When a cruise is the destination

The walls are windowless. At least, for now. Soon, in their place there will be breathtaking views of the blue expanse of the ocean and perhaps the exhilarating sight of a single eagle soaring high in the equally blue skies. The Royal Caribbean International(RCI) makes this happen for its travellers, even when they have no access to the outdoors. They call it a Virtual Balcony experience where what happens outdoors in real time is projected inside on the walls, so that the cruisers do not miss the scenery just in case they can’t look out.

Similarly, if you are a passenger on the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), there is a winding race track right there onboard the ship where, as the drivers compete, they are serenaded by the sound of lashing waves.

These are but some of the innovations leading cruise liners are adopting to attract jaded travellers. ‘A cruise ship is a destination in itself’ is the mantra and futuristic facilities with cutting-edge designs are taking luxury cruising to a whole new level.

“The idea is to give travellers multiple options and keep them engaged on board,” says Karan Anand, head of relationships, Cox Kings, which deals with some of the leading cruise lines.

In a parallel reality

In NCL for instance, these facilities include the incredible Infiniti Veranda in the room, that with a touch of a button extends out into the sea, offering a 270° view; rotating multi-cuisine a la carte restaurant; and a thermal suite with a snow room attached adjacently. If that is not enough, there is virtual bungee jumping, and all this at sea.

The RCI is also introducing Spectrum of the Seas in May 2019, equipped with Skypad, a virtual reality bungee trampoline experience located on the aft of the ship. This facility is open to guests of all ages and can also be enjoyed without virtual reality headsets for those who prefer to look out over the expansive ocean. Most customers feel that the advantages far outweigh any minor inconveniences in such facilities.

“The cruise compass is packed with just the right amount of activities through the day to keep one entertained. The size of the showers could have been bigger though,” says Yohan Billimoria about Voyager of the Seas, another ship in RCI’s fleet.

Celebrity Cruises recently announced the launch of Celebrity Edge, currently cruising the Caribbean. It has the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform that keeps changing its position to offer breathtaking views.

North Star, as it is called, goes up to 13 storeys, and intuitively changes its location. There are glass pods which give you the feeling of being in a sleek spaceship. The North Star, like a ferris wheel, moves slowly, but rises 300 ft above sea level. The ride lasts up to 15 to 20 minutes and accommodates 14 passengers. A private ride too, can be booked at extra costs, making it the most sought-after facility for proposals and romantic dates.

The Norwegian Bliss, that was custom-made for an inclusive Alaska cruising experience, on the other hand has a 180-degree Observation Lounge where guests can enjoy expansive views of the sea.

In addition, for those who love plants, there is the garden of Eden — all 11,800 square feet of it. The on-board garden and recreational area, ensconced in glass, includes exotic plants across three levels and looks out into the ocean outside.

Also new to the fleet in RCI, is RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator — where you get to don flight suits and goggles, and ‘fly’ in a glass wind machine, with an instructor in tow.

It is very safe, assures Varun Chadha, TIRUN Travel Marketing COO and India representative of RCI. “My colleague’s grandmother, who is 92 years old, went on it twice!”

There is a Flow Rider surfing simulator, that has 60,000 gallons of water stream past every minute and a Bionic Bar where robot bartenders mix your drink.

“Most of the time, people choose an itinerary first and then the ship. Sixty-six per cent of the cruising population have already cruised. So the challenge is to cater to an evolved consumer and keep the first-time cruiser in mind,” says Varun.