Hayley Phillips The newest ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, the Norwegian Aqua, has officially entered the spotlight.
With the first guests boarding this week, the Norwegian Aqua is set to usher in a new era of innovation and elevated passenger experiences. Including the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) brand and the cruise line industry as a whole.
The much-anticipated first guest sailing of the Norwegian Aqua departs from Lisbon, Portugal, and will sail to Southampton, England, in preparation for the official inaugural voyage.
For this initial guest trip, Norwegian Cruise Line is hosting over 2,000 invited guests aboard to experience how NCL plans to deliver more to its passengers with its newest features.
“This is the first of a five-part inaugural series, which will conclude in Miami with the official christening voyage in April,” states Norwegian Cruise Line.
The brand-new Norwegian Aqua has many unique offerings
The Norwegian Aqua is the first of the new Prima Plus Class. Norwegian Cruise Line explains that during these inaugural sailings, “guests will be among the first to experience the ship’s industry-leading attractions and amenities.”
Onboard this brand-new ship, passengers will encounter exciting new amenities and experiences never before seen on other Norwegian Cruise Line vessels.
Fastest Rollercoaster on the Seas
One such innovation is the thrilling Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide. The Slidecoaster will offer two ride experiences and will be the longest and fastest slides at sea.
“This is a milestone moment for Norwegian Cruise Line as we set sail aboard the Norwegian Aqua, a ship designed to offer our guests more—more wide-open space, more thrills, more culinary experiences, and more immersive entertainment,” said David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line.
“During this inaugural season, we look forward to welcoming our travel partners from around the world and giving them the exclusivity of being the first to experience our newest product, fully understanding how guests can ‘Experience More at Sea’ with us.”
Cutting Edge Technology
In addition to thrilling experiences at sea, passengers will also enjoy cutting-edge technology available onboard. One standout feature is the Glow Court, a next-generation digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor that adapts seamlessly to different games during the day and transforms into a club at night.
“Additionally, the Aqua Game Zone reimagines NCL’s beloved Galaxy Pavilion, offering entertainment for all ages with a mix of retro arcade games, immersive virtual reality challenges, and interactive gaming experiences,” says Norwegian Cruise Line about the new amenities aboard the Norwegian Aqua.
World Class Entertainment
Known for exceptional entertainment, including full-scale Broadway productions at sea, Norwegian Cruise Line will offer a lineup of world-class performances onboard the Norwegian Aqua.
The feature production, “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince,” promises an immersive theatrical concert experience that pays tribute to the artist’s greatest hits.
Guests will also be treated to the show “Elements: The World Expanded,” a stunning performance combining acrobatics, magic, and visuals inspired by the four elements of Earth.
Many More Unique Dining Options
When it comes to dining, passengers will be able to enjoy 17 new and returning NCL guest-favorite restaurants, as well as 18 bars and lounges.
New dining venues onboard the Norwegian Aqua will include Sukhothai, NCL’s first Thai specialty restaurant, and Planterie, NCL’s debut plant-based eatery at Indulge Food Hall.
Norwegian Aqua itineraries
Following these initial sailings, the Norwegian Aqua will embark on a Transatlantic voyage from Europe to the United States.
The official christening ceremony will take place in Miami on April 13, 2025. Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet will serve as the Norwegian Aqua’s godfather.
The Norwegian Aqua’s homeports will be in Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida, as well as New York City. The ship will offer Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda itineraries through March 2027.
We are excited to learn more about this brand-new ship and see all that it will bring to the cruise line industry! Stay tuned for further updates on this sparkling new addition to Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet.
