Lines follow daredevil's lead, add bungee sports

Jason · May 30, 2005

Source: Bellevile-News

The award for "least expected use of a bungee cord" goes to an unidentified man who, some years back, attempted to stow away on a passing cruise ship by hurling himself off Vancouver's Lions Gate Bridge.

Although the man's attempt was painfully unsuccessful, two cruise lines may be taking their cues from the incident by introducing bungee trampolines.

Royal Caribbean International -- the line that brought you floating behemoths with rock-climbing walls and ice-skating rinks -- takes the big leap July 7, when it relaunches Enchantment of the Seas following its midsection stretch and extensive rebuild.

On deck, Royal Caribbean's energetic passengers can be harnessed to bungee cords attached to a trampoline and twist and tumble to their hearts' content.

Multiple cords will keep would-be acrobats centered and daredevils from soaring over the side. Still, it sounds like the makings of some great candidates for "America's Funniest Home Videos."

Similarly, when Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America debuts July 23 in Honolulu it too will sport bungee trampolines poolside.

Pride of America will boast more than just bungee, though. The long-awaited vessel is the biggest U.S.-flagged cruise ship in maritime history and the first new U.S.-flagged cruise ship in half a century -- although, at 72,000 tons, it's far from the largest leviathan at sea.

The 2,146-passenger Hawaii-based ship includes several firsts for Norwegian.

In addition to the bungee option, it sports NCL's first conservatory, a new category of family suites, a tennis court and an art gallery. More than 660 of its 1,073 cabins boast balconies.

The line also claims the ship has the largest dedicated meeting facilities at sea. The vessel's public rooms -- inspired by all things American -- bear such monikers as the Capitol Atrium, the New Orleans' Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge, Jefferson's Bistro and John Adams' Coffee Bar.

The ship features NCL's signature Freestyle Cruising -- eight eateries, from formal to casual. If you're interested in taking a gamble on this ship, though, sorry: Due to gaming regulations in the 50th state, it has no casino.

The ship originally was scheduled for delivery a year ago, but construction abruptly halted when, during a storm in January 2004, the vessel, moored in the shipyard, took on water and sank up to deck three.

At last, Pride of America will begin sailing seven-day cruises roundtrip from Honolulu in July. The itinerary features a day in Hilo; two days in Kahului; a day in Kona; and two days in N wiliwili. The ship also will ply three- and four-day inter-island cruises between Honolulu and Maui.

Before Pride of America's first official voyage, a series of pre-inaugural events and cruises is planned, including an opportunity for fans of "Live with Regis and Kelly" to win a weeklong vacation aboard ship. Regis and Kelly are giving away 20 cruises to each of 20 lucky winners, who can create their own reunion by inviting 19 family members and friends to join them on Pride of America from June 18 to 24.

Regis has commandeered the entire ship for the special sailing from New York to Boston, Philadelphia, Norfolk and Miami. Broadcasts will originate daily from each port, with one show live from the high seas.

"Live" will become the first national TV talk show to broadcast for a full week (June 20 to 24) from aboard a cruise ship, giving couch potatoes a thorough peek at the new vessel. The one-time-only itinerary along the East Coast is possible only because the ship flies the Stars and Stripes.