Invented in 1979, Laser tag was inspired by combat training used by the United States Army using infrared beams. They use a system called MILES (multiple integrated laser engagement system) that “fires” beams into receivers that score hits. The first known toy to use infrared light and a corresponding sensor was manufactured and marketed in 1979 as the Star Trek Electronic Phaser Guns that debuted alongside the release of Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
On three of its ships (Symphony of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, and Mariner of the Seas), Royal Caribbean has a theme for the laser tag games installed onboard called ‘The Battle for Planet Z”. It is a glow-in-the-dark game that pits two teams against one another – aliens versus robots – for control of an extraterrestrial planet.
Studio B on these ships are converted into the laser tag arena when they are in play. As Studio B is normally an ice rink, there is platform installed and the inflatable laser tag maze is placed on top. Players are given a vest and gun and earn points every time they hit the vest of someone on the opposite team. The game doesn’t end if you’re hit, you just have to wait for a short recharge period before you can play again.
Admission is free and on a first come, first served basis. This activity is very popular onboard so lines are usually pretty long. Once inside Studio B, everyone is placed on the two teams – you can’t choose your team and friends & family can be split up. At the end of the game, a leaderboard shows all of scores, some with superlatives.
On three of its ships (Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Bliss), Norwegian Cruise Line has a laser tag set up as well. On these ships, the game is designed as an abandoned space station. This maze is constructed of replica concrete and players have enough space to run in and out of rooms battling each other.
The aim of the game on these ships is to fire at your opponent’s gun. Players can use their guns to shield themselves against attack or build ammunition to take out their opponent with one shot. There is a cost of $10 for each 10 minute session, or $100 for unlimited play during a week long sailing. The game doesn’t end if you’re hit, you just have to recharge for a short period of time. Points are tallied at the end of the game to determine the winner.
Safety is of great concern for players on both cruise lines, so rules are in place to ensure that everyone comes through the other side unscathed. There is no running allowed, closed-toed shoes are required to be a player on the field. On Royal Caribbean, adults must accompany minors under 16. On Norwegian Cruise Line, children don’t need a chaperone; they just have to be able to carry their own laser gun.
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