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Norwegian's Newest Cruise Ship Has a Go-kart Track, Infinity Pools, and an Open-air Food Hall

The Norwegian Viva is the line's newest mega-ship, slated to launch with a huge array of bells and whistles in summer 2023.

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler , Skift , and The Huffington Post .

The newest ship from Norwegian Cruise Line will make its debut in the Mediterranean in June 2023, with room for more than 3,200 passengers, multiple infinity pools, an open-air food hall, and an outdoor go-kart track among its countless amenities.

Norwegian Viva was unveiled on Jan. 12, 2022, revealing details on summer itineraries that will take on iconic ports like Athens and Lisbon, along with gateways to Italy including Civitavecchia, near Rome, and Trieste, not far from Venice. After crossing the Atlantic in November, the Viva will home port in San Juan, Puerto Rico, beginning on Dec. 15, 2023.

"We at NCL visit more ports than any other contemporary cruise line, more than Royal [Caribbean], more than Princess, certainly more than Carnival," said Norwegian Cruise Line president and CEO Harry Sommer, in an interview with T+L. "This will just add to that reputation, if you will, that we keep on going to new and exciting places."

The newly announced ship will feature many of the same over-the-top amenities found on the previously announced Norwegian Prima , a sister vessel of Viva that sets sail this summer. That's no coincidence, Sommer told T+L.

"The Prima was off the charts fantastic for us," Sommer said. "It was the first new ship design for us in a decade, and the concepts of space, service, design, experience, [those] resonated tremendously well with our guests and, as you know, it was a record-breaking launch for us."

"So, I was like, 'Oh my God, we have a hit,' so we're not gonna change too much with [ Viva ]," Sommer added. "The big focus here is on itineraries. We have some nice itineraries on Prima, you know, around Iceland, Norway, Amsterdam, London (Southampton), which are really, really being well received. But on Viva, we're gonna notch it up. We're doing, basically, a tour of all the Mediterranean: Lisbon, Ibiza, Palma, Barcelona, Florence, Rome, Naples, Sicily, Dubrovnik, Venice, Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, Istanbul — and that's like a third of the ports we're visiting."

Guests aboard the 3,219-passenger vessel will have a huge range of options when it comes to staterooms, with budget-friendly choices as well as splurge-worthy suites. Among the most enviable choices will be 107 luxury suites in an exclusive area of the ship known as The Haven by Norwegian , reserved only for suite guests. In addition to the spacious staterooms, The Haven also offers a private restaurant, sun deck, outdoor spa, and infinity pool.

"We've found that, for slightly more affluent guests, Haven really is the perfect balance. They can have the big-ship experience," Sommer said, "plus all the benefits of the small ship where you get butler and concierge service, upscale decor, larger cabin sizes, really it's the best of both worlds." Sommer added, with a laugh, "It sounds like such a cliche but, you know, I've personally experienced it!"

Dining choices will include the Indulge Food Hall, with 11 distinct concepts, as well as an Italian restaurant, Onda by Scarpetta, that's already a favorite aboard the Norwegian Encore . "Everything that we've done on Prima, we're announcing for Viva as well," Sommer said. "We are going to have our next big reveal for food in early March."

In all, Viva will have more than 20 dining venues, Sommer indicated. The new vessel will also have a three-level go-kart track, the Viva Speedway, which can accommodate up to 15 racers, and a series of thrill rides first seen on Prima, such as The Drop and The Rush, that will offer pulse-quickening moments.

The Viva will also come with some features that will reduce the environmental impact of the vessel. Like its sister ship, Viva will have a selective catalytic reduction system to help eliminate many sulfur and nitrogen oxides, Norwegian says, something that's in line with current International Maritime Organization standards . Viva will also have shore power capabilities, which have the potential to dramatically reduce in-port emissions by letting the ship tap into cleaner energy from the grid.

Norwegian Viva will offer eight-, nine-, and 10-day trips beginning June 15, 2023. Rates start at $2,099 per person for the ship's first departure, a nine-day trip from Lisbon to Civitavecchia, Italy, near Rome.

Cruise Ships with Go-Karts: Full list and Track Details!

March 24, 2024

The other day I was writing an article about all the fun things to do on a cruise ship.

At one point I had an epiphany because I remembered that some cruise ships even have go-kart tracks on board . What could be more fun than that?

So I thought I would write this article to help you find out which ships have go-karts (since there are not many) and what kind of tracks they have .

Table of Contents

Cruise Ships with Go-Karts

As of 2024, only 5 cruise ships have a go-kart track on board and they are all Norwegian Cruise Line ships. We are talking about:

Norwegian Joy

Norwegian bliss, norwegian encore, norwegian prima, norwegian viva.

They are among the largest in NCL’s fleet, with Norwegian Encore being the largest overall.

The first go-kart track was introduced in 2017 with Norwegian Joy , and the last one was built on Norwegian Viva in 2023.

Norwegian Joy was built in 2017 and was the first cruise ship in the world to have a fully equipped Go-Kart track.

The track was built by RiMO Supply (a company of the RiMO Group), a world leader in rental karts and tracks.

It is 790 feet (240 meters) long and has a fun zig-zag setting. The electric carts can reach up to 19 mph (30km/h) and sound identical to mini racing cars.

After receiving positive reviews, NCL has decided to add the go-kart track also on Norwegian Bliss .

It was not only the second ship with such a feature but the track was also improved and expanded .

The Norwegian Bliss track is 1,000 feet long (305 meters), and the electric carts can speed up to 30 miles per hour (48 km/h).

The go-karts on Norwegian Bliss are also designed to cater to both solo and duo riders . Therefore, this ship is perfect for those who wish to ride with a child.

Like on the previous one, the karts are electric but emit gas engine sounds to enhance the racing experience .

Norwegian Encore is NCL’s largest ship, and as a result, the go-kart track has also been lengthened .

The one on this ship reaches 1,100 feet. Moreover, the track on Encore includes a section that juts out 13 feet over the edge of the ship , offering racers a unique over-the-ocean driving sensation.

In addition, the upgrade includes a covered viewing area placed in the center of the track . It allows spectators to watch the race up close, and to be covered in case of rain.

A “gaming part” was also added to the experience. Spectators can interact with the race by using laser guns to provide boosts to their favorite drivers . I really liked this addition; it’s a fun way to involve other cruise passengers who are watching the ride.

Norwegian Prima was the first of a new class of NCL ships namely the “ Prima Class “.

With this new class of ships, the racing track has once again been improved and expanded .

It has now become a massive three-deck , 1,375-foot-long go-kart track with 14 turns, named the Prima Speedway .

The ones on Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva are the largest racing tracks on cruise ships . However, the Speedway dominates a significant area of the top deck, leading to a smaller main pool and lido deck area beneath the track.

A thing that I want to highlight is that, on this ship, the track’s design also causes noticeable noise in the lido deck area from the racing action above. I’m not a huge fan of this!

Norwegian Viva is a sister ship to Norwegian Prima so the go-kart tracks are basically identical on these two ships .

The one on Norwegian Viva is also 1,375 feet long (about 420 meters) and has many descents and ascents since it extends over 3 decks .

For safety reasons, the seed is limited to 27 mph (about 44 km/h) but I can guarantee you that it’s still a very fun track .

Frequently asked questions regarding go-karts on a cruise

I’ve noticed there are a lot of questions and concerns about go-karts on cruise ships. I will try to answer some of the most frequent questions. Let me know in the comments if you still have any doubts that I can help you with.

Do you have to pay for go-karts on cruise ships and how much do they cost?

Yes, you have to pay to use go-karts on cruises. The price for a single race on NCL is 15$. Alternatively, you can purchase an Unlimited Pass for 199.95$.

How tall do you have to be to go-kart on Norwegian?

The height requirements are a minimum of 55 inches (1.40 meters) and a maximum of 82 inches (2.08 meters).

What is the weight limit for NCL go-karts?

The weight limit is set at a maximum of 265 pounds (120 kilograms). There’s no minimum weight requirement.

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A Cruise Ship With Go-Karts: Norwegian Cruise Line

When you think of cruise ships, you think of relaxation. You think of bars, lounges, shows and areas where you can spend the days with your loved ones – or alone too, if you’re traveling alone. Believe it not, there are two cruise ships that have something much more exciting and adrenaline-inducing than the usual activities or sipping a margarita overlooking the beautiful ocean – a go-kart race track! Here are some of the highlights:

• Go-karts feature speeds of up to 30 mph
• Features custom-built multi-level race track
• $15 per race or 199.95 for the Unlimited Pass
• Safety gear provided by Norwegian Cruise Line
• Amazing racing experience with an unbeatable view

Inspired by the grandkids of the company’s CEO, these karting tracks are the first of their kind on any cruise ship. It’s important to note that they are not just amusement-park karting race tracks either – they feature an authentic racing experience similar to the one you can experience at indoor go-kart racing facilities on land. 

Featuring a platform where people can sit and spectate, a covered pit lane, a system that times your laps, and even floodlights to let you race at night, this go-kart track on a cruise ship will give you an absolutely unique experience while being in the middle of the ocean! How exciting is that?

With all of this available on a cruise ship, your adventurous side will thank you for giving this thrilling activity a shot. Karting in itself is one of the most fun and challenging motorsport activities that you can experience. Doing that in the middle of an endless ocean brings this experience to a whole new level!

On What Cruise Ships Are Go-Karts Available?

At this point in time, you’re able to experience go-karting on the Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy. Both of these cruise ships are part of the Norwegian Cruise Line. At sea, the Norwegian Bliss has the longest race track providing an unparalleled experience to anyone who loves motorsports.

If you’re the type who likes quiet and peace while at sea, don’t worry. The tracks are located towards the back of the ship so you’ll be able to enjoy and relax, as well as refuel your adrenaline.

What Kind of Race Tracks Are Available?

The race track featured on both cruise ships is named Encore Speedway and even for indoor karting standards, is relatively large. To be more specific, the race track is 1150 feet (350 m) long and features a track width of 18 feet (5.5 m). There are also plenty of turns and straight sections built into it that provide plenty of overtaking opportunities. The tracks are also multi-level so you can expect some inclinations at certain points to get an even better view of the ocean! How cool is that?

To add to the racing experience, the electric go-karts produce sounds of race car engines while you drive, making it feel even more authentic. And with a crowd cheering you on from the stands, you’re sure to get into the racing mood.

While the race track is 18 feet (5.5 m) wide, overtaking can be challenging in certain areas, so you’ll have to factor that in. However, this also makes the overall experience more fun and challenging. Slower drivers may also be enjoying the ocean views while racing, so you should always be mindful of that. 

But with a little bit of patience, a positive attitude and some racing skills, you’ll be able to overtake them at strategic sections of the race track. The races last for about 8 – 10 minutes, with each lap taking up around 30 seconds, depending on how fast you are. That means that if you’re standing in line for your turn, you won’t have to wait that long.  

What Type of Go-Karts Are Available?

The go-karts featured on the Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy are all-electric SiNUS iONs that have been customized for corrosion-resistance, due to the saline environment. These go-karts are known to be of high-quality and are extremely fun to race with!

A lot of people on cruises are with friends or family. That’s one reason why there are two-seaters karts, as well as the standard one-seaters go-karts available. This allows you to share this amazing racing experience with someone else. Whether it’s your partner, your parent or your kid, being able to race a kart on top of a ship in the middle of an ocean is an experience not many things can beat.

Another cool thing about these go-karts is that they are fully electric. They’re extremely quiet but they do feature authentic engine sound effects to make you feel like you are going much faster than you actually are. With a top speed of up to 30 mph, you’re able to race at decent speeds, considering you’re on top of a cruise ship.

If you’re wondering who actually customized the go-karts, then you’d be happy to know that they’re custom-built for the tracks by none other than Alex Vega – a name that is sure to be recognized by car fans around the world who watch ‘The Auto Firm with Alex Vega’. If you’re interested, you should watch the episode of the show that features these exact go-karts.

To keep the karting experience safe for everyone, the staff has the ability to control the speed of the go-karts for passengers who require some assistance. At the start of the race, the speed may be throttled for a while, but eventually you’ll be able to fully control the speed yourself. This feature is also introduced for safety reasons and they will also reduce the speed of racers, if there are any incidents on the track to ensure everyone’s safety.

Does the Cruise Ship Provide Safety Gear?

Norwegian Cruise Line provides a helmet with a visor, as well as a balaclava to all racer. The helmet sock fits over your head like a ski mask and prevents the helmet from touching your bare head. Not only is this more hygenic, but it’s also much more comfortable. The helmet socks are also washed after every single use so the whole experience is very clean and sanitary.

How Much Does a Karting Session Cost?

If you want to have the experience of driving go-karts on top of a cruise ship, you can do that for $15 per race. This gets you one ride that will last for about 8 – 10 minutes. This is a great option for people who just want to try it out. If you’re into go-karting and enjoy the motorsport, the better option to go for multiple races, as you can bundle these up. 

And if you fall in love with the experience and can’t get enough of it, you can also splurge for the Unlimited Weekly Pass that costs $199.95 and allows you to go to the track whenever and however many times you want for the whole week that you’re on the cruise. You’ll also get to use a priority line, which drastically reduces your waiting time!

What Are the Requirements to Race?

One of the best things about these tracks is that there is no age limit to drive karts on them. You just need to be at least 55 inches tall. It doesn’t matter how old you are! Another requirement to go on the tracks is to have the proper attire. This is very important, as it ensures the safety of the racers. 

You shouldn’t be wearing sandals when going karting. You are required to wear closed-toe shoes, as well as clothes that are not loose. Items like an open jacket or a scarf are not allowed as they run the risk of getting stuck on the wheels which could cause potential accidents. Other than these standard karting rules that you should be following, there’s not much stopping you from being part of this amazing oceanic karting experience.

Do I Need a Reservation to Ride Go-Karts?

Do you need to get a reservation? No. But should you? Absolutely!

These tracks, as you may have assumed, are the most popular parts of these two ships so they are going to be pretty much always occupied. If you want to save yourself from the long lines, it’s best to have a reservation for a spot the moment you board the cruise. 

Otherwise, you’re going to probably end up waiting for your turn for a much longer time than the actual lap will take. Alternatively, you can always opt for the Unlimited Weekly Pass for those extra queueing perks!

Is Go-Karting on a Cruise Ship Worth It?

If you’re going on a cruise, it’s great to do whatever you can to make memories that will last a lifetime. Usually, these experiences are more relaxing in nature but having an exciting option like being able to race go-karts on a custom-built race track in the middle of the ocean is something you’ll probably only do once in your life. 

So the definitive answer is, yes! For larger families the karting experience can be a little pricey. But when you think about the fact that you’d be having this amazing experience in the middle of an ocean on one of the very first race tracks on top of a cruise ship, spending the money is worth it. Especially if you just intend to do it just for the experience.

In fact, most indoor karting arenas feature similar prices, although the length of a race may be a little longer. But who are we kidding? Of course, it will be an extremely awesome and thrilling experience. You’ll be racing on top of a cruise ship! Not only will you be able to get the thrill of racing go-karts but you’ll also have the thrill of that with the ocean right in front of you. 

It’s like having the best of both worlds – you get the adventure of karting and you get to do it with a view! So, the answer is a definitive yes! Don’t miss out on this experience.

About Gerrit

Owner, Researcher, Writer & Editor at GoKartGuide.com

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Cruise Line Offers a Shipboard Go-Kart Track

Norwegian Cruise Line's electric karts can hit speeds up to 30 mph.

• Norwegian Cruise Line will soon offer three ships with go-kart tracks on board, including a two-story track on its new ship Encore that goes into service in November.
• One of the tracks has a Ferrari theme. But this fun does not come cheap: an eight-minute stint in a kart will cost $15.

Good news for those who, like the staff of Car and Driver, appreciate a good go-kart experience . Norwegian Cruise Line's latest recreational option is a 1150-foot long go-kart track onboard its new cruise ship Encore , which will go into service in the Caribbean in late November.

Called the Norwegian Encore Speedway, the 11,500-foot track covers two stories on the top deck of the ship and has enough space to let up to 10 racers drive at the same time. The all-electric go-karts can hit 30 mph on a track that features 10 turns and has four areas that actually hang over the side of the ship—in one case, almost 13 feet over the edge. Each race session takes around eight minutes, and there is a viewing track where observers can use lasers to tag drivers and give them an extra turbo boost. Formula E, take notes.

With the new track on the Encore , NCL now has three ships with go-kart tracks. The other two are on the Joy (which opened in 2017) and on the Bliss (2018). The track on the Joy has a Ferrari theme. An NCL spokesperson told C/D that on boats that have go-karts, "the racetrack experience remains one of the highest-rated recreation activities on board."

The Encore is a 1100-foot, 4000-person cruise ship that left the shipbuilding dock in Papenburg, Germany, for the first time in mid-August. The christening is scheduled for November 21 in Miami. The Encore will cruise the Eastern Caribbean in seven-day increments out of Miami this winter, will add the northeastern itineraries (Canada and New England) in April, and is set to go to the West Coast and Alaska in 2021.

Racing isn't cheap at sea. A single ride costs $15 per person, but NCL offers an unlimited pass for the entire week at sea for $199.95. Befitting the theme, you'd better be fast to snag one of these. NCL only sells the passes onboard on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sebastian Blanco has been writing about electric vehicles, hybrids, and hydrogen cars since 2006. His articles and car reviews have appeared in the New York Times, Automotive News , Reuters, SAE, Autoblog, InsideEVs, Trucks.com, Car Talk, and other outlets. His first green-car media event was the launch of the Tesla Roadster, and since then he has been tracking the shift away from gasoline-powered vehicles and discovering the new technology's importance not just for the auto industry, but for the world as a whole. Throw in the recent shift to autonomous vehicles, and there are more interesting changes happening now than most people can wrap their heads around. You can find him on Twitter or, on good days, behind the wheel of a new EV. 

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Norwegian's new Prima cruise ship will feature a 10-story slide and 3-level go-kart racetrack. Here's how the vessel will look.

