As holidays at sea become increasingly popular, cruise lines are having to come up with even more exciting activities for guests to try out on board. We look at some of the best experiences for groups looking for something extra…

1. Become a racing legend

Every thought you’d be able to drive around on a ship? Well, Norwegian Bliss features a large race track at sea at nearly 1,000 feet. Norwegian Cruise Line asserts says that the two-level electric car race track accommodates novice, intermediate and advanced drivers with four speed settings, reaching up to 30 miles per hour.

Norwegian Bliss

Pictured: Go-karting onboard Norwegian Bliss.

2. Ice, ice, baby

Enjoy the ocean views whilst whirling around ship decks; experience ice-skating with your group onboard a Royal Caribbean International ship. The activity is available on all Oasis, Freedom and Voyager class ships, and open to all age groups and abilities. 

3. Pedal away

Onboard Carnival Horizon, Carnival Cruise Line’s ship, you can enjoy pedal bikes that go around an 800-foot track 150-foot above deck 12. Particularly suited for brave travellers who don’t mind heights. The ship also has a ropes course, which has high wires, swinging beams and nets.

4. All fun and games

For groups who enjoy fun and games, Princess Cruises’ ships include basketball courts, ping pong tables, shuffleboard, miniature golf courses and a golf driving range. Plenty for active members to enjoy whilst cruising and certainly enough to keep the competitive among you entertained.

Ultimate Abyss

Pictured: Ultimate Abyss onboard Harmony of the Seas.

5. Into the abyss

Laser tag joins a line-up that includes a puzzle room where you have an hour to uncover clues and escape, a trio of water slides, rock-climbing walls and a zip-wire, onboard Harmony of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean ship. There’s also a 100-foot slide, dubbed the Ultimate Abyss, and you’ll whizz from deck 16 to deck six in about 13 seconds. Most Royal Caribbean ships includes slides and adventure courses.

6. Above and beyond

Scenic’s Scenic Eclipse, a luxury yacht that voyages to a multitude of worldwide destinations from 2019, carries a helicopter, a seven-person submarine, kayaks and scuba diving gear, for groups wanting to explore the sea further and from a new height.

7. A whole new world…

Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge features a new ‘Magic Carpet’ ride which moves up and down the side of the ship, changing function as it goes. The experience allows guests to enjoy a drink with an alternative view, feeling closer to the ocean. Said to be the world’s first cantilevered floating platform the ‘carpet’ reaches 13 storeys above sea level, visiting many decks along the way.

Want to find out more about the latest ships and what they have to offer? Read our article about the ‘big three’ .