Cruise ships with roller coasters: Everything you need to know in 2025
Get ready for the ultimate family vacation upgrade! Roller coasters at sea aren't just a novelty anymore, they're becoming the must-have attraction that's revolutionizing how families choose their perfect cruise. As of 2025, only select cruise lines feature these thrilling innovations, but they're quickly becoming the talk of the maritime world. If you're hunting for a cruise ship with roller coaster that transforms your standard vacation into an unforgettable adventure, this comprehensive guide is your ticket to excitement!
On this page:
- Which cruise ship has a roller coaster?
- Meet BOLT: The first roller coaster at Sea
- Coming soon: Disney’s Marvel-themed roller coaster at sea
- Norwegian Aqua’s waterslide coaster brings big thrills
- How do cruise ship coasters compare?
- Coaster-like attractions on other cruise ships
- Why these ships are perfect for families and group adventures
- FAQ
Related: Expert-approved: The best summer cruises 2025
Find your ultimate roller coaster cruise adventure:
Which cruise ship has a roller coaster?
If you've been wondering "is there a roller coaster on a cruise ship?" - the answer is absolutely yes. Carnival Cruise Line leads the way with BOLT, the first-ever roller coaster at sea, featured across their Excel Class fleet including Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee. Looking ahead to 2025, a new cruise ship with roller coaster arrives when the Disney Cruise Line launches their Ironcycle Test Run on Disney Adventure, while Norwegian Cruise Line introduces a water-powered coaster-style attraction on Norwegian Aqua. Though Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises haven't installed traditional coasters yet, they offer plenty of other high-adrenaline experiences for thrill-seeking cruisers.
Meet BOLT: The first roller coaster at Sea
Experience the excitement of a Carnival cruise ship with roller coaster action aboard Carnival's Excel Class fleet featuring Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee. Ideal for older kids, teens, and thrill-seeking parents, BOLT the ‘Ultimate Sea Coaster’, offers an exhilarating ride along an 800-foot track at speeds up to 40 mph, complete with breathtaking 360° ocean views. During your two laps around the top deck, you can control your own speed using the throttle as the lead rider, adding a powerful touch to this adventure 187 feet above the sea.
Rides cost $15 per person, with a 3-for-2 bundle available. Height requirements are 52 to 77 inches, and the weight limit is 300 pounds. Kids under 12 must pair-up and ride with someone who’s 15 or older. Riders must wear closed-toe shoes, have no loose items, and the ride only operates in safe weather and daylight hours. Reservations are easily made via the Carnival HUB app.
Related: Navigating Carnival ship classes? Start here
Find your Carnival cruise:
Coming soon: Disney’s Marvel-themed roller coaster at sea
If you're dreaming of a Disney cruise ship with roller coaster experience, the upcoming Disney Adventure will make that a reality in 2025. Launching its maiden voyage from Singapore on December 15, 2025, this vessel represents Disney Cruise Line's most ambitious project yet.
The centerpiece attraction, Ironcycle Test Run, will claim the title of longest roller coaster at sea with its impressive 820-foot track. Marvel fans will appreciate the Stark Industries theming, combining high-speed thrills (reportedly 37-40 mph) in two-seater cars designed to resemble Iron Man's red-and-gold suits. Located within the larger Marvel Landing zone, which features additional Marvel attractions such as Pym Quantum Racers and Groot’s Galaxy, this coaster promises to deliver both family-friendly excitement and Instagram-worthy moments with tight turns, elevation changes, and ocean views whizzing by.
Disney has not announced a fee, but past rides like AquaDuck and AquaMouse were included in the fare, so this one likely will be too.
Find your Disney Adventure cruise:
Norwegian Aqua’s waterslide coaster brings big thrills
If you're searching for a Norwegian cruise ship with roller coaster excitement, the upcoming Norwegian Aqua delivers a unique twist on the concept. Launched in April 2025, this Prima-plus class vessel features the groundbreaking Aqua Slidecoaster, billed as the "world's first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea."
Unlike traditional roller coasters, this innovative attraction uses water propulsion technology to send riders racing through an exhilarating course. You and a friend will board a two-person raft that's powered through uphill sections and sharp turns by powerful water jets, creating roller coaster-like sensations without the metal track. The dueling slidecoaster design means two rafts can race side-by-side, adding a competitive element to the already thrilling experience.
Expect a minimum height requirement of approximately 48 inches (4 feet) and a maximum combined weight limit of 300-400 pounds per raft. No reservations are needed, simply queue up in the water park area, with shorter wait times typically available during port days or early morning hours. Best of all, this signature attraction is included in your cruise fare, allowing for unlimited rides throughout your vacation. You will get wet, so quick-dry clothes are recommended.
Find your Norwegian Aqua cruise:
How do cruise ship coasters compare?
