Royal Caribbean has revealed plans to install the world's longest water slide at sea, which includes a section that extends over the side of the ship. The slide, called The Blaster, will run for more than 800 feet and is set to be built on the Navigator of the Seas vessel, which is undergoing a $155million (£118million) makeover. A computer-generated video shows how The Blaster will propel a two-person raft over hills and drops in what is described as a 'unique seaborne thrill'.The record-breaking water slide is just one of the new features to be added to Navigator of the Seas for her relaunch on February 24 in Miami. Another is the Blaster's counterpart, Riptide, which will plunge riders headfirst down the cruise industry's very first mat racer slide, finishing with an exhilarating home stretch through a translucent tube offering breath-taking ocean views. Other new features are 'To Dry For', the first standalone hairdressing blow dry bar at sea, Planet Z glow-in-the-dark laser tag and The Observatorium, Royal Caribbean's escape room. There are new bars, too - The Lime and Coconut, a two-level signature cocktail bar, and The Bamboo Room, the cruise line's Polynesian-themed watering hole.
New restaurants include El Loco Fresh, serving Mexican street food, Jamie's Italian and a Starbucks. Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, said: 'Each Royal Caribbean ship brings a new adventure uniquely designed to deliver on our guests' preferences from A to Z.' Every detail matters and we've mapped out an unmatched combination of innovative features and experiences for this top-to-bottom transformation of Navigator of the Seas.'
Navigator of the Seas will also be the first in the Royal Caribbean fleet to visit 'Perfect Day at CocoCay', the first of the cruise line's recently announced private island collection, opening in May 2019. After a $200million investment, the private island in The Bahamas will feature Thrill Waterpark with 13 slides, such as Daredevil's Peak – the tallest waterslide in North America; Oasis Lagoon, the Caribbean's largest freshwater pool and Up, Up and Away, a helium balloon that floats up to 450 feet in the air for the highest vantage point in The Bahamas. There is also Chill Island, where guests can relax on the beach and the action-packed South Beach with sports, paddle-boarding, glass-bottom kayaking and more.