Maurer Rides begins assembling Global Dream's roller-coaster

Test construction at MV Werften German shipyard.

Maurer Rides has started shoreside assembly of Space Cruiser, its Spike-Coaster model for Dream Cruises' new ship, Global Dream.

Space Cruiser will be the highlight of the ship's Dream Park at the Pier theme park at sea.

Test site near MV Werften

The animations and graphics are now becoming reality as one of the most exciting cruise ship attractions are being set up on land for testing purposes in the immediate vicinity of MV Werften, where Global Dream is under construction.

'Among other things, the test setup will be used to test the installation methodology specially designed for ship assembly,' said Marco Hartwig, project manager, Maurer Rides. 'Furthermore, the conductor rail and gear rack along the roller-coaster track, which is necessary for the generation and transmission in the electric motor, can be installed on land in advance. This saves valuable time during the ship assembly.'

Maurer Rides will collect all the 93 support base points coordinates after the roller-coaster has been completed and forward them to the shipyard for preparation and positioning for the deck foundations. 'With the help of this elaborate procedure, we can ensure that the support base points on the deck of the ship are in the correct positions later,' Hartwig explained.

After the installation, three Spike vehicles will be put into operation step by step and the system control will be thoroughly tested. Before the roller-coaster leaves the test site in Güstrow, Germany, the system will be dismantled and transported to the shipyard for final assembly.

Up to 60 km/h (37 mph)

Space Cruiser is touted as the world's longest offshore roller-coaster.

The ride starts with an acceleration section followed by two closely spaced inclined 90-degree curves. Maurer Rides said the following two 'camelbacks' provide a spectacular and breathtaking launch above the railing and the heads of the passengers, with a maximum speed of up to 60 km/h (37 mph.) A 360-degree downward and upward helix form the end of the 303-meter/994-foot-long track before the vehicles reach the starting station again.

'Dream Cruises is extremely excited to be working with Maurer Rides to create this spectacular new attraction at sea onboard Global Dream. We are thrilled with the progress of the construction of the roller-coaster and are excited to unveil this ride to our guests when our ship launches,' said Michael Goh, president of Dream Cruises.

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Carnival Mardi Gras to Feature Roller Coaster at Sea

Carnival Cruise Line today announced that the Mardi Gras will have the first roller coaster at sea when the ship debuts in 2020 out of Port Canaveral.

Built by Germany-based Maurer Rides, BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster is a "heart-pounding rush of adrenaline offering nearly 800 feet of exhilarating twists, turns and drops with riders reaching speeds of nearly 40 miles per hour," the company said.

It is an all-electric roller coaster that allows two riders in a motorcycle-like vehicle to race along a track 187 feet above sea level.

“Mardi Gras will be our most innovative ship ever with some truly special features and attractions, highlighted by BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “BOLT will continue the tradition of Carnival providing exciting new ways for our guests to ‘Choose Fun.’ We are so thrilled to introduce this one-of-a-kind, game-changing, exhilarating attraction – our guests are going to love it!”

The ride will begin with a launch sequence and race car-like levels of acceleration, Carnival said. The experience culminates with a high-powered hairpin turn around the 5,200-guest ship's funnel.

Riders’ speeds are posted after the race, and guests will have their photo taken during the ride. Guests will be able to choose their own speed.