Bowling on a cruise?

Yes, it’s a thing!

Imagine gliding through the ocean, then heading inside for a quick game of bowling.

Cruise ships are evolving.

They offer unique activities to keep guests entertained, and some even have bowling alleys.

Let’s dive into which cruise lines have bowling alleys, what to expect, and why bowling on a cruise can be an exciting experience.

Bowling on Cruise Ships: A New Trend

Years ago, the thought of a bowling alley on a cruise ship might have sounded far-fetched.

Today, with ships becoming floating cities, cruise lines are constantly upping their game.

Entertainment is more important than ever.

Passengers expect activities beyond traditional cruise offerings like swimming or shows.

That’s why some cruise lines have added features like bowling alleys.

These aren’t your standard lanes, though.

Bowling on a moving ship adds a unique twist to the game.

The gentle rock of the boat can make it trickier to hit that perfect strike.

But that’s what makes it fun!

Which Cruise Ships Have Bowling Alleys?

While not all cruise ships offer this feature, there are a few that stand out in the world of bowling on the high seas.

1. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Norwegian was one of the first to offer bowling on a cruise ship.

Their Epic and Breakaway-class ships are the ones that boast bowling alleys.

If you’re sailing on the Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Pearl, or Norwegian Gem, you can grab a ball and enjoy a game.

• Norwegian Epic: This massive ship offers a bowling alley located in its sports bar.
  
  It’s a fun spot where guests can grab a drink and play a round or two.
  
  The lanes have flashing lights and music, making the atmosphere even more exciting.

• Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem: These ships feature smaller bowling alleys, perfect for a few rounds with friends or family.
  
  Like on the Epic, you’ll find the lanes in a lively sports bar setting.

One of the best things about Norwegian’s bowling alleys?

You get to play in a casual, laid-back environment.

Grab some food, sip a cocktail, and enjoy bowling like never before.

2. MSC Cruises

Another cruise line that has embraced the bowling trend is MSC Cruises.

Their Fantasia-class ships and Meraviglia-class ships are where you’ll find bowling alleys.

• MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia, MSC Divina, and MSC Preziosa: These ships are part of MSC’s Fantasia class.
  
  Onboard, you’ll find a two-lane bowling alley that’s perfect for family fun.
  
  These lanes are part of the ship’s larger entertainment complex, so there’s always something to do before or after your game.

• MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima: These ships have larger bowling alleys with full-sized lanes.
  
  If you want a true bowling experience at sea, these ships are for you.
  
  The lanes even feature high-tech scoring systems and a stylish design.

MSC takes their bowling seriously.

The alleys are well-designed and offer an upscale experience.

It’s a great way to break up your day and have some competitive fun.

What’s It Like Bowling on a Cruise?

Bowling at sea isn’t exactly like bowling on land.

For starters, the movement of the ship can affect your game.

On a calm day, you might not notice much.

But when the waves pick up, you’ll feel it in your bowling.

It adds a fun challenge to the game.

You never know how the ball will roll when the ship sways.

The bowling alleys on cruise ships tend to be smaller than those you’d find in a traditional bowling alley.

Most feature two lanes, making them more intimate. This smaller setup works perfectly for cruise passengers who just want a quick game.

You won’t find professional-level lanes on these ships.

But what you will find is a lot of fun.

The atmosphere is always lively, with music playing and drinks flowing.

It’s more about the experience than the competition.

How Much Does It Cost?

Like many activities on cruise ships, bowling isn’t free.

The cost will vary depending on the cruise line and the ship you’re on.

Typically, you can expect to pay around $5 to $7 per game.

On some ships, you might also pay extra for shoe rental.

It’s not the cheapest activity on a cruise, but it’s worth it for the experience.

And considering you’re bowling in the middle of the ocean, it’s a pretty cool thing to do.

Why You Should Try Bowling at Sea

If you’ve never bowled on a cruise ship, it’s worth giving it a try.