• Norwegian Cruise Line 's latest ship, Prima , features several distinctive onboard amenities. 
• The vessel will include the world's first three-level go-kart track, the company said. 
• Passengers can also play mini-golf against a Vegas-style backdrop.

The newly built Norwegian Prima — the first of six ships under the cruise line's new "Prima Class" — will begin sailing in August next year.

The long-awaited ship will include eye-popping amenities like the world's first onboard three-level go-kart racetrack.

It'll also offer Tee Time, a supercharged version of mini-golf.

Adrenaline junkies will be able to experience The Drop, which is described as the world's first freefall dry slide.

Headlining acts will take center stage on the ship's multi-purpose theatre and nightclub.

Prima will also feature additional activities including "The Bull's Eye," a twist on the classic game of darts.

The Ocean Boulevard area of the ship will be an outdoor space filled with three dining venues, infinity pools, and a sculpture garden.

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more .

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Norwegian’s Newest Cruise Ship Will Have a Go-Kart Track and 10-Story Plunge Slide

The italian-designed 965-footer is due to hit the seas next year., rachel cormack.

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Norwegian Cruise Line ’s newest fleet member could turn out to be the ultimate playground for all ages.

The epic 965-footer, which is set to hit the seas in June 2023, can accommodate more than 3,200 guests and boasts a laundry list of amenities, including multiple swimming pools, restaurants, bars and even an outdoor go-kart track. Christened Norwegian Viva , the liner will built by renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and will mirror the upscale design of sister ship Norwegian Prima .

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In addition to the regular staterooms, Viva will be fitted with a special luxury section for well-heeled seafarers. The Haven by Norwegian, which is described as a “ship-within-a-ship,” was designed by noted Italian designer Piero Lissoni. Accessible only via keycard, the exclusive area comprises 107 suites and villas, along with a private restaurant, a sundeck, a secluded infinity pool overlooking the ship’s wake and an outdoor spa with a sauna and cold room.

The Haven’s exclusive sun deck.  Norwegian Cruise Line

Guests staying in the Haven will also enjoy a concierge service to help curate activities and 24-hour butler service to cater to your every whim, from pouring champagne to unpacking suitcases. Naturally, you can also expect an evening turndown service and white-glove in-suite dining.

When you’re ready to explore, Viva sports a 44,000-square-foot walkway, known as Ocean Boulevard, which wraps around the entire ship to give you access to all the features. There’s that three-level go-kart track, which can accommodate up to 15 racers for high-octane fun at sea. There is also a 10-story plunge slide, dubbed the Drop, that takes passengers soaring down the side of the ship into the water. Elsewhere, there is an outdoor sculpture garden, countless infinity pools and an open-air food hall with 11 different eateries.

Norwegian Cruise Line

“Norwegian Viva sets the standard in the premium segment, illustrating our commitment to pushing boundaries in four main areas: wide open space, service that puts guests first, thoughtful design and experiences beyond expectation,” Norwegian’s CEO Harry Sommer said in a statement . “We have taken everything our guests love to the next level with this brand-new class of ships designed with them in mind.”

Norwegian Viva will make her debut in the Mediterranean in June 2023, porting in cities such as Lisbon, Barcelona, Rome and Athens, to name but a few. She will then sail the Southern Caribbean for the winter season.

Check out more renderings below:

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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15 Must-Know Things About Norwegian’s Go-Kart Track at Sea

When Norwegian Cruise Lines debuted the first racetrack at sea with go-karts, it made big news. Even now a few years later, the speedways continue to be one of the more popular attractions on a cruise ship. They are also a perfect example of the kind of strides that today’s ships are making in entertainment while at sea.

If you’re about to sail on a Norwegian ship with one of the tracks, then you’re likely interested in some more details about the go-kart and what you can expect. We recently tried the racetrack at sea for ourselves and here is everything you need to know…

Go-kart Tracks Are Available on the Bliss and Joy

Will your ship have the racetrack? As of now, only two ships have the tracks at sea: Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy. These are NCL’s largest and newest ships. Given the popularity of the track, we could envision future ships being built with the track or older ships being refurbished to add the speedway. For now, however, only those lucky cruisers on these newer ships get to enjoy the experience.

The Laps Take About 30 Seconds

As you’d expect on a racetrack on a ship, the course isn’t that long. It only takes about 30 seconds to make a lap. That said, the layout is well-designed. In a compact space the track packs a lot in, including a ton of corners, twists and turns. It’s also a double-decker track, with a hill climb right at the start and a downhill section at the end to bring you back to the start/finish line.

One-Seaters and Two-Seaters Are Available

Want to drive with a smaller child? Or maybe you just want to share the experience with someone? You don’t have to drive alone. While most riders decide to drive a single cart, you can ride with two people in a double go-kart.

The Carts Are Electric with Gas Engine Sounds

With cruise ships trying to more “green” you might be wondering about fuel for the go-karts. They are actually electric and don’t emit exhaust as they zoom around the track. To help add to the ambiance, there are engine noises emitted by the cars to make them sounds like they are real race cars. It’s a little funny at first but really does make it feel like you are going faster.

Rides Cost $15 Per Person (Unlimited Passes Are Available)

If there is one bad thing about the racetrack on Norwegian, it’s that the activity isn’t free. In fact, it can be a bit pricey. While prices can change at anytime, as we go to press you’ll pay $15 per person for your turn on the track. Want to go three times during your trip? That’s $45. There are unlimited passes available that allow you to go the entire length of your trip. We’ve seen prices quoted around $200 for a week-long cruise.

Be Dressed for Racing

Due to safety concerns, you need to be dress appropriately to race the cars. That means closed-toe shoes. As well, you don’t want to wear anything loose or baggy that might catch on the wheels, such as a scarf or an open jacket. Also be sure to leave your bags in the room or with someone watching your race. There are no lockers available to store your bags while you drive.

There Are Height Requirements

If you want to drive alone, then you need to be at least 55 inches tall (4′ 7″). The good news is that there aren’t age requirements. As long as you are tall enough, you can drive. Note that some websites showing the minimum height of 48 inches, but on the ship it was in fact listed as 55 inches to drive alone. Smaller riders can go with larger drivers to also enjoy the track.

Reservations Are Highly Recommended

The racetrack is by far one of the most popular parts of the ship. While your cruise may be different, we’d highly suggest making some reservations for your spot the instant you get on the ship. You can reserve a spot via your stateroom television. You could also try to reserve during days in port when many people are off the ship (if the track is open during this time).

You May Not Go Fast… But It Feels Fast

We’ll be honest, you don’t go that fast in absolute terms in the carts. We’ve seen reports of up to 30-40 mph, but having raced on the ship firsthand, that’s not the case. We’d estimate you go more 10-15 mph. While that may not sound fast, given how low to the ground you drive and the number of curves, it really feels much faster. There are definite times when you have to let off the gas to make a corner cleanly. Bottom line, you won’t be disappointed with the speed.

Rides Last About 10 Minutes

The rides go by pretty quick. If you’re waiting in line, that’s a good thing. If you’re racing, you want it to last forever. We’d estimate that a turn takes about 10 minutes long. For $15, that’s not very long, but it is still a fun time. To be honest, racing any longer than that and the minimum wait would be unbearable.

A Helmet and Helmet Sock Are Provided For You

When you ride, you must wear a helmet. A helmet with a visor is provided to you, as is a helmet sock. The sock fits over your head like a thin ski mask. They are only worn once and then washed for the next person. This helps to keep things cleaner instead of people’s bare heads touching the actual helmet.

The Power Is Controlled by the Staff

You might be hoping you get a face car when you race. The speed of the cars is actually dependent on the staff. In fact, when you first start on the track you’ll be disappointed with the speed out of the gates and climbing the hill. It’s not until all the cars are on the track that the power is turned up and you can really start to drive quickly. As well, if there are any incidents on the track or when it’s time to pit at the end of the race, your speed will be cut.

The “Turbo” Button Doesn’t Do Anything

On the car’s steering wheel there is a beautiful button that says it’s a turbo boost. Don’t get your hopes up. We were told by the staff that it actually doesn’t do anything. We also tested it personally and there was no extra boost provided by it.

Getting Stuck Behind People Is an Issue

If there is one complaint about the racetrack on Norwegian, it’s that you can get stuck behind slow drivers. Given the turns and the width of the track, finding a spot to pass can be tough. If someone is going slow around the track, you could be going at a turtle’s pace behind them until things open up for passing.

Racing Is a Lot of Fun… You Should Do It at Least Once

It’s understandable if you don’t want to spend the extra money to take a ride on the carts. For instance, a family of four would spend $60 for about 10 minutes of entertainment. That’s a steep price to pay. Still, after having done the carts ourselves, we suggest that everyone take at least one turn. During our cruise it turned out to be one of the highlights of the entire trip and something we’ll remember for a long time.

Have more questions about racing on Norwegian ships? Let us know in the comments below.

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So what is the weight requirement the maximum amount of weight you could be to get on these go carts my friend couldn’t go on it, but I could

Can guests bring their own D.O.T.-approved helmets instead of those publicly-worn?

I doubt that’s ever come up. There’s no real reason to bring your own helmet that we can think of.

