Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), a pioneering force in global cruise travel with a remarkable 57-year history, has taken innovation to the next level with the introduction of the all-new Norwegian Aqua, the flagship of the expanded Prima Plus Class. Set to embark on its maiden voyage in April 2025, this state-of-the-art vessel promises to redefine the cruise experience for passengers.
Travel enthusiasts can now reserve their spots on the inaugural voyages of Norwegian Aqua, with seven-day itineraries that depart from the highly sought-after Port Canaveral, Florida. These remarkable journeys will take passengers to some of the world's most idyllic destinations, including Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's exclusive private island in the Bahamas.
Renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri is leading the construction of the next-generation Prima Plus Class ship, Norwegian Aqua. Building on the success of Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, this new vessel will raise the bar in terms of size, capacity, and service quality. Stretching a remarkable 1,056 feet long, with a gross tonnage of 156,300 and the ability to accommodate 3,571 guests at double occupancy, Norwegian Aqua will offer more outdoor space and have the highest staffing levels among contemporary cruise ships.
David J. Herrera, the President of Norwegian Cruise Line, described Norwegian Aqua as "a true testament of fusing together what represents the future of our Brand," and emphasized the brand's commitment to delivering cutting-edge, guest-first experiences that will revolutionize the world of cruising. Herrera stated, "Norwegian Aqua will feature new, elevated, and exhilarating offerings that once again showcase NCL as the innovator in the industry and as a key contributor to a new era of cruising."
Norwegian Aqua is more than just a groundbreaking cruise vessel; it's also a canvas for art. The ship features a vibrant and colorful hull art design by Allison Hueman, the first major female hull artist for Norwegian Cruise Line. Known for her street art and collaborations with global brands like Nike, L’Oreal, and Google, Hueman's distinctive style blends ethereal realism. Her design for Norwegian Aqua, entitled "Where the Sky Meets the Sea," curated by Goldman Global Arts, captures modern mythology through a combination of abstract and figurative representations of the sea and sky, ruled by ancient goddesses.
Allison Hueman, a Filipino-American multidisciplinary artist, expressed her honor of being the first major female hull artist for Norwegian Cruise Line and her excitement at knowing that her artwork will be traveling the world. She stated, "It's incredibly special for me to partner with a brand that believes in the magical connection between art and exploration."
The Norwegian Aqua experience goes beyond art and aesthetics; it introduces world-first thrills and innovations. The ship will debut the world's first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster. This exclusive NCL experience features dual slides and a magnetic lift that propels adventurous guests through two different courses, offering three stories of exhilarating twists and turns around the ship's funnel.
The ship also offers the new Glow Court, a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor that transforms into a nightclub in the evening. Passengers can also enjoy some of their favorite Prima Class experiences, including The Drop, NCL’s 10-story free-fall slide, and the expanded Stadium game space, which now offers complimentary activities.
For those seeking the utmost luxury and exclusivity, Norwegian Aqua presents NCL’s first-ever Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites. These spacious suites, located in the premium keycard-access-only complex known as The Haven by Norwegian, feature separate living and dining areas, three bathrooms, a sprawling balcony, and three bedrooms, including a master bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows providing breathtaking ocean views. The Haven complex on Norwegian Aqua is the largest in the NCL fleet, offering 123 well-appointed suites, an expansive sundeck, an infinity pool overlooking the ship's stern, an outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room, two hot tubs, a private lounge, an exclusive bar serving rare spirits and vintages, and sweeping sea views from every public space. Haven guests can also enjoy 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge team.
Norwegian Aqua offers a variety of spacious accommodations, including inside, oceanview, and balcony category staterooms, as well as specially designed Studio staterooms for solo travelers. The ship introduces the latest solo stateroom expanded categories, providing more space and accommodation options for single cruisers at reduced fares.
Families are well catered for with NCL’s popular Splash Academy for children aged three to 12 and the Entourage teen club for adolescents aged 13 to 17. The ship's amenities also include an infinity edge pool with expanded seating, day beds on the main pool deck, and an expanded Vibe Beach Club for an elevated adults-only experience.
Norwegian Aqua promises a year-round fun-in-the-sun experience, with seven-day Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral, followed by five and seven-day voyages to Bermuda from New York City. The ship will then offer five and seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami, known as the "Cruise Capital of the World," from October 2025 through April 2026.
The unveiling of additional new features and highly anticipated guest experiences aboard Norwegian Aqua is eagerly anticipated in the coming year. Norwegian Cruise Line's commitment to innovation and exceptional guest experiences is poised to make waves in the world of cruising, ensuring that passengers aboard Norwegian Aqua enjoy an unforgettable journey that will leave them yearning for more.