

Editor’s be aware: TPG’s Ashley Kosciolek accepted a free journey from MSC Cruises to sail on MSC Seascape. The opinions expressed under are completely hers and weren’t topic to assessment by the road.
What loopy top-deck attraction will cruise traces consider subsequent?
On earlier cruises, I’ve tried zip traces, surf simulators and 10-story slides. Final yr, I zoomed across the prime decks of Carnival’s Mardi Gras on the very first curler coaster at sea. This yr, as cruise traces proceed their quest to outdo each other, I’ve ridden the newest 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 elements startling (quite than terrifying) and pleasant.
Put it this manner: There are few cruise-ship points of interest I might think about driving greater than as soon as, and that is one in all them.
Right here, I am going to cowl the small print of what Robotron is like, how a lot it prices and whether or not a journey is value your time.
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What’s Robotron on MSC cruises?
Robotron is one other title 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 journey sends them twisting and turning by way of the air.
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Ought to riders be capable of hold their eyes open, they’re rewarded with sweeping views of the encompassing surroundings that generally is likely to be the other way up. (Sure, the journey flips passengers onto their backs, stomachs and utterly the other way up as they’re suspended 174 ft above the water.)
Earlier than climbing right into a seat, every rider chooses a tune from a pre-selected listing. That tune will pump by way of close by audio system for roughly one-third of the three-minute session. Behind the journey, an LED display screen pulses with lighting results that wiggle and morph to ultimately spell out “Robotron.”
The journey has three speeds — sluggish, medium and quick — and contributors should agree on one in all 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 general. (For those who’re a fan of curler coasters and different high-adrenaline points of interest, undoubtedly select the quick possibility.)
As for restrictions, you should be at the least 7 years previous, 4 ft 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 the whole lot out of your pockets. No telephones, cameras, jewellery, meals, drinks, alcohol, chewing gum or smoking are permitted on Robotron. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to put on a GoPro if it is strapped to you. For those who’re carrying a chest strap, take into account that the journey 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 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 instances, it stopped utterly to permit me to soak up the views of Manhattan, the place the ship was docked, earlier than all of a sudden flipping ahead, eliciting a shriek or two.
Some recommendation, although: You’ll want to hold your head again in opposition to the seat to keep away from it being bumped round. Additionally, carry the harness down firmly in opposition to you earlier than the journey begins, otherwise you’ll really feel such as you’re sliding out of your seat a bit while you’re the other way up — a mildly scary expertise.
How a lot does it value to journey Robotron?
Robotron prices $10 per individual per journey, 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 amount of cash onto their cruise playing cards after which deduct from it as they play arcade video games or use the ship’s virtual-reality simulators, System 1 racer and different rides, together with Robotron.
When passengers buy a bundle, they’re going to 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 journey on Robotron value 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. Additionally, for $10, the three-minute length 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 journey time).
Given its variable speeds, Robotron can be appropriate for many adventurous youngsters, 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, you probably have sure well being circumstances or when you’re vulnerable to movement illness.
Backside line
Though Carnival Cruise Line’s Bolt was the primary conventional amusement journey on a cruise ship, and Royal Caribbean launched robotic-arm gimmicks years in the past with its Bionic Bar robotic bartender and North Star statement pod, MSC has discovered one thing enjoyable and revolutionary for passengers with Robotron.
The attraction affords a journey that is surprisingly thrilling, and when you’re somebody who likes uncommon experiences, a journey on Robotron is certainly well worth the price ticket.
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