The Ultimate Abyss – Royal Caribbean’s Most Thrilling Slide at Sea
- Esther
- Jan 7
- 3 min read
The Ultimate Abyss is one of Royal Caribbean’s most thrilling attractions, a dry, spiraling slide that drops riders several decks in just a few seconds. It’s designed for thrill-seekers, families, and anyone looking for a burst of adrenaline at sea. The slide starts at Deck 16 at the back of the ship and brings riders down to the Boardwalk on Deck 6.
What Exactly Is the Ultimate Abyss?
The Abyss is a dry slide that spans up to 10 decks. Riders sit on a mat with their feet tucked in, spiraling down a twisting tunnel filled with LED lights and sound effects. The ride is quick but intense, lasting only a few seconds.
It’s also a fun race, if you ride with someone else, you can see who reaches the bottom first!
The Ultimate Abyss is on several Oasis-class ships:
Harmony of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas
Wonder of the Seas
Utopia of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas
❌ Allure of the Seas, she doesn't have The Ultimate Abyss. The slide was not added during dry dock due to pandemic-related delays, though plans are in place for a future refurbishment.
In addition, the newer Icon-class ships feature different, innovative slides. While not identical to The Ultimate Abyss, these slides offer a similarly thrilling experience.
Safety Rules & Restrictions
To ensure a safe and enjoyable ride, guests should follow these guidelines:
Minimum height: 44 inches (about 112 cm)
Maximum weight: typically around 300–330 lbs
One rider at a time: children cannot ride on another person’s lap
No loose items: bags, backpacks, phones, or anything that could fall
Secure personal items: glasses, hats, or other accessories
Follow crew instructions at all times
Health considerations: not recommended for guests with certain mobility or back issues
When Is the Best Time to Ride?
For the smoothest experience:
Best times: Early mornings, late afternoons, or evenings; during port days (if open), or main dining hours
Avoid: Busy sea days, when lines can exceed 30 minutes
Positive and Fun Comments
Many cruisers say it’s a fun and unique slide that’s worth trying at least once, especially for families and teens.
Others say it looks scarier than it actually is, if you’re okay with water slides, The Abyss feels quite tame.
Advice from other sailors on Cruise Critic is often to keep your elbows in and enjoy the lights and effects.
(Source:Cruise Critics)
Criticisms and Mixed Experiences
Some guests complain the ride is short and doesn’t last long enough for thrill-seekers.
Because it’s very popular, lines can get long on sea days or peak times.
Be careful if riders don’t keep their arms or legs tucked in properly.
(Source:Cruise Critics)
Conclusion, Is the Ultimate Abyss Right for You?
If you love fun, thrills, and trying something new, The Ultimate Abyss is definitely worth a ride. However, if enclosed spaces or fast slides make you uncomfortable, it might be better to watch from the sidelines.
My experience
I’ve tried the Ultimate Abyss several times on both Symphony of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas. The ride itself is surprisingly fun. It looks intimidating at first, but it’s really just a fast, twisting race to see who reaches the bottom first.
I genuinely recommend it, it’s enjoyable for all ages. Many other cruise lines have copied the concept, but in my opinion, Royal Caribbean remains the innovator and leader in creating unique experiences at sea.
My personal tip: go during quiet times, early in the morning or late afternoon on port days, to avoid long waits. Waiting 30 minutes for a short slide is not worth it!
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