Aquaparks and the Himalayan Bridge on MSC Meraviglia Class Ships

If the main pool deck is where you go to relax, the Aquapark zone on the Meraviglia Class is where you go to burn off energy.

Located aft on Deck 19, this area combines several attractions into one compact activity zone:

• A themed Aquapark with twisting waterslides
• A splash and water-play area for younger cruisers
• The Himalayan Bridge ropes course, suspended high above the back of the ship

It’s one of the most popular outdoor areas for families and active cruisers, and the best part is that everything here is included in your cruise fare. There are no extra charges to use the slides or ropes course.

While the overall layout stays similar across the class, MSC changes the theme and name of the Aquapark from ship to ship.

Aquapark Names by Ship

Here’s the quick guide to what each ship calls the area.

Even though the names change, the core experience stays very consistent across the ships.

The Waterslides

Most Meraviglia Class ships feature three twisting waterslides designed for both thrill seekers and casual riders. The lineup typically includes a mix of body slides and tube slides, giving guests different styles of rides.

The Champagne Bowl

One of the signature slides on the ships is often referred to as the Champagne Bowl.

Riders shoot down a fast enclosed slide before entering a large bowl where they spin around several times before dropping through the center. It’s the most adrenaline-heavy slide in the complex and usually the one everyone talks about after riding.

Racing Tube Slides

The Aquapark also includes side-by-side racing slides where riders use inflatable tubes.

These twisting slides feature a transparent section that extends slightly over the side of the ship, giving riders a quick view of the ocean before disappearing back into the enclosed section of the slide.

The racing setup makes these slides especially popular with kids and teens who want to compete to see who reaches the bottom first.

Splash Canyon and the Kids Water Zone

The Aquapark isn’t just designed for older kids.

Most ships include a dedicated splash and water-play area for younger cruisers. This section is commonly referred to as Splash Canyon or simply the kids splash zone.

Features typically include:

• Water spray guns
• Dumping buckets
• Mini-slides designed for younger children
• Shallow splash pools
• Water-themed climbing structures and play features

This setup allows families with children of different ages to enjoy the same space at once. Younger kids can play safely in the splash zone while older kids and adults tackle the larger slides.

The Himalayan Bridge Ropes Course

Suspended high above the Aquapark is one of the most unique attractions on the Meraviglia Class: the Himalayan Bridge ropes course.

The course runs along the aft portion of the ship, giving guests incredible ocean views while they navigate a series of balance challenges.

Cruisers walking the course encounter elements such as:

• Narrow balance beams
• Rope bridges
• Suspended stepping platforms
• Wobbly plank crossings

Dual Track Design

The course features two parallel tracks, allowing guests to choose between slightly different levels of difficulty.

This design also allows multiple guests to complete the course at the same time, with up to 30 participants traversing the course simultaneously during busy periods.

Once you’re clipped into the safety system, you move through the course at your own pace while enjoying some of the best views on the ship.

Waivers, Wristbands, and Safety Requirements

Before using the waterslides or ropes course, guests must complete a few safety steps.

Mandatory Waiver

Guests must sign a safety waiver before using either the slides or the Himalayan Bridge.

We recommend getting this done early in the cruise. You can take care of the waivers below the slide area or at the Sportsplex desk.

Once the waiver is completed, guests receive a wristband that indicates they are cleared to use the attractions. If you lose or

If your family plans to ride the slides frequently, it’s smart to handle the waiver early in the cruise to avoid delays.

Safety Gear for the Ropes Course

The Himalayan Bridge includes a full safety system.

Before entering the course, crew members provide:

• A safety harness
• A short safety briefing
• Assistance connecting to the overhead safety track

The harness remains attached throughout the course, allowing guests to move safely along the suspended route.

Footwear Requirements

Closed-toe shoes are required for the ropes course.

Sneakers are the safest option. Guests wearing flip-flops, sandals, or bare feet will not be allowed on the Himalayan Bridge.

The waterslides themselves do not require special footwear.

Height and Weight Requirements

For safety reasons, the slides and ropes course include minimum height requirements.

Typical guidelines include:

Minimum height:
Approximately 120 cm (48 inches) for both the main waterslides and the ropes course.

