Editor’s be aware: TPG’s Ashley Kosciolek accepted a free journey from MSC Cruises to sail on MSC Seascape. The opinions expressed beneath are solely hers and weren’t topic to evaluate by the road.
What loopy top-deck attraction will cruise strains consider subsequent?
On earlier cruises, I’ve tried zip strains, surf simulators and 10-story slides. Last 12 months, I zoomed across the prime decks of Carnival’s Mardi Gras on the very first curler coaster at sea. This 12 months, as cruise strains proceed their quest to outdo each other, I’ve ridden the most recent theme park-style attraction — this one on MSC Cruises‘ MSC Seascape.
Robotron is a robotic arm that cantilevers passengers over the ship’s pool deck for a charge. It wowed me greater than I anticipated with what I can solely describe as an expertise that is equal components startling (moderately than terrifying) and pleasant.
Put it this manner: There are few cruise-ship points of interest I’d think about using greater than as soon as, and that is certainly one of them.
Here, I’ll cowl the main points of what Robotron is like, how a lot it prices and whether or not a experience is price your time.
For extra cruise guides, information, critiques and ideas, join TPG’s cruise e-newsletter.
What is Robotron on MSC cruises?
Robotron is one other identify for the Kuka Coaster — a robotic arm constructed by German robotics firm Kuka that serves as a top-deck attraction on MSC’s latest Seaside-class ship, MSC Seascape.
Perched on a sliver of the vessel’s nineteenth deck, simply above the outside pool space, the arm holds a trio of seats that restrain passengers because the experience sends them twisting and turning via the air.
Sign up for our day by day e-newsletter
Should riders be capable of maintain their eyes open, they’re rewarded with sweeping views of the encircling surroundings that generally could be the wrong way up. (Yes, the experience flips passengers onto their backs, stomachs and fully the wrong way up as they’re suspended 174 ft above the water.)
Before climbing right into a seat, every rider chooses a track from a pre-selected listing. That track will pump via close by audio system for roughly one-third of the three-minute session. Behind the experience, an LED display pulses with lighting results that wiggle and morph to ultimately spell out “Robotron.”
The experience has three speeds — sluggish, medium and quick — and contributors should agree on certainly one of them. I rode alone and went with medium pace. There have been a number of heart-pounding stomach-dropping moments nevertheless it was pretty tame total. (If you are keen on curler coasters and different high-adrenaline points of interest, undoubtedly select the quick choice.)
As for restrictions, you should be at the very least 7 years outdated, 4 ft tall and weigh not more than 298 kilos. Closed-toed footwear are required; no sandals or flip-flops are allowed.
Also, you need to take away all the pieces out of your pockets. No telephones, cameras, jewellery, meals, drinks, alcohol, chewing gum or smoking are permitted on Robotron. However, you’ll be able to put on a GoPro if it is strapped to you. If you are sporting a chest strap, understand that the experience has a U-shaped harness that comes down throughout the entrance of your physique.
As far as what Robotron is like, I discovered it to be loud, because of the music, and likewise unexpectedly abrupt in its actions. Instead of swirling fluidly via the air, it was a bit stop-and-go.
I anticipate the intent is to maintain riders on their toes when it comes to which method the arm will transfer them subsequent — and it really works properly. For instance, a few occasions, it stopped fully to permit me to soak up the views of Manhattan, the place the ship was docked, earlier than immediately flipping ahead, eliciting a shriek or two.
Some recommendation, although: Be certain to maintain your head again in opposition to the seat to keep away from it being bumped round. Also, deliver the harness down firmly in opposition to you earlier than the experience begins, otherwise you’ll really feel such as you’re sliding out of your seat a bit whenever you’re the wrong way up — a mildly scary expertise.
How a lot does it price to experience Robotron?
Robotron prices $10 per particular person per experience, and the quantity is charged to every rider’s onboard account through their cruise card.
The attraction is tied to the Hall of Games, the onboard arcade on every of MSC’s Seaside EVO vessels, that are a souped-up model of the unique Seaside class.
That means passengers can both pay individually for his or her activates Robotron, or they will buy packages that preload a set sum of money onto their cruise playing cards after which deduct from it as they play arcade video games or use the ship’s virtual-reality simulators, Formula 1 racer and different rides, together with Robotron.
When passengers buy a bundle, they’re going to obtain further funds for gameplay as a bonus. The costs are as follows:
- Pay $25, and get $30.
- Pay $50, and get $60.
- Pay $70, and get $90.
- Pay $100, and get $140.
- Pay $150, and get $220.
Is a experience on Robotron price it?
The reply here’s a resounding YES, with caveats.
It wasn’t as over-the-top scary as another rides I’ve tried on different ships or at theme parks, nevertheless it was undoubtedly distinctive. Also, for $10, the three-minute period is a good worth, beating the pants off of Bolt, Carnival’s curler coaster (which prices $15 for 2 laps across the deck, lower than a minute of experience time).
Given its variable speeds, Robotron can be appropriate for many adventurous kids, so long as they meet the age and top necessities.
That stated, it will not be for you when you’re afraid of heights, when you’re pregnant, in case you have sure well being situations or when you’re liable to movement illness.
Bottom line
Although Carnival Cruise Line’s Bolt was the primary conventional amusement experience on a cruise ship, and Royal Caribbean launched robotic-arm gimmicks years in the past with its Bionic Bar robotic bartender and North Star commentary pod, MSC has discovered one thing enjoyable and modern for passengers with Robotron.
The attraction presents a experience that is surprisingly thrilling, and when you’re somebody who likes uncommon experiences, a experience on Robotron is unquestionably definitely worth the price ticket.
Planning a cruise? Start with these tales: