Royal Caribbean: Surfing at Sea!

Royal Caribbean International unveiled plans today (August 31, 2005) for an onboard surf park aboard the new Freedom of the Seas which, at 160,000 grt and with 3,600 passengers, will debut as the world’s largest cruise ship in May 2006. 

The 32-foot-wide by 40-foot-long FlowRider^® generates a thin sheet of water that flows over the ride surface, creating a wave-like shape. Similar to swimming against a current in a stationary lap pool, riders surf or body board against the waterflow of 30,000 gallons per minute, carving turns and trying tricks.

The cruise line that introduced the first  onboard rock-climbing walls, ice skating rinks and in-line skating tracks proves that cruising can provide an active, entertaining vacation without ever leaving the ship!

“There’s no greater feeling of freedom than challenging yourself to expand your limits,” said Royal Caribbean International President Adam Goldstein. “In the same way that our rock-climbing walls have inspired cruisers to get out there and try new things, we know the FlowRider^® will add to our guests’ excitement with an adrenaline-pumping, unforgettable new experience.”

Adventurous guests can try their hand (and legs) at stand-up surfing, known as flowboarding, or opt for less-balance-demanding body boarding. The FlowRider’s^® design features a tensioned-fabric surface similar to a trampoline that provides a cushion to absorb the impact of falls.

Descending from the aft sports court on Deck 13 down to Deck 12, the FlowRider^® will be surrounded by plenty of space for spectators to cheer on their friends, family and fellow cruisers. After guests sign up, instructors will walk them through a required safety session with tips for a successful ride. An adjacent sports bar will feature flat-screen TVs with a live feed of the surf park action, while a sports boutique will offer surfing gear and wear. There will not be a charge to ride the FlowRider^®.

The new surf park is the fourth outstanding aqua environment to be announced for Freedom of the Seas. The ship also will feature an adults-only Solarium with two cantilevered whirlpools extending 12 feet past the sides of the ship; a main pool area with two pools, including one dedicated to team sports and lap swimming; and the colorful H₂O Zone water park, featuring interactive sculpture fountains, ground geysers, a cascading waterfall and a circular pool with current.

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web design by Art Wickerham 
Copyright 2004