For those who love cruising, then your complete technique of ship constructing might fascinate you as a lot as us. That’s why we had been thrilled once we had been invited by Norwegian Cruise Line to go to the Fincantieri shipyard to see the development progress of NCL’s latest cruise ship. Now, we’re again and wish to share this unique Norwegian Aqua first look with you.
Norwegian Aqua: Our Unique First Look from the Shipyard
Norwegian Aqua is Norwegian Cruise Line‘s latest cruise ship set to debut in April 2025. This 156K gross ton ship is the primary in NCL’s Prima Plus class of vessels, with sister ships Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva, and the newly named Norwegian Luna (debuting in 2026).
Whereas we’ve sailed on the earlier Prima class ships, we had been intrigued by a few of the modifications made to this new ship. Norwegian Aqua can be house to some firsts at sea in addition to some relocated and redesigned areas to handle a few of the pain-points on these earlier vessels.
That is made attainable by the truth that Norwegian Aqua is 10% bigger by way of dimension and capability than her sister ships with the addition of two 11-meter sections. Spanning 1,056 ft lengthy, she is going to accommodate 3,571 visitors at double occupancy. Additional, Norwegian Aqua will supply extra out of doors area and the best staffing ranges of any new up to date cruise ship.
Recognized for colourful hull artwork, NCL’s new ship will characteristic the design “Where the Sky Meets the Sea” by the primary main feminine hull artist, Allison Hueman.
Aqua Slidecoaster
Maybe probably the most thrilling new addition to Norwegian Aqua is the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster. With twin slides and magnetic lifts, this attraction will characteristic two distinctive experiences propelling visitors at as much as 30 mph in two-person rafts.
The Aqua Slidecoaster would be the longest and quickest slides at sea. So, all of the thrillseekers on the market positively gained’t wish to miss this new attraction. Changing the Speedway on different Prima ships, these slides will characteristic three tales of twists and turns across the ship’s funnel.
The small print like top and weight necessities are nonetheless within the works, however we had been informed that this exercise can be complimentary.
Different Prime Deck Sights
On the very prime of the ship on Deck 20, Norwegian Aqua will even characteristic a brand new Glow Court docket. This digital sports activities complicated may have an LED ground. This area will supply a wide range of interactive actions in the course of the day after which rework right into a nightclub within the night.
The Drop slide will make a return on Norwegian Aqua as effectively. Debuting on Prima, The Drop is the primary free-fall slide on the planet. This dry slide plunges 10 tales, reaching the best G-forces of any cruise line. It too is a complimentary attraction.
The Stadium can be discovered on Norwegian Aqua with a brand new expanded area providing a wide range of complimentary actions.
When analyzing the Norwegian Aqua deck plans, the 2 prime deck points of interest which might be nonetheless lacking embody the Tee Time mini-golf and the Bull’s Eye dart lounge. Thus, it stays to be seen whether or not the ship will characteristic these for-fee actions.
We additionally suspect that the brand new Glow Court docket might take the place of the Galaxy Pavilion beforehand discovered on Deck 17 close to the Statement Lounge on Prima and Viva because the gaming complicated is presently absent on deck plans (and it’s not too long ago been eliminated on Norwegian Pleasure).
Nonetheless, the Aqua Slidecoaster does formally take the place of The Rush and The Wave slides. This will even make room for an expanded children aquapark on Deck 18.
One of many complaints of the earlier Prima ships was the omission of a devoted teenagers membership. Properly, Entourage makes a return on Norwegian Aqua. Youngsters aged 13-17 can get pleasure from their very own area now on Deck 14.
New and Reimagined Eating and Bars
One of many issues we love about Norwegian Cruise Line is its eating lineup. Whereas we’re unhappy to see certainly one of our favorites go, we’re excited to take a look at all the brand new and reimagined food and drinks areas coming to Norwegian Aqua.
Sukhothai
The most important new addition is Sukhothai, NCL’s first-ever Thai specialty restaurant. Sadly, this restaurant will take the place of Meals Republic on Deck 17. This new specialty eating venue will supply menu objects like Thai Cashew Rooster, Salt and Pepper Prawns, and Thai Grilled Steak Salad.
The ambiance is described as “a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary Thai design elements” with options like bamboo and rice paper pendant lights and a geometrical patterned ground.
Planterie
Certainly one of our favourite additions to the NCL eating lineup is the Indulge Meals Corridor. The Indulge Meals Corridor presents 10 meals stations with delicacies from world wide in a quick-service model setting. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we visited this area on a number of events throughout our cruises.
Along with favorites like Nudls, Tamara, and Q Texas Smokehouse, Planterie will make its debut. Planterie is NCL’s first devoted eatery providing a full plant-based menu. It should characteristic plant-based bowls and different wholesome choices.
