Princess Cruise Ships Launch with Wii Fit Tournaments Onboard

Cruise ships and entertainment go hand in hand. Ships have long been designed to incorporate pools, theatres, sports decks, and gaming rooms. Princess Cruise Lines have kept pace with technology and family entertainment trends by including the popular Wii Fit into the ship's activities. Princess appears to be ahead of the curve in its attempt to integrate the newest gaming technology with onboard activities.

Wii Fit is More than Just a Game

Nintendo's popular Wii Fit gaming system allows players to interact in a physical way with the game and with other players. Players stand on a balance board that monitors their movements as related to different games targeting strength, balance, and aerobic ability. Because players are not linked directly to the game unit by any wires, movements are free and can more closely mimic the actual sports from which the games are inspired.

Play with Fellow Cruisers and Family

Wii Fit allows for players to compete against themselves or against other players. Onboard the cruise ship this allows for exciting competitions and a chance to have fun and get to know your fellow cruisers. Wii Fit is a new gaming system so chances are if you've never played before you will be in good company. Don't feel intimidated if you are unfamiliar with the technology or uncertain if you will play well enough to compete. It is after all a game and the goal is to have fun!

Movies Under the Stars Makes for Big Competition

Several Princess Cruise Line ships are currently equipped to host the Wii Fit competitions that will be shown on the giant poolside screens known as "Movies Under the Stars". These screens show family films and first run movies throughout the cruise but will also be used to broadcast the Wii Fit competitions in a larger than life format. The Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, and soon to be launched in November of 2008 Ruby Princess all boast Movies Under the Stars Screens and now the Wii Fit gaming entertainment.

Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruises offer nothing similar

Currently other competing cruise lines offer more traditional forms of onboard competitions. Royal Caribbean offers karoke contests, trivia challenges, and talent shows. Tournaments are sports oriented but offer a range from ping-pong to shuffleboard to speed rock climbing and dodge ball. Carnival Cruise lines have traditional family oriented contests such as ice cream eating contests, family trivia games and karoke. Disney Cruises are jam packed with activities such as animation classes and themed activities, but contests consist more of family trivia games. Many of these cruise lines do offer gaming consoles or gaming access in the youth oriented areas of the ship. On some ships access is limited to evening childcare hours and standards vary. Check with your cruise line to get all the detail.

Wi Fitt is bound to be a hot commodity among those cruise ships now offering it and this activity may be in great demand in the coming months. For some this popularity will discourage their involvement and they may wish to skip the Wii and find other sources of entertainment.

The option of playing in a Wii Fit tournament may not be the determining factor on choosing your next cruise. But knowing the option is there may bring a new level of entertainment to a Princess Cruise should you take one.