The best cruise ship water slides include Royal Caribbean’s “The Blaster,” a water coaster with high-speed thrills, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Ocean Loops,” a double-loop slide that extends over the ocean. Carnival’s “Twister Waterslide” offers long spirals, while Disney Cruise Line’s “AquaDuck” provides an interactive, family-friendly water ride.
Our guide covers which ships have water slides, water parks, and how thrilling they are and whether your kids will love them!
Find out which water slides have made it into our top 17 water slides on a cruise ship.
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Water Slides: An Overview
Going on a cruise with water slides is really exciting, however finding the right one for you can be a challenge. Companies like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line add water parks to tempt cruises to pick them.
Carnival Cruise Line is famous for its sea waterparks, featuring the Kaleid-o-slide on Carnival Vista. Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas boasts the Tidal Wave, a boomerang-style slide.
MSC Cruises will wow you with the long Vertigo slide on MSC Preziosa. MSC World Europa’s Venom Drop slides from deck 20 to deck 8. Norwegian Cruise Line offers Aqua Racer and The Drop for exciting rides.
Disney Cruise Line is perfect for families, with the AquaDuck and AquaDunk, which shoots riders out over the ship’s edge.
For more great water slides, check out Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas with its Perfect Storm trio and the Blaster water coaster. Norwegian Epic’s Epic Plunge ends with a big splash, and Norwegian Bliss features Ocean Loops and Tube Slide. MSC Seaview’s Forest Aquaventure Park has five fun slides.
🛳️ Review:
The Blaster water slide was awesome, and our kids couldn’t get enough of it! The slide sticks out over the side of the ship, you literally feel like you’re flying. The only downside was the long wait times for the slides, so we had to get up early to beat the masses. We booked our cruise through About2Cruise, they were awesome, thanks so much.
Best Cruise Ship Water Parks
🛳️ Pro Tip: Phone Case
I always bring a waterproof phone on my cruises. This way, I can take photos and videos of the kids on the slides without worrying about my phone getting wet. Plus, having my phone handy is super helpful if we get lost.
Top Picks for Cruise Ships with Water Slides
For those who love excitement and water fun, finding the best cruise ships with water slides is key. Let’s explore our top choices that combine luxury cruising and amazing water slide adventures.
- Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy: These ships boast the AquaDuck, a 765-foot long water coaster. Both kids and adults enjoy it. With thrilling dips and breathtaking ocean views, it’s a top cruise ship with the best water slides.
- Carnival Vista: Here, the 455-foot long Kaleid-O-Slide offers a colourful ride with twists and turns. Launched in 2016, it’s a family favourite aboard the ship.
- MSC Preziosa: It features the Vertigo water slide, 394 feet long and 42 feet high. With underwater tunnel views of the sea, it stands out among the best cruise ships with water slides.
- Carnival Spirit: The Twister water slide, stretching 312 feet, delivers a fast spin to a splashy end. It’s known for its exciting spiral and is a must-try slide on a cruise ship.
- Norwegian Getaway: The Free Fall slide offers a thrilling 250-foot near-vertical drop. It’s a favourite for those seeking a rush.
- Norwegian Epic: The Epic Plunge, a four-story tube slide, takes you on a 200-foot exciting plunge. Its bold design is unforgettable.
- Royal Caribbean: Known for ships like Anthem of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas. They offer tall slides and water parks. With slides like the Ultimate Abyss℠, the longest dry slide at sea, they’re clearly cruise ships with the best water slides.
🛳️ Pro Tip: Know the Rules
Before we head on a cruise, I make sure to check the age and height restrictions for the water slides and other attractions. It helps to prepare the kids for what they can and can’t do, so there’s no disappointment when we get there. Some slides have pretty strict rules.
Speedway Splash on Carnival Sunshine
Are you looking for fun? Then, check out Speedway Splash on Carnival Sunshine. It’s a wild water slide, extending 334 feet and set four stories up. From top deck ten, you slide down a path with amazing sea views. Many say it’s the best water slide on a cruise.
Thrill and Features
The Speedway Splash is all about thrills for those who love adventure. You start up high, getting splendid ocean views as you speed down. It combines thrills with safety, making it a hit on Carnival Sunshine.
Suitability for Families
Speedway Splash is great for families too. Kids and adults alike find it thrilling while meeting safety needs. All riders need to be over 42 inches tall and under 265 pounds. This makes the Carnival Sunshine a top pick for family fun on the sea.
Green Thunder on Carnival Spirit
The Green Thunder waterslide is known for being one of the fastest and steepest waterslides at sea.
