News

I just rode Cliffhanger, the latest over-the-top ride on a cruise ship, and it was a hoot

Belinda LuksicContributor
Belinda Luksic is an Australian travel journalist with words published across the globe, including in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure Asia and Robb Report. Her work has taken her to all seven continents and both poles, where she has swum with whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef, plunged into the icy waters of the North Pole, eaten crickets in Siem Reap, hiked ancient trails in Bhutan and cycled the Balkans solo. She is an expert on Croatia and Hungary, and specializes in small ship and expedition cruising, luxury, food, wine and soft adventure. Sydney-born, she now divides her time between Australia, Croatia (where she holds dual citizenship) and the United States.

April 22, 2025 • 9 min read

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Quick summary

Cliffhanger is a new overwater swing ride exclusive to MSC World America, offering a one-minute thrill 160 feet above the sea.
Located in the Family Aventura district, Cliffhanger accommodates up to four riders and provides an adrenaline-filled experience with sweeping ocean views.
Family Aventura also features attractions like a ropes course, a 10-story dry slide, waterslides and immersive VR experiences, catering to both children and adults.
The Cliffhanger ride is priced at $5, making it a standout value among onboard activities.

What to consider

Cliffhanger uses a T-bar restraint rather than a seat belt, which may affect comfort for some guests.
The Family Aventura zone is situated on decks 19 and 20, with various activities requiring separate fees or wait times.
Weather conditions, such as strong winds, can influence the experience and operation of outdoor attractions.

What you'll miss from the article

Firsthand impressions of the ride’s intensity, plus detailed comparisons of Family Aventura’s other unique attractions.

Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.

I just rode Cliffhanger, the latest edge-of-your-seat ride only on MSC World America — and it was a surprising blast.

One moment, I’m seated, feet firmly planted on the ship's deck. The next? I’m swinging through the air, weightless, as Ocean Cay — MSC Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas — slips from view.

There’s the dreamy white sand beaches, rows of colored houses and iconic red-and-white lighthouse.

Then, just blue sky.

For a split second, we teeter at the top. Then comes the drop. I whoosh backward in a dizzying arc, the sea so far below.

My stomach somersaults, and I realize my hands are gripping tight. Then the adrenaline kicks in. I lift my arms above my head like on a roller coaster and let out a squeal of delight.

This is the most fun you can have 160 feet above the sea — all brought to you by MSC Cruises.

What is Cliffhanger on MSC World America?

Cliffhanger over-water swing and ropes course aboard MSC World America — There are many adventures to be had aboard MSC World America. BELINDA LUKSIC/FOR THE POINTS GUY

Cliffhanger is billed as the only overwater swing at sea, and it might look tame — but don’t be fooled. Towering above Deck 20, the ride — in reality, a massive swing set perched on the edge of the Family Aventura district — can lift up to four thrill-seekers (in two twin seats) up and over the ship on a giddy one-minute flight 160 feet above the sea.

What's it like to ride Cliffhanger?

I’d watched it from shore the day before while docked overnight at Ocean Cay on a three-night sailing from Miami. From a distance, it didn’t look terrifying — more like a childhood swing moving gently in the breeze. But standing in the queue at 10 a.m., the sultry winds whipping across the deck, the ride suddenly seemed a whole lot scarier.

After slipping off my flip-flops and stashing them in a container, I took my seat on the swing. There’s no seat belt — just a sturdy T-bar that pops into place at the waist. My feet were dangling free.

Don’t be fooled by Cliffhanger’s low-key appearance. It may look like a gentle ride, but swinging out over the open ocean — fast — feels anything but tame.

What begins as the gentlest ride suddenly picks up the pace, flying in ever-wider arcs — higher, faster, farther. The wind whips my hair in every direction, and my stomach lurches at every turn.

Just as suddenly, it stops. The motorized arms return us back over the ship and onto the deck, where a crew member waits to release the T-bar.

