What Is the Cruise With Go-Karts: Royal Caribbean

Table Of Content

• The Italian-designed 965-footer is due to hit the seas next year.
• How This Remote Norwegian Archipelago Became a New Travel Hot Spot
• The Laps Take About 30 Seconds
• Does Royal Caribbean Have a Running Track?
• Norwegian's Newest Cruise Ship Has a Go-kart Track, Infinity Pools, and an Open-air Food Hall
• On What Cruise Ships Are Go-Karts Available?

I also noticed throughout the sailing when I went to check in on and watch the Speedway that there seemed to be openings at many different times and days throughout the voyage. Come along with me as I break down exactly what is included in the extra cost of racing along this Speedway - and wether or not I think this extra-cost experience is worth your $15. After two laps, I got to know the track better, and I relaxed and really enjoyed myself. Guests staying in the Haven will also enjoy a concierge service to help curate activities and 24-hour butler service to cater to your every whim, from pouring champagne to unpacking suitcases. Naturally, you can also expect an evening turndown service and white-glove in-suite dining.

The Italian-designed 965-footer is due to hit the seas next year.

Having lived in walkable cities for more than a decade, I rarely drive nowadays, let alone in miniature race cars on moving ships in the middle of the ocean. If you're the kind of person who can't get enough of go-karting (or, more likely, you have a kid who loves the track), you soon will be able to buy a weeklong, all-you-can-ride pass. When Norwegian offered this before at the race tracks on its other ships, the cost was $199 per person. For larger families the karting experience can be a little pricey. But when you think about the fact that you’d be having this amazing experience in the middle of an ocean on one of the very first race tracks on top of a cruise ship, spending the money is worth it.

How This Remote Norwegian Archipelago Became a New Travel Hot Spot

Norwegian's previous go-kart tracks only covered parts of two decks. As I'm seeing this week during a sneak peek at the ship in advance of its first sailing with paying passengers, Norwegian Prima has a go-kart track so big it verges on the ridiculous. Norwegian Cruise Line provides a helmet with a visor, as well as a balaclava to all racer. The helmet sock fits over your head like a ski mask and prevents the helmet from touching your bare head. Not only is this more hygenic, but it’s also much more comfortable. The helmet socks are also washed after every single use so the whole experience is very clean and sanitary.

The Laps Take About 30 Seconds

It’s the largest indoor active space at sea, offering guests a wide range of thrilling activities and entertainment options. This state-of-the-art venue is designed to inspire guests to let loose, have fun, and connect with their playful sides. Some of the ships that offer this facility include the Oasis-class ships such as Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas. These ships have a specially designed running track that loops around the deck, providing ample space for joggers to enjoy their run. The Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss both have their own race tracks, though not as impressive as the one found on the Prima. During a special inaugural sailing last year, I couldnt help but notice the three-level go-kart track on the Norwegian Prima as soon as I returned to the ship from an excursion.

Instead of being spread over two decks like some other Norwegian ships, the Norwegian Viva and Prima’s 1,400-foot go-kart track is spread over the ship’s top three decks. In addition to the regular staterooms, Viva will be fitted with a special luxury section for well-heeled seafarers. The Haven by Norwegian, which is described as a “ship-within-a-ship,” was designed by noted Italian designer Piero Lissoni. If you're the kind of person who just can't get enough of go-karting (or, more likely, you have a kid like that), you also can buy a week-long, all-you-can-ride pass for $199 per person. I put "gas" in quotes because, unlike many go-karts on land, the cars that Norwegian is using on Norwegian Encore don't use fossil fuels.

Does Royal Caribbean Have a Running Track?

It was an impressive sight, and I couldnt wait to try it out. This unique experience has the potential to create once in a lifetime memories for cruisers, and therefore should definitely be on your list of must-do activities onboard your next Norwegian Cruise Line sailing. During our sailing, the Speedway was open everyday from about 5pm to 9pm each day. This means that guests have the opportunity to race during both sunset, during the later part of the afternoon, and at night. We chose to race during the earlier reservations, but we did check out the Speedway during the nighttime and it looked really fun to race at night as well. Perhaps the only bad news about the new go-kart track on Norwegian Encore is that it costs a lot more to experience than the go-kart tracks initially did on Norwegian's Joy and Bliss vessels.

The bigger width of the track makes it much easier to pass other cars, or be passed, as the case would be. It was the kind of cold and windy day you would expect off the coast of Iceland, and I couldn’t see anything but the ocean over the horizon. I hit the gas, hoped for the best, and breathed a sigh of relief when I made it to the top deck. It’s mind-bending to drive a go-kart on a moving cruise ship without a speck of land in sight. I may have thought the whole concept of go-karts on cruise ships was inane when I first heard of it.

For roughly the price of one alcoholic drink onboard, guests have the opportunity to experience something completely unique while on a cruise ship at sea. This means that the crew members are able to slow down or stop all of the cars on the track at any point should they need to. Also offered at the Speedway at the time of our sailing was an unlimited race pass.

Is Go-Karting on a Cruise Ship Worth It?

But after testing Prima Speedway this week, I can see the allure, particularly for people like me who have kids. The next time I'm on a Norwegian ship with my kids, I might just buy it. I put "gas" in quotes above because, unlike many go-karts on land, the cars that Norwegian is using on Norwegian Prima don't use fossil fuels. While they rev and roar like regular gas engine cars, they're electric-powered.

Norwegian's Prima cruise ship has go-kart track, giant slide: images - Business Insider

Norwegian's Prima cruise ship has go-kart track, giant slide: images.

Posted: Sat, 02 Oct 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]

We’ve seen reports of up to mph, but having raced on the ship firsthand, that’s not the case. While that may not sound fast, given how low to the ground you drive and the number of curves, it really feels much faster. There are definite times when you have to let off the gas to make a corner cleanly. The racetrack is by far one of the most popular parts of the ship. While your cruise may be different, we’d highly suggest making some reservations for your spot the instant you get on the ship.

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas are the two ships in their fleet that feature SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea. SeaPlex is a unique sporting venue with exciting new attractions that encourage guests to unwind and embrace their adventurous spirit. The Speedway may not be worth the extra cost if you are someone who is overwhelmed by thrilling experiences such as high speeds or loud noises.

Items like an open jacket or a scarf are not allowed as they run the risk of getting stuck on the wheels which could cause potential accidents. Other than these standard karting rules that you should be following, there’s not much stopping you from being part of this amazing oceanic karting experience. One of the best things about these tracks is that there is no age limit to drive karts on them. Another requirement to go on the tracks is to have the proper attire. This is very important, as it ensures the safety of the racers.

This feature is also introduced for safety reasons and they will also reduce the speed of racers, if there are any incidents on the track to ensure everyone’s safety. To add to the racing experience, the electric go-karts produce sounds of race car engines while you drive, making it feel even more authentic. And with a crowd cheering you on from the stands, you’re sure to get into the racing mood.