The sleek and striking Norwegian Aqua has officially set sail on her maiden voyage from Lisbon to Southampton, welcoming product partners and media from around the world. The first in Norwegian Cruise Line’s next-generation Prima Plus class, this impressive vessel was five years in the making and cost a whopping AU$2 billion (US$1.3 billion).
But what exactly can passengers expect from this bold new ship? Quite a lot, as it turns out.
1. A Bigger, Bolder Ship
Norwegian Aqua is 10% larger than her sister ship, Norwegian Prima, stretching 25 metres longer and accommodating up to 3,572 guests with 1,597 crew onboard. The extra space has been cleverly allocated to create expansive open areas, especially around the central public spaces and upper decks, giving guests more room to unwind and explore.
2. Meet the Aqua Slidecoaster
The headline-grabbing Aqua Slidecoaster is the first of its kind at sea – a hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide powered by magnetic propulsion technology (BLAST). This engineering marvel lets riders zoom uphill and drop through thrilling turns at speeds of up to 30km/h. It also happens to be the longest water coaster on any cruise ship in the world.
3. New Dining Destinations
Food lovers will be delighted with Aqua’s culinary additions. Based on the runaway popularity of Asian dishes at the Indulge Food Hall, NCL is introducing its first-ever Thai specialty restaurant, Sukhothai. This new venue promises an eclectic menu of authentic Thai cuisine packed with bold, dynamic flavours – expect a feast for the senses in both taste and presentation.
4. A Fresh Take on Entertainment
NCL’s entertainment team is currently developing 112 unique show and experience projects across the fleet. Insights from guest feedback have shaped their new approach: iconic music, visual spectacle, easy-to-follow storytelling, and shorter performances.
On Norwegian Aqua, guests can enjoy the debut of Revolution: A Celebration of Prince – an electrifying production celebrating the legendary “Purple One.” Expect world-class renditions of hits like Kiss, Little Red Corvette, and Delirious, with an immersive atmosphere that invites you to sing, dance or simply soak it all in.
5. A Greener Cruise Experience
Sustainability is a top priority aboard Norwegian Aqua. From sustainable cocktails to shore power connectivity (which the ship will utilise for the first time in Southampton), to testing bio-diesel and preparing for green methanol propulsion, NCL is investing in the future. Onboard, the Orca food digestor system reduces waste, while the Navtor application supports smart, performance-based decisions across the fleet.
6. The Fastest Internet at Sea
Last, but not least, NCL boasts that the Aqua offers the fastest internet at sea. SpaceX’s Starlink uses advanced low-earth orbit satellite tech to offer industry-leading internet speeds, perfect for streaming, working remotely, or sharing those envy-inducing holiday snaps in real time.
Norwegian Aqua will continue her journey to New York before beginning a series of Bermuda and Caribbean itineraries scheduled for the 2025/26 season.