What is the Weight limit for this event

Don’t know of any weight limit, but you must be 55″ to drive alone.

Can you pre-pay for the unlimited week pass or do you have to do that on the ship? I heard there was a limit as to how many unlimited passes they sell??

We will admit that we’re not sure. If you know you want the unlimited pass, then we’d give the cruise line a call.

I’m all in for this!! Encore cruise coming up soon.

We recently sailed on that ship. See our thoughts here: https://cruzely.com/norwegian-encore-review-ncls-newest-ship-sets-the-bar-high/

Do you have to reserve the go-kart spot or can u just get in a line? also is there a limit to how many time you can reserve the spot?

You should reserve a time if you can. If it’s full up, or you just forget, just head there and hopefully they can work you in. Sometimes people reserve and then don’t show up.

Is there a weight limit on the go-carts?

Not that we know of. We saw height minimums, but no age or weight restrictions.

yes there is. They will weight you before you get on the cars.

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Which Norwegian Ships Have Go Karts Tracks?

Unbelievable as it may seem, you can try Go Karting on a cruise ship and I did!

Some of Norwegian Cruise Line’s newer, bigger ships have Go Kart Tracks on the top two – or sometimes the top three decks.

Which Norwegian Ships Have Go Karts?

There are five Norwegian ships that have Go Kart Tracks. These are:

• Norwegian Joy
• Norwegian Encore
• Norwegian Prima
• Norwegian Viva
• Norwegian Bliss

Are The Go Karts Free On Norwegian Ships?

The Go Karts aren’t free on Norwegian cruise ships, there is an additional charge.

How Much Does It Cost to Use the Karts on Norwegian Ships?

I was lucky enough to try out the three-deck Go Kart Course on Norwegian Prima.

I was pretty nervous before I started, but soon got into the swing of it and really enjoyed myself.

When I sailed on Norwegian Prima in 2023

• The Go Kart Rides cost $15 each.
• For an extra $5, you could have the track to yourself for three laps and drive at faster speeds. This is known as “You and the Track.”
• You could pay $199 and have unlimited rides on your cruise during the scheduled track opening time.  This is known as “The Ultimate Speedway Package.”

How Many Laps Do You Get For Your Money?

You can drive for eight laps for $15.

How Do You Book To Drive A Go Kart On Norwegian Ships?

You can book a Go Kart by:

• Booking via The Norwegian App
• At the designated desk onboard
• On the Cabin interactive TV

Which of Norwegian’s Ships Has The Biggest Go Kart Track?

Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva are sister ships . They have the biggest Go Kart tracks at Sea.

Instead of being spread over two decks like some other Norwegian ships, the Norwegian Viva and Prima’s 1,400-foot go-kart track is spread over the ship’s top three decks.

How Fast Do Go Kart Go On Norwegian Ships?

The Go Karts can go up to 40 miles per hour, but Norwegian limits speed to 27 mph during group races.

Do You Need To Wear Protective Clothing to Drive The Go Karts on Norwegian Ships?

Wearing helmets is compulsory and everyone is given a clean ski mask to wear beneath the helmet.

For safety reasons, you need to be dressed appropriately to race on the Go Karts

Leave your bags in the cabin or with someone watching your race. There are no lockers available to store your things when you drive.

Flat, fully closed footwear required (no flip flops, Crocs, or heels). Riders must always wear a helmet. Loose clothing is not allowed. No age minimum, guests must only adhere to height requirements. Hair longer than shoulder length must be tied back and hidden inside helmet. Drug and alcohol consumption before driving are strictly prohibited.    Norwegian Cruise Line Terms and Conditions

What Happens Before You Drive The Go Karts?

Before you are allowed on the Go Karts you will:

• Watch a safety video
• Get weighed – and height measured if you look like you might be too short
• Get strapped in

Do Norwegian’s Go Karts Have Petrol or Electric Engines?

All Norwegian’s Go Kart’s are electric – but they mimic the sound of petrol/Gasoline powered Karts

Are There Height and Weight Restrictions for the Go Karts?

Yes, there are height and weight restrictions if you want to drive a Go Kart:

• Minimum height is 55″(1.40m) The maximum height is 82″(2.08m)
• The maximum weight allowed is 265lbs (120kgs) 

What’s It Like To Go Kart On A Cruise Ship?

I had thought that the Go Karts would be a bit like bumper cars – you would just go round and round in circles – but how wrong I was!

The track is Eighteen decks above the Ocean, and around 166 feet above sea level. It felt very high up.

There were Hairpin bends, hills and corners, and it was quite scary at first as I had no idea where the track would go next.

Because the Go Karts are so close to the ground it felt like we were going fast.

After two laps, I got to know the track better, and I relaxed and really enjoyed myself.

I definitely got $15 worth of enjoyment out of my Go Karts experience!

I lost count of the laps, but I think it was around eight. There was a checkered flag at the end, so I knew when to stop.

I wasn’t last! I came 18th – out of 19 people!

Watch me try out the Go Karts on Norwegian Prima in the video below:

Before You Go

When I sailed on Norwegian Prima, I had what I think was my favourite balcony cabin at sea. Find out all about it here:

I Stayed in a Balcony Cabin on The Norwegian Prima (Full Review)

Find out how to get the best cabin for your money, without downgrading the category here:

Get The Best Cabin for Your Budget! Hints, Tips and Examples of How to Save Money Without Downgrading Your Cabin Type

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What Is the Cruise With Go-Karts: Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has brought a new level of excitement to the world of cruising with their exhilarating innovation: the Cruise with Go-Karts. This groundbreaking experience combines the thrill of racing with the luxury of a cruise vacation, creating a unique and unforgettable adventure for travelers of all ages. Picture yourself speeding around a specially designed racetrack, wind in your hair, adrenaline pumping through your veins, all while basking in the beauty and grandeur of the open sea. This one-of-a-kind offering sets Royal Caribbean apart from other cruise lines and caters to the adventurous spirit within us all.

Which Cruises Have a Race Track?

The Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is well-known for it’s innovative and exciting cruise experiences, and one of their most popular features is their race track. Norwegian offers three cruise ships that feature their own exhilarating go-kart tracks: the Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss, and the highly anticipated Norwegian Prima. Each ships track provides thrills and excitement for guests of all ages.

The Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss both have their own race tracks, though not as impressive as the one found on the Prima. During a special inaugural sailing last year, I couldnt help but notice the three-level go-kart track on the Norwegian Prima as soon as I returned to the ship from an excursion. It was an impressive sight, and I couldnt wait to try it out.

From luxurious staterooms to breathtaking entertainment options, the Prima promises to be a game-changer in the world of cruising.

So, if youre looking for a cruise experience that combines the excitement of go-kart racing with the luxury and relaxation of a cruise vacation, look no further than the Norwegian Cruise Line. Whether you choose the Joy, the Bliss, or the Prima, youre guaranteed to have a cruise experience unlike any other. Get ready to rev your engines and set sail for adventure!

Reviews and Testimonials From Guests Who Have Experienced the Go-Kart Tracks on Norwegian Cruise Line Ships.

• Such an amazing experience! The go-kart track on the Norwegian Cruise Line ship was incredible and so much fun.
• We’d a blast racing around the track on the ship. The go-karts were fast and the track was well-designed.
• The go-kart track on the Norwegian Cruise Line ship was the highlight of our vacation. We couldn’t get enough of it!
• Highly recommend trying out the go-kart track if you’re ever on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience.
• My family and I’d a fantastic time on the go-kart track. It was a unique and exhilarating activity that we’ll never forget.
• The go-kart track on the Norwegian Cruise Line ship was a thrilling adventure. We loved every minute of it!
• Don’t miss out on the go-kart track when you’re on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. It’s an absolute must-do.
• We were impressed by the quality of the go-karts and the track. It was a professional-grade racing experience.
• The go-kart track on the Norwegian Cruise Line ship exceeded our expectations. It was incredibly well-maintained and lots of fun.
• Racing around the go-kart track on the ship was like a dream come true. We’d the time of our lives.

There are several Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ships that offer a running track for those looking to stay active during their cruise.

Does Royal Caribbean Have a Running Track?

Yes, Royal Caribbean offers a running track on several of it’s cruise ships. It’s a popular activity and is included with your cruise purchase. The running track provides passengers with the opportunity to maintain their fitness routine while enjoying the beautiful views of the ocean. It’s a great option for those who like to stay active even during their vacation.

Some of the ships that offer this facility include the Oasis-class ships such as Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas. These ships have a specially designed running track that loops around the deck, providing ample space for joggers to enjoy their run.

For those who prefer to avoid crowds, it’s recommended to get your run in early in the morning or during popular dinner or show times. This way, you can avoid any roadblocks or people who might be using the track at the same time. It can be a peaceful and relaxing experience to have the track to yourself while enjoying the fresh ocean breeze.

It’s a fantastic amenity that allows you to enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean while staying fit. Just remember to plan your runs accordingly to avoid any potential roadblocks or crowded times.

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas are the two ships in their fleet that feature SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea. SeaPlex is a unique sporting venue with exciting new attractions that encourage guests to unwind and embrace their adventurous spirit.

