Gather your thrill-loving crew, chase adrenaline at sea and turn your next cruise into a floating adventure park.
Setting sail with an adventurous group—friends, family, club, or team—is an entirely different kind of vacation. Today’s cruise ships are built for more than sunshine and lounge chairs (though we love those too). They’re packed with rock walls, surf simulators, skydiving tunnels, roller coasters, water parks, and so much more.
At America’s Best Cruises, we help your group choose the right ship, the right itinerary, and the right mix of thrills and chill so you don’t just “take a cruise”—you share an experience you’ll be talking about for years.
Onboard Thrills: Start With The Big Adrenaline Hits
Rock Climbing: Reach New Heights
Many modern ships feature multi-story rock walls with routes for beginners and seasoned climbers alike. You clip in, grab your first hold, and suddenly you’re scaling a wall with the open ocean as your backdrop. Reaching the top feels like a little victory every time.
Pro Tip: Wear flexible clothing and listen closely to the instructors’ safety briefing. When you reach the summit, pause and soak in the view—then get that summit selfie.
Surf Simulators: Ride Endless Waves
Onboard surf simulators (like FlowRider®) generate continuous waves so you can practice again and again—no sand, no riptides, no sharks. Whether you’re a long-time surfer or brand new, the staff will coach you through your first rides.
Pro Tip: New to surfing? Start with a boogie board. Once you’ve got your balance and the feel of the water flow, move up to standing on the board.
Zip Lining: Soar Above the Deck
Want to feel the wind in your hair and your heart in your throat—in a good way? Some ships offer short but unforgettable zip lines that whisk you over the open decks. You step off the platform, glide across the ship, and see the entire scene from above.
Pro Tip: Secure hats, sunglasses, and anything loose before you clip in. Let the seagulls do their own shopping.
Skydiving Simulators: Float and Fly
If you love the idea of skydiving but aren’t quite ready to jump out of a plane, an onboard skydiving simulator is the perfect compromise. These vertical wind tunnels let you float, turn, and fly in a safe, controlled environment that mimics free-fall.
Pro Tip: Wear snug-fitting clothes and skip jewelry. The more relaxed and steady your body position, the more effortless (and fun) your “flight” will feel.
Cool-Down Adventures: Ice, Bounce and Splash
Ice Skating: Glide on the High Seas
Ice skating—on a ship in the middle of the ocean—is a story all on its own. Whether you’re clinging to the rail or confidently gliding laps, onboard rinks are a fun (and cool) break from the sun.
Pro Tip: Don’t be shy about holding onto the rail at first. A few careful laps build your balance and confidence quickly.
Bungee Trampolines: Bounce to New Heights
Bungee trampolines combine the pure joy of bouncing with the safety of a harness, letting you jump higher and even try simple flips. It’s part workout, part performance, and all smiles.
Pro Tip: Wear comfy, athletic-style clothing you can move in. Expect to feel it in your legs the next day—in the best way.
Water Slides & Splash Parks: Dive into Fun
Today’s ships boast multi-deck water slides, racing lanes, drop slides, and entire splash zones that feel like mini water parks at sea. Some even extend out over the side of the ship in clear tubes, giving you fantastic views mid-splash.
Pro Tip: Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you’re always ready. Lines are often shorter early in the day, late afternoon, or when many guests are ashore.
Game On: Compete, Solve and Immerse
Laser Tag: Battle It Out
Futuristic laser tag arenas at sea are perfect for friendly competition. Hide behind glowing obstacles, sneak through tunnels, and team up to outscore your opponents. It’s a hit with kids, teens, and grownups alike.
Pro Tip: Dark clothing helps you blend in. Agree on a simple team strategy—like one defender, one scout, and two movers—to keep it fun and focused.
Escape Rooms: Puzzle Your Way Out
If your group loves mysteries and brain teasers, make time for an onboard escape room. You’ll step into a themed space, follow clues, solve puzzles, and race against the clock together.
Pro Tip: Divide and conquer. Let different people focus on different puzzles or areas of the room, and keep talking—sharing information is the key to a timely escape.
Virtual Reality Experiences: Step into Another World
VR lounges and experiences can transport you far beyond the ship: under the ocean, across galaxies, into fantasy worlds, or inside high-speed races. It’s a great option for tech lovers and gamers in your group.
Pro Tip: Take breaks between VR sessions to avoid fatigue. Afterwards, swap stories—half the fun is comparing what each person just experienced.
Ready to Plan Your Group’s Next Big Adventure?
When your group loves a little (or a lot of) adrenaline, the right ship can feel like a floating playground—from dawn laps on the rock wall to late-night laser tag and VR.
At America’s Best Cruises, we:
- Match your group with ships that feature the thrills you care about most
- Help you choose itineraries that balance active days and easygoing ports
- Handle group bookings, cabins, and logistics so you can focus on the fun
Let’s map out your adventure at sea.
Contact America’s Best Cruises today, gather your thrill-seeking crew, and we’ll help you turn “someday we should do this” into a real, unforgettable group cruise.
Here’s to zip lines, surf simulators, wild slides, and the kind of at-sea stories you’ll be telling—and laughing about—for years.
