For adrenaline seekers, ziplining is an activity that can’t be beat. Traveling at top speeds with only a steel cable, a pulley, and good old-fashioned gravity to keep you company? You’ll have a hard time coming closer to flying anywhere outside of your dreams.
Go Above and Beyond the Sea as You Zipline on a Cruise
Have you ever tried it? If not, you’re missing out on an epic rush. Even if you have, the experience of ziplining on a cruise is one that you’ll never forget. The port cities include spectacular scenery, and what better way to take it in than from the air?
Some cruise ships include ziplines on board, which is both convenient and exhilarating. But the private islands owned by the cruise companies are home to many other amazing ziplining adventures. Other cruise ports also offer these unique tours during shore excursions. If you want to try to zipline on a cruise, be sure to look into the various options before you book.
Zipline on a Cruise Ship
Those of you who want to include a ziplining tour in your onboard activities will want to pay close attention here. Not all ships offer this feature, but Royal Caribbean International‘s Oasis Class ships are among the few that do. Choose between Wonder of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas, and enjoy a ziplining adventure for no additional fee.
MSC Cruises offers ziplining on two of its ships: the Seaside and the Seaview. The exciting courses feature side-by-side ziplines, allowing participants to race one another. This adds an interactive element to an already intense experience.
On Norwegian Cruise Line‘s Breakaway, Escape, and Getaway ships, the Ropes course includes the opportunity to zipline on a cruise. Though this is hardly surprising in a cruise line that keeps a strong focus on sports and the outdoor life, it’s a splendid offering that offers glorious ocean views to accompany the adrenaline rush.
Private Islands
Labadee
On Labadee, one of Royal Caribbean‘s two private islands, you’ll have your pick of two breathtaking ziplining experiences. The Dragon’s Breath is the largest over-water zipline in the world, soaring over 2,600 feet. On the Dragon’s Fire Flight Line, you’ll zoom along Superman-style to get the full sensation of flight. This is one of many Labadee shore excursions you won’t want to miss.
Perfect Day at CocoCay
When you’re ready to take your beach adventure to a higher level, take a ride on the 1,600-foot zipline, which soars over the harbor lagoon. This adventure provides unequaled views of Perfect Day at CocoCay, as well as prime bragging rights.
Great Stirrup Cay
Of all the fantastic options this island offers, the Great Stirrup Cay zipline adventures have to be at the top of the list. After taking an elevator to the top of the Flighthouse, you’ll reach top speeds over 50 mph while taking in glorious views of the beach and reef. Some of the platforms are perched 120 feet above the ground, so you’ll truly have a birds-eye view of Great Stirrup Cay island.
Harvest Caye
Also featured in NCL‘s arsenal of exotic and popular destinations, Harvest Caye is home to a zipline that takes you cruising 100 feet over the Manatee Lagoon. The course consists of three ziplines, each of which is long enough for you to really feel the rush of the wind through your hair. This experience is ideal for novices and long-term thrill-seekers alike.
Cruise Ports for Zipline Activities
Although there are numerous ports that allow you to experience a zipline on a cruise tour, these are some of the most popular. Each one offers a unique adventure that’s sure to be one of the highlights of your trip.
St. Kitts
One of St. Kitts tours involves what’s billed as a “Sky Safari,” which lives up to its promise of adventure. In addition to the wild tropical rainforest, you’ll have the opportunity to view a historic sugar estate and rum distillery.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Montego Bay offers a variety of ziplining adventures, allowing you to choose the one that best suits the needs of your group. You can even combine the zipline ride with a river tubing excursion, an ATV ride, or a sail on a catamaran.
Alaska, Icy Strait Point
The ZipRider boasts top speeds of 65 mph and an average grade of 25 percent, along with a whopping 1,320-foot vertical drop. Numerous wedding proposals have taken place here, and many riders return to repeat the experience again and again. Although it’s definitely not an experience for the faint of heart, there have been many riders over the age of 90 in the course’s history.
Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Embark on a 3-hour EcoZip adventure tour and witness the jaw-dropping forest scenery of New Zealand from the air. When you’ve taken the time to visit this remote and stunning corner of the world, why not explore it by any means available? The tour includes a guided nature walk, as well as round-trip transportation to either Matiatia Ferry Terminal or Oneroa Village.
Hilo, Hawaii
Hawaii’s Big Island has plenty to offer, but the Umauma Falls ziplining experience is difficult to beat. With 9 lines covering miles of botanical gardens, waterfalls, rainforest, and lava tubes, your eyes will be as dazzled as the rest of your senses. The course also boasts views of the Umauma River, whose name translates as “constantly flowing.”
Cozumel, Mexico
One of the most popular Cozumel shore excursions involves zooming from tower to tower on a series of ziplines. The experience takes place 60 feet in the air—well above the tree line—for panoramic views of this gorgeous beachfront town.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Activities in San Juan range from waterskiing to jetskiing to just plain lazing around on the beach. Why not add “zipline on a cruise tour” to the list while you’re there? If you’re offered the opportunity to visit Toro Verde Adventure Park, don’t miss the zipline known as “The Monster,” which is the longest in America at 2.5 kilometers.
Roatán, Honduras
Choosing between the various Roatan excursions is difficult enough as it is, so forgive us for adding yet another. With South Shore Excursions, you can take the basic Canopy Tour or sample the “Zuperman” experience, which transports riders headfirst along the course. An Eco-Walk is available for any fainthearted members of your group.
Now that you’re primed to zipline on a cruise, don’t wait any longer to embark on your next voyage!