Norwegian Cruise Line is incorporating new culinary and beverage experiences that will debut aboard the Norwegian Aqua, the company's newest ship and the first of the Prima Plus Class, which will set sail in April 2025.
In line with the company's commitment to providing the best vacation experience, Norwegian Aqua will feature three new onboard offerings, including Sukhothai, NCL's first specialty Thai restaurant; Swirl Wine Bar, a new luxury wine bar; and Planterie, the brand's first restaurant to offer a full vegetarian menu; in addition to guest favorites.
“Discovering new flavors and culinary experiences is a memorable part of any trip, especially when you share it with those you care about most,” says David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line.
“Expanding on our award-winning food and beverage program, we look forward to bringing new concepts to life aboard Norwegian Aqua, while continuing to offer the variety of options and value that NCL delivers.”
New culinary and bar experiences
- Sukhothai, the company's first specialty Thai restaurant, debuts on the new Norwegian Aqua with an eclectic menu that combines authentic and traditional dishes with creative and dynamic flavors.
Passengers will be able to enjoy a new twist on traditional dishes, such as Thai cashew chicken, salt and pepper prawns, Thai grilled steak salad, a variety of complementary curries and much more.
The décor, designed by London-based SMC Design, will be a blend of traditional and contemporary Thai design elements. Upon entering Sukhothai on deck 17, guests will be greeted by a welcoming atmosphere, complete with bamboo and rice paper hanging lamps, geometric patterned flooring, and colorful furnishings that will transport diners to the rich cultural tapestry of Thailand.
- The Indulge Food Hall, a passenger favorite, will feature a new restaurant located on deck eight, offering vegetable bowls and other healthy options: Planterie.
Planterie's menu will include dishes such as the Southwest Bowl with smoked tempeh and the Mediterranean Goddess Bowl with delicious spiced vegetables, tabbouleh, and honey-roasted carrots.
The Indulge Food Hall, with indoor and outdoor seating, will feature a new design by the New York-based Rockwell Group, with 10 food stalls inspired by international markets around the world.
Among the architectural features, the details in wood, the gold and metallic furniture and the warm and colorful tones that flow perfectly throughout the premises stand out.
- Also debuting aboard the Norwegian Aqua is the Swirl Wine Bar, a contemporary wine lounge that strikes the perfect balance between exclusivity and accessibility for a unique and intimate experience hidden on deck six between the popular Whiskey Bar and Hasuki, the hibachi-style restaurant.
This hidden gem will offer an extensive wine list by the glass and a vast selection of unique, top-quality vintages. Designed by Miami-based Studio DADO, the bar's architecture draws inspiration from the curve of Antelope Canyon in Arizona, with warm tones complemented by cascading horizontal lines and touches of blue that create a welcoming space.
Improved and redesigned spaces
From new designs to wider seats, the new Norwegian Aqua will feature upgraded restaurants and lounges that were previously debuted in Premium Class.
From the creative minds of Studio DADO, one of the ship's main complimentary dining rooms, the Commodore Room, will now feature a rustic design inspired by its nautical namesake.
Paying homage to the imaginative narrative of the captain's room, the space will transport guests to bygone days of maritime sophistication with antique wooden furnishings; leather banquettes; floors that mimic the lines of a pier; and stone accents, all with a delicate, modern touch.
Metropolitan , NCL's modern Sail & Sustain cocktail bar , which won the 2024 Vibe Vista Award for " Best Beverage Program ", will return aboard Norwegian Aqua and will feature a new design distinct from other Prima Class ships.
Relocated from the center of the ship to the stern of deck seven, the innovative bar will now feature a grand piano and an entertainment space for passengers to enjoy live music with its Sail & Sustain cocktails, biodynamic wines and sustainably produced spirits.
Inspired by the mid-century modern and art deco areas of New York City, Studio DADO has created an intimate enclave with dark tones, striking motifs and fresh greenery that offers a relaxed atmosphere for guests enjoying an evening drink.
Nama Sushi and Sashimi, which debuted on the Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, will now feature a fresh and lively design by Studio DADO on board the Norwegian Aqua.
Introducing a new color palette, the space draws inspiration from the vibrant world of Manga art. Passengers can enjoy a playful experience surrounded by vivid colors like lime green and black.
Located on deck 17, Surfside Café will feature floor-to-ceiling windows, offering guests panoramic views while enjoying an extensive buffet-style dining experience.
With a new design by London-based firm AD Associates, this restaurant, which offers three meals a day, will showcase warm colors, sunset tones, and timeless color palettes.
Next door, with the same panoramic views as Surfside Café, Prima Class's exclusive Mediterranean seafood restaurant, Palomar, will feature an elevated design with natural materials such as rope and wood, complemented by touches of blue and dark purple.
On board the Norwegian Aqua, the Whiskey Bar will move to deck six, near the brand-new Swirl Wine Bar, while the Belvedere Bar will move to deck eight, in the heart of the atrium, where passengers can enjoy evening tapas and nightly entertainment.
Penrose Bar and Waves Pool Bar will also feature new designs, and venues such as The Local Bar & Grill, NCL's 24-hour pub-style restaurant, Hasuki, a Japanese hibachi experience, and Cagney's, NCL's American steakhouse, will be expanded to accommodate more passengers.
Passenger favorites
In addition to introducing new food and beverage experiences and designs, guest favorites will return to the Norwegian Aqua, including Hudson’s, the elevated main dining room offering 270° panoramic views; Le Bistro, the upscale French restaurant inspired by the Palace of Versailles; Los Lobos, the contemporary Mexican restaurant with al fresco seating; and Onda by Scarpetta, the luxury Italian restaurant, which also offers al fresco dining on Ocean Boulevard.
With so many dining options to choose from, NCL's Free at Sea program offers guests more benefits that will enhance their onboard experience, including specialty dining credits, an unlimited beverage package, shore excursion credits, and Wi-Fi minutes.
Beginning in April 2025, the Norwegian Aqua will sail seven-day Caribbean itineraries departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, with stops at tropical island destinations including Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island in the Bahamas.
Following the ship's Caribbean season, the Norwegian Aqua will offer five- and seven-day trips to Bermuda from New York from August 2025 through October 2025, and then five- and seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami, the "Cruise Capital of the World," from October 2025 through April 2026.
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
