Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils Brand-New Norwegian Aqua

Norwegian Cruise Line has opened sales on its brand-new ship, Norwegian Aqua, the first in its new Prima Plus Class vessels. 

The ship is set to debut in April 2025 with a seven-day Caribbean cruise leaving from Port Canaveral, Florida. Norwegian Aqua has several Caribbean journeys now on sale, which include 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.   

“Norwegian Aqua is a true testament of fusing together what represents the future of our brand as the first ship in the Prima Plus Class and our commitment to pushing the boundaries in guest-first experiences that will make new waves at sea,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Named for both the beautiful shades of blue from the ocean and our connection to the sea, 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.”   

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri constructed this next-generation class of ships, building upon the experiences of NCL’s Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. Norwegian Aqua will have a 10% size and capacity increase from its sister ships, spanning 1,056 feet long and accommodating 3,571 guests, as well as offering more outdoor space and more staffing. 

Norwegian Aqua’s hull design will feature artwork created by Allison Hueman, NCL’s first major woman hull artist. The ship’s design, “Where the Sky Meets the Sea,” was curated by Goldman Global Arts. 

After a series of Caribbean cruises, Norwegian Aqua will set sail on several voyages from Bermuda to New York City from August to October 2025, and then from Miami to the Caribbean from October 2025 through April 2026. 

Norwegian Aqua’s new features 
Notably, Norwegian Aqua will feature the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster-waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster, spanning three stories around the ship’s funnel. Also new to Norwegian Aqua will be the Glow Court, a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor that will offer activities during the day and turn into a nightclub in the evening. 

Guest-favorites on the Prima Class ships that will return on the Norwegian Aqua include The Drop, a 10-story freefall slide; the Stadium, a game room offering complimentary activities; the Splash Academy, a public space for children ages 3 to 12; and Entourage, a teen club for adolescents to enjoy. 

NCL also promises more seating and lounge areas surrounding its pools on the Norwegian Aqua, as well as more spacious accommodations. The cruise line is introducing its first-ever Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites, four two-story suites that will feature separate living and dining areas, three bathrooms, a balcony, and three bedrooms – two with a king-size bed and the master with floor-to-ceiling windows. 

The four Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites will be located in a keycard access-only complex, The Haven by Norwegian, which will be the largest on the fleet with a total of 123 suites. The Haven will have its own sundeck, outdoor spa, and infinity pool, as well as an exclusive bar and private lounge. Haven guests also receive butler service and their own dedicated concierge team.