Robotron: Can the most recent cruise ship amusement experience compete with an onboard curler coaster? TPG finds out
Editor’s notice: 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 overview 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. Final 12 months, I zoomed across the high 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 price. It wowed me greater than I anticipated with what I can solely describe as an expertise that is equal components startling (fairly than terrifying) and pleasant.
Put it this manner: There are few cruise-ship sights I would think about using greater than as soon as, and that is certainly one of them.
Right here, I will cowl the main points of what Robotron is like, how a lot it prices and whether or not a experience is price your time.
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What’s Robotron on MSC cruises?
Perched on a sliver of the vessel’s nineteenth deck, simply above the out of doors pool space, the arm holds a trio of seats that restrain passengers because the experience sends them twisting and turning by way of the air.
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Ought to riders have the ability to maintain their eyes open, they’re rewarded with sweeping views of the encircling surroundings that typically could be the other way up. (Sure, the experience flips passengers onto their backs, stomachs and utterly the other way up as they’re suspended 174 toes above the water.)
Earlier than climbing right into a seat, every rider chooses a music from a pre-selected listing. That music will pump by way of 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 finally 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 velocity. There have been a number of heart-pounding stomach-dropping moments however it was pretty tame general. (When you’re a fan of curler coasters and different high-adrenaline sights, undoubtedly select the quick choice.)
As for restrictions, you should be not less than 7 years previous, 4 toes tall and weigh not more than 298 kilos. Closed-toed footwear are required; no sandals or flip-flops are allowed.
Additionally, you could take away every part out of your pockets. No telephones, cameras, jewellery, meals, drinks, alcohol, chewing gum or smoking are permitted on Robotron. Nonetheless, you possibly can put on a GoPro if it is strapped to you. When you’re carrying a chest strap, remember the fact that the experience has a U-shaped harness that comes down throughout the entrance of your physique.
So far as what Robotron is like, I discovered it to be loud, due to the music, and likewise unexpectedly abrupt in its actions. As an alternative of swirling fluidly by way of the air, it was a bit stop-and-go.
I count on the intent is to maintain riders on their toes when it comes to which means the arm will transfer them subsequent — and it really works properly. For instance, a few occasions, it stopped utterly to permit me to soak up the views of Manhattan, the place the ship was docked, earlier than abruptly flipping ahead, eliciting a shriek or two.
Some recommendation, although: Make sure you maintain your head again towards the seat to keep away from it being bumped round. Additionally, carry the harness down firmly towards you earlier than the experience begins, otherwise you’ll really feel such as you’re sliding out of your seat a bit if you’re the other way up — a mildly scary expertise.
How a lot does it value to experience Robotron?
Robotron prices $10 per individual per experience, and the quantity is charged to every rider’s onboard account through their cruise card.
The attraction is tied to the Corridor of Video games, the onboard arcade on every of MSC’s Seaside EVO vessels, that are a souped-up model of the unique Seaside class.
Meaning 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, Formulation 1 racer and different rides, together with Robotron.
When passengers buy a package deal, they will obtain extra 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, however it was undoubtedly distinctive. Additionally, for $10, the three-minute length is a superb 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 also be appropriate for many adventurous youngsters, so long as they meet the age and top necessities.
That mentioned, it will not be for you for those who’re afraid of heights, for those who’re pregnant, if in case you have sure well being situations or for those who’re vulnerable to movement illness.
Backside line
Though 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 remark pod, MSC has discovered one thing enjoyable and revolutionary for passengers with Robotron.
The attraction gives a experience that is surprisingly thrilling, and for those who’re somebody who likes uncommon experiences, a experience on Robotron is certainly definitely worth the price ticket.
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