10 fun things to do on a cruise ship

From go-karts and waterslides to elaborate Broadway-style shows, the major cruise lines seem to be trying to outdo each other by offering the most over-the-top onboard attractions. Many of

them are fun for passengers of any age, while others are guaranteed to at least wow the grandkids.  LASER TAG. Three of Royal Caribbean’s ships (_Symphony of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas_ 

and _Independence of the Seas_) have glow-in-the-dark laser tag courses. Two teams — robots and aliens — compete for the future of the galaxy in _Battle for Planet Z_. With special effects

such as strobe lights and a fog machine, it offers an immersive battle royal (and a great workout).  Norwegian Cruise Line GO-KARTS. Norwegian Cruise Line's _Bliss_ has the only go-kart

course on a cruise ship in North America. Drivers can zoom around at up to 30 mph while navigating a two-level track more than a dozen stories above the sea. Passengers can purchase single

rides or save with unlimited daily or weekly passes, which also let you speed your way through a special line.  ROBOT BARTENDERS. Luxury meets technology with Royal Caribbean’s robot

bartenders. Available on four ships (_Harmony of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas_ and _Ovation of the Seas_), those in need of some high-tech relaxation can head to the 

Bionic Bar, where robot duos with names like Mix and Mingle will muddle, stir, shake and strain your drink from start to finish. The robots, which have 30 spirits and 21 mixers available,

can crank out two drinks a minute.  Carnival Cruise Line 4-D MOVIE THEATER. Carnival Cruise Line's Thrill Theater — available on the _Carnival Breeze, Carnival Horizon_ and _Carnival

Vista_ — goes beyond the standard 3-D experience by adding sensory elements such as fans, mist  and  vibrating seats. No reservations are necessary. A variety of movies, including family

favorites and scarier adult-only screenings, are shown each day.  Royal Caribbean SKYDIVING SIMULATOR. Cross skydiving off your bucket list (sort of) with Royal Caribbean’s skydiving

simulator, in which passengers can make a 60-second dive within a secure on-deck wind tunnel. Called RipCord by iFly, it's free for everyone onboard _Anthem of the Seas_ and other 

_Quantum_-class ships to try at least once. Don't forget to smile: