Construction is progressing on the Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship and the first of the new generation Prima Plus Class, which will be ready to set sail in April 2025. The Aqua has a gross tonnage of 156,300 and a length of 322 meters, and is 10% larger than the previously built Prima Class ships, the Norwegian Prima and the Norwegian Viva.
The ship is now in the final stage of construction, having left the dry dock at the Marghera shipyard (Venice) and entered the water for the first time in mid-April. A coin ceremony was held, during which two coins were soldered to the hull to wish the vessel good luck. The hull is decorated with the artwork "Where the Sky Meets the Sea," which evokes modern mythology and was created by artist Allison Hueman. With the exterior work now complete, the final phase of construction, focusing on the interior, is now beginning.
The Aqua will feature more space and innovative offerings, such as the world's first roller coaster and water slide, the Aqua Slidecoaster; the new digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor, the Glow Court, which transforms into a nightclub at night; and NCL's largest 360-degree open-air promenade to date, Ocean Boulevard. It will also include some Prima-class favorites, such as The Drop, the ten-story free-fall water slide, and the Stadium, a now-expanded play area.
With a capacity for 3,571 passengers, the ship will feature a variety of cabin types, including the luxurious accommodations in The Haven by Norwegian, the largest resort in the Aqua fleet. This resort boasts 123 suites, a spacious sundeck, an infinity pool overlooking the ship's stern, an open-air spa with a glass-walled sauna and walk-in cooler, two whirlpool tubs, and a premium liquor bar. Guests will also enjoy 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge team. New to the ship are the three-bedroom Haven Duplex Suites.
It will also feature three new onboard offerings such as Sukhothai, NCL's first specialty Thai restaurant, decorated by SMC Design with traditional and contemporary Thai design elements; 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.
The Indulge Food Hall, with indoor and outdoor seating, will have a new design by the New York-based Rockwell Group, with 10 food stalls inspired by international markets from around the world.
The Aqua will feature upgraded restaurants and lounges previously debuted in the Prima Class, such as the Commodore Room, with antique wood furnishings and leather banquettes; the Metropolitan, the modern cocktail bar, will return aboard the Norwegian Aqua with a new design distinct from other Prima Class ships, featuring a grand piano and an entertainment area where guests can enjoy live music with cocktails, biodynamic wines, and sustainably produced spirits; Nama Sushi and Sashimi, which first debuted on the Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, will now boast a fresh design by Studio DADO aboard the Norwegian Aqua; the Surfside Café , with floor-to-ceiling windows, offers guests panoramic views while they enjoy an extensive buffet-style dining experience; and next door, with the same panoramic views, is the Prima Class's signature Mediterranean seafood restaurant, Palomar. 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.
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; Los Lobos, the contemporary Mexican restaurant; and Onda by Scarpetta, the luxury Italian restaurant.
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.
The ship will debut in April 2025 with seven-day Caribbean itineraries departing from Port Canaveral, Florida. Itineraries will include tropical destinations such as 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 from October 2025 through April 2026.
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