The Norwegian Aqua, the latest in Norwegian Cruise Line’s innovative fleet, has emerged from its shipyard in Italy, signalling a significant step forward in cruise ship design.
- This inaugural vessel of the Prima Plus class is set to redefine luxury at sea, boasting a 10% increase in size compared to its predecessors.
- Key attractions include the world-first Aqua Slidecoaster and Glow Court, enhancing the onboard entertainment landscape.
- NCL introduces the first three-bedroom duplex Haven suites, promising unparalleled accommodation options.
- With itineraries planned from Florida, New York, and Miami, the Norwegian Aqua will offer diverse cruising experiences.
The Norwegian Aqua, a trailblazer of the Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest Prima Plus class, has successfully floated out of its Italian shipyard, marking the completion of its external build. This significant milestone signifies the vessel is on course for its scheduled debut in April 2025. The ship, constructed by Fincantieri in Marghera, near Venice, exemplifies a leap in design with its 156,300 gross tonnage, representing a 10% size increase over its predecessors in the Prima class.
Among the ship’s most remarkable features is the Aqua Slidecoaster, heralded as the world’s first-ever hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide. This addition is poised to be a centrepiece of the ship’s entertainment offerings, alongside the Glow Court, a digital sports complex boasting an interactive LED floor. The expansive offerings aim to enhance the onboard experience significantly, catering to guests’ diverse tastes.
Accommodation aboard the Norwegian Aqua reaches new heights with the introduction of NCL’s first three-bedroom duplex Haven suites. These suites promise a superior level of luxury and privacy, setting a new standard in cruise ship accommodations. The overall increase in the ship’s space allows for more and enhanced amenities, which facilitate a unique and intimate environment for guests.
Scheduled itineraries for the Norwegian Aqua include an inaugural series of seven-day Caribbean cruises departing from Port Canaveral, Florida. Subsequently, the vessel will embark on five and seven-day cruises from New York City to Bermuda between August and October 2025. The seasonal itinerary will continue with winter departures from Miami, offering Caribbean escapes through April 2026.
David Herrera, President of NCL, expressed enthusiasm about this milestone, highlighting the integral role of Fincantieri in the evolution of the Prima Class vessels. “Building upon the guest-favourite features, the 10% increase in space provides us with more flexibility to deliver more offerings and more beautifully designed venues,” he stated.
Mark Kansley, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, reinforced the ship’s innovative stride, noting the importance of guest feedback in refining the cruise experience. “We hear from our guests and they appreciate the intimate nature and greater variety of elevated spaces throughout the ship,” he remarked, anticipating the positive reception of the Prima Plus class.
The Norwegian Aqua stands as a testament to Norwegian Cruise Line’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the cruising industry.
