Top 10 Cruising Innovations for 2016

From the bionic bartenders to bumper cars at sea, cruise ship innovations have reached new heights. These are our favourites that will be making waves in 2016.

The SeaWalk on Regal Princess

At 60 feet long and hovering 128 feet above the ocean, the Princess SeaWalk offers an exciting experience for both kids and adults. Featuring a dramatic glass-bottomed walkway, the SeaWalk provides passengers with unparalleled views of the sea below.

The SeaWalk on Regal Princess

iFLY Skydiving on Ovation of the Seas

RipCord by iFLY is the first ever skydiving simulator at sea. Discover the thrill of skydiving in a completely safe and controlled environment without ever leaving the deck.

iFLY Skydiving on Ovation of the Seas

Robotic bartenders on Ovation of the Seas

These robots can muddle, stir, shake, and strain a drink to perfection. The cocktail combinations are endless with 30 different spirits and 20 different mixers. The robots can mix up to two cocktails a minute with laser precision and thirst-quenching results. Also available on Quantum of the Seas

Robotic bartenders on Ovation of the Seas

Chef’s Table on P&O’s Pacific Eden

An exclusive and private dining experience hosted by the ship’s Executive Chef. Includes a welcome reception with a glass of sparkling wine and canapés, a seven course degustation menu with matching wines, a tour of the ships galley, and professional photograph of the evening. Also available on Pacific Aria, Jewel, Dawn and Pearl

Chef’s Table on P&O’s Pacific Eden

Virtual Balcony on Ovation of the Seas

Ocean views are now available to every interior stateroom with the cutting-edge technology of virtual balconies. A Virtual Balcony is an 80-inch high-definition screen inside interior staterooms that spans nearly floor to ceiling. They offer digital real-time views of the ocean and destinations visible from the ship’s exterior. Also available on Voyager, Explorer, Quantum and Harmony of the Seas

Virtual Balcony on Ovation of the Seas

Wraparound Promenade on Norwegian Escape

An industry-first, quarter-mile wraparound oceanfront promenade featuring the Waterfront, a wine and dining experience connecting you with the ocean while enjoying some of Norwegian’s signature dining venues, Restaurants, bars and stunning views

Wraparound Promenade on Norwegian Escape

Qsine iPad menus on Celebrity Silhouette

iPad menus create a new dining experience that’s fun and interactive. Expect to find some twists on familiar favourites, including sushi lollipops, lobster escargot, popcorn fish and chips, and much more. Also available on Celebrity Eclipse, Millennium, Summit and Infinity

Qsine iPad menus on Celebrity Silhouette

North Star on Ovation of the Seas

A jewel-like observation capsule the offers guests the ability to see the world from a breathtaking 90 metres above sea-level. This innovation will provide unprecedented 360-degree breathtaking views never before seen at sea.

North Star on Ovation of the Seas

Bumper Cars on Ovation of of the Seas

An innovation for adults and children alike, the Royal Caribbean bumper cars are the first at sea. They are part of the largest indoor active space at sea, with 30 bumper cars, a roller rink, full-size basketball court, a circus school, floating DJ booth and a resident food truck. Also available on Harmony of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas

Bumper Cars on Ovation of of the Seas

10 Story Slide on Harmony of the Seas

At 10 stories high, Harmony of the Seas’ Ultimate Abyss is not only the tallest slide at sea but also an amazing engineering feat. The new mega ship will be arriving in Europe in May 2016.

10 Story Slide on Harmony of the Seas

And for 2017?

A two-level floating race track on new Norwegian Cruise Lines ship. Its next luxury ship will include the world’s first two-level floating race track. The ship will travel a China-based route that sails from Beijing and Shanghai. launching in 2017.

Norwegian Cruise Lines  Racetrack