Which Royal Caribbean Ships Have a SeaPlex?

The SeaPlex is a unique and exciting feature found on Royal Caribbeans Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas. It’s the largest indoor active space at sea, offering guests a wide range of thrilling activities and entertainment options. This state-of-the-art venue is designed to inspire guests to let loose, have fun, and connect with their playful sides.

One of the standout features of the SeaPlex is the go-kart track. This exhilarating attraction allows guests to race each other on a track suspended high above the ships decks. With twists, turns, and high speeds, it’s an experience like no other. Whether youre a racing enthusiast or just looking for some adrenaline-pumping fun, the go-kart track at the SeaPlex is a must-try.

Guests can play games like bumper cars, roller skating, basketball, and even take part in circus school. Theres truly something for everyone, regardless of age or skill level. The SeaPlex is a versatile space that can transform to accommodate different activities, making it a dynamic and engaging venue for guests to enjoy.

The venue features live music, DJ nights, and themed parties, ensuring that guests have a vibrant and lively atmosphere to enjoy throughout their cruise.

With it’s go-kart track, bumper cars, roller skating, basketball, and more, it offers endless opportunities for fun and excitement.

Other Activities and Attractions Offered at the SeaPlex, Such as Bumper Cars, Roller Skating, Basketball, and Circus School

• Bumper cars
• Roller skating
• Circus school

Source: Spotlight on SeaPlex: Ultimate Activities Zone

Watch this video on YouTube:

With state-of-the-art tracks, fast-paced competitions, and breathtaking ocean views, passengers can enjoy an adrenaline-pumping adventure while sailing the high seas.

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Which Cruise Ship Has a Go-Kart?

By Anna Duncan

Cruise ships are known for their luxurious amenities and features, and now they are also offering go-karts. Go-karts have been popular for years as a fun way to get around, and now they’re also becoming part of the cruise experience. For those looking to add a bit of excitement to their cruise vacation, here’s a look at which cruise ships offer go-karting.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is the first major cruise line to offer go-karts on board its ships. The company has installed two tracks on board its ships that are located in the main atrium area.

The karts can be rented by passengers for an additional fee and can be used while the ship is in port or while it is at sea. The tracks feature twists and turns as well as jumps, so there is plenty of fun to be had.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International offers go-karts on select ships in its fleet. The company has installed two tracks on board some of its larger vessels that include both indoor and outdoor sections. Passengers can rent karts for an additional fee and can race around the track while the ship is in port or at sea.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has recently added go-karting to its entertainment options by installing two tracks on board some of its latest ships. Like other companies, passengers can rent karts for an additional fee and race around the track while the ship is in port or at sea.

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The best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for every type of traveler

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What’s the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship? Over the years, I’ve sailed on all but two of Norwegian’s 18 vessels, and my personal favorite is the new Norwegian Prima. I love its stylish design and upscale feel, as well as its wide mix of eateries, bars and entertainment.

Still, Norwegian Prima isn’t necessarily the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for you. Whether you’ll have a better time on one of the other 17 vessels in the Norwegian fleet will depend a lot on the type of traveler you are.

Norwegian has some vessels, such as Norwegian Encore, that are loaded with family-friendly attractions such as waterparks and go-kart tracks that are perfect for families with teens and tweens. To me, Norwegian Encore is an even better choice than Norwegian Prima for families with school-age kids.

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Other Norwegian cruise ships, such as Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Sun, have specific features that might make them better options for solo travelers or retirees. Certain Norwegian ships are best for budget travelers, while others are best for luxury travelers.

In short, the best Norwegian cruise ship for you will depend on a bunch of factors, and which ship is best for a trip with your family might not be your top pick for a couple’s cruise or girlfriends’ getaway.

Here we list our top picks for the best Norwegian cruise ships for five different types of travelers.

Norwegian Encore: Best for families

The best Norwegian Cruise Line ships for families, hands down, are the four giant, activity-packed ships of its Breakaway-Plus class: Norwegian Encore , Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape. Of these, Norwegian Encore is our top pick.

At 169,145 tons and carrying 3,998 passengers, Norwegian Encore is the largest ship in the Norwegian fleet. That means it has the most space for the many over-the-top family fun zones that are at the core of the four Breakaway-Plus vessels — a series of ships that was specifically designed with families in mind.

For starters, Norwegian Encore is home to some of the most thrilling waterslides at sea, as well as a kiddie splash zone that will have your little ones squealing with delight. But those are just the appetizers when it comes to family fun on the top deck of the ship.

Norwegian Encore is also the setting for one of the biggest go-kart racing tracks at sea . (Yes, this is a thing — Norwegian debuted the concept on its Breakaway-Plus-class ships and now has a go-kart track on four vessels.) Two decks high and nearly 1,150 feet long, the Norwegian Encore Speedway includes four sections that extend up to 13 feet over the sides of the vessel. The racecourse also features a middle-of-the-track observation area where your family and friends can cheer you on to victory — and even shoot you with “lasers” that’ll give you a boost of power.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families

In addition, Norwegian Encore has a large laser tag area on its top deck (one that I can tell you from personal experience is a blast) and a massive indoor gaming and virtual reality zone called the Galaxy Pavilion. Both are tween and teen favorites.

That’s all on top of dedicated children’s play areas, pools and family-friendly entertainment that will keep your family busy from morning to night.

In short, there are so many family-friendly things to do on Norwegian Encore that you and your kids likely won’t be able to do it all in a single, weeklong cruise.

Norwegian Prima: Best for luxury lovers

Luxury lovers recently got a new top choice in the Norwegian fleet: Norwegian Prima .

Unveiled in 2022, the 3,215-passenger vessel is the first of a new class of Norwegian ship that the line has designed to be more upscale than its earlier vessels. (A sister vessel, Norwegian Viva , is debuting this year.) An “elevation” of the brand is how executives describe it.

The upscale turn included loading Norwegian Prima with the largest variety of suites (13 categories in all) of any ship in the NCL fleet, including the largest three-bedroom suites of any new cruise vessel. If it’s swanky digs you’re after (and you have the money to spend), you’ll find plenty of options on this ship.

Extra suite categories are just the start of what makes Norwegian Prima the best Norwegian cruise ship for luxury lovers.

Notably, the entire back of the ship is dedicated to an upscale luxury zone for the fancy set called The Haven. Rising eight decks high, it’s home to 107 of the aforementioned suites, a sprawling private indoor lounge area, private outdoor lounge and pool areas, and a private restaurant — all exclusively for the use of the deep-pocketed biggies who pay up for one of its suites.

Related: The 8 best cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

We’ve seen these private The Haven suite areas on Norwegian ships before but never on this scale. If it’s living large on a Norwegian ship that’s your goal, you’re not going to find anything better than this.

Outside of The Haven, the entire ship has a more elegant feel of the sort you find in the fleets of Norwegian’s higher-end sister brands, Oceania Cruises  and Regent Seven Seas Cruises — albeit on a bigger scale.

The entryway to the ship, for instance, deposits you at the three-story-high Penrose Atrium, which may be the most beautiful atrium of any big ship at sea. It has a curvy, sculptural feel as if the entire space were an art piece.

It’s a look that carries over to a bevy of high-end eateries, including Nama, a new-for-Norwegian sushi restaurant with a design that is as sophisticated as the sushi it serves. Also striking is Norwegian Prima’s version of Le Bistro, Norwegian’s signature French eatery. It’s built around three massive crystal chandeliers costing nearly $100,000 that hang down to the floor — a showstopper of a design element. Gold-leaf wallpaper lines its booth seating.

Notably, the public areas that include these restaurants feel more spacious than many of the other ships in the Norwegian fleet. Indeed, they are. Norwegian Prima was built with a higher ratio of space to passengers, which itself is an upscale touch. The ship also has a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than many Norwegian ships, leading to better service.

In short, this is the Norwegian ship to book when you want to take things up a notch.

Norwegian Sky: Best for budget travelers

Norwegian Sky is the Norwegian ship to pick when you’re looking for a low-cost, easy-to-do getaway — at least in the summer months.

Based in Miami for much of the year, the 24-year-old vessel operates a mix of short three- to five-night voyages to the Bahamas and longer trips to the Caribbean from spring to fall that have one thing in common: They’re unusually affordable on a per-night basis.

In many cases, Norwegian Sky sailings out of Miami will start under $100 a day per person, though it depends on the week. We sometimes see the ship’s shorter sailings starting as low as $249 per person for the entire cruise.

Indeed, the ship often is at the top of the list when you sort cruises by lowest price on Norwegian’s website.

For would-be Norwegian cruisers, Norwegian Sky’s shorter sailings out of Miami serve as a sort of “test the line” opportunity. Their short time frame and low pricing mean you’re not out a lot in time or money if you don’t love it as much as you hoped. These shorter sailings cater heavily to first-time cruisers and Florida locals who can book on short notice and drive into the port for a quick escape.

One of two ships in the line’s Sun class that date to the turn of the millennium, Norwegian Sky is far from the snazziest ship in the Norwegian fleet. This is both because of its age but also its size. At 77,104 tons and carrying 2,002 passengers, it’s just half the size of Norwegian’s biggest ships and has far fewer venues, from bars and restaurants to entertainment spaces. There is no giant water park on its top deck or a go-kart track to keep the kids busy all day, so it’s not the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for families.

