Middle East Cruise News

SkyPad attraction closed on two RCL ships, Spectrum’s Dubai cruise unaffected

Royal Caribbean has temporarily closed the new SkyPad feature aboard two of its cruise ships due to safety concerns, but Cruise Arabia & Africa understands Spectrum of the Seas’ Dubai cruise may still feature the at-sea attraction.

The SkyPad debuted aboard Independence of the Seas when she was refurbished in April, 2018 and was later added to Mariner of the Seas during her refurbishment in February, 2019.

The Skypad bungee experience aboard Spectrum of the Seas

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Spectrum of the Seas, which will enter service later this month, will be the first newbuild Royal Caribbean ship to feature the attraction.

The bungee-trampoline activity offers a virtual reality experience for guests as they bounce with a headset on. Guests of 5 years and above can use the feature.

It was an immediate hit with passengers, but safety concerns were raised in February when 26-year-old Casey Holladay was badly injured aboard Mariner of the Seas while using the SkyPad.

Holladay is suing Royal Caribbean for US $75,000 due to injuries sustained when the cords on the SkyPad snapped, dropping him 20-feet onto the deck. He broke his pelvis and will need several months of physio therapy according to reports.

The dramatic footage was captured on video and posted to social media.

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The suit is ongoing, but according to the unofficial Royal Caribbean Blog, the SkyPad has now been closed aboard both Mariner and Independence of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean later confirmed the news on their Twitter page.

The attraction is being reviewed and inspected in relation to safety concerns. It is not known how long the bungee trampoline feature will be out of action.

“The SkyPad is temporarily unavailable. We’re currently conducting a review as the safety as part of our commitment to safety for all of our guests. I’m very sorry for any disappointment this has caused,” the cruise line said in response to a guest query.

The safety concerns appear to only relate to Independence and Mariner of the Seas, with Spectrum of the Seas’ SkyPad unaffected. She is Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, the first in the Quantum-Ultra class, and will cruise from Dubai to Singapore on May 4th, 2019.

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