If you think cruising is boring, you are wrong. Cruise ships are getting bigger, better and even crazier. You won't believe these amazing things you can find on cruise ships.

From motorcar racing to skydiving at sea, here are our favourite features you wouldn't expect to find on a cruise ship.

Ultimate Abyss on Royal Caribbean

The Ultimate Abyss is a pair of slides over 65-meters long-running 10 decks from Deck 16 down to Deck 6. This is the longest dry slide in the world and reaches an average speed of 14 kilometres per hour (9 miles per hour). Each slide is a dark tunnel with special effects such as flashing lights and audio that adds to the thrill and excitement of this unique attraction.

See also10 Tips for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

RipCord by iFly® on Royal Caribbean

If you are looking for an adrenaline rush on your holiday, look no further than Royal Caribbean's RipCord by iFly®. This is skydiving at sea and offers you all the thrills of skydiving, within the safe confines of this groundbreaking simulator.

RipCord by iFly is on the Anthem of the Seas and the Ovation of the Seas. 

The Lawn Club on Celebrity Cruises

The Lawn Club is one of a kind. The real grass lawn hosts a multitude of activities including live music, boules, croquet and picnics.

The Lawn Club is on Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Reflection. 

The North Star on Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is taking cruising to new heights with this observation attraction. The North Star gently raises guests over 90 meters (300 feet) above sea level to reveal a full 360-degree view. Here you can take in breathtaking vistas while both in port and at sea.

The North Star is available on the Quantum of the Seas and the Ovation of the Seas. 

Planetarium on Cunard

Even though Cunard is known for traditional cruising, it has not stopped them innovating and offering guests unique experiences at sea. The Queen Mary 2 is home to the world's only planetarium at sea. Working with the Royal Astronomical Society, Cunard takes guests on an interstellar journey from the comfort of their seats. The planetarium is hosted in the Illuminations theatre and the curved dome screen offers guests a breathtaking 3D experience.

Planetarium at Sea is available on the Queen Mary 2

4D Cinema on MSC

MSC is transporting cruisers to a new world with 4D Cinemas. The simulator combines 3D visuals with motion seating to create a thrilling ride without leaving the ship. The experience is also enhanced with the addition of special effects such as wind and rain.

MSC 4D Cinema is available on the MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida, MSC Divina, MSC Preziosa and MSC Meraviglia

Ice Bar on Norwegian Cruise Line

If you are looking for a cool onboard experience, Norwegian Cruise Line offers guests a chance to experience the only Ice Bar at sea. The bar is kept at a chilly -14 degree Celsius and features sculptures such as an ice throne and ice buildings. The entree fee also includes two alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktails. The bar hosts 25 guests at a time who are given gloves and hooded robes to keep them nice and toasty.

The Ice Bar is on the Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Getaway.

Ice Skating on Royal Caribbean

Did you imagine you would find an ice rink on a cruise ship? Royal Caribbean invites guests to take to the ice at the incredible onboard ice rink, Studio B. Guests can bring their own skates or use skates provided free of charge. Just remember to pack socks and long trousers. There are also advanced sessions for skilled skaters. Use of the ice rink is complimentary.

Studio B also hosts original production ice shows that are both technically and visually outstanding.

Ice Skating is available on the Voyager of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas.

Your Thoughts

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For more cruise tips and advice be sure to watch our video Cruise Stereotypes Busted