Related: The 8 classes of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, explained

That said, Norwegian Sky has its allures, one of which is that it has a much more intimate feel than the line’s bigger vessels. It’s a great choice for adults on a budget who are satisfied with the basics.

Norwegian Epic: Best for solo travelers

When it comes to the best Norwegian cruise ship for solo travelers, one ship stands out above all the others: Norwegian Epic.

Unveiled in 2010, Norwegian Epic caters to solo travelers like no other large cruise ship at sea — from any line, not just Norwegian — with an unusually large private zone for solo travelers that has its own two-story lounge for solo mixers as well as special solo cabins.

Tucked away in the middle of the ship, this “studio” zone is essentially a private escape for solos, with more solo cabins — 128 — than you’ll find on any other ship at sea.

The cabins measure just 100 square feet but are superbly designed to maximize storage space. They’re also clustered around the exclusive Studio Lounge, which has its own private bar and a television area where solo travelers can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings.

Only solos staying in the solo cabins (via keycards) can access the Studio Lounge, meaning that you and your new solo friends will have the place to yourselves.

Related: The best cruise lines for solo travelers

Norwegian Epic was the first Norwegian ship with an exclusive solos zone, and it was such a hit the line later added them to six more vessels. But none of the latter zones are as big as the one on Norwegian Epic.

The bigger Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss all have an 82-cabin solo complex, while two older ships — Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway — have solo areas with 59 cabins. The line’s newest vessel, Norwegian Prima, has a 72-cabin solo complex spread over two decks.

Norwegian also offers four solo cabins on its Hawaii-based Pride of America.

Having sailed in one of Norwegian Epic’s cabins for one, I can confidently declare them among the coolest solo digs at sea. I particularly love the “Jetsons” futuristic-style design and the multicolored mood lighting.

One big caveat: They’re all inside cabins without an ocean view, although most have a window that looks out onto a corridor.

Related: Why a windowless inside cabin isn’t so bad

A bigger caveat, perhaps, is that these solo cabins have become so popular they often sell out far in advance and at prices that aren’t much better than booking a cabin for two.

Norwegian Sun: Best for retirees

For older travelers looking for a Norwegian ship that isn’t filled to the gills with children, Norwegian Sun is the perfect option.

Dating to 2001, Norwegian Sun is one of Norwegian’s oldest and smallest vessels, and it lacks many of the family-focused onboard attractions that are typical for the line’s newer and bigger vessels. You won’t find big waterparks, go-kart racing tracks or laser tag zones on this ship.

Norwegian Sun’s top deck mostly comprises sunning areas, with a single pool and whirlpools, as is typical for ships built more than two decades ago.

As a result, it draws far fewer families than most of the vessels mentioned above and caters more to an older crowd of mostly couples.

Norwegian Sun also is the ship that Norwegian deploys on some of its longest and most destination-focused itineraries, the type that particularly appeals to retirees looking to see more of the world.

Related: The 7 best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Over the next two years, for instance, Norwegian Sun is sailing lots of long voyages out of such less-common home ports as Tokyo; Seoul, Korea; Laem Chabang, Thailand; Lisbon, Portugal; and Haifa, Israel.

The sailings out of Tokyo, Seoul and Laem Chabang will offer the chance to visit such Asian countries as Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand in-depth, with most departures ranging from 11 to 15 nights and packed with port stops — the sort of cruise that appeals more to older couples than families.

The sailings out of Lisbon and Haifa, both on the longer side, will offer in-depth explorations of Northern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, respectively.

Norwegian Sun is also one of the smallest and least kid-focused of the five ships the line deploys to Alaska in summer, making it a good choice for retirees wanting to visit that destination. Families with kids naturally gravitate to the two giant, activity-packed vessels Norwegian sends to Alaska each summer — Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian ship  

At 78,309 tons, Norwegian Sun is less than half the size of the biggest Norwegian ships, and it holds just 1,976 passengers at double occupancy. (Compare that to more than 4,000 for Norwegian’s biggest vessels.) Expect a far more intimate experience than what you’ll find on most of the ships mentioned above.

Note that due to the ship’s small size, some of Norwegian’s signature features, including a private The Haven suite complex and solo cabins, aren’t found on the ship. Still, you’ll find more than half a dozen eateries, including several main dining rooms, a casual buffet, a diner-style pub, a steak house, an Italian trattoria and a French bistro as well as a showroom with nightly shows, a casino, a multipurpose basketball/volleyball court, golf driving nets and a jogging track.

Bottom line

Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet consists of 18 ships that come in a wide range of sizes and feature differing mixes of venues and activities. Some are jampacked with fun zones that make them perfect for families, while others are geared toward couples and retirees. Some ships have attributes that make them stand out for luxury, solo or budget travelers.

If you’re considering a Norwegian cruise, it pays to study not just the itineraries that are available from the line but the specific ships that are operating the itineraries. You want to make sure you end up on the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for you.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

The Best New Cruises in the World: 2024 Hot List

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List , our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships, a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech , or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List cruise winners for 2024.

Click here to see the entire Hot List for 2024 .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This story appears in Condé Nast Traveler 's Hot List issue. Never miss out when you subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler .

Celebrity Ascent — Celebrity Cruises Arrow

Celebrity is a premium big-ship cruise brand, focusing on exquisite dining, cutting-edge amenities, Instagram-worthy public spaces chock-full of bespoke art pieces, and avant-garde onboard entertainment. The ship makes passengers feel, in a word, glamorous. Celebrity Ascent ’s sumptuously designed interiors are flooded with natural light and evoke an air of playful sophistication that make a week on board an escape worth cherishing. Passengers may find themselves longing to return for just one more succulent crab claw at Raw on 5, one more martini poured by bottle-spinning bartenders in the Martini Bar, or one more dazzling, acrobatic stage show, in the days following their farewells to this beautiful ship. From $710 per person for a seven-night sailing. —Scott Laird

Emerald Sakara — Emerald Cruises Arrow

Now with two oceangoing vessels joining Emerald’s more established fleet of nine river-dedicated “Star-Ships,” the decade-old cruise line is extending a brand built on unpretentious luxury to more corners of the world. Christened last August, the 100-guest superyacht, Sakara, is a near twin to Azzurra, which in 2022 ushered in a new era for Emerald by taking to the high seas. Sakara, like its sister, delightfully blurs the line between the luxury and ultra-luxury cruise categories, offering attentive service, gourmet cuisine, tasteful decor, and an eclectic slate of activities at a price point friendly to more budgets. The cherry on top with both superyachts is a slew of perks atypical of small-ship sailing, ranging from an impressively comprehensive spa to a marina platform well equipped for more fun in the sun. Despite having so much good stuff, each vessel is remarkably spacious. Getting a sense of being on a private yacht is easy like Sunday morning. Sakara is homeported in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean through at least March 2026; Azzurra, too, in addition to the Middle East, Kenya, and the Seychelles. Emerald’s river operations are based in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that a third ship, the Kaia , has just been announced by the cruise line; it debuts in April 2026, and, for all the early birds, it is now open for bookings.) From $3,850. —David Dickstein

Explora I — Explora Journeys Arrow

With a showpiece lobby bar, upscale restaurants, and a sultry infinity pool, Explora Journeys' relaxed luxury-resort-at-sea vibe strikes the perfect balance on Explora I. Launched in August 2023, the all-inclusive ship is disarmingly beautiful. A sleek navy blue exterior cocoons 461 suites, all with deep balconies, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms. There is free-flowing Champagne, 7,500 square feet of wellness space, and 18 drinking and dining venues. From Emporium Marketplace, with its decadent raw bar, to pan-Asian restaurant Sakura, the dining on Explora I is sensational. Marble & Co. Grill is an intimate steakhouse where aging meats hang in temperature-controlled cabinets. At Anthology, the ship's only supplementary restaurant, guest chefs—such as Claude Le Tohic of San Francisco's O' by Claude Le Tohic—curate sublime tasting menus. There's more: The only Rolex boutique at sea, huge hot tubs, and a shore program that sees some land experiences developed in partnership with revered explorer Mike Horn. From $698 per person per night. —Kerry Spencer

Icon of the Seas — Royal Caribbean International Arrow

Aboard the Icon, you can really get lost. The behemoth is just plain big, with capacity for nearly 8,000 when combining passengers and crew across 20 decks and 250,800 gross tons. Two and a half laps around the ship’s jogging track, a particular highlight onboard, and you’ve run a mile. So one can find themselves in need of a map—forgetting your sunscreen, for example, in your cabin is a bit of a chore depending on how far you’ve made it. But the abundance of things to do is also narcotic, and you feel a bit like a lotus-eater attempting to navigate it all while keeping your head. Amid the relentless entertainment, not to be missed are the top-notch performers present everywhere, from the Olympic-level aquatics show that you can watch from the windows of the specialty seafood restaurant should seating be elusive (it often is) to the cafeteria, where crew members dressed as food items sing songs reminding (commanding, actually, which is fabulous) passengers to wash their hands at sinks near the entrance. If you wish to enjoy the largest waterpark at sea, by the way, do what I did not and pack a swimsuit without zippers. From $2,249. —Charlie Hobbs

