Wiegand Unveils World’s Largest Dry Slides on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas
Wiegand, a family-owned manufacturer of toboggan runs, rail-mounted toboggans, and stainless steel dry slides, has developed five slide experiences for Royal Caribbean’s cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas, including the Ultimate Abyss double slide.
These slides, situated in the ship’s water park area, were launched in July 2024. They feature two turbo slides and a bowl slide, all equipped with acrylic sections that heighten the thrill for both riders and onlookers.
Record-breaking Slides
The Ultimate Abyss is a double slide concept that ascends 150 feet above sea level. This striking visual feature is present on every ship in the fleet. For the Utopia of the Seas, the slides boast special characteristics that extend their length to 259 feet each, making the Ultimate Abyss the world’s largest dry slides at sea.
Riders plunge down 10 storeys in just 19 seconds using a slide bag in race mode. The experience includes spirals and banked turns illuminated by 300 LEDs, with an added surprise element as riders compete side-by-side. The track incorporates booster rolls that spin the rider around, while a low separation between guests enhances the racing experience.
As riders approach the end, they are met with a glass pane, creating the illusion of an abrupt stop. However, a hidden curve redirects them to the side, allowing them to slide over the glass pane into the final roundabout before reaching the landing.
The ship’s godmother, Meghan Trainor, took a ride on the Ultimate Abyss during the official inauguration ceremony.
High Quality in Almost Any Location
Wiegand’s dry slides encourage riders to relive their childhood while reaching speeds of up to 20km/h. These attractions can be found in various venues worldwide, including cruise ships, art installations, shopping centres, hotels, and more.
Constructed from 2.5mm stainless steel, Wiegand’s extensive experience ensures a high-quality, durable, and safe attraction suitable for nearly any environment, whether indoors or outdoors.
Standard slides are TÜV Mark-certified in accordance with DIN 1176, and custom designs can also be created if technically feasible and approved.
Recently, Wiegand announced plans for a new flagship tourist attraction in Romanshorn, Switzerland, developed in collaboration with architect Susanne Fritz.
