As someone who is not keen on heights, you may ask why I would voluntarily dangle off of the 16th deck on the world’s largest cruise ship? I was honestly asking myself the same question. I was fortunate enough to be one of the first to sail on Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas from Malaga to Rome. That also meant I was among the first to try out Crown’s Edge on the newest Icon-class ship, located in Thrill Island.
What is Crown's Edge?
I didn’t know much about the ‘fear-inducing challenge’ that is part skywalk, part rope course and part thrill ride and sees guests dangle 154ft above the ocean. The day before I mustered up the courage to take it on, I watched a young girl bravely conquer it.
What I didn’t realise is that adults and children have a slightly different experience - and rightly so. But this is where my blissful ignorance started. It was only when I was signing the consent form did I see the words ‘trap door’ and a panic surged through me.
Signing up and gearing up
But it was too late, I’d already queued up, been given a slot and was right there ready to take on the Crown’s Edge. If I had known this before, I may not have mustered up the courage, but I’m glad I did. Once I had completed the form, I had to step on a scale so they could weigh me, but my weight was not visible to myself or anyone else in the queue, only the staff. You must weigh between 44lbs and 297lbs to take part in the activity.
I then had to go into a room and put on a specialist suit over the top of my clothing and remove any loose items, like jewelry. I’d recommend not wearing anything too baggy as it can bunch up under the suit and make it harder to zip - I learnt the hard way. The suits go up to an XXXL and there are also shoes available if you have forgotten to wear closed-toe shoes, although it is recommended to wear your own trainers.
The experience
You then watch a video with three other people taking on the challenge and are introduced to Navigator Nat, who informs you once you’re on the platform, you can only go forward. There’s no going back. This did send my heart racing, but I was reassured by the staff that it would all be fine.
Once I stepped out onto the platform I felt like everything was a bit of a blur. I just kept thinking that I had to keep moving forward. There’s also a camera positioned in front of your face so you can capture the moment you drop from the platform into the zip line. As soon as the platform opened, I forgot absolutely everything I had been advised and just wanted to get my feet back on the floor.
Thankfully the instructor reminded me to put my knees up as I was approaching and I managed to land successfully. Although I was suspended over the sea for a matter of seconds and knew I was completely safe, it was still terrifying.
Final thoughts
Crown’s Edge participants get given the choice to go around again - and while I am glad I experienced the excitement and mild fear, I decided once was enough for me. If you’re physically fit and well enough to take on the challenge and can find the bravery to do it, I’d recommend it.
The Crown’s Edge is a paid-for activity and you can book it through the Royal Caribbean app. Height, weight and medical condition restrictions apply. Sailings on Legend of the Seas start from £1,416 based on two adults sharing an interior stateroom, sailing on a 7-night Western Mediterranean Cruise. Find out more at royalcaribbean.com.
