A first-hand look at Crown’s Edge on Icon of the Seas
ANN RUPPENSTEIN
Intensity of attraction: extreme. Disorientation possible.
I wasn’t feeling that nervous about the adventure ahead until I read the safety sign for Crown’s Edge, the new thrill offered on Icon of the Seas where those who dare wind up dangling 154 feet above the ocean. And today, I am one who dares!
Ignoring the caricature of a person with doomsday fear in his eyes and knockout stars floating above his head, I squashed my nerves by reminding myself that I’d already repelled down the Julianne Bridge, the highest bridge in the Caribbean, so this should be a cake walk. Or will it be?
I was told the course is less intense on a port day because the ground below gives you perspective and sea days are scarier because the ship is moving and you have a harder time gauging heights. So naturally, we chose a sea day.
After watching a safety video, putting on a jumpsuit and strapping on a harness, our small group climbed upstairs to start the course.
The first in the group — who was volun-told to go first — sped through the course in record time without even stopping to smile for the photo opportunity. Was that out of fear or oblivion I wondered?
“Who wants to go next?” the attendant asked. “I will,” I said. “Let’s get this over with.”
To access the obstacle course you have to cross a bridge with two paths. To the left there’s a path with evenly spaced steps and the right, one with large gaps that are unevenly spaced apart. I chose the more challenging route, feeling safely secured in my harness.
I quickly made my way around the course looking more at the various X and O shaped steps along the route than the water below.
For me, the scariest part was reaching the plank towards the end of the course because you stand there not knowing when the platform will give out rather than jumping off when you’re ready. I may or may not have let out a scream as I dropped off the edge, then started smiling as I zipped around the corner hanging in the air.
“That was fun!” I exclaimed at the end, reunited with my group.
But another person on my team didn’t find it as amusing. Describing it as “absolutely terrifying” he looked petrified as he made his way around the course with wobbly knees, his body shaking in fear at times, at a snail’s pace. Later he admitted that he had visions of the harness letting go and plummeting into the ocean.
Thankful not to have a crazy fear of heights and with my heart still pumping from the adrenaline, we decided we earned some celebratory drinks.
Crown’s Edge is available for clients at a cost of US$89 per ride.
