Better Homes and Gardens (Australia)
What’s new aboard ship
Check it all out – there is bound to be something to thrill you!
like a billionaire’s playground equipped for maximum fun and relaxation, cruise ships have an enviable array of things to do. But with the intention of making cruising for you more exciting, new activities keep on coming and now the adventures are extending further – beneath the ocean and in the sky.
YOU’LL BE BLOWN AWAY
One of the most innovative ships is Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, which has a vertical wind tunnel for the closest thing to skydiving without jumping out of a plane, as well as dodgem cars, rollerskating, robotic bartenders and a 90-metre observation capsule inspired by the London Eye.
The Two70 theatre – used for musical productions, virtual concerts, acrobatic shows and late- night dancing – rises three decks high, with floor-to-ceiling windows that transform into special effects backdrops. Identical sister Spectrum of the Seas debuts in April this year, with departures from Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
IT’S LIKE WALKING ON AIR
New to local shores is Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess, which has a glass-floored walkway that juts out over the edge of the ship, a private karaoke room, a live television studio, and Fantastic Journey – a spellbinding show using drones and state-of-the-art multimedia stage technology.
HEADING FOR THE STARS
Viking Cruises’ Viking Orion is a newcomer offering something special: a planetarium for stargazing, led by a resident astronomer.
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2,a regular to our region, also has a similar facility onboard.
TAKE THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE
Carnival Cruise Line’s latest Usbased ships, Carnival Vista and Carnival Panorama, include utter craziness such as the Skyride, which is a bunch of reclining bikes suspended on a dual racing track 50 metres above the 12th deck. Riders can race each other, reaching almost 30km/h, or pedal at a leisurely pace while enjoying the panoramic views.
The sports areas have the usual basketball courts, mini-golf and pingpong, as well as a permanent Twister board, dodgeball and a dizzying ropes course dangling over the top of the ship. Both are also set up for safety, with a keycard-protected Family Harbor area featuring family friendly staterooms and the Family Harbor Lounge for mingling with other parents and children.
Closer to home, Carnival Splendor will be based in Sydney from December this year and promises to bring a brand new, wetter and wilder waterslide to thrill young
(and old) adrenaline-seekers.
BELIEVE IT OR NOT
P&O has added waterslides across its fleet, too, to satisfy splash-happy Aussie kids.
And it’s not just the oldies playing lawn bowls – the greens on Pacific Jewel and
Pacific Explorer are drawing barefoot bowlers of all ages. (Yes, there’s a bar on the sidelines to quench losers’ thirst!)
The 4500-passenger MSC Bellissima, sailing in Europe, will feature Cirque du Soleil. Also, like Las Vegas, it has an LED ceiling that changes throughout the day, just like the Bellagio Hotel. And in 2020 Richard Branson’s new cruise line Virgin Voyages launches Scarlet Lady. Among the surprises are a tattoo parlour (with a steady-handed artist, we hope) and a boxing ring.
Other innovations are practical, such as the X-bow on Aussie company Aurora Expeditions’ Greg Mortimer, designed to cut through the strongest winds and waves for smoother sailing to Antarctica (and beyond), and lower viewing platforms that get you closer to the wildlife below. There are also much smaller expedition yachts offering creative ways to get off ship. Scenic’s Scenic Eclipse, Ponant’s
Le Laperouse and Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Esprit have undersea excursions on mini-submarines and aerial tours by helicopter – but they do bring you back to the ship.
JUST WAIT FOR THIS
The ultra-luxurious Scenic Eclipse is our pick for the most anticipated ship of the year, and we’re not just saying that because it’s an Aussie invention. As the company’s first ocean-going vessel, Eclipse is pulling out all the stops to impress its guests. Its six-seater submarine is capable of diving 300 metres to explore sunken ruins in Greece, Caribbean coral reefs and the rarely seen underwater antics of whales, penguins and seals in ice-cold polar waters. Enjoy!