A submarine rescues a sailor and his cat stranded in the Gulf
The crew of the Carnival cruise ship saw the flames while en route to Cozumel, Mexico, and rescued a sailor and her cat who were stranded at sea. Both were brought aboard safely and received care. FOX 26 spoke with two passengers who were on board at the time of the rescue. (credit: Fox 26/Alan Loy)
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Cruise lines have long competed for bigger ships and better amenities, but one company is now taking that rivalry to the next level – literally.
MSC Cruises has unveiled plans for an open-air “park” at sea within its upcoming flagship, MSC World Asia, including a water ride that will send passengers above sea level, according to a company statement.
The attraction, called the “Cliffhanger,” is billed as Europe’s first water slide of its kind, suspended high above the ship’s deck with unobstructed views of the surrounding ocean. It will be part of a larger outdoor area known as “The Harbor,” designed as a central location for outdoor recreation and family activities, the company said.
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The port is expected to have a ropes course, waterslides and what MSC says will be the driest slide at sea, as well as a playground and gathering areas, according to the announcement. At night, the space is designed to transform into a lighted entertainment area with an extended program.
MSC Cruises has unveiled plans for an open-air “theme park” within its upcoming flagship, MSC World Asia. (MSC Cruises)
“As a family-owned company, MSC Cruises knows what it takes to keep the whole family happy during the holidays,” said Steve Leatham, the company’s vice president of entertainment, in a statement.
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MSC Cruises, based in Geneva, is the world’s third largest cruise line, operating 23 ships that sail to more than 300 destinations on five continents.
The outdoor park reflects a broader push toward immersive, all-ages experiences — a growing trend across the tourism industry as cruises grow to resemble floating resorts, according to reports.
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At the center of an MSC ship will be a “Family Adventure Zone,” a dedicated area that combines outdoor attractions and indoor entertainment areas, including a 10,000-square-foot kids’ club and an interactive platform where the floor itself becomes part of the digital game show, according to MSC Cruises.
The new ships are designed as “floating resorts” with entertainment options that rival land-based theme parks. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The ship is expected to include technology-driven experiences aimed at kids of all ages, including AI-powered avatar events and interactive competitions, the company said.
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MSC World Asia is scheduled to launch in December 2026, sailing seven-night Mediterranean cruises with stops in places such as Barcelona, Naples and Rome, according to the cruise line.
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Some cruisers, however, remain divided on how new ships balance value and experience.
MSC World Asia is scheduled to launch in December 2026 with a Mediterranean cruise. (Stock)
In online forums, some passengers say that MSC offers strong prices and comparable boarding options, while others argue that its competitors are still ahead in areas such as food and family planning.
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As ships have increasingly added amusement-style attractions over the years, from zip lines to surfing simulators, the scale of the open-air theme park suggests the industry continues to get more into the inside experience.
