Robotron: Can the latest cruise ship amusement ride compete with an on-board roller coaster? TPG discovered

news7g12/06/2022

3 4 minutes read

Editor’s Note: Ashley Kosciolek of TPG accepted a free cruise from MSC Cruises to sail on MSC Seascape. The opinions expressed below are purely her own and have not been reviewed by the line.

What crazy attraction on the deck of a cruise ship comes to mind next?

On past excursions, I’ve tried swings, surf simulators, and 10-story slides. Last year, I zoomed around the top floors of Carnival’s Mardi Gras The first roller coaster at sea. This year, as cruise lines continued to find their way past each other, I drove to the newest theme park-style attraction — this one on MSC Cruises‘ MSC seascape.

Robotron is a robotic arm to control passengers on the ship’s pool deck for a fee. It wowed me more than I expected with what I can only describe as an experience that is both awe-inspiring (not terrifying) and enjoyable.

Put it this way: There are very few cruise ship destinations that I would like to go to more than once and this is one of them.

Below, I will detail what Robotron is like, how much it costs, and whether a trip is worth your time.

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What is Robotron on MSC excursions?

First-person view from aboard the Robotron aboard MSC Seascape. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINT

robot is another name for the Kuka Coaster — a robotic arm built by German robotics company Kuka that serves as the deck attraction aboard MSC’s newest Seaside-class ship, the MSC Seascape.

Perched on a piece of the ship’s 19th deck, just above the outdoor pool area, the arm holds a trio of seats that restrain passengers as the ride sends them twisting and turning in the air.

If riders can keep their eyes open, they’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of their surroundings that can sometimes be upside down. (Yes, the ride flips passengers on their backs, stomachs, and fully upside down as they hover 174 feet above the water.)

Select songs for the ride on MSC Seascape’s Robotron. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINT

Before climbing into a seat, each rider chooses a song from a pre-selected playlist. That song will play through nearby speakers for about a third of the three-minute session. Behind the ride, an LED display pulses with light effects that sway and morph to eventually spell out “Robotron”.

The ride has three speeds — slow, medium, and fast — and participants must agree on one of them. I cycle alone and go at a medium speed. There were a few heart-pounding moments but overall it was pretty good. (If you’re part of roller coasters and other high-adrenaline attractions, be sure to pick the fast option.)

Robotron rules on MSC Seascape by MSC Cruises. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINT

For restrictions, you must be at least 7 years old, 4 feet tall, and weigh no more than 298 pounds. Closed-toed shoes are required; sandals or flip flops are not allowed.

Also, you have to remove everything from your bag. The use of phones, cameras, jewelry, food, drinks, alcohol, gum or tobacco is not allowed on Robotron. However, you can wear a GoPro if it is strapped to your body. If you’re wearing a chest strap, remember that the bike has a U-shaped belt that goes across the front of your body.

As for the Robotron, I found it noisy thanks to the music and also abrupt in its movements. Instead of swirling through the air, it’s a bit of a stop and go.

I hope the point is to keep the rider aware of how the arm is going to move them next – and it works well. A couple of times, for example, it came to a complete stop to allow me to take in a view of Manhattan, where the ship docked, before suddenly flipping forward, making a hiss or two.

However, some advice: Make sure you always rest your head on the chair to avoid bumping around. Also, pull the straps tight to you before the ride begins, or you’ll feel like you’re sliding out of your seat a bit upside down – a somewhat intimidating experience.

How much does a Robotron ride cost?

Fun Pass fare on MSC Seascape by MSC Cruises. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINT

Robotron costs $10 per person per ride, and this is charged to each rider’s onboard account via their cruise card.

The attraction attached to the Games Lobby, the onboard video game on every MSC Seaside EVO ship, is an improved version of the original Seaside class.

That means passengers can pay for their turn separately on Robotron, or they can purchase packages that pre-load a certain amount onto their cruise card and then deduct that amount as they play. video games or use virtual reality train simulators, Formula 1 racer and other games, including Robotron.

When passengers purchase a package, they will receive an additional bonus for playing the game. Prices are as follows:

Pay $25 and get $30.
Pay $50 and get $60.
Pay $70 and get $90.
Pay $100 and get $140.
Pay $150 and get $220.

Is a ride on Robotron worth it?

Ashley before riding Robotron on MSC Cruises’ MSC Seascape. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINT

The answer here is YES, with caveats.

It’s not as scary as some of the other games I’ve tried on other ships or at theme parks, but it’s definitely unique. Also, for $10, the three-minute duration is a great value, beats everyone Bolt, Carnival’s roller coaster (costs $15 for two laps around the deck, ride time is less than a minute).

With variable speeds, Robotron is also suitable for most adventurous children, as long as they meet the age and height requirements.

That said, it won’t be for you if you’re afraid of heights, if you’re pregnant, if you have certain health conditions, or if you’re prone to motion sickness.