Maximum weight:
Approximately 136 kg (300 lbs) for the Himalayan Bridge.

Some slides may include additional requirements depending on the specific attraction.

As with most cruise ship activities, the posted signs near the slides will show the exact requirements for that ship and sailing.

Best Times to Visit the Aquapark

Like most outdoor attractions on a cruise ship, timing makes a big difference.

Sea Days

The Aquapark is busiest late morning through mid-afternoon, especially when the weather is warm.

For shorter lines and fewer crowds, the best strategy is to visit:

• Early in the morning
• During dinner hours
• Later in the evening when the deck quiets down

Port Days

The Aquapark is often much quieter while many guests are ashore.

This can be one of the best opportunities to ride the slides multiple times without waiting.

Weather and Wind

Because the Aquapark sits high and at the very back of the ship, it is more exposed to wind than the main pool deck.

On particularly stormy, windy or rough days, the slides or ropes course may temporarily close for safety.

Who Will Enjoy This Area the Most

The Aquapark and ropes course are especially popular with:

• Families with kids and teens
• Adventure-minded cruisers
• Anyone who enjoys active outdoor attractions

Even guests who don’t plan to ride the slides often stop by to walk the area and watch the action. The views from Deck 19 are impressive, and the Aquapark gives the Meraviglia Class ships a fun, energetic atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

The Aquapark and Himalayan Bridge area is one of the standout outdoor features on MSC’s Meraviglia Class ships. By combining waterslides, splash features, and a ropes course into one space, MSC created a deck that keeps families entertained throughout the cruise.

Whether you’re racing down the tube slides, navigating the ropes course high above the ocean, or watching your kids conquer the splash zone, this part of the ship delivers exactly what it promises: high-energy fun at sea.

And since everything here is included, it’s one of the easiest ways to add a little adventure to your cruise without spending an extra dollar.

Frequently Asked Questions About the MSC Meraviglia Class Aquapark

Is the Aquapark free on MSC Meraviglia Class ships?

Yes. The Aquapark, waterslides, and the Himalayan Bridge ropes course are included with your cruise fare. There is no extra charge to use the slides or the ropes course.

The only requirement is that guests must sign a safety waiver before using the attractions.

Do you have to sign a waiver for the waterslides?

Yes. Guests must sign a mandatory safety waiver before using the waterslides or the Himalayan Bridge ropes course.

Once the waiver is completed, you’ll usually receive a wristband showing that you are cleared to participate.

Many cruisers take care of the waiver early in the cruise, especially if kids plan to use the slides multiple times.

What are the height requirements for the MSC waterslides?

Most Meraviglia Class ships require riders to be at least 120 cm (about 48 inches) tall to use the main waterslides.

Some individual slides may have slightly different requirements, so it’s always best to check the posted signs near the slide entrance once onboard.

What are the rules for the Himalayan Bridge ropes course?

To use the Himalayan Bridge ropes course, guests must:

• Be at least 120 cm (48 inches) tall
• Weigh no more than 136 kg (300 lbs)
• Wear closed-toe shoes such as sneakers
• Complete a safety briefing and harness fitting

The harness connects to an overhead safety track so guests remain secured throughout the course.

Are there tube slides or body slides in the Aquapark?

The Aquapark includes a mix of tube slides and body slides.

Most ships feature three twisting slides, including:

• A Champagne Bowl slide where riders spin around a large bowl before dropping through the center
• Side-by-side racing tube slides
• Enclosed twisting slides with sections that extend over the side of the ship

Is there a splash area for younger kids?

Yes. The Aquapark includes a dedicated splash and water-play area designed for younger cruisers.

This section typically features:

• Spray guns
• Dumping buckets
• Mini slides
• Shallow splash pools
• Water-play climbing structures

This allows younger kids to enjoy the area while older kids and adults ride the larger slides.

Where is the Aquapark located on Meraviglia Class ships?

The Aquapark is located aft on Deck 19, near the back of the ship.

Because it sits higher than the main pool deck, it offers great ocean views, but it can also be more affected by wind.

When is the best time to use the waterslides?

The Aquapark is busiest late morning through mid-afternoon on sea days.

For shorter lines and fewer crowds, try visiting:

• Early in the morning
• During dinner hours
• On port days while many guests are ashore