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The Norwegian Aqua, launched in 2025, is the latest jewel in Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) crown, marking the debut of the Prima-Plus Class. As an evolution of the Prima Class, this ship blends innovative design, thrilling activities, and sophisticated elegance to deliver an unparalleled cruise experience. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a relaxation enthusiast, or a family looking for a memorable vacation, the Norwegian Aqua has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the details of this remarkable vessel, from its groundbreaking features to its exciting itineraries. The Norwegian Aqua is the first of NCL’s Prima-Plus Class, a larger and enhanced version of the Prima Class ships, Norwegian Prima (2022) and Norwegian Viva (2023). At 156,300 gross tons and 75 feet longer than its predecessors, the Aqua can accommodate 3,571 passengers, offering a more spacious and refined experience. The ship’s design addresses feedback from previous Prima-Class cruisers, with reimagined layouts for better flow, larger outdoor spaces, and venues that feel like destinations in themselves. The Norwegian Aqua’s hull is a work of art, designed by Filipino-American street artist Allison Hueman. Titled 'Where the Sky Meets the Sea', the mythology-themed artwork features colorful abstract and figurative representations of sea and sky, curated by Goldman Global Arts. This vibrant design adds a unique flair to the ship’s exterior, making it a standout in any port. The Norwegian Aqua introduces the world’s first hybrid waterslide roller coaster, the Aqua Slidecoaster, a free attraction included in the cruise fare. This thrilling ride combines magnetic accelerators with a water raft experience, weaving through colored tubes that encircle the ship’s funnel. Open to all ages (with height and weight restrictions), the Slidecoaster is a standout feature, offering a unique adrenaline rush at sea. The Aqua is packed with outdoor activities, primarily on decks 17, 18, 19, and 20. Key highlights include:
The Drop: A 10-story dry slide for thrill-seekers looking for a heart-pounding free-fall experience. The Glow Court: An interactive LED sports court that hosts daytime activities like basketball and transforms into a nightclub in the evening. Mini-Golf and Pickleball: A mini-golf course and pickleball courts add to the fun, though mini-golf incurs an additional fee. Kids’ Aqua Park: A water play area with sprayers and mini slides for younger guests. Aqua Game Zone: An arcade with a mix of free and paid games, including virtual reality and classics like Ms. Pacman and Mario Brothers. The ship’s pool deck on Deck 17 features a main pool and two infinity hot tubs, designed for relaxation with a resort-like atmosphere. For a more exclusive experience, the adults-only Vibe Beach Club on Deck 17 offers loungers, cabanas, and sweeping ocean views for a fee. The Deck 8 promenade, Ocean Boulevard, includes Infinity Beach with infinity pools and the Indulge Outdoor Lounge, connected by the glass-bottomed Oceanwalk bridge for stunning views of the sea below. Norwegian Aqua elevates onboard entertainment with a versatile theater on decks 6–8 that switches between club-like concerts and traditional seating. The signature show, Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, created in partnership with Prince's estate is a vibrant tribute to the artist’s hits. Another highlight is Rumours, a Fleetwood Mac show moved from a bar to the main stage, giving more guests access to this energetic performance. The intimate Syd Norman’s Pour House offers a basement club vibe with live music and comedy, while The Improv hosts guest comedians and themed dance parties. Live music fills the ship’s bars and lounges in the evenings, ensuring there’s always something to enjoy. With 17 dining options and 18 bars and lounges, Norwegian Aqua caters to every palate. The Surfside Cafe buffet, located midship on the port side, offers a variety of casual dining options. For specialty dining, guests can enjoy premium experiences like Mexican or Thai cuisine, though these come at an additional cost (e.g., $40–$50 per person). The redesigned Metropolitan Bar features a grand piano for live entertainment, adding a touch of elegance to the dining experience. NCL’s More At Sea package enhances value by including unlimited open bar with premium brands (e.g., Casamigos Tequila, Grey Goose Vodka), specialty dining meals, high-speed Wi-Fi, and $50 shore excursion credits per port. This package offers significant savings, with free airfare for the second guest and free cruises for kids on select sailings. Norwegian Aqua offers a wide range of cabins from solo staterooms to spacious family suites.
The Haven is a luxurious enclave on select vessels, offering exclusive suites, private amenities, and personalized service for a premium cruise experience. Accessible only by keycard, it’s ideal for travelers seeking privacy and upscale comforts. Guests enjoy 24-hour butler service, a dedicated concierge for dining and excursion bookings, priority embarkation/debarkation, and exclusive access to The Haven Courtyard (with a private pool), Sundeck (adults-only on most ships), Lounge, and Restaurant. Amenities include Nespresso machines, L’Occitane products, pillow-top mattresses, and complimentary Moet Champagne in select suites. The Norwegian Aqua’s inaugural season began with a transatlantic crossing from Southampton to Boston on March 28, 2025, followed by its official christening in Miami on April 13, 2025, with Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet as godfather. The ship’s itineraries include: Caribbean (April–July 2025): 7-day roundtrip cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, visiting Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Tortola (British Virgin Islands), St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands), and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas. Bermuda (August–October 2025): 5- and 7-day voyages from New York City to King’s Wharf, Bermuda, offering ample time to explore pink-sand beaches and historic sites. Eastern Caribbean (October 2025–April 2026): 5- and 7-day roundtrips from Miami, including stops at Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) private island in the Bahamas, is a 268-acre paradise in the Berry Islands, exclusively for NCL guests, including those on the Norwegian Aqua. Acquired in 1977, this former military base now boasts white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and modern amenities, enhanced by a new multi-ship pier in 2025 for seamless access. The island features three main beaches—Cabana Beach, Fiesta Beach, and Bertram’s Cove—perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The new Great Tides Waterpark offers thrilling slides, cliff jumps, and a lazy river, zip line etc. |
The Stadium: A dedicated space for Ping-Pong, shuffleboard, air hockey, and other games.
