Ultimate Abyss
Royal Caribbean — Thrill Slide
Quick Answer: Ultimate Abyss is the tallest slide at sea—a 10-story dry slide on select Oasis Class ships. Features special lighting effects and a thrilling 9-second drop. Completely free for guests 44 inches (112 cm) or taller. First-come, first-served with typically short wait times.
Best For: Thrill seekers, older children and teens, adventure-loving adults, and anyone brave enough to face the tallest slide at sea.
Key Facts
- Price: Complimentary
- Height: 10 stories (100+ feet / 30+ meters)
- Duration: ~9 seconds
- Requirement: 44 inches (112 cm) minimum height
- Type: Dry slide (no water)
Face your fears on the tallest slide at sea—a 10-story plunge into the abyss.
Ultimate Abyss towers over the Boardwalk neighborhood at the aft of select Oasis Class ships. The twin tube slides feature special lighting effects and audio as you plummet down on a mat at exhilarating speeds. It's a dry slide, so you stay completely dry—just not emotionally. Return to the Restaurants hub →
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Special Accommodations
Health Notes: Ultimate Abyss is not recommended for guests with heart conditions, back problems, recent surgeries, or who are pregnant. Height minimum (44 inches) is strictly enforced. If you're claustrophobic, note the tubes are enclosed with small windows. Guests must be able to sit independently and hold position during the slide.
Where You'll Find It
Ultimate Abyss is located at the aft of the ship, with the entrance on Deck 16 near the AquaTheater. The slide exits on the Boardwalk level.
Hours
- Typically opens 9:00-10:00 AM
- Closes at sunset or earlier
- Not available during port stays at some locations
- Weather may affect availability
Ships with Ultimate Abyss
Ultimate Abyss is NOT on Oasis of the Seas or Allure of the Seas (original Oasis Class ships).
The Logbook — Real Guest Soundings
Depth Sounding: This is a first-person account captured "In the Wake," edited to our venue standards for clarity. Individual sailings vary by ship, itinerary, and crew.
Ultimate Abyss Review: Facing the Fear
Introduction. I'll be honest—staring down the entrance to Ultimate Abyss, I questioned my life choices. The 10-story drop looms above the Boardwalk like something out of a nightmare. But after 9 seconds of thrilling descent, I immediately got back in line for another go.
The Build-Up
The anticipation is half the experience. Climbing to Deck 16, watching others disappear into the tubes with varying degrees of screaming, and then shuffling forward in line as your turn approaches. The crew keeps things light with jokes, but everyone's a little nervous. When they hand you the mat and position you at the edge... that's when it gets real.
The Slide
You sit on the mat, cross your arms, and then—release. The first drop is the steepest and genuinely takes your breath away. The enclosed tube has windows where light flashes in, and eerie sound effects add to the atmosphere. It's over in about 9 seconds, but it feels both longer and shorter than that somehow. You exit laughing, slightly breathless, and probably wanting to go again.
Tips
Go early morning for the shortest lines. The wait is almost worse than the slide itself—just go! Keep your arms crossed and feet together. And yes, you will scream. Everyone does.
Conclusion
Ultimate Abyss delivers on its promise of thrills. It's genuinely exhilarating without being dangerous or too extreme. Our whole family (everyone over 44 inches) rode it multiple times. Rating: 4.5/5. Don't chicken out—you'll regret not trying it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ultimate Abyss a water slide?
No, Ultimate Abyss is a dry slide. You slide on a mat down an enclosed tube. There's no water involved, so you stay completely dry. It's more like a mega playground slide than a waterslide.
Is Ultimate Abyss scary?
The anticipation is scarier than the actual ride. The first drop takes your breath away, but the whole experience lasts only about 9 seconds. Most people describe it as thrilling rather than terrifying, and many go again immediately.
What's the height requirement?
Guests must be at least 44 inches (112 cm) tall to ride Ultimate Abyss. This is strictly enforced for safety. There's also a 300-pound weight limit.
How long is the wait for Ultimate Abyss?
Wait times are usually 5-15 minutes, shorter than you might expect for such a popular attraction. Early morning on sea days offers the shortest waits. The line moves relatively quickly.
Which ships have Ultimate Abyss?
Ultimate Abyss is on Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas. It's NOT on the original Oasis and Allure of the Seas, or on Icon Class ships (which have different attractions).
Sources & Attribution
- Royal Caribbean — Cruise Activities
- First-hand experience on Oasis Class ships
- Royal Caribbean marks referenced under fair use for research and commentary.
- All Rights Reserved