Norwegian Cruise Line Welcomes Norwegian Aqua, Its First Prima Plus Class Ship
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has officially taken delivery of Norwegian Aqua, the 20th ship in its fleet and the first in its groundbreaking Prima Plus class. The milestone event took place at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, marking another achievement in the cruise line’s ongoing fleet expansion. On the same day, Norwegian Luna, another Prima Plus class ship, floated out of its dry dock, symbolizing the completion of its exterior construction ahead of its 2026 launch.
The delivery of Norwegian Aqua signals a new era for the cruise line, showcasing cutting-edge design, innovative features, and an elevated guest experience. “Norwegian Aqua is more than just a ship; it’s a commitment to our guests that we will continue to push boundaries and deliver more at sea,” said David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line. With its inaugural sailings scheduled for 2025, Norwegian Aqua promises to redefine family-friendly cruising through new attractions, enhanced dining, and unforgettable entertainment options.
Aqua Slidecoaster and Glow Court: Next-Level Onboard Experiences
Norwegian Aqua introduces a variety of never-before-seen features, including the world’s first combination waterslide and rollercoaster, the Aqua Slidecoaster. Designed to thrill guests of all ages, this innovative attraction is a standout addition to the ship’s entertainment lineup. Another exciting feature is the Glow Court, a versatile space that transitions from a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor by day to a nightclub at night, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for guests.
The ship also boasts the Aqua Game Zone, an interactive space featuring retro arcade games and virtual reality experiences. With these attractions, Norwegian Aqua caters to families, couples, and solo travelers looking for adventure and fun at sea.
Enhanced Dining Options and Entertainment
Norwegian Aqua continues NCL’s tradition of offering diverse dining experiences, with the debut of Sukhothai, the cruise line’s first Thai specialty restaurant, alongside returning favorites like Cagney’s Steakhouse and Le Bistro. The Indulge Food Hall now features Planterie, a new eatery serving plant-based bowls and healthy options, catering to the growing demand for wellness-focused dining.
For evening entertainment, Norwegian Aqua will feature exclusive shows such as "Revolution: A Celebration of Prince", a theatrical concert developed in partnership with Prince Legacy and Primary Wave Music. Guests can also enjoy "Elements: The World Expanded", an enhanced version of Norwegian’s highest-rated production, combining acrobatics, magic, and special effects inspired by earth, air, water, and fire.
Prima Plus Class: Bigger and Better
Norwegian Aqua is part of the new Prima Plus class, an evolution of the Prima class. At 156,300 gross tons and with a capacity for 3,571 guests at double occupancy, Norwegian Aqua is 10% larger than its Prima predecessors. The ship maintains signature features like spacious staterooms, extensive outdoor areas, and a focus on ocean views, while offering even more space, service, and entertainment options.
Worldwide Itineraries and African Highlights
After completing inaugural sailings in Europe, Norwegian Aqua will embark on a transatlantic journey from Southampton to Boston and New York in March 2025, before being christened in Miami on April 13, 2025, by Emmy Award-winning actor and NCL brand ambassador Eric Stonestreet. The ship’s first year will feature Caribbean itineraries, including stops in Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and NCL’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, which is set to receive a new pier in late 2025 for enhanced accessibility.
African travel agents and cruise specialists will also benefit from the growing interest in Bermuda itineraries, as Norwegian Aqua will sail five- to seven-day cruises from New York to Bermuda between August and September 2025. These itineraries include overnight stays, giving guests the chance to explore the island’s renowned golf courses, cultural landmarks, and natural attractions, making it a prime offering for travelers seeking unique experiences.
Partnership with Fincantieri
The delivery of Norwegian Aqua and the progress of Norwegian Luna further strengthen the partnership between Norwegian Cruise Line and Fincantieri, one of the world’s leading shipbuilders. Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division, commented, “Norwegian Aqua is a testament to the solid and enduring partnership between NCL and Fincantieri. This ship embodies our shared commitment to technological innovation and excellence, marking another milestone in the thriving cruise industry.”
Fincantieri is also working on NCL’s next class of ships, which will rival the largest vessels in the industry, comparable to the Excel class by Carnival, World class by MSC Cruises, and Oasis class by Royal Caribbean.
Opportunities for African Travel Agents
For African travel agents, Norwegian Aqua’s diverse itineraries and family-friendly features offer exciting opportunities to promote luxury cruising to both first-time and seasoned travelers. The ship’s unique attractions and tailored experiences cater to a range of preferences, from adrenaline-seeking families to food enthusiasts and culture lovers. Agents can highlight the ship’s Caribbean and Bermuda routes, emphasizing the convenience of short cruises and the allure of exclusive destinations like Great Stirrup Cay and Bermuda.
Looking Ahead
Norwegian Aqua’s debut marks another leap forward for Norwegian Cruise Line, with its innovative design, thrilling attractions, and world-class service redefining the cruise experience. As the Prima Plus class expands, it promises to set new standards in luxury and entertainment at sea. For travel professionals, Norwegian Aqua presents an exciting opportunity to capture the growing demand for memorable, high-quality cruise vacations.
