10 ways for retirees to get crazy at sea

Craziest things to do at sea Cruise ships are getting bigger and doing more to keep people entertained at sea. There is an amazing variety of entertainment and activities on cruise ships all around the world. Here are a few that push the boundaries of what you would expect.

Waterslides Sitting stories above the sea, seeing a waterslide perched on top can make those with a fear of heights shudder but people keep coming back for more. From Disney’s AquaDuck extending off the edge of the ship to the Carnival Twister turning quickly as you descend, these are not for the faint-hearted.

Karaoke Depending on the ship, karaoke may be offered nightly or a few times during the cruise. There may be family-friendly sessions and separate adults-only karaoke. Kids and teens may also have opportunity to perform for their peers in youth activities programs.

Surfing Surfing is synonymous with the ocean but catching these waves takes it to another level. Literally. FlowRider oboard Royal Caribbean Cruises, has a sloped wavy surface and is perfect for beginning surfers and more advanced ones. The surf simulator can be used for stand-up surfing on a flowboard or catching the waves lying down on a body or boogie board.

Ice Bar The Norwegian Epic Ice Bar is a unique offering from Norwegian Cruise Lines. Made entirely of ice, it was the first of its kind on board a ship and features ice sculptures like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge, while your drinks are served in ice glasses.

Viewing platforms SeaWalk onboard the Royal Princess extends about nine metres beyond the side of the ship. It features a glass-bottomed walkway that offers breathtaking views of the ocean below as you cruise along. Or hang out over the sea in The North Star, an observation capsule on Quantum on the Seas.

Basketball Usually reserved for parks or indoor sports centres, a game of basketball is easy to organise on many ships cruising at sea. Disney Dream features a full-size basketball court that can double as a soccer pitch, table tennis space or volleyball court.

Rock Climbing Fancy scaling a wall while floating over metres above the sea? Royal Caribbean ships give you the chance with their rock-climbing wall towering 10 metres above the deck. Hold tight!

Ropes Course Test your courage high above the sea on Carnival Cruise Lines Sky Course. Composed of eight sections that dangle over the mini-golf course, you are tethered to a rope as you make your way across the bridges about three metres above the ground.

Bumper cars An amusement park staple is now available at sea! Royal Caribbean is taking care of it by offering bumper car rides in their new entertainment complex known as SeaPlex onboard Quantum of the Seas.

Ice Skating If you get bored of the sunshine and sea, head indoors on Royal Caribbean Cruises and try ice skating. Cruise ship skates are free for passengers. Skating lessons are offered for beginners and experts. Some themed skating is offered, including family skating and rock 'n' roll skating. When passengers aren't skating, the rink in Studio B is used for ice shows with professional skaters.