Here’s why:

• Unique Experience: How many people can say they’ve bowled at sea? It’s a story to tell when you get home.

• Fun for All Ages: Whether you’re traveling with kids, friends, or family, bowling is an activity everyone can enjoy.

• Great for Sea Days: Sea days can feel long if you’re not sure what to do. Bowling is a great way to break up the day and have some fun.

• Perfect for Groups: If you’re cruising with a group, bowling is a fun way to spend time together.
  
  Get competitive, make some memories, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Tips for Bowling on a Cruise

Bowling at sea can be a little different than on land.

Here are some tips to make the most of it:

• Book in Advance: Cruise ships aren’t huge, and neither are their bowling alleys.
  
  If you know you want to bowl, try to book in advance.
  
  Otherwise, you might find the lanes fully booked, especially on sea days.

• Embrace the Motion: The ship’s motion will affect your game.
  
  Instead of getting frustrated, embrace it! Bowling on a moving ship is part of the fun.

• Go with a Group: Bowling is always better with friends.
  
  If you’re traveling with others, plan a bowling night together.
  
  It’s a great way to bond and have some laughs.

• Check for Specials: Sometimes, the cruise line will offer specials on activities like bowling.
  
  Check the daily schedule or ask the crew if any discounts or deals are available during your sailing.

Bowling Alleys on Cruise Ships: A Growing Trend?

While only a few cruise lines currently offer bowling alleys, the trend is growing.

As cruise ships become more elaborate and entertainment options expand, we could see more lines adding bowling alleys in the future.

Right now, Norwegian and MSC are leading the charge.

But as passengers continue to demand unique onboard experiences, we may see more cruise lines following suit.

Other Unique Cruise Ship Activities

Bowling isn’t the only exciting thing you can do on a cruise.

Modern ships offer a range of activities that you wouldn’t expect at sea.

Here are a few other cool things you can do:

• Ice Skating: Royal Caribbean offers ice skating rinks on some of their ships.
  
  You can lace up your skates and hit the ice, even while sailing in the tropics.

• Go-Kart Racing: Norwegian has go-kart tracks on some of their ships.
  
  If you’re looking for a thrill, racing at sea is an unforgettable experience.

• Zip Lining: Some ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class vessels, feature zip lines that let you fly over the deck of the ship.

• Surfing: Royal Caribbean’s FlowRider lets passengers surf while onboard.
  
  It’s perfect for thrill-seekers and a fun way to cool off.

Cruise ships are constantly adding new and exciting features.

Whether it’s bowling or zip lining, there’s always something new to try.

The Future of Bowling at Sea

As ships get bigger and better, we can expect even more entertainment options to pop up.

Bowling is just the beginning.

Cruise lines are always looking for ways to wow their passengers, and unique activities are a big part of that.

Will more ships add bowling alleys in the future?

It’s possible.

The demand for onboard entertainment is growing, and cruise lines want to stand out.

Whether you’re a casual bowler or a pro, the idea of bowling on a cruise is too fun to pass up.

Ready to Bowl on Your Next Cruise?

If you’re planning a cruise, why not choose one with a bowling alley?

Norwegian and MSC offer some great options for travelers who want to bowl while they sail.

It’s a unique experience you won’t forget.

Picture this: you’re sailing across the ocean, enjoying the beautiful views, and then stepping inside for a quick game of bowling.

It’s the perfect way to mix relaxation with fun.

So, if you love bowling, consider a cruise that offers it.

Pack your bowling shoes (or rent them onboard), gather your group, and get ready for some fun at sea!

Final Thoughts

Cruise ships have come a long way.

Today’s ships offer more than just sunbathing and swimming.

They’re filled with exciting activities, including bowling alleys.

Whether you’re on a Norwegian or MSC ship, bowling at sea is an experience you won’t forget.

Next time you’re booking a cruise, look for one that offers bowling.

It’s a fun way to spend your time and adds a little something extra to your vacation.

So, are you ready to bowl on your next cruise?

Plan Your Next Cruise!

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