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FREEDOM OF THE SEAS
First surfpark takes to the waves
First it was rock-climbing walls, then ice skating rinks and in-line skating tracks. Now Royal Caribbean offers the first-ever shipboard surf park.
The company unveiled the first onboard surf park on the 160,000-ton Freedom of the Seas when she arrived as the world's largest cruise ship in May 2006.
The 32-foot-wide by 40-foot-long FlowRider generates a thin sheet of water that flows over the ride surface, creating a wave-like shape. Riders can surf or body board against the
waterflow of 30,000 gallons per minute, carving turns and trying tricks.
Says RCI president Adam Goldstein: "In the same way that our rock-climbing walls have inspired cruisers to get out there and try new things, we know the FlowRider will add to our guests' excitement with an adrenaline-pumping, unforgettable new experience."
The new surf park is the fourth outstanding aqua environment to be announced
for Freedom of the Seas. The ship also features an adults-only Solarium
with two cantilevered whirlpools extending 12ft past the sides of the
ship; a main pool area with two pools, including one dedicated to team
sports and lap swimming; and the colorful H2O Zone water park, featuring
interactive sculpture fountains, ground geysers, a cascading waterfall and a
circular pool with current.
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