Surfing is the latest activity to be offered on board a cruise ship with a dedicated facility on the world’s largest passenger vessel.
The FlowRider surf park will feature across two decks on Royal Caribbean International’s new vessel Freedom of the Seas which launches next May from Miami.
The 3,600-passenger ship will include a 32-foot-wide by 40-foot-long FlowRider which generates a thin sheet of water that flows over the ride surface, creating a wave-like shape.
Similar to swimming against a current in a stationary lap pool, riders will be able to surf or body board against the waterflow of 30,000 gallons per minute, according to the company.
Descending from Deck 13 down to Deck 12, the FlowRider features a tensioned-fabric surface similar to a trampoline to provide a cushion to absorb the impact of falls.
Royal Caribbean International has previously introduced on board rock-climbing walls, ice skating rinks and in-line skating tracks.
Report by Phil Davies
