Meet Norwegian Aqua

Norwegian Cruise Line’s 20th vessel Norwegian Aqua makes a splashy debut

With the Champagne bottle smashing against its hull, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)’s newest ship Norwegian Aqua was christened in Miami by godparent Eric Stonestreet (of TV’s Modern Family fame) in April. Norwegian Aqua is aptly named in a class of her own - Prima-Plus, as she is ten percent larger than her two Prima class sisters Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. The increase in tonnage results in new accommodations, redesigned spaces, and enlarged venues that NCL fans will appreciate. However, save for a few venue location swaps, Aqua’s principal design and layout remain unchanged, and past Prima-class guests will find familiarity onboard. The three-story Penrose Atrium remains the heart of the vessel, serving as a bustling meeting space for Starbucks coffee, cocktails, shopping, and people-watching. The Whiskey Bar and Belvedere Bar have exchanged positions, and The Local Bar has been expanded with much-needed additional seating. 

On the exterior, Aqua’s pool area on Deck 17 has been enhanced with upgraded loungers and double daybeds. Deck 18 to 20 aft is home to the outdoor family areas, starting with the 12-hole Tee Time mini-golf course themed with various world locales. A new Glow Court has an LED floor that projects various sports court layouts for gameplay, and holds dance parties at night.  High atop Deck 20, the three-story Aqua Slidecoaster takes centre stage as Aqua’s feature water attraction. The hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide is the first of its kind at sea, sending single or double riders through a covered tunnel, which has a clear section for that well-timed photo of a rider swooshing by. Family fun continues in the Aqua Game Zone arcade on Deck 17, formerly Galaxy Pavilion. The space is designed for spectating as well as gameplay,
with two new mini-bowling lanes. 

NCL’s children’s program Guppies, Splash Academy, and Entourage teen club round out the family offerings. With 1,659 staterooms and suites, there’s something for everyone. Its Studio complex combines solo rooms with a communal lounge and bar, couples have a choice of interior, ocean view, and balcony staterooms, and families can reserve multi-bedded staterooms and suites, many of which are connecting. Aqua also boasts the largest Haven by Norwegian complex, with 123 top-end suites nestled in a private enclave. New onboard is The Haven 3-Bedroom Duplex Suite with Large Balcony that sleeps up to six, featuring a living/dining area, a bedroom with an ensuite bath, and a balcony on the main floor, and two bedrooms with full ensuite baths on the second level. Decades of in-house productions have garnered NCL accolades in shipboard entertainment, and it continues to be the main event onboard Norwegian Aqua. 

The headline show is Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, choreographed and directed by Broadway award-winning artist Patricia Wilcox. The biggest hits by the “purple artist” are performed by four dynamic vocalists and energetic dancers, and the Aqua Theater’s flexible setup allows the audience to watch and dance along on the floor, stage-side. Rumors – the concert based on Fleetwood Mac’s top-selling album and intertwined with stories of the band members’ turbulent relationships – has been moved into the Aqua Theater to allow a larger audience. Additional evening entertainment includes illusions and acrobatics in Elements: The World Expanded, comedians at The Improv at Sea, and game shows such as The Price is Right LIVE. 

On the culinary front, Norwegian Aqua brings back popular eateries – many with expanded seating – and introduces new dining experiences. The glass-walled Hudson’s and The Commodore Room continue to shine as the ship’s complimentary dining rooms, while Indulge Food Hall welcomes a new plant-based outlet called Planterie. Fan favourite Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro, Palomar, Onda by Scarpetta, Los Lobos, and Nama Sushi are back, and the always-booked solid Hasuki now seats 124, becoming the largest Teppanyaki restaurant in the fleet. To further tempt taste buds, NCL introduced a Thai specialty restaurant Sukhothai. Its origin was inspired by the pad Thai noodles at Indulge Food Hall. 

Norwegian Aqua has spent her inaugural season cruising the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda, homeporting in Miami, Port Canaveral, and New York City.
 

Written by Ming Tappin for Cruise and Travel Lifestyles (Fall 2025)