Three incredible things you didn’t know you could do onboard an ocean cruise

This article was sponsored by Helloworld Travel & Cruise Travel Centre

There’s no doubt about it; cruising is experiencing an unprecedented boom in popularity. The global cruise industry is expecting 27 million passengers in 2018, compared with 25.8 million in 2016, according to the Cruise Lines International Association.

And cruise liners are rising to the occasion, jam-packed with more interesting and unique features than ever before aboard their billion-dollar mobile hotels.

Beyond the ever-growing variety of onboard experiences, cruising is popular because they are what a guest makes them. From the bikini-clad sun seekers draped by the pool to the adrenaline junkie seeking sky-high experiences, from the couple enjoying their twilight years over clinking champagne glasses and the children keeping busy in the family-friendly areas, there’s interest to be found around every corner of a cruise liner. 

Here are three experiences you may not have known were possible at sea. 

Onboard Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas

Inside the neon jaws of a giant deep sea fish is the Ultimate Abyss. It’s a slide that will have adrenaline junkies lining up for more and the faint-of-heart holding their breath as they plummet 10 decks at a rate of 15 kilometres an hour. 

The mouth of the slide is located on a glass platform, giving guests one last look at the Boardwalk located ten decks below before climbing onto a customized mat and disappearing into the hole. 

Two identical cylinders each with a diameter of 80 centimetres feature spontaneous audio effects, creating a multi-sensory thrill.

P&O’s Pacific Dawn, Pacific Jewel, Pacific Aria, Pacific Eden, Pacific Explorer

If you’re up for some fun, check out P&O’s cruise liners’ Adventure Park, Australia’s largest adventure park at sea. Guests can strap in for the ride of a lifetime and race down a zip line on the top deck of the cruise ship.

Reach the top with the funnel climb, don’t look down when crossing the slackline or take a leap of faith on the flying fox. Plus, guests can experience new activities exclusive to Pacific Dawn like Walk The Plank (a terrifying pirate’s plank suspended over the edge of the ship), Crow’s Nest Viewpoint (with startling views across the endless ocean) and rock climbing the Boulder Wall.

Holland America Cruise Line

Wine connoisseurs and novices alike can dive into the art of wine making at BLEND by Chateau Ste Michelle, Washington State’s oldest and most celebrated winery.

Holland America Cruise Line offer the only purpose-built wine-blending venue at sea – a table that accommodates 10 guests who can create their own blend from a selection of five barrels of single-vineyard red wine.

In addition to participating in the blending process, guests also will learn about wine from the ship’s wine expert, who leads the blending session.

Guests are welcome to enjoy their unique creation at dinner, or dine in the privacy of their own room.

This article was sponsored by Helloworld Travel & Cruise Travel Centre