The slide features a dramatic drop and high speeds, making it a popular attraction for thrill-seekers on the ship.
Riders experience a near-vertical drop, which creates a thrilling free-fall sensation before they twist and turn through the rest of the slide.
The Green Thunder is designed to provide an exhilarating ride while still being accessible to a wide range of passengers.
Epic Plunge on Norwegian Epic
When it comes to cruise ship thrills, the Epic Plunge on the Norwegian Epic stands out. This water slide is the longest one you can find on a cruise ship. With its rubber ring slide-into-bowl design, it promises a thrilling ride.
Measuring over 200 feet, it’s a must-visit for those seeking adventure and fun. The ride kicks off with a spiralling tube. This leads you into a giant bowl. You’ll swirl around before soft landing in the pool. It ensures an adrenaline-packed journey on the Norwegian Epic.
The Aqua Park on the Norwegian Epic also features pools, hot tubs, and the ‘Free Fall’ waterslide.
The Epic Plunge is great for families, making sure kids and adults alike have a great time. It’s a must-see for anyone on the Norwegian Epic. It combines excitement with relaxation in a unique way.
Free Fall on Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway
The Free Fall water slide on the Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway is an amazing slide at sea. It starts with a trapdoor that drops you almost straight down, giving you an adrenaline rush like no other.
Dual-Zone Slide
The Free Fall also has a dual-zone feature, so two people can race down side by side. This adds an exciting competitive twist, making the wait for the trapdoor to open even more thrilling.
To go on the longest water slide at sea, you need to be at least 48 inches tall and weigh between 99 and 300 pounds. These rules ensure everyone has fun safely.
Aside from the Free Fall slide, the Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway have lots more to offer. They’re perfect for thrill-seekers and families alike.
Vertigo on MSC Preziosa
The Vertigo water slide on MSC Preziosa is a wild 120-meter-long journey, soaring 13 meters high. It stands as a lively ride among cruise ships with water slides. Riders can reach speeds of up to 6 meters per second for a rush of excitement.
With a 0.9-meter wide tube, the slide plunges you into a cool pool for an epic finish. What makes Vertigo stand out are its dazzling strobe light effects. They add an extra thrill to your adventure at sea. It’s a top pick for those seeking fun on a cruise.
Riders need to be over 102 cm tall and at least seven years old to slide. There’s also a weight limit of 150 kilos for safety. It’s designed for both families and individuals looking for fun. The Vertigo slide captures the essence of modern cruising adventure.
🛳️ Pro Tip: Buddy System
To keep the kids safe and make it more fun, we use a buddy system for the water slides. Each child pairs up with a sibling or friend, and they look out for each other while waiting in line and going down the slides. It gives me peace of mind knowing they’re not alone and adds an extra layer of safety.
Water Coasters: The Blaster on Navigator of the Seas
When checking out top cruise water slides, The Blaster on Navigator of the Seas is a must-try. Stretching 800 feet, it’s the longest water slide at sea, offering an incredible ride with exciting twists and turns.
Length and Design
The Blaster is 35 feet longer than Disney Cruise Line’s AquaDuck, making for a thrilling ride full of excitement. It’s a water coaster with slides and uphill boosts for non-stop fun. Plus, parts of it hang over the ship, giving you amazing sea views.
Riding Over the Open Sea
What makes The Blaster special is that it extends over the side of the ship, making you feel like you’re flying over the ocean. This unique experience makes it one of the best cruise water slides.
Along with The Blaster, the ship also has the Riptide water slide and FlowRider, promising endless fun and excitement.
The Perfect Storm Complex on Royal Caribbean
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AquaDuck on Disney Cruise Line
The AquaDuck water coaster is a key feature of Disney Cruise Line’s focus on family entertainment. Available on the Disney Dream and Fantasy, it is a whimsical water slide. It propels families around the ship’s top deck in a transparent tube. Riders get amazing views while twisting and turning on the 765-foot-long slide. It also features a thrilling drop down four decks!
Family-Friendly Fun
Disney Cruise Line shines in offering fun for all ages, perfect for seeking family-friendly cruise ships with water slides. The AquaDuck requires riders to be over 42 inches tall to ensure younger guests can experience the excitement. Solo riders need to be at least 54 inches tall, making safety a top concern.
Children under 7 need an older companion, at least 14, to ride, which adds to its family-friendly charm. Built by Meyer Werft in Germany in 2009 and 2012 for the Dream and Fantasy, the AquaDuck excites with its innovative design and thrilling features.
