When Carnival Cruise Line first installed a bonafide roller coaster
on its Mardi Gras ship, it was a game changer for the industry —
particularly for family cruisers looking for the most exciting
attractions at sea. Now, in 2022, several cruise lines are focused on
exciting features for families. Here are the most anticipated offerings
that have already set sail or soon will.
Carnival Celebration, Carnival Cruise Line
As a sister ship to Mardi Gras, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival
Celebration may be familiar to loyalists setting sail in November and
beyond. Family Harbor staterooms and suites will again feature split
bathrooms, and will come with exclusive access to the Family Harbor
Lounge, which is conveniently located adjacent to the Camp Ocean kids’
club with its themed library, called Dr. Seuss Bookville. Circle C for
tweens and Club O2 for teens will also be available onboard, and The
Ultimate Playground will contain the Bolt coaster; the WaterWorks
waterpark; mini golf; and SportSquare, which includes the ship’s
extensive ropes course and more.
Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises’ new premium ship, Celebrity Beyond, has begun
welcoming its first guests, and there are several options for kids
onboard. In particular, Shipmates (ages 3-5), Cadets (ages 6-9) and
Captains (ages 10-12) have Camp At Sea at their disposal, and tweens and
teens (ages 13-17) can mingle in The Basement, a cool hideaway nestled
low in the hull.
Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Prima, first in Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest class, will
add not just one, but three dry slides to its array of attractions when
it launches in August — The Rush consists of a pair of duelling slides
spiralling down the side of the ship, while The Drop will be a 10-storey
free-fall. Plus, the ship will feature The Tidal Wave, a waterslide for
riders on inner tubes.
Norwegian
Prima will also feature the line’s longest go-kart racetrack, and The
Galaxy Pavilion virtual gaming arena with four simulator experiences, a
pair of escape rooms and a Topgolf Swing Suite.
Norwegian Prima, first in Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest class, will boast three dry slides and the line's longest go-kart racetrack when it launches in August. Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line
Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International
Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International’s fifth Oasis-class
ship, includes its signature Ultimate Abyss dual dry slides descending
to its Boardwalk District. Plus, young guests have plenty to do at
Adventure Ocean (ages 3-11) and Social 100 (for tweens and teens), which
has a newly expanded outdoor Social 100 Patio that features its own
whirlpool.
Other
onboard favourites include the Perfect Storm trio of waterslides; a
FlowRider surf simulator; a zipline; Splashaway Bay waterpark;
rock-climbing walls; the AquaTheater; and Studio B ice rink.
Disney Wish, Disney Cruise Line
There is not enough room here to list all the things clients are
expecting on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish when it embarks on its
maiden sailing next month, but suffice it to say, it will be the ship
with the most character. With no casino onboard, there will be that much
more space for kid, tween and teen venues, as well as those shared by
the whole family.
Among the most anticipated highlights on Disney Wish will be
AquaMouse, touted as the first-ever Disney attraction at sea; Arendelle:
A Frozen Dining Adventure; Worlds of Marvel dinner theatre; Disney’s
Oceaneer Club (ages 3-12), consisting of Marvel Super Hero Academy and
Fairytale Hall; Walt Disney Imagineering Lab; It’s a Small World
Nursery; clubs Edge (ages 11-14) and Vibe (ages 14-17); Walt Disney
Theatre; a pair of cinemas; and much more.
MSC Seascape and MSC World Europa, MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises has two new ships on the calendar for 2022. MSC Seascape
will be the line’s second Seaside EVO-class ship when it comes online in
December, and it will feature family attractions similar to sister ship
MSC Seashore, including collaborations with LEGO and Chicco.
The other ship, MSC World Europa, also debuts in December. It will be
the first to offer the line’s largest children’s space at more than 762
square metres, encompassing seven distinct rooms for ages 17 and under.
Of particular interest will be the Luna Park Arena, a multipurpose
venue for film screenings, game shows and other family activities, in
addition to bumper cars, the Aquapark, World Theatre and The Venom Drop @
The Spiral, the longest dry slide at sea.
Discovery Princess, Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises’ Discovery Princess is also already sailing, and
befitting its name, the line’s partnership with the Discovery Network is
highlighted on the ship as part of its Discovery at Sea programming.
Advisors can picture shore excursions recommended by Animal Planet, plus
onboard activities such as stargazing, or other options that take
inspiration from television programming such as “Shark Week” and
“Finding Bigfoot.”
The
ship’s expansive Camp Discovery youth facility is broken down into The
Tree House (ages 3-7), The Lodge (ages 8-12) and The Beach House (ages
13-17), and there’s even a kids’ corner of the buffet to satisfy the
tastes of little ones. Also, don’t forget Princess’ signature teddy
bear, Stanley, which is available for meet and greets.
Source: TravelAge West