Written by Chillie Falls, June 16, 2023 for AccessAdventure.net
Princess Cruises promises its most engaging family activity zone ever with Park19 high atop the new Sun Princess featuring the first seagoing Rollglider.
Located on Decks 19, 20 and 21, Park19 consists of nine offerings including Sea Breeze, the Rollglider. This uses an overhead track with seated and harnessed riders reaching speeds up to 11 mph during a 60- to 90-second experience that is ADA accessible.
The Rollglider is an aerial roller coaster zip line, inspired by the dream of free flying but in a completely safe environment. The flight is not only enjoyed by thrill-seekers but also by people who crave an unknown experience.
I have been on 28 cruises in the last 16 months, and have never been able to access any of the “main” features on ships. Usually their decks are accessible only by stairs. I can’t wait to check out this ADA accessible ride and how they handle scooters, chairs or power chairs.
Another activity, Coastal Climb, is a climbing structure where participants ascend from Decks 19 to 20 through a series of obstacles. Once at the top, they can take in the views before sliding down to the bottom.
The Lookout
Or, from the top of the climbing structure, adventurers can make their way to The Lookout open-air observation for 360-degree views from the highest point available to passengers on Sun Princess.
Below, Splash Zone provides a whimsical splash area with pop jets and a water sculpture.
The Net sees participants harnessed above Deck 19 where they’re challenged to trek across unstable bridges, a Z-shaped balance beam and climb cargo nets.
Infinite Horizon has leaning tilt walls cantilevered over the side of the ship for the fearless to peer out from Deck 19 and look down to Deck 9 and beyond.
Hammock Area
In the Hammock Area, Park19 visitors can take a break from the action to relax with family and friends.
The Recreational Court provides a rotation of sports and wellness options with activities like ping-pong, shuffleboard, Xponential Fitness classes and morning meditation.
The open-air jogging track is a place to walk, jog or run, with 6.7 times around equaling one mile. I usually film a lap from my scooter.
Youth and teen centers
Additional family-centric offerings are found in the youth and teen centers on Decks 6 and 7 where activities and age-appropriate areas abound for those 6 months to 17 years.
Firefly Park, Neon Grove and The Underground
These complimentary areas include Firefly Park, an imaginative space on Deck 6 for ages 6 months to 7 years and their families to explore, play and socialize. Or, parents can drop kids off for a program of art projects, theme parties and group games.
Firefly Park also invites families with babies and toddlers 6 months to 3 years to crawl and engage their senses with a dedicated play area. After hours group babysitting is available from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. for ages 3-12 at $5 per hour.
Neon Grove, for tweens, and The Underground, for teens, are separate spaces on Deck 7 to hang out and socialize, and just have fun. Both have colorful, comfy sofas and chairs for lounging, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch gaming consoles, plus air hockey, foosball and skeeball. Activities include ship scavenger hunts, movie nights, friendly competitions and dance parties.
Other than the Rollglider, none of the activities are listed as ADA compliant. However, many of you travel with children or non-disabled folks that can use them. For me, especially if I can catch a decent solo deal, I will book it! Sun Princess is due to be completed by February, 2024.