The 3,954-passenger Carnival Vista, Carnival Cruise Line's newest ship, is full of cool features, including the first IMAX theater at sea and a rainbow-lit waterslide. One of our favorites is the SkyRide, a pedal-powered ride that is also the first of its kind for a cruise ship. You are strapped into one of two suspended bikes and zoom around an 800-foot-long track that winds around the top deck in the aft of the ship for truly impressive views of the port or the sea.
What It’s Really Like: I took a spin on the SkyRide on a beautiful day while docked in Naples, Italy. After waiting in line, stepping onto the platform, and shimmying into a harness, I was hooked into the bike and ready to pedal. The aerial views, some 150 feet above the Mediterranean Sea, couldn't be beat. Real thrill-seekers may be a little disappointed as the ride is rather short and not gut-wrenching or heart-stopping in any way. But the bikes can reach speeds of up to 18 miles per hour, depending on how fast you pedal, and some of the dips and turns in the track can sneak up on you. Riders can take the course at their own pace. I saw some competitive cruisers racing their partners around the track, while others preferred a slow and leisurely speed to really take in the views.
The Details: There is no additional charge for SkyRide, and you can expect long lines during sea days. Be aware that they shut down the ride if there are strong winds, which happened several times during our sailing. Also, for those looking for an Instagram-perfect snap, only cameras that can be mounted or strapped on to your person are allowed on the ride itself. But the friendly staff will snap a photo of you on the bike if you ask.