Robotron: Can the newest cruise ship amusement ride compete with an onboard roller coaster? TPG finds out
Editor’s note: TPG’s Ashley Kosciolek accepted a free trip from MSC Cruises to sail on MSC Seascape. The opinions expressed below are entirely hers and weren’t subject to review by the line.
What crazy top-deck attraction will cruise lines think of next?
On previous cruises, I've tried zip lines, surf simulators and 10-story slides. Last year, I zoomed around the top decks of Carnival's Mardi Gras on the very first roller coaster at sea. This year, as cruise lines continue their quest to outdo one another, I've ridden the latest theme park-style attraction — this one on MSC Cruises' MSC Seascape.
Robotron is a robotic arm that cantilevers passengers over the ship's pool deck for a fee. It wowed me more than I expected with what I can only describe as an experience that's equal parts startling (rather than terrifying) and delightful.
Put it this way: There are few cruise-ship attractions I'd consider riding more than once, and this is one of them.
Here, I'll cover the details of what Robotron is like, how much it costs and whether a ride is worth your time.
What is Robotron on MSC cruises?
Robotron is another name for the Kuka Coaster — a robotic arm built by German robotics company Kuka that serves as a top-deck attraction on MSC's newest Seaside-class ship, MSC Seascape.
Perched on a sliver of the vessel's 19th deck, just above the outdoor pool area, the arm holds a trio of seats that restrain passengers as the ride sends them twisting and turning through the air.
Should riders be able to keep their eyes open, they're rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding scenery that sometimes might be upside down. (Yes, the ride flips passengers onto their backs, stomachs and completely upside down as they're suspended 174 feet above the water.)
Before climbing into a seat, each rider chooses a song from a pre-selected list. That song will pump through nearby speakers for roughly one-third of the three-minute session. Behind the ride, an LED screen pulses with lighting effects that wiggle and morph to eventually spell out "Robotron."
The ride has three speeds — slow, medium and fast — and participants must agree on one of them. I rode alone and went with medium speed. There were a few heart-pounding stomach-dropping moments but it was fairly tame overall. (If you're partial to roller coasters and other high-adrenaline attractions, definitely choose the fast option.)
As for restrictions, you must be at least 7 years old, 4 feet tall and weigh no more than 298 pounds. Closed-toed shoes are required; no sandals or flip-flops are allowed.
Also, you must remove everything from your pockets. No phones, cameras, jewelry, food, drinks, alcohol, chewing gum or smoking are permitted on Robotron. However, you can wear a GoPro if it's strapped to you. If you're wearing a chest strap, keep in mind that the ride has a U-shaped harness that comes down across the front of your body.
As far as what Robotron is like, I found it to be loud, thanks to the music, and also unexpectedly abrupt in its movements. Instead of swirling fluidly through the air, it was a bit stop-and-go.
I expect the intent is to keep riders on their toes in terms of which way the arm will move them next — and it works well. For example, a couple of times, it stopped completely to allow me to take in the views of Manhattan, where the ship was docked, before suddenly flipping forward, eliciting a shriek or two.
Some advice, though: Be sure to keep your head back against the seat to avoid it being bumped around. Also, bring the harness down firmly against you before the ride starts, or you'll feel like you're sliding out of your seat a bit when you're upside down — a mildly scary experience.
How much does it cost to ride Robotron?
Robotron costs $10 per person per ride, and the amount is charged to each rider's onboard account via their cruise card.
The attraction is tied to the Hall of Games, the onboard arcade on each of MSC's Seaside EVO vessels, which are a souped-up version of the original Seaside class.
That means passengers can either pay individually for their turns on Robotron, or they can purchase packages that preload a set amount of money onto their cruise cards and then deduct from it as they play arcade games or use the ship's virtual-reality simulators, Formula 1 racer and other rides, including Robotron.
When passengers purchase a package, they'll receive additional funds for gameplay as a bonus. The prices are as follows:
- Pay $25, and get $30.
- Pay $50, and get $60.
- Pay $70, and get $90.
- Pay $100, and get $140.
- Pay $150, and get $220.
Is a ride on Robotron worth it?
The answer here is a resounding YES, with caveats.
It wasn't as over-the-top scary as some other rides I've tried on other ships or at theme parks, but it was definitely unique. Also, for $10, the three-minute duration is a great value, beating the pants off of Bolt, Carnival's roller coaster (which costs $15 for two laps around the deck, less than a minute of ride time).
Given its variable speeds, Robotron is also suitable for most adventurous children, as long as they meet the age and height requirements.
That said, it won't be for you if you're afraid of heights, if you're pregnant, if you have certain health conditions or if you're prone to motion sickness.
Bottom line
Although Carnival Cruise Line's Bolt was the first traditional amusement ride on a cruise ship, and Royal Caribbean introduced robotic-arm gimmicks years ago with its Bionic Bar robotic bartender and North Star observation pod, MSC has found something fun and innovative for passengers with Robotron.
The attraction offers a ride that's surprisingly thrilling, and if you're someone who likes rare experiences, a ride on Robotron is definitely worth the price tag.
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.