Cruise ships punch up sports offerings

[Jason]

What's next, snowboarding? Boxing and bowling are the latest activities to make their way onto cruise ships, which already offer everything from rock climbing to ice skating.

Royal Caribbean will add a full-size Everlast boxing ring to the Freedom of the Seas, launching in May. Norwegian Cruise Line is putting a four-lane bowling alley on the Pearl, launching next February. Both offerings are part of an escalating effort to bring cruisers more on-board alternatives, lest they become bored at sea.

Gimmicks? Executives say no, though they acknowledge limitations. "Will the ball roll perfectly true? Much of the time, yes; some of the time, no," says Norwegian president Colin Veitch. "We won't be hosting the world bowling championships."

Source: Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

[JoeyandDavid]

I am sorry but i think the boxing ring is an accident waiting to happen...that is a bad idea.jmho

[SKAOLboy]

wow, now that might be over doing it. Nothing like taking a relaxing cruise and knocking out your cruise partner. And it's not like a cruise is stressing (in a bad way) where you need to unleash some aggression!