Cruise ship roller coasters are still a rare breed, but each one brings something unique to the table, from track length and speed to theming and ride system. The chart below gives a side-by-side look at how the main contenders stack up so you can see what sets each one apart.
| Ship | Cruise Line | Attraction Name | Type | Track Length | Top Speed | Cost | Ride Vehicle | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mardi Gras | Carnival | BOLT | Electric roller coaster | 800 ft | 40 mph | ~$15 | 2-seat motorbike car | First coaster at sea |
| Celebration | Carnival | BOLT | Electric roller coaster | 800 ft | 40 mph | ~$15 | 2-seat motorbike car | Same BOLT experience |
| Jubilee | Carnival | BOLT | Electric roller coaster | 800 ft | 40 mph | ~$15 | 2-seat motorbike car | Newest in Carnival's fleet |
| Adventure | Disney Cruise Line | Ironcycle Test Run | Electric roller coaster | 820 ft | ~40 mph | TBD | 2-seat “Ironcycle” bike | Longest coaster at sea |
| Aqua | Norwegian Cruise Line | Aqua Slidecoaster | Water coaster (magnetic raft) | Est. 600–700 ft | Est. ~25 mph | Included | Raft for 1–2 riders | Water ride with coaster-style launches |
Coaster-like attractions on other cruise ships
Not sailing with Carnival, Disney, or Norwegian Aqua but still want some thrills? While they aren’t traditional coasters, several other cruise ships feature standout rides that bring similar energy to your vacation experience. Here are the best alternatives if you're looking for a cruise ship with a roller coaster on it without the actual tracks:
- Carnival SkyRide: Pedal-powered suspended track that lets you race a fellow rider around the top deck. Riders sit in recumbent bike-style pods and pedal through curves high above the ship, offering panoramic views and a bit of cardio. SkyRide is available on Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Panorama.
- Disney AquaDuck and AquaMouse: Water coasters with uphill jets and animated show scenes. AquaDuck runs along transparent tubing that juts out over the edge of the ship, while AquaMouse adds storytelling, lights, and sound effects during the ride. AquaDuck is featured on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, while AquaMouse is aboard Disney Wish and the upcoming Disney Treasure.
- Royal Caribbean Ultimate Abyss: A 10-story dry slide that sends riders plunging down the ship’s aft in seconds. It’s not a coaster, but the drop is steep, fast, and adrenaline-filled, especially for first-timers. Ultimate Abyss is available on Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas.
- MSC Robotron: A robotic arm ride mounted on the top deck that flips, spins, and swings riders up to 175 feet above sea level. Each ride is programmable, offering varying intensities and full-circle loops, making it one of MSC’s most extreme attractions. Robotron is located on MSC Seascape.
Related: Want to race on the high seas? Discover cruise ships with go karts for another exciting experience!
Why these ships are perfect for families and group adventures
Whether you're planning a multi-generational family trip or a getaway with friends, these ships offer the perfect combination of thrills, interactive attractions, and downtime options to keep everyone happy. Coaster rides like Carnival’s SkyRide and Disney’s Ironcycle Test Run strike a great balance between fun and accessibility, making them ideal for shared experiences across age groups. These standout attractions also create plenty of moments worth capturing and sharing, whether you're snapping photos or posting videos from the top deck.
The best cruise ships for kids, Carnival and Disney, have long-standing reputations for delivering kid-friendly entertainment, while also offering something for teens, adults, and even those who prefer to watch the action rather than join in. With Carnival sailing from Galveston and Miami, Disney Adventure based in Singapore, and Norwegian Aqua cruising to the Caribbean and Europe, it’s easy to find an itinerary that fits your group’s travel goals.
FAQ
FAQs about roller coasters on cruise ships
1. What cruise ship has a roller coaster on it?
Currently, three Carnival ships feature BOLT roller coasters: Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee. Disney Adventure will debut Ironcycle Test Run in December 2025, and Norwegian Aqua will launch with the hybrid Aqua Slidecoaster in April 2025.
2. Is there a roller coaster on a Carnival ship?
Yes! Carnival's Excel Class ships (Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee) all feature BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster, the first-ever roller coaster at sea with an 800-foot track and speeds up to 40 mph.
3. Can kids ride the roller coaster on a cruise ship?
Yes, but with restrictions. On Carnival ships, riders must be at least 52 inches (4'4") tall and weigh under 300 pounds. Disney and Norwegian haven't officially announced their requirements yet, but expect similar height minimums for safety reasons.
4. How much does it cost to ride?
Carnival charges approximately $15 per ride for BOLT, with possible discounts for additional rides or packages. Norwegian's Aqua Slidecoaster will be included in your cruise fare with no extra charge. Disney hasn't announced pricing for Ironcycle Test Run yet.
5. What should I wear?
For metal coasters like BOLT and Ironcycle, secure clothing and closed-toe shoes are required. For Norwegian's water-based Aqua Slidecoaster, swimwear is appropriate as you'll likely get wet. Always secure or remove loose items like hats, sunglasses, and phones before riding.
Setting sail for new thrills
As cruise lines revolutionize onboard entertainment, roller coasters at sea represent the exciting future of family vacations. Whether you're drawn to Carnival's pioneering BOLT, anticipating Disney's Marvel-themed Ironcycle, or intrigued by Norwegian's innovative Aqua Slidecoaster, these attractions are redefining ocean travel.
Ready to experience the unique thrill of looping around the top deck with nothing but blue horizon surrounding you? Book with Cruisebound today to secure your cabin on these groundbreaking ships.