Jessica Puckett

María Casbas

CNT Editors

MSC Euribia — MSC Cruises Arrow

Looking at a row of cruise ships in port, you'll spot MSC Euribia right away. She's covered bow to stern by an ocean-themed mural by German artist Alex Flämig that bears the hashtag #SaveTheSeas nodding to the MSC's dedication to sustainable cruising: the European cruise line aims to be net-zero by 2050. MSC Euribia brings it one step closer to that goal, as it's the fleet's greenest ship yet, operating on liquified natural gas (LNG) and running advanced water and waste treatment systems onboard. But enough with the technical details—this mega-ship is packed with activities and entertainment, with 10 restaurants, 21 bars, five pools, two performance venues, and a bevy of family-friendly amenities, like an F1 simulator, a waterpark, and a bowling alley. More adult-oriented highlights include the MSC Aurea Spa, with a thermal suite outfitted with thalassotherapy pools, a salt cave, and a snow room, as well as the Helios Wine Maker bar for wine tastings. From $519. —Stefanie Waldek

Norwegian Viva — Norwegian Cruise Line Arrow

The second entry in Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Class, Viva is like an Irish twin of older sister Prima . There’s the same stateroom count at 1,586, done in pristine and pleasing neutrals, as well as familiarly tricked-out amenities like the zippy 1,400-foot go-kart racing track that undulates over the top decks. Importantly, the Ocean Walk, which my colleague Mercedes Bleth adored aboard the Prima, remains. But round two afforded the premier name in large-ship cruising a chance to tweak and perfect, with an influx of seating options both in the ship’s complimentary dining hall as well as on its myriad decks. Across from the signature “zero-waste” Metropolitan Bar, where yummy drinks are whipped up from the ship’s food waste (I particularly enjoy a buttery Croissant Mai-Tai, for which hardening pastries are boiled down into sweetening syrup; the same is done with banana peels) is an interactive piece of digital art 52 feet wide that sees butterflies flit beside passersby. Breezy class all around. From $979. —Charlie Hobbs

Oceania Vista — Oceania Cruises Arrow

Vista, Oceania’s first new ship in more than a decade and the first of its Allura Class, debuted with small but mighty upgrades to its previous ships: better stabilizers for a smoother sailing experience; stronger Wi-Fi; lighting and architecture designed to make the ship’s common spaces look and feel roomier; a resort-like pool deck; and balconies in every cabin. The real star of the show, though, is the food and beverage experience— Vista ’s culinary program delivers on its promise of top-quality venues you’ll want to make the rounds at. New to the lineup are Ember, a steakhouse with decor straight out of Napa Valley, and Aquamar Kitchen, serving up lighter fare that doesn’t skimp on taste. Celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or a just-because occasion with the Cellar Masters Wine Luncheon, a five-course meal and wine pairing. And don’t miss the elaborate sea day brunch, where towers of lobster, crab, and caviar await. Of course, the ship is just one destination. This year Vista is splitting time between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean; next year it will venture farther into Europe with ports of call like Istanbul, Stockholm, and Klaipeda, Lithuania. Its sister ship, Allura, sets sail in 2025 From $2,699. —Madison Flager

Scenic Eclipse II — Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours Arrow

The eagerly awaited Scenic Eclipse II is the new and improved version of Scenic's first expedition vessel, Scenic Eclipse . Dubbed "discovery yachts" for their sleek look and top-tier service, the sisters are nearly identical, with most changes so subtle that most guests might not even notice them, such as the slight enlargement of the steam room in the spa. But a big difference can be found on deck 10, where a plunge pool with jets for simulated lap swimming has taken the place of two hot tubs—and there's a new Sky Bar up here. Otherwise, Scenic Eclipse II has the same beloved amenities of its sister, most notably 10 exceptional dining experiences, from a sushi bar to a French restaurant with an attached Champagne bar; a 5,920-square-foot spa; two helicopters; and a submersible. Capable of sailing all over the world, including the polar regions, Scenic Eclipse II has itineraries for every type of traveler. From $7,455. —Stefanie Waldek

Seabourn Pursuit — Seabourn Cruise Line Arrow

Pursuit is a small “yacht-like” expedition ship with a distinct green exterior whose destinations range from Antarctica to warmer climes like the Kimberley in Australia. The decadent cabins, bigger than some standard hotel rooms, feel spacious and relaxing, complete with all the subtle touches that make you feel immediately at home. You can hang your evening attire in the walk-in closet and dry your wet swimwear—or damp Arctic expedition gear—in the built-in warming compartment; have sunrise breakfasts or sunset cocktails mixed at the in-room wet bar on your private balcony; and sleep in a plush, queen-sized bed. But what truly sets this cruise apart is the attentive and personable staff who quickly learn your name and personal preferences, providing VIP treatment throughout the journey. From $10,799. —Taylor Eisenhauer

Seven Seas Grandeur — Regent Seven Seas Cruises Arrow

Ports in the Caribbean, the Greek Isles, and the Riviera might be the draw, but the all-inclusive luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises produces ships that have travelers looking forward to those days at sea, as its sixth offering, Grandeur, further proves. All of the 372 suites, which start at a roomy 307 square feet, are decorated in calming neutral blues and beige, and feature furnished balconies; most have L'Occitane bubbles for the marble tub. Quiet comfort can also be had in the Serene Spa & Wellness outdoor lounge area, following a massage on a quartz crystal bed that mimics the feel of warm sand. Cravings for a porterhouse or a vegetarian Salisbury steak can be sated by Prime 7, with other venues serving specialty pan-Asian cuisine, French fare, ample buffets, and Italian offerings. Mainstay Compass Rose has been reimagined as a light, airy space where diners breakfast under playfully elegant pillars that resemble crystal trees. Grandeur 's whimsy extends to its reception area, where guests can check out Journey in Jewels, the Fabergé egg made specifically for the vessel, where it will remain for the rest of its jeweled ovoid days. The maximum number of 744 guests ensures unhurried service and uncrowded environs as you recover from a sunny day of swimming with Caribbean pigs. From $4,699 . —Alexandra Sanidad

Silver Nova — Silversea Cruises Arrow

A voyage on Silversea’s latest ship, Silver Nova, is one of taste and style. With expansive glass features throughout each of the 11 decks, and an ocean-facing saltwater swimming pool, the ship’s unique asymmetrical design leaves room for adults to run and play (with swank, of course). The Nova ’s reimagined culinary experience, SALT (Sea and Land Taste), is the first large-scale, regional restaurant at sea, and acts as an invitation to guests to experience more than an excursion. While initially introduced on Silver Moon, the Nova ’s SALT program includes SALT Lab by day: an intimate cooking class with highly acclaimed chefs and regional cuisine recipes inspired by the next destination. With one nightly seating, SALT Chef's Table offers an exclusive and creatively interactive dining experience. It’s all very intimate—as chefs showcase the art of their crafts firsthand, guests peek into a new culture, and place, before even disembarking. From $3,050. —Jessica Chapel

Viking Aton — Viking River Cruises Arrow

In the style of all Viking ships, the Rottet Studio–designed Aton is intended for comfortable and thought-provoking exploration—just look to the book-filled shelves in the cabins, curated by London’s Heywood Hill library, and the revolving door of on-board lecturers (on my trip, an English curator spoke about the evolving depictions of Egypt in 1900s popular art). It should be no surprise that in a destination as rich and storied as Egypt’s Nile, where the Aton is permanently based, the guides set apart what may read as a quintessential itinerary. On the Pharaohs & Pyramids journey, which takes travelers from the Valley of the Kings, where King Tut lies, to the Great Pyramid of Giza and well beyond over 12 days, esteemed Egyptologists oscillate from translating hieroglyphics on temple walls in real time, to shepherding travelers through modern night markets with endless fervor. On this ship it isn’t just what you see but how much you listen—and the team here, predominantly Egyptian, has much to say. These days, travelers crave perspective-altering experiences more than ever; get on the Aton and you’ll get once-in-a-lifetime access (until, that is, your next Aton sailing). From $5,999. —Megan Spurrell

Resilient Lady — Virgin Voyages Arrow

Stepping onto Resilient Lady feels a bit like heading to summer camp. The massive vessel is like a giant playground for adults, which is why it draws a fun-loving crowd. Theme night parties, a nostalgic arcade room, plenty of board games, and basketball courts are just a few of the seemingly limitless onboard activities. Compared with its sister ships, the newest Virgin Voyages addition includes upgraded onboard entertainment and exciting new ports of call like the Greek Islands, Bali, and Mumbai. Most of the shows on this specific ship are new to the line, such as Persephone, an interactive performance developed in collaboration with famed Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes, and Another Rose, an immersive dinner experience. Dining options are abundant on the ship—20-plus to be exact—and all of them are included with every passenger ticket. Plus, you can’t miss out on a visit to the several different sauna experiences in the Thermal Suite inside the Redemption Spa. From $2,000 . —Rachel Dube

