Royal Caribbean is completing a popular feature on all ships

Royal Caribbean International is permanently closing the Sky Pad feature on all ships that have this unique activity and plans to replace it with new, free activities that will take place in the distinctive yellow sphere. The announcement was made in an email to travel consultants and is effective March 31, 2023.

Sky Pad to close

The Sky Pad is a virtual reality bungee trampoline experience where guests don VR masks and jump using bungee cords and harnesses. As they jump, they “see” their progress and notable jumps in the VR world of their choice.

Guests also have the option to enjoy the experience without wearing the VR masks and instead see the great sea views around them as they jump.

These experiences are now being discontinued and travel advisors have been emailed about the closure with Sky Pad program changes.

“Starting in April, the Sky Pad will retire the bungee virtual reality experience and become a versatile new venue for exciting onboard activities,” read the email.

Travel advisors are urged to review all of their internal marketing materials to ensure advertising and other promotional materials are updated to reflect the closure.

The email does not indicate that the yellow orb with its cutouts will be removed, only that new activities will be offered in the space. “All activities taking place at the Sky Pad venue will continue to be complimentary and included in your customer’s cruise fare.” the email cleared.

This also confirms that new options will be available soon and will not come with a la carte fees or additional fees. No timeline or exact date for the debut of new options has been announced.

Ships with Sky Pad venues

The first Sky Pad debuted on board independence of the seas in spring 2018during the ship’s Royal Amplification renovation.

Then there was the attraction added to sailors of the seas in June 2018 and was included in spectrum of the seas And Odyssey of the Seas as well as. Now all four ships will close the venue and cease activity.

While the Sky Pad is undeniably popular when open, it has had a few issues. The activity cannot operate in inclement weather or windy conditions, and many cruise lines have reported that it is closed more times than it is open on many departures. When it is open the lines can be long as the straps have to be adjusted for each guest.

In 2019 the attraction was temporarily suspended following safety concerns and an injury to a guest on all ships sailors of the seas‘ Sky Pad when a wiring harness has failed.

What can replace Sky Pad?

royal caribbean has given no indication of what could replace the Sky Pad venues or what activities could take place in the unique space. Since the email specifically states that “the bungee virtual reality experience” is to be retired, there is a small possibility that the trampolines will remain, but without the VR component.

More likely, the sphere could become another sundeck of sorts or another adrenaline-pumping option. Over time, the spherical structure can be completely removed.

The venue can also be used for on-deck training classes, dance parties, deck games or other activities, with options changing during each cruise itinerary.

Also Read: 7 Unusual Things to Do on a Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean ships are known for many great thrills, including the FlowRider surfing simulators, iFly skydiving simulators, water slides, climbing walls, ice rinks, escape rooms, zip lines, laser tag, bumper cars and more. The exact functions and activities vary on different ships.