Norwegian Joy's World-First Go-Kart Track at Sea Offers Thrilling Cruise Experience
Cruise holidays are traditionally synonymous with relaxation, but a growing trend sees major liners incorporating unique, exhilarating thrills to cater to adventure-seeking passengers. From waterparks featuring double-loop slides to vertigo-inducing rock-climbing walls and even tightrope walks high above the top deck, the industry is pushing boundaries with innovative onboard amenities.
A Pioneering Attraction on the High Seas
Norwegian Cruise Line's vessel, Norwegian Joy, stands out with a heart-racing world-first attraction. Guests can climb into electric go-karts and zip around at speeds of up to 35mph on the ship's two-level track, named Speedway. This groundbreaking feature, built directly on top of the cruise ship, offers sharp bends and technical turns, providing an adrenaline-fuelled experience for families and passengers of all ages aboard the sprawling 3,804-passenger vessel.
In a new YouTube documentary titled Ship Shape, the Daily Mail explores behind the scenes of this impressive liner, highlighting various high-adrenaline activities. The go-kart track, a one-of-its-kind innovation, allows riders to race above the sea with nothing but open water and sky around them. Powered by electricity, the karts can be stopped quickly and safely in case of malfunctions or if a rider needs to exit the track. Each steering wheel is fitted with a 'boost' button for overtaking, offering a short burst of extra speed. Rides last approximately eight minutes and are available for both solo and double riding.
Beyond Go-Karts: A Multitude of Thrills
The go-kart track is just one of several lively attractions aboard the £640 million Norwegian Joy, which first launched in April 2017. The ship also boasts an open-air laser tag arena, a virtual reality pavilion with simulators like hovercraft bumper cars, and multi-storey water slides. Notably, it features the first-ever double looping waterslide on a cruise ship, the Ocean Loop, which hangs over the edge of the boat, alongside a floating water park and a beach club.
When venturing off the ship, guests can explore Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, the first island ever owned by a cruise line. This 268-acre idyllic island, once used by pirates as a hide-out, is home to two zipline routes called Osprey and Seahawk. These join to a tower overlooking endless rows of sun lounges on the white sandy shores. Darren Hreniuk, founder and president of the Original Canopy Tour, installed both ziplines and notes in Ship Shape that visitors range from elderly individuals fulfilling bucket-list dreams to athletic young people who sometimes find themselves unexpectedly nervous.
Relaxation After Adventure
After a day filled with adventure and adrenaline highs, the ship offers the award-winning Mandara Spa, described by assistant spa manager Hannah Marsh as the 'perfect place to unwind'. The spa features the largest thermal suite among all NCL ships, lined with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide sweeping views of the ocean, ensuring a serene conclusion to an action-packed journey.