World Voyager — Atlas Ocean Voyages Arrow

There are superbly comfortable spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows aplenty on World Voyager, the latest vessel from Atlas Ocean Voyages. On an Antarctica expedition, from the sauna or the spa’s relaxation room, with its heated loungers perfectly positioned in front of a wall of glass, you might watch turquoise icebergs float by. Back in your cozy stateroom, Champagne and strawberries await, as do the views from a Juliet or walkout balcony. The look throughout the 100 cabins and public spaces is Scandinavian modern, thanks to blond woods, marble floors, plush carpets in geometric patterns, and curvaceous furniture draped in velvety fabrics. In the elegant dining room, the focus is on international cuisine with a farm-to-table slant—think mushroom risotto and smoked duck with chargrilled vegetables. Meanwhile, the multipage cocktail menu beckons guests to a pair of spacious lounges. Blending yacht-style elegance and boutique-resort intimacy, this is a ship where you can make new friends easily but also retreat to a favorite spot to enjoy high tea in peaceful solitude while awaiting details from the crew on the adventures that lie ahead. From $1849. —Celeste Moure

Norwegian Cruise Line's new ship has a ridiculously big go-kart track — here's why I loved it

Here's a prediction: Eventually, the top decks of Norwegian Cruise Line ships will be entirely devoted to go-kart tracks. There will be no waterslides or pools. There won't even be lounge chairs.

You'll just spend all your sea days zooming around and around on curvy roads in miniature race cars.

OK, so maybe that's an exaggeration. But even a casual observer can see where the trend in decktop fun at Norwegian has been going in recent years — and, as oddball as it sounds, the trend is all about go-karts.

Almost every new ship the line has added since the debut of Norwegian Joy in 2017 has had a go-kart track bigger than the last — including the line's newest vessel, Norwegian Prima .

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As I'm seeing this week during a sneak peek at the ship in advance of its first sailing with paying passengers, Norwegian Prima has a go-kart track so big it verges on the ridiculous.

Prima Speedway, as it's called, spreads over a significant part of three decks on the top of the ship — a first for the line. Norwegian's previous go-kart tracks only covered parts of two decks.

It's the defining feature of the top of the ship.

This is all the more impressive considering that Norwegian Prima is a significantly smaller ship than the recent vessels Norwegian has built with go-kart tracks. Some elements of the top deck of Norwegian Prima are notably smaller than you'll find on those ships. There's only one waterslide, and the main lounge and pool area has been downsized.

But when it comes to go-karts, Norwegian is not skimping.

The extra deck allowed Prima Speedway's designers to make the go-kart road 22% longer than the track on Norwegian's last new ship, Norwegian Encore. The new track is nearly 1,400 feet in length.

I'll admit, when I first heard a few years ago that Norwegian was planning to put a go-kart track on a cruise ship, I rolled my eyes. That can't possibly work, I thought. And even if it does, who would want to go-kart in the middle of the ocean?

The answer: Way more people than I could ever imagine.

The first three go-kart tracks at sea, unveiled in 2017, 2018 and 2019 on Norwegian's Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore, respectively, have been huge hits.

The racing "heats" on the tracks inevitably sell out when the rides are open. People line up to make a booking.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line

And here's where I'll make a confession: Those people lined up to make a booking include ... me.

I may have thought the whole concept of go-karts on cruise ships was inane when I first heard of it. But it turns out that zipping around the top of a ship at nearly 30 miles per hour is a silly amount of fun. And nowhere is it more of a silly amount of fun than on Norwegian Prima.

As I experienced Sunday during an eight-lap test run on Prima Speedway, the extra deck devoted to the attraction makes it more thrilling than any of its predecessors on other Norwegian ships.

The track rises two decks at times and spins around on itself before descending and rising again, like one of those crazy freeway interchanges you see in the Los Angeles area. Even at slow speeds, the many sharp turns (there are 14 turns in all) make for exhilarating moments.

The track also has been souped up with a new, bigger observation area at its very top, and there's now a dedicated, open-air Prima Speedway bar built into the complex, where you can boast of your driving exploits and reward yourself with a cold brew after your heat.

Maybe it's because of the bigger size of the complex, but on this new track in particular, I found myself becoming oddly competitive. Channeling my inner Earnhardt, I jammed down the green "gas" pedal of my car to the floor, hoping to blast past all the other cars for the win.

Alas, when all was said and done, I finished toward the bottom of my heat.

I put "gas" in quotes above because, unlike many go-karts on land, the cars that Norwegian is using on Norwegian Prima don't use fossil fuels. While they rev and roar like regular gas engine cars, they're electric-powered. The noise that they make is all a simulation.

Still, don't think for a minute they're not serious go-karts. The cars can hit speeds of up to 27 miles per hour on the track, making for a rip-roaring experience. Technically, the cars can go even faster — more than 50 miles per hour — but Norwegian has restricted them a bit for safety.

Perhaps the only bad news about the new go-kart track on Norwegian Prima is that rides aren't as cheap as they used to be on Norwegian's other ships. A few years ago, when there only were go-kart tracks on Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss, a single ride cost $7. With demand sky-high, the line soon raised that fee to $9.95, and with the debut of Norwegian Encore in 2019, the cost shot up to $15 per ride.

It'll remain $15 per ride with the debut of Norwegian Prima.

New for Norwegian Prima, the line also is adding a "You And The Track" single-rider experience where you get to zoom around the speedway for three laps with no one else on the course. For this experience, the speed restrictions that have been imposed on the cars will be lifted so that you can hit speeds as high as 40 mph. It costs $20 per ride.

If you're the kind of person who can't get enough of go-karting (or, more likely, you have a kid who loves the track), you soon will be able to buy a weeklong, all-you-can-ride pass. The pricing for this has yet to be set. When Norwegian offered this before at the race tracks on its other ships, the cost was $199 per person.

It sounds like a lot of money. But after testing Prima Speedway this week, I can see the allure, particularly for people like me who have kids. The next time I'm on a Norwegian ship with my kids, I might just buy it.

Not for them, but for me. Even adults need an escape sometimes.

TPG's Gene Sloan is reporting live from Norwegian Prima as it sails from Reykjavik to Amsterdam on a non-revenue preview voyage for media and travel agents. You can find all of his dispatches on his author's page .

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

• Grand Rapids/Muskegon
• Saginaw/Bay City
• All Michigan

3-story go kart track opening at fun park in Michigan

• Updated: Apr. 19, 2024, 1:39 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 16, 2024, 8:17 a.m.

• Edward Pevos | [email protected]

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI - All this new go kart track needs are some banana peels and turtle shells for you to throw at other drivers. This Michigan fun park has spent all winter constructing its new 3-story go kart track.

The track is set to open at C.J. Barrymore’s entertainment center on May 3rd. C.J. Barrymore’s is located at 21750 Hall Road in Clinton Township in Metro Detroit. The track’s 30-foot tall vortex is part of $3 million worth of improvements to the 25-acre park for the 2024 season.

“The expansion has been in the works for some time and comes as we are celebrating 50 Years of entertainment this year,” said David Dalpizzol, Vice President of C.J. Barrymore’s. “The hype began way back in September when we first began construction.”

The go-karts will travel up to around 20 miles per hour. Each ride will cost around $12 and last around five to seven minutes.

Along with its new Indy go kart track, C.J. Barrymore’s has two more go kart tracks, a loop roller coaster, two drop towers, a Ferris wheel, a saddle sling, a spinning coaster, bumper cars, a Euro bungy, mini golf, a zipline, an arcade, laser tag, bowling, batting cages, a golf driving range and more.

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• ‘Mr. Worldwide’ to perform at a Michigan amphitheater with T-Pain

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Toronto's next go-kart track planned to open in the heart of downtown

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Toronto's next go-kart track could soon open within Canada's tallest ( for now ) building, as recent documents filed with the City hint at a fun new attraction being planned for First Canadian Place in the Financial District.

A City of Toronto zoning review reveals that an all-new indoor go-kart track is in the works for the office complex at the northwest corner of King and Bay, promising a new attraction for the city centre that would surely be a hit with the local suit crowd and non-finance types alike.

According to the notice sent in early 2024, space within the office complex's B1 basement level is proposed to be "transformed into a commercial indoor go-kart race track."

The document explains that the attraction would offer electric emissions-free go-karts to race and rent. The new addition would also potentially include a small eating/bar establishment serving racers, as well as racing simulators.

In addition to the front-of-house offerings, the plan includes a small administrative office, charging and repair facilities for the go-karts, locker rooms and storage space for gear, including helmets and goggles.

City of Toronto

blogTO has contacted First Canadian Place's management seeking additional details about the new attraction. The City of Toronto zoning examiner on file for the project was also contacted but was unable to disclose any additional details.

News of the planned attraction comes as some continue to mourn the 2023 loss of Canada's longest go-kart track. The October closure of the Centennial Park Mini Indy was a tough loss for Ontario go-kart enthusiasts, but when one door closes, another usually opens.

Other go-kart tracks have since opened in the region, most recently another indoor track within an Ontario mall earlier in 2024.

Jackson Stock Photography / Shutterstock.com

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