I was one of the lucky few invited aboard the inaugural sailing of the Norwegian Aqua, and let me tell you – this brand-new beauty is every bit as impressive as you’d expect. From its jaw-dropping Aqua Slidecoaster to its stylish new dining venues, it’s full of surprises. But one of the highlights? The staterooms.
Norwegian Aqua features four main stateroom categories (not including suites): Studio, Inside, Ocean View, and the one we called home – the Balcony Stateroom (level 12, mid-ship). And while the ship itself is buzzing with things to do, this comfy cabin quickly became our little sanctuary at sea.
Here are 10 things you can expect from a Balcony Stateroom on Norwegian Aqua.
1. First Impressions
Open the door and the first thing you’ll notice is the space. This isn’t your typical poky cruise cabin – there’s room to move, room to stretch, and plenty of breathing space. The layout feels open and modern, with clean Scandi-inspired lines and soothing coastal colours. Everything feels new (because it is), and it’s obvious that the design team has really thought about how guests live and move in the space.
The soundproofing is excellent – you can’t hear or feel the engine, and the air conditioning is whisper-quiet. Each room is individually climate-controlled with an easy-to-use panel so you can set your ideal temperature and sleep soundly, no matter what’s happening outside.
The Balcony Stateroom (before we got to it)
2. Storage Everywhere
If you like to unpack properly and feel at home (and who doesn’t?), you’ll be delighted by the clever storage throughout. There are drawers, hanging spaces, shelving, and even little hidey holes where you least expect them. Suitcases slide neatly under the bed, and the wardrobe is big enough to share – no passive-aggressive “your side/my side” required.
3. The Balcony
There’s something special about waking up, stepping outside, and being greeted by an endless view of ocean. The balcony isn’t just a box to tick – it’s your private front-row seat to the sea. Whether you’re reading, relaxing, or catching golden hour with a glass of bubbles, it’s pure bliss. Ours had two comfy chairs and a little table, making it perfect for pre-dinner drinks or lazy morning coffees in your robe.
The view from our blacony for the first two days of our cruise
4. Customisable (Brand New!) Beds
Now here’s a nifty touch – the beds are completely customisable. Want a queen? Sorted. Prefer twin beds? No problem. The memory foam mattresses are firm with just the right amount of give, and did I mention – brand new? The linen is hotel-grade crisp and seriously inviting.
We had our cabin set up with a queen bed and made use of the double sofa bed. I was the lucky volunteer for the latter, and as someone who’s 187cm tall, I usually give sofa beds a wide berth. But this one? Surprisingly comfy and long enough (almost!). Definitely not the usual fold-out ordeal.
Norwegian has also included clever design features that make it easier for cabin stewards to switch up the layout, which means more flexibility for you and your travel crew.
5. Bathroom to swing a cat
It’s not often you hear the words “cruise ship” and “spacious bathroom” in the same sentence, but here we are. The ensuite is genuinely roomy, with a large glass shower (no clinging curtain!), proper vanity space, and shelves for all your skincare favourites. You won’t be bumping elbows or balancing shampoo bottles here – it’s comfortable and cleverly laid out. It feels more like a hotel bathroom than what you’d expect at sea.
6. On-screen Entertainment
The in-room TV is your personal cruise concierge. Want to check your account balance? Book an excursion? Scope out tomorrow’s schedule? Check the view from the bridge? All just a click away. There’s a solid range of films and shows too – perfect for a chilled night in or winding down after a big day onboard.
7. Wi-Fi
Norwegian has seriously upped the game when it comes to connectivity. Offering “the fastest internet at sea” as part of their More At Sea™ package. The Wi-Fi worked seamlessly in our stateroom – no constant dropouts or endless buffering. Whether you’re uploading to Instagram or checking in with family back home, staying connected was a breeze.
8. Power Points
Charging your devices is easy thanks to a generous spread of power points, including USB and USB-C options. They’re positioned where you need them – by the bed, near the desk – so no need to do the old “crawl-around-the-cabin” dance with your charger in hand.
9. Lighting Options
Mood lighting? Check. Reading lamps? Check. Subtle night lights for midnight loo trips? Also check. The lighting setup is surprisingly versatile, letting you create whatever atmosphere you’re after. Everything’s dimmable, too – which is ideal if your travel buddy likes to stay up reading while you’re already counting sheep.
10. Excellent Company
Of course, the best part of any cruise cabin is the person (or people) you’re sharing it with. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends, or flying solo, the Balcony Stateroom is the kind of space you actually want to spend time in. I shared mine with my sister, and we genuinely enjoyed our downtime in this calm, comfy retreat we called home for our days at sea.
Traveltalk cruised as a guest of Norwegian Cruise Lines in March 2025.
