Royal Caribbean International Introduces First Surf Park at Sea Aboard Freedom of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International, the cruise line that introduced the first onboard rock-climbing walls, ice skating rinks and in-line skating tracks, now will offer guests the chance to “hang ten” a hundred miles out to sea with the first-ever shipboard surf park aboard Freedom of the Seas.

The company unveiled plans for the onboard surf park at a special event at Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J., which will be the first U.S. stop in Freedom of the Seas´ preview schedule when she debuts as the world´s largest cruise ship in May 2006.

Created by WaveLoch, Inc. of La Jolla, Calif., 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. Similar to swimming against a current in a stationary lap pool, riders surf or body board against the water flow of 30,000 gallons per minute, carving turns and trying tricks.

Adventurous guests can try their hand (and legs) at stand-up surfing, known as flowboarding, or opt for less-balance-demanding body boarding. The FlowRider´s design features a tensioned-fabric surface similar to a trampoline that provides a cushion to absorb the impact of falls.

Descending from the aft sports court on Deck 13 down to Deck 12, the FlowRider will be surrounded by plenty of space for spectators to cheer on their friends, family and fellow cruisers.