It’s all over in 60 seconds, but what a ride. It's the perfect hit of adrenaline. For just $5, it’s easily one of the best-value thrills at sea.

Family Aventura: Get ready to fly

Family Aventura complex aboard MSC World America — MSC World America's Family Aventura zone. BELINDA LUKSIC/FOR THE POINTS GUY

Cliffhanger is part of Family Aventura, the action-packed, family-friendly entertainment zone on decks 19 and 20 of MSC World America. This adventure playground is one for kids ... and kids at heart.

It's packed with waterslides and bumper cars, a rock climbing wall, a Formula One simulator, a Lego playroom and arcade games.

It’s also where you’ll find a massive gym and Doremiland, MSC Cruises’ kids clubs.

You could spend an entire day here — and I did — chasing the adrenaline rush.

Adventure Trail aerial ropes course

ropes course MSC World America — Adventure Trail ropes course. BELINDA LUKSIC/FOR THE POINTS GUY

Adventure Trail — a two-level aerial ropes course strung with rope bridges, planks, steps and beams — takes Cliffhanger to a new level. Suspended like a spider’s web high above Deck 20, this sprawling obstacle course offers 45 minutes of palm-sweating, knee-knocking fun.

the harness needed to explore the ropes course aboard MSC World America — You'll get into a safety harness before scampering on the ropes course. BELINDA LUKSIC/FOR THE POINTS GUY

Clipped into a harness, we navigate planks, tightropes and beams, pulling our bodies along hand ropes with nothing but air beneath our feet. Balancing high above Cliffhanger, the course is an unexpected thrill that gets my heart racing.

Of course, it’s all safe, good-natured fun. I’m securely attached to the sky rail, with my weight load checked before attempting any element — including the two skyrails, which are essentially zip lines.

One whisks me out and over the Promenade, far below on Deck 8.

Deck 8 promenade and dry slide MSC World America — The Jaw Drop dry slide winding its way from Deck 20 to Deck 8. BELINDA LUKSIC/FOR THE POINTS GUY

The other winds dramatically around the edge of the ship. Both times I ride, the wind is fierce, and I have to launch myself off the platform to counter the strong pushback from the gusts. It’s a "Mission Impossible" moment, equal parts exhilarating and surreal.

Jaw Drop dry slide

Family Aventura is also home to Jaw Drop, a dry slide that plunges an eye-popping 10 stories down through the back of the ship, ending on the Promenade at Deck 8. Riders enter through the gaping mouth of a giant shark — yes, really — before shooting down the sleek metal chute. It’s as goofy as it is exhilarating, with a hilariously slow stop at the end to let your heart catch up.

Aquapark

For good old-fashioned splashy fun, MSC World America brings the thrills with Aquapark — a colorful maze of themed slides, splash zones and a dual racer slide with a speed timer to race your friends.

dual racing water slides MSC World America — Dual racing waterslides. BELINDA LUKSIC/FOR THE POINTS GUY

Then there’s the U Drop Slide, a drop slide with a trapdoor guaranteed to soak the bravest thrill-seeker.

My personal favorite? The VR Slide. With a pair of goggles strapped on, I was suddenly launched into a dreamy, animated world (think: lush jungles, painted elephants, technicolor birds and more) so immersive that I forgot I was even on a waterslide. Easily the strangest — and least scary — waterslide in living history.

Bottom line

Of all of MSC World America's offerings, nothing matched Cliffhanger. It hit that nostalgic nerve — like being 5 years old again, legs pumping on the playground swing, the whole world tilting as you soared higher.

As a kid, I used to screech with delight as my mom pushed me ever higher. There was always that heart-lurching moment at the top, just before gravity took over.

Cliffhanger recreated that unbridled joy — this time 160 feet above the ocean.

There are seven districts on MSC World America, each packed with a world of entertainment and fun. But to my mind, Cliffhanger is its crowning glory. The simple swing delivers sky-high thrills all in 60 seconds.

It had me on the edge of my seat — in the best way possible.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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