by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 10:05 AM ET, Thu November 2, 2023
Norwegian Cruise Line is offering a glimpse into the upcoming Norwegian Aqua, the first of the line’s expanded Prima Plus Class, as its first itineraries open for sale.
The ship is expected to debut in April, 2025 and will first visit the Caribbean, sailing 7-day itineraries from Port Canaveral and visiting destinations including Puerto Plata, Tortola, St. Thomas and NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay.
"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."
The Stats on Norwegian Aqua
The Norwegian Aqua is being built at the renowned Fincantieri shipyards and will be ten percent larger than the previous Prima Class ships. It’ll be 1,065 feet long and weigh 156,300 gross tons, accommodating over 3,500 guests at double occupancy. It’ll also feature the highest staffing level of any new contemporary cruise ship.
When the ship debuts, it’ll feature colorful hull art designed by the line’s first-ever major female hull artist, Allisan Hueman, who is known for her street art and global brand collaborations. The ships design, “Where the Sky Meets the Sea,” will offer a modern mythology with abstract and figurative images of sea and sky.
Accommodations & More
NCL will debut its first-ever Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites onboard the Norwegian Aqua. There will be four of these two-story suites, which will offer separate living and dining areas, three bathrooms, a large balcony and three bedrooms, two of which feature king-sized beds.
The ship will offer the largest Haven complex in the fleet, with 123 suites, a Haven-exclusive sundeck, infinity pool, outdoor spa area and more.
The ship will also offer expanded solo offerings for solo travelers, including solo inside, solo oceanview and solo balcony categories.
Family-Centric Offerings
Norwegian Aqua will offer several exciting opportunities for families to make memories together onboard, including the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterside, the Aqua Slidecoaster, which will feature two different courses spanning three stories of fun twists and turns.
A new Glow Court, a digital sports complex with an interactive floor, will offer family friendly activities during the day and become a nightclub for adults in the evening.
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