by Jason Leppert
Last updated: 11:00 PM ET, Thu February 16, 2017
AquaDuck ~ Disney Cruise Line
Probably the most elaborate waterslide on a cruise ship today is the AquaDuck aboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Not only is it a single or tandem raft slide, it's also a full-blown water coaster with exciting dips and turns cantilevered out over the side of the ship leading to uphill sections before a leisurely return to the deck below.
AquaDunk ~ Disney Cruise Line
Like the AquaDuck, the similarly named AquaDunk tells the story of Donald being subjected to the waterslide experimentation of his mischievous nephews - Huey, Dewey and Louie. Only this time on the Disney Magic, the raft variety has been replaced with a free-fall one where the floor drops out from under riders before a speedy descent.
Aqua Racer ~ Norwegian Cruise Line
As raft waterslides go, most only accommodate one set of riders at a time. However, the Aqua Racer aboard the Norwegian Escape can accept two as the tube widens out in sections to see if one might pass the other. All the while, a translucent portion overlooks the ocean below while lit colored patterns activate the rest.
[READMORE]RELATED VIDEO: WATCH: Harmony of the Seas Unveils Tallest Slide at Sea[/READMORE]
Free Fall ~ Norwegian Cruise Line
Also on the Norwegian Escape, as well as the Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, are two side-by-side Free Fall waterslides, not entirely dissimilar to the AquaDunk on Disney. Except, this time there is so much momentum gained that riders are catapulted uphill for a portion of the loop before finishing off in a dramatic trough splashdown.
Green Thunder ~ Carnival Cruise Line
The last free-fall variety on this list is Carnival's Green Thunder on the Carnival Legend, Carnival Pride and Carnival Spirit, which is nearly identical to the AquaDunk on Disney, making it a thrilling but quick seven-second or so ride.
Kaleid-O-Slide ~ Carnival Cruise Line
More unique to Carnival is the Kaleid-O-Slide aboard the Carnival Vista. This raft waterslide features an enclosed section with translucent colored stripes that are illuminated by the sun and create a chromatic strobing effect as riders approach a final open-air stretch before coming to the finish line.
Slideboarding ~ MSC Cruises
While not yet sailing, the Slideboarding waterslide anticipated aboard the MSC Seaside will be a very unique attraction that will combine a board riders sit in with video game-like controllers. As riders traverse the wet path, lighting effects will prompt them to respond with the onboard buttons, and scores will be ranked upon each guests arrival below.
[READMORE]RELATED VIDEO: VIDEO: How Does A Cruise Waterpark Work On Water?[/READMORE]
Tidal Wave ~ Royal Caribbean International
As dramatic waterslides go, Royal Caribbean International features the Tidal Wave as part of its Perfect Storm trio aboard the Liberty of the Seas. This raft slide starts out in a tube that slingshots riders down a fast descent prior to opening up to a half-pipe-like structure that boomerangs riders up and down the sides before leveling off.
Ultimate Abyss ~ Royal Caribbean International
While not technically a waterslide, the Ultimate Abyss aboard the Harmony of the Seas must be included as an impressive addition on a cruise ship. This dry slide has riders sit in burlap bags to avoid rug burn as they spiral swiftly down an astounding 10 decks from the FlowRiders above to the Boardwalk district below.
Vertigo ~ MSC Cruises
One final entry aboard the MSC Preziosa is what the line touts as the longest single-rider body waterslide at sea. It measures in at 394 feet long and 42 feet high after all, complete with a translucent 30-foot pass suspended over the side of the ship for even more thrills.
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