Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils New Culinary Experiences for Next New Ship

Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed a lineup of all-new dining experiences for its next new ship, Norwegian Aqua. Options will include the line’s first upscale Thai restaurant, a dedicated plant-based venue, and a new wine bar.

“Discovering new flavors and dining experiences is such a memorable part of any vacation, especially when you share it with those who matter most to you,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Expanding on our award-winning food and beverage program, we’re looking forward to bringing new concepts to life aboard Norwegian Aqua…”

Time for Thai
Making its debut on Norwegian Aqua will be Sukhothai, NCL’s first-ever Thai specialty restaurant. The venue will feature an eclectic menu of traditional dishes, many featuring a new spin such as Thai Cashew Chicken; Salt and Pepper Prawns, Thai Grilled Steak Salad, a variety of curries, and more. The restaurant will have a mix of traditional and contemporary Thai design elements including bamboo and rice paper pendant lights, a geometric patterned floor, and colorful furniture.

Plant-based delights
Also new is the plant-based eatery Planterie, which will be located inside Indulge Food Hall. The menu will feature dishes such as the Southwest Bowl with smoked tempeh and the Mediterranean Goddess Bowl filled with spiced vegetables, tabbouleh, and honey-roasted carrots.

New wine bar
Also premiering onboard Norwegian Aqua will be the Swirl Wine Bar, a contemporary wine lounge that will be located on Deck 6, in-between the Whiskey Bar and the Hasuki hibachi restaurant. The tucked away spot will feature a comprehensive wine-by-the-glass menu.

Returning favorites
Many of NCL’s popular Prima-class eateries and restaurants will return, including – as already mentioned – the Indulge Food Hall and Hasuki, but also Nama Sushi and Sashimi, as well as Palomar and the Deck 17 Surfside Café.

Metropolitan, NCL’s Sail & Sustain cocktail bar, returns as well, but moves from mid-ship to the aft of Deck 7 and will now include a grand piano and small entertainment space for guests to enjoy live music.

The Commodore Room, one of the ship’s main dining room, also returns, but on Aqua will have a new design that pays homage to the imaginative narrative of the captain’s room with antique wood furnishings, leather banquettes, floors that mimic the lines of a pier, and stone accents.

Other returning venues include the Belvedere Bar, the Local Bar & Grill, Cagney’s, Le Bistro, Los Lobos, and Onda by Scarpetta.

Set to be the 20th ship in the NCL fleet, Norwegian Aqua sets sail in April of 2025 out of Port Canaveral. It will feature a brand-first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster, along with the Glow Court, a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor, and NCL’s first-ever three-bedroom Duplex Haven Suites.