in China and sails to the Asia-Pacific region. Spectrum was the first Quantum Ultra-Class ship. That means it had more to do onboard, such as the Skypad.
It's a giant cruise ship, with a size of 168,800 gross tons and a capacity of 4,905 passengers.
I asked if other Royal Caribbean ships with the Skypad would receive it, and as of now it's just Spectrum.
The ships with a Sky Pad include:
- Independence of the Seas
- Mariner of the Seas
- Spectrum of the Seas
- Odyssey of the Seas
It's likely Royal Caribbean is waiting to evaluate how popular the new offering is before rolling it out to other ships, but that's my own speculation.
The best known signature attractions on Royal Caribbean ships
Until the Skypad experience comes to more ships, there's plenty of other things to capture your attention.
While sports courts, rock walls, and mini-golf courses are common, there's a few things you're likely to marvel at on many of their biggest ships.
Ultimate Abyss
Available on the Oasis Class ships, this is a 10 story dry slide on the back of the ship that you're going to notice quickly.
You get into a mat and slide down a dark enclosed slide that features sounds and lights to enhance the thrill.
There's no cost, and it's a fun family ride.
Flowrider
Ever dreamed of learning to surf on a cruise ship?
The Flowrider is available on a lot of ships, and it's a controlled wave you can get on and attempt to surf. They offer boogie boarding as well.
There's no cost to the Flowrider (unless you take a lesson), and you just need to meet the height requirements to participate: 52 inches for boogie boarding and 58 inches for stand up surfing.
Zip line
Also on Oasis Class ships only is a 82 foot zip line that goes high above the Boardwalk neighborhood.
Once again, no cost to this.
In order to participate, guests must be at least 52 inches tall and weigh no more than 275 pounds; children must also meet minimum weight requirements — 75 pounds or higher — for their own safety.
Bumper cars
Within the Seaplex on Quantum Class ships is a bumper car attraction you can ride.
There's no cost to it and you hop into a bumper car and slam into as many other people's cars as you can!
Water slides
Royal Caribbean has added water slides to most of its ships, and these are sure to please anyone going down.
Most ships have two or three slides, but Royal Caribbean's Icon Class ships actually have an entire water park onboard!
There's no cost to do the water slides, but they do get quite busy.
Try them on embarkation day for less of a wait.
Sky diving simulator
Also on the Quantum Class ships is Ripcord by iFly, where you can enter an enclosed tube with a giant fan at the bottom to feel what it's like to sky dive.
Every passenger is entitled to one complimentary ride per sailing, but you can buy additional time.
Royal Caribbean provides a special suit to wear, and after a safety demonstration, you're taken into the tube to give it a try.
An instructor is in there with you to assist, and it's a one-minute thrill ride you won't forget.
Observation pod
One more feature on the Quantum Class ships is the North Star.
he North Star is a glass-enclosed observation pod that rises 300 feet above the deck of your ship, offering breathtaking views all around you.
Rides are free if you do it while in port, otherwise there's a cost to do it on a sea day.
