I nearly chickened out of attempting Norwegian Aqua’s new Slidecoaster. I am so glad I did not.
Everybody on my five-night preview crusing of Norwegian Cruise Line’s ship has been keen to do that first-in-industry attraction. In spite of everything, the 2 big multicolor tubes that encircle Norwegian Aqua’s high decks are the dominant characteristic of the ship.
There’s only one drawback.
The ship was constructed for fun-in-the-sun cruises within the Caribbean and Bermuda from Miami, Port Canaveral (close to Orlando) and New York when the climate is sizzling and sunny and a wild water trip is strictly what each vacationer wants. However the ship has not but arrived within the Caribbean.
It is in Europe. In March. And the climate is chilly and wet.
Did I dare shiver my approach via an extended line of keen thrill-seekers in my bathing swimsuit and naked legs?
I practically did not. I nearly gave as much as discover a heat infinity-style sizzling tub or take refuge within the attractive Statement Lounge with its floor-to-ceiling home windows and conveniently situated bar and occasional station.
However I knew I’d remorse not attempting the one Slidecoaster at sea. So, I pulled a hoodie over my swimsuit and headed out into the wind.
The Aqua Slidecoaster is a next-level waterslide
You is likely to be questioning simply what a hybrid waterslide-roller coaster really is. I additionally wasn’t totally clear on how the attraction would work till I received on board.
Every day Publication
Reward your inbox with the TPG Every day e-newsletter
Be a part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s consultants
The Slidecoaster is a water trip that mixes the acceleration know-how of a curler coaster with a raft-based water trip.
One or two company can share a raft, which has a excessive again and inflated sides. When the trip begins, a conveyer belt carries you to the doorway of an open half-pipe-style tube. Then you definitely await agonizing seconds till you hear the whir of the magnetic elevate kicking into motion. Giant mechanical arms click on into place on the again of the raft and push you up the ramp at a velocity that almost took my breath away. (The trip has the potential to shoot riders up the ramp at speeds of as much as 31 mph.)
Should you’ve been on a contemporary curler coaster with magnetic acceleration at the beginning, you realize precisely the sensation I am describing.
Then with one remaining push, you are contained in the waterslide tube and careening backward and forward as you velocity via colorfully lit passageways.
I might need shrieked with pleasure. At the least I did not scream out in agony as a result of the water was too chilly. Then once more, I let my journey companion trip in entrance, and he or she most likely bore the brunt of the splashing.
The trip is satisfyingly lengthy, roughly a minute from the time you begin up the half-pipe to while you coast again to the beginning place.
After the preliminary burst of velocity into the tube, the trip turns into a extra typical waterslide expertise. It is enjoyable and I giggled lots, however it’s not excessive velocity all the best way. The tube you trip in is so massive, I would not think about you’d really feel claustrophobic (if you happen to’re vulnerable to that).
However do not let your guard down while you see the sunshine on the finish of the tunnel. I received the wettest when our raft splashed out of the tube right into a pool of water that may float us alongside a monitor again to the beginning place.
Undoubtedly stash a towel together with your flip-flops and different belongings on the staging space between the slides. I used to be so glad that I had two ready for me as I emerged, shivering into the chilly March air. Hopefully, you will expertise the trip within the sunny Caribbean, the place you will be simply superb dripping water in all the warmth.
The Aqua Slidecoaster replaces the large two-and three-deck-high go-kart tracks on Norwegian’s most up-to-date ships because the signature high-thrill attraction. However whereas these rides price $15 a pop, Norwegian Aqua’s trip is blissfully free.
Which means you, your folks, your children or whoever you are touring with can all trip the attraction as many occasions as you want — so long as you’re 48 inches tall, do not weigh greater than 300 kilos and are prepared to attend in line. Duos can’t exceed 400 kilos mixed in weight.
Is the Aqua Slidecoaster price it?
Oh, sure, even in Europe’s chilly March climate, the Slidecoaster was amazingly enjoyable and a not-to-be-missed expertise. In a approach, it is the right cruise ship attraction — it combines an enormous adrenaline rush while you get launched at excessive speeds into the tube, however the waterslide trip itself is just not scary in any respect. It is simply plenty of enjoyable.
And in a sizzling local weather, getting splashed will really feel splendidly refreshing.
My shipmates and I are the primary company to expertise the trip, because the workers will get skilled on its operation, in order that they’re solely operating one raft per slide at a time. When the attraction is totally operational, Norwegian Cruise Line says it will be capable to run 4 units of rafts at a time and get greater than 200 company an hour on the Slidecoaster.
The doorway to the slide is on Deck 19 midship, proper by a number of different playful sights, such because the Tee Time miniature golf course, the pickleball courtroom, The Stadium outside video games (beanbag toss, ping pong, and many others.), The Drop dry slide and the indoor Aqua Recreation Zone with video and digital actuality video games.
Undoubtedly attempt all of them, however don’t miss the Aqua Slidecoaster. In spite of everything, you will not discover that on another cruise ship … but.
Planning a cruise? Begin with these tales: