Images/Video Credits: All media courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Looking for the ultimate thrill on a cruise ship? Consider FlowRider unique to Royal Caribbean* and a huge draw for teens and families in particular.

*Whilst FlowRider was designed and operates as a land-based attraction, Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line to offer it at sea.

What is FlowRider?

FlowRider is a 12-metre long surf simulator featuring 100,000 litres of rushing water to create a surf wave which moves at 20 mph. Described by participants as a cross between snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing, users can either bodyboard (boogie board) or try traditional stand-up surfing. Watch Video above.

How Much Does FlowRider Cost?

FlowRider is included in your cruise fare - you can ride it as much as you want for free. However expect to queue/wait in line as understandably it’s very popular. Lessons are also available at a cost of $69 per person and usually lessons will be shared with 6-8 others. You can book lessons on your Cruise Planner.

Do You Need To Book FlowRider?

You cannot book FlowRider + you have to get in line with other would-be surfers. On your first ride you will have a safety briefing and given a wristband, which you should keep on if you intend to do have more than one attempt you will still need to queue up again but the wristband alerts staff that you have already been briefed so will save you some time.

Can You Rent FlowRider Privately on Royal Catibbean?

FlowRider is open for general admissions for approximately four hours per day. It is also blocked off for private lessons outside these times. However, if you want to book the whole thing for your own group, this is possible and costs $345 for experienced users or $552 if tuition/support is included.

What Restrictions are there on FlowRider?

Age Limits on FlowRider

You need to be at least 6 years old to ride FlowRider (and meet the requisite height requirements - see below). Under 12s additionally need adult supervision.

Height Requirements on FlowRider

Guests must be at least 52" (1.32 metres) to boogie board and at least 58" (1.47 metres) to stand up surf.

How Long Does your turn on FlowRider last?

Although there isn’t officially really a time limit, your session ends once you fall off your board. The reality is that few riders manage to stay on very long, with an average maximum duration of 3-4 minutes. You may be the exception of course.

Is FlowRider Difficult?

For me it would be impossible, but anyone with a modicum of balance could master it fairly quickly. Generally boogie/body boarding is easier than the surf option, which I understand even experienced surfers initially find challenging. Most riders seem to need a few attempts to get in the groove.

Any Tips for Riding FlowRider?

I must concede at this stage that I have only ever been an observer, so I have asked others for their advice:

• “Listen to the safety briefing - especially the advice on falling off.”

• “Don’t be disheartened if you fall off the first few times - practice makes perfect”.

• “Elbows in, legs out” (if boogieboadimg)

  Surfing? Keep both feet on board at all times with weight over back leg.

• “Keep straight, stay low”.

• “Don’t overthink it - zone out”

• “If you’re a beginner, start on your tummy, then knees, and eventually to a standing surf”.

• “Ladies, wear a one-piece swimsuit - the force of the water can cause your bikini top or bottom to dislodge.” In fact any loose clothing can be swept up/off so worth checking for wardrobe fails at the end of your session.

• “For shorter lines try Embarkation or port days.”

• Above all, ENJOY THE RIDE!

Which Royal Caribbean Ship's Have A FlowRider?

FlowRider can be found on the following ships:

• Adventure of the Seas

• Allure of the Seas (x 2)

• Anthem of the Seas

• Explorer of the Seas

• Freedom of the Seas

• Harmony of the Seas (x 2)

• Independence of the Seas

• Liberty of the Seas

• Mariner of the Seas

• Navigator of the Seas

• Oasis of the Seas (x 2)

• Odyssey Of The Seas

• Ovation of the Seas

• Quantum of the Seas

• Voyager of the Seas

• Spectrum Of The Seas

• Symphony of the Seas (x 2)

• Wonder Of The Seas

• Icon of the seas (2024)