For those on the Disney Magic, the AquaDunk is another exciting water slide option. This 212-foot slide has a steep drop into a clear tube over the ocean. It also has a height requirement of 48 inches. These ships are perfect for families looking for cruise adventures with water slides.
🛳️ Review:
We had a blast on the Norwegian Breakaway! The Free fall water slide with its trapdoor drop was thrilling and scary at the same time. Our kids loved racing each other on the dual slides. The only downside was that our youngest couldn’t go on some slides due to height and weight restrictions, which was a bit disappointing. We booked through About2Cruise, and they made sure we had all the info we needed for a great trip.
Cruise Ships with Water Slides from Southampton
Planning Your Cruise with Slides Adventure
A cruise with water slides promises fun you won’t forget. To make the most of your trip, plan properly. This includes booking tips and what to pack to ensure a smooth, enjoyable time.
Booking Tips
Choosing the right cruise needs careful timing and research. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Book Early: Lines like Carnival and Norwegian get booked fast. Booking 6-12 months early can get you better deals.
- Check for Promotions: Look for discounts on sites like Cruise Critic. They can help you save money.
- Choose the Right Itinerary: Pick a cruise that offers enough time at water parks. MSC Seaside is a great choice.
- Consider the Ship’s Amenities: Look for dining options and kids’ activities. MSC Seaside has lots to offer.
- Read Reviews: Sites like TripAdvisor have valuable feedback. Look for comments on water slides and more.
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We’re cruise travel agents with tons of real life experience with water slides & water parks on cruises. Let us find the right cruise for you.
Packing Essentials
Packing right is key to enjoying your cruise. Don’t forget these items:
- Swimwear: Bring a few swimsuits for the water slide fun. Quick-drying ones are best.
- Sunscreen: Go for high-SPF, water-resistant sunblock for outdoor fun.
- Water Shoes: These help on slippery decks and during shore visits.
- Lightweight Clothing: Choose outfits that are comfy and suited for the heat.
- Day Pack: A small backpack is great for carrying essentials like towels.
- Snacks and Water Bottles: It’s handy to have your own water and snacks, even though the cruise offers food.
The Future of Water Slides on Cruise Ships
he future of water slides on cruise ships is all about new technology and more fun. Expect even more advanced and exciting designs as they continue to grow. For example, the MSC Preziosa boasts the Vertigo slide, which is 120 meters long and one of the longest slides at sea.
Cruise lines like Norwegian, Carnival, Disney, MSC, and Royal Caribbean are stepping up their game with amazing slides. Norwegian Cruise Line features the impressive Ocean Loops slide. Disney’s AquaDuck is a favorite for families on the Disney Dream and Fantasy. Royal Caribbean’s ships have thrilling slides like the Supercell.
FAQ
Which cruise lines offer the best water slides?
Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line are known for great water slides. They have water parks with slides for thrill-seekers and families alike.
What are the standout water slides on Carnival Cruise Line?
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival WaterWorks has some remarkable slides. The Green Thunder on Carnival Spirit is fast and steep. Meanwhile, the Speedway Splash on Carnival Sunshine offers a four-story-high slide adventure.
Which ship boasts the longest water slide at sea?
The Blaster on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas is the longest at sea. It’s a water coaster that goes over the ocean for a unique ride.
Are there any family-friendly water slides on cruise ships?
Yes, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream and Fantasy offer the AquaDuck. It’s a gentle water coaster in a clear tube, great for families.
What makes Norwegian Cruise Line’s AquaPark unique?
Norwegian Cruise Line’s AquaPark has five massive waterslides. The Epic Plunge is notable with its rubber ring slide-into-bowl design.
Can you describe MSC Preziosa’s Vertigo slide?
MSC Preziosa’s Vertigo is a 400-foot slide with a strobe light effect. It promises thrilling speeds and ends in a splash.
Are there any cruise ships with water slides departing from Southampton?
Several cruise ships with slides leave from Southampton. Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises are popular choices for British holidaymakers looking for fun.
What’s special about the water slides in Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Storm complex?
The Perfect Storm complex on Royal Caribbean has slides like dual racers and the Supercell. It offers diverse adventures for all ages and adventure levels.
How can I plan the perfect cruise with water slides?
For the perfect water slide cruise, book early to get the best deals. Choose an itinerary with your favourite slides. Don’t forget to pack for water fun.
What’s next for water slides on cruise ships?
The future of cruise ship slides lies in evolving design and technology. New and thrilling experiences await to attract and entertain the next wave of cruisers.
🛝 Book a Water Slide Cruise
We’re cruise travel agents with tons of real life experience with water slides & water parks on cruises. Let us find the right cruise for you.
