$1 billion cruise ship will have swings that dangle you over the ocean
A brand new $1.25 billion cruise ship is preparing to set sail with a first of its kind enormous swing dangling passengers over the open water.
The terrifying experience, that's perfect for thrill seekers, will be part of MSC Cruises' new vessel, the MSC World America.
Cruise ships can be scary enough as it is - yes, we're looking at you Drake Passage - but it seems those in charge are keen to keep the thrills alive in every roll of the dice.
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Dubbed 'Cliffhanger', the design was unveiled in Switzerland on Tuesday (9 April) and advertised as the 'only over-water swing ride at sea'.
Cliffhanger will sit right at the top of the MSC World America's top deck.
And with just four seats on the experience, it'll be a rather exclusive experience should you want to dangle yourself over the edge of the boat.
"Cliffhanger’s four seats start off close to the deck before powered arms lift them into the starting position - up and out over the edge of the ship," MSC says.
"From there, riders are propelled back and forth, high above the waterline and dangling 50m above the ocean below. The one-of-a-kind, edge-of-your-seat thrill ride will have guests feeling the wind in their hair as their view oscillates between the water below and the sky above."
The MSC World America will hit the open waters on 9 April, 2025.
Running through the core of the ship will be the World Promenade; a walkway complete with LED light shows, restaurants and bars.
In total, the cruise ship will boast more than 30 bars, lounges and dining venues.
And as well as the over-water swing, there will be a 'MSC SportPlex' - which includes bumper cars - and rollerskating arena.
When crafting the ship, MSC says it is 'carefully designed to help reduce her impact on the environment' with a focus on lower-emission fuels and using renewable sources.
The company adds: "Shore power connectivity, where available, reduces emissions by allowing the ship’s engines to be switched off in port. Smart technology is used throughout the ship to ensure guests can travel in comfort while keeping energy and water use low.
"A robust onboard recycling program minimises waste, and even the propellers are designed to reduce noise and avoid disturbing marine life."
A trip on the brand new cruise ship isn't cheap, with a 14 night cruise of the Caribbean costing at least £1,939 per person for the basic packages.
It'll depart from and return to Miami on the USA's east coast.
Topics: Cruise Ship, Holiday, Money, Technology, Travel
Tom Earnshaw