The lead ship of MSC Cruises’ new Vista fleet of vessels embarked on its maiden voyage recently from Le Havre. And for Ropes Courses Inc it marked the launch of the latest of several Sky Trail attractions at sea.
Named Himalayan Bridge, the Sky Trail Expdition course is made up of 12 poles and two linear paths of elements that can support 30 participants at any given time. The attraction is suspended over a portion of the ship’s rear sun deck and Polar Aqua Park. It’s linear design and circular system entices participants to traverse through each element before returning to the starting point. As they do so, adventurous cruise passengers balance almost 200 feet (60m) above sea level!
Made in the USA
Ropes Courses Inc has now manufactured ropes courses for three out of the four largest cruise companies in the world. As well as MSC, that includes Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Lines. The deal with MSC was brokered by WhiteWater, the US company’s partner. The course was designed, engineered and fabricated at the firm’s plant in Allegan, Michigan before its installation on board the new cruise ship.
“We’re very excited to have played a part in such a magnificent ocean vessel,” says embarked Ropes Courses Inc sales manager, Marissa Ticknor. “It’s a tremendous feeling to know Sky Trail® ropes courses can deliver thrills to families across the world in a variety of environments.”
19 decks of wonder
MSC Meraviglia, named after the Italian word for “wonder”, left Le Havre (France) on June 3, heading for Genoa in Italy. It stands 19 decks high, measures more than 1,000ft (305m) in length and weighs a mighty 171,598 tons. As well as the ropes course and waterpark, passengers can enjoy a Cirque du Soleil show, sportplex, 4D cinema, simulators and a bowling alley. After its western Mediterranean itinerary this summer, the vessel will be embarking to Northern Europe in 2018 and then America in 2019.
Images courtesy Ropes Courses Inc/MSC YouTube