The next crazy cruise ship attraction is ... a robotic arm that dangles you over the waves
Ready for the next crazy cruise ship attraction? It seems like every few years there's a new ground-breaking activity being introduced on board one ship or another. Recent additions have included a roller coaster on Carnival, a tricked-out water slide on Disney Cruise Line and a three-deck-high go-kart track on Norwegian.
Not to be outdone, this week Switzerland-based MSC Cruises announced an all-new amusement ride coming to its newest ship, MSC Seascape. Robotron, a robotic arm attached to a three-passenger, roller coaster-style seat, combines music and lights to create a dance party in the air, with the arm moving to the rhythm of the beat. The attraction is the first ride at sea to allow riders to customize their experience to their desired thrill level.
“We are excited to give our guests more access to cutting-edge experiences," said Ruben A. Rodriguez, president of MSC Cruises USA, in a company statement. "We’re the first cruise line to offer something like Robotron at sea, and we can’t wait for thrill-seekers to discover the ride of their life surrounded by the beauty of the Caribbean."
The Robotron ride is customizable, so riders can choose a high intensity level to be flipped upside down and dangled over the edge of the ship or a more family-friendly setting to focus more on taking in the incredible views. In addition, riders can select their favorite music and light settings, and Robotron will "dance" to the music and pulse colorful light patterns in time to the tunes.
Related: The craziest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship
Royal Caribbean fans might notice some similarities between Robotron and the North Star attraction on Royal Caribbean's Quantum-class ships. While both employ robotic arms with passenger pods at the end, the North Star offers more serene sightseeing, while Robotron goes straight for the heart-pounding thrills.
Robotron is not the only high-tech addition to MSC Seascape. MSC Cruises will also add new virtual reality experiences to the ship, including a VR flight simulator and VR motorcycles. MSC Seascape will join other ships in the fleet in offering an immersive XD theater and a Formula One race car simulator.
The second ship in MSC Cruises's Seaside EVO class, MSC Seascape will have many similarities to first-in-class MSC Seashore, which debuted in 2021. Seascape will launch in New York later this year with a naming ceremony set to take place on Dec. 7, though its first sailing will depart Rome on Nov. 19 for a trip across the Atlantic. The ship will spend its maiden season sailing Caribbean cruises from Miami.
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Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
- 6x points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4x points at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer expires 11/2/22.
- 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
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