Rainer Maelzer at wiegand.maelzer, tells us what it takes to create the tallest slide at sea
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Anonym |
This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2016 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
German company wiegand.maelzer is no stranger to creating adrenaline-charged experiences. “Our mother company, Josef Wiegand & Co, has been on the market for over 40 years and is a leading producer of alpine coasters, summer toboggans, dry and event slides,” explains the company’s managing director Rainer Maelzer. Specialising in the design and production of premium-quality water attractions wiegand.maelzer has evolved into a major global player over the last decade with projects of different sizes all over the world.”
With this in mind, it’s easy to see why the company was approached by Royal Caribbean International to create a slide for Harmony of the Seas. The Ultimate Abyss is more than 150ft above sea level and offers side-by-side slides that send guests down 10 decks at a rate of nine miles per hour. “Royal Caribbean chose to work with us for the same reasons other clients do: maximal safety, German quality, our experience, a comprehensive offer and a unique combination of stainless steel and FRP,” says Maelzer. “The Ultimate Abyss is the highest dry slide ever built on a cruise ship. It is thermally insulated and equipped with fascinating light and sound effects on the inside, such as its starry sky. Another impressive feature of the Ultimate Abyss is that one can look down 30m below oneself through a glass platform at the start of the slide.”
A project of this stature is no easy feat to accomplish, especially under considerable time constraints. “Enormous time pressure was our greatest challenge in this project. We are proud that we managed to install the slide in less than four weeks,” says Maelzer. “Thermal insulation was a yet another major challenge. After several trials we realised that the slide would not cool down, so we had to deliver a prompt solution for heat insulation. In addition, we had to take into consideration the various architectural requirements of the client.”
The reviews of the slide to date have been phenomenal. “Perhaps the best testimony to quality and attractiveness of our Ultimate Abyss is Royal Caribbean’s decision to purchase this product again for another vessel,” reveals Maelzer. “Looking ahead, we are convinced that demand for onboard slides, both wet and dry, will only be growing. These products fascinate all age groups and are a valuable addition to the entertainment offer of any cruise ship.”