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Norwegian first introduced go-kart tracks on its ships beginning with Norwegian Joy, which debuted in Asia in 2017. Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore followed, adding tracks to their outer decks. The Norwegian Prima’s race track is 22 percent larger than the track on the Norwegian Encore, for example. The Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss also have their own race tracks, but neither makes quite the impression the Prima’s does. It’s understandable if you don’t want to spend the extra money to take a ride on the carts.
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Murray noted that his own daughter, Georgiana, is too young to operate one of the go-karts herself. But during a day visit to the ship last week, the 9-year-old had a blast shooting the laser guns from the sidelines as Murray made a test run on the track. "It's all about that family interactivity and that engagement," Simon Murray, the Norwegian executive in charge of guest experiences and innovation, told me during an onboard interview. "Not everyone wants to race or can race, but [now] they can participate."
Prima will also feature additional activities including "The Bull's Eye," a twist on the classic game of darts.
It’s mind-bending to drive a go-kart on a moving cruise ship without a speck of land in sight. The speed of the cars is actually dependent on the staff. In fact, when you first start on the track you’ll be disappointed with the speed out of the gates and climbing the hill. It’s not until all the cars are on the track that the power is turned up and you can really start to drive quickly.
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The Box Office can be found right next to the Theater onboard. While reservations for shows can be made at the Box Office, reservations for the Speedway can be made at the entrance to the Speedway. Norwegian Joy will offer seven-day Alaska cruises from Seattle with calls to Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Skagway, Alaska, and Victoria, B.C. The ship will also boast The Drop, a 10-story dry slide that, according to a statement from the line, provides more G-force than an accelerating F1 racecar. Guests staying in the Haven will also enjoy a concierge service to help curate activities and 24-hour butler service to cater to your every whim, from pouring champagne to unpacking suitcases. Naturally, you can also expect an evening turndown service and white-glove in-suite dining.
The cars can go up to 40 miles per hour, but Norwegian limits speeds to 27 mph during group drive times. Even with the speed limitations, the curvy track has enough sharp turns—14 of them, to be exact—to keep things exciting. We’ll be honest, you don’t go that fast in absolute terms in the carts.
I tried the newest ships from Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian. Here’s how they compare
At this point in time, you’re able to experience go-karting on the Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy. Both of these cruise ships are part of the Norwegian Cruise Line. At sea, the Norwegian Bliss has the longest race track providing an unparalleled experience to anyone who loves motorsports. Inspired by the grandkids of the company’s CEO, these karting tracks are the first of their kind on any cruise ship.
On What Cruise Ships Are Go-Karts Available?
Children younger than the age of 16 may participate in this experience, and drive their own car. However, all drivers and riders must be over 55 inches in height. Additionally, guests wishing to drive a race car at sea must weigh in at no more than 265 lbs. Something important to know about Norwegian Cruise Line, is that most activities onboard, even the complimentary ones, require a reservation. Some reservations are mandatory, while others are highly encouraged. The cruise ship is the only vessel in the fleet to offer the Concierge-level stateroom category, which features spacious suites with 24/7 concierge service and private dining.
Cruise Line Offers a Shipboard Go-Kart Track - Car and Driver
Cruise Line Offers a Shipboard Go-Kart Track.
Posted: Mon, 16 Sep 2019 07:00:00 GMT [source]
This helps to keep things cleaner instead of people’s bare heads touching the actual helmet. Or maybe you just want to share the experience with someone? While most riders decide to drive a single cart, you can ride with two people in a double go-kart. Instead of being spread over two decks like some other Norwegian ships, the Norwegian Viva and Prima’s 1,400-foot go-kart track is spread over the ship’s top three decks.
Do Norwegian’s Go Karts Have Petrol or Electric Engines?
There is also a 10-story plunge slide, dubbed the Drop, that takes passengers soaring down the side of the ship into the water. Elsewhere, there is an outdoor sculpture garden, countless infinity pools and an open-air food hall with 11 different eateries. It was the kind of cold and windy day you would expect off the coast of Iceland, and I couldn’t see anything but the ocean over the horizon. I hit the gas, hoped for the best, and breathed a sigh of relief when I made it to the top deck.
To add to the racing experience, the electric go-karts produce sounds of race car engines while you drive, making it feel even more authentic. And with a crowd cheering you on from the stands, you’re sure to get into the racing mood. I may have thought the whole concept of go-karts on cruise ships was inane when I first heard of it.
Reservations are recommended, especially on full ships as the spots fill up quickly. In addition, the upgrade includes a covered viewing area placed in the center of the track. It allows spectators to watch the race up close, and to be covered in case of rain.
On the car’s steering wheel there is a beautiful button that says it’s a turbo boost. We were told by the staff that it actually doesn’t do anything. We also tested it personally and there was no extra boost provided by it.
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