Returning Favorites
On the subject of specialty eating places, all the opposite favorites will return to Norwegian Aqua. Nonetheless, some will transfer to new areas. Palomar will characteristic the identical Mediterranean seafood choices in an upscale setting on Deck 17. Deck 8 would be the house of Onda by Scarpetta and Los Lobos.
Cagney’s, NCL’s signature steakhouse, will transfer upstairs to Deck 7 throughout the way in which from the Metropolitan Bar and can accommodate much more visitors. In flip, Le Bistro will even relocate, taking the place of Hasuki on Deck 7 throughout from Nami Sushi. Don’t fear, the favored teppanyaki location isn’t going away! It’s simply transferring right down to Deck 6 to permit for more room. The truth is, will probably be the largest iteration but with much more hibachi tables.
On the subject of complimentary eating, visitors can nonetheless benefit from the Surfside Cafe and Grill on the pool deck. The Native Bar and Grill additionally returns in the identical location on Deck 8 however with much more area.
Hudson’s and The Commodore Room would be the two principal eating rooms as soon as once more. Nonetheless, The Commodore Room can be expanded to supply elevated seating capability.
Up to date Bar Areas
On Norwegian Aqua, there can be one fully new bar idea. Swirl Wine Bar can be positioned on Deck 6. This hidden enclave will characteristic a complete wine-by-the-glass menu and an in depth checklist of uncommon and premium vintages.
The Metropolitan Bar, NCL’s Sail & Maintain cocktail bar, will boast a brand new design. The bar will now characteristic a piano and a small leisure area for dwell performances for visitors to get pleasure from whereas sipping their sustainable cocktails, just like the croissant mai tai, and biodynamic wines. We’re glad to see this area get a makeover as it’s a massive space that appeared underutilized throughout our earlier sailings.
One other change up on Norwegian Aqua, the Whiskey Bar and Belvedere Bar will swap areas. This alteration makes full sense to us. Transferring from Deck 8 within the Penrose Atrium, the Whiskey Bar will shift right down to Deck 6 close to Hasuki and The Commodore Room. This extra out-of-the-way location will permit the bar to concentrate on delivering refined spirits. The Belvedere Bar will transfer as much as Deck 8 with a brand new design, permitting for ocean views and entrance row seats to all of the nighttime motion within the Penrose Atrium.
New Leisure
Throughout our shipyard go to, we obtained a sneak peek on the latest present to hitch the Norwegian Cruise Line leisure lineup. Revolution: A Celebration of Prince will debut on Norwegian Aqua. Shifting in the direction of the leisure mannequin of all unique productions, this new present can be a concert-like expertise celebrating the music of the long-lasting artist. With hits like “Let’s Go Crazy” and “Purple Rain”, visitors are certain to be singing and dancing alongside throughout this hour manufacturing present.
The second signature manufacturing reimagined for Norwegian Aqua is Parts: The World Expanded. Parts has change into certainly one of NCL’s highest-rated visitor reveals of all time and is featured throughout 4 ships within the fleet. Thus, the present is being revamped right into a better-than-ever, extra immersive model. It should characteristic magic, aerial acrobatics, music, and dance.
These two productions will happen within the 3-story transformational Aqua Theater & Membership. This dyanmic theater can rework right into a Vegas-style nightclub that includes an expansive dance ground, interactive chandeliers, and state-of-the-art lighting. The venue will even characteristic three events: 90s Occasion, Livin’ La Vida Loca, and Pop Life (which is able to happen after the Prince present and be reminescient of the early ages of MTV), together with a brand-new Welcome Aboard Present.
Different returning reveals embody The Value is Proper LIVE on NCL recreation present and Syd Norman’s Presents: Rumours. This Fleetwood Mac tribute expertise can be provided within the Aqua Theater & Membership to accommodate extra visitors.
The favored leisure areas, Syd Norman’s Pour Home (which is able to characteristic a brand new R&B expertise) and an expanded Improv at Sea Comedy Membership, will even return on Norwegian Aqua. Although, the precise areas of those venues haven’t been confirmed on deck plans simply but. What is thought is that the comedy membership can be redesigned so the stage is now not on the finish of a somewhat lengthy and slim area.
Improved Out of doors Areas
One knock on Norwegian Cruise Line ships has all the time been the pool deck. Even on earlier Prima class ships, the realm felt small and somewhat closed off. Now, with the elimination of the Speedway and the additional area, Norwegian Aqua will characteristic an improved pool deck. For the primary time, day beds can be obtainable close to the primary pool for visitors to get pleasure from as effectively.
After strolling this unfinished out of doors deck throughout our shipyard tour, it definitely felt extra spacious. So, we are able to’t wait to see the completed product.
One other enhancement is the expanded Vibe Seaside Membership. This elevated, adult-only area can be bigger, the truth is, practically twice as large.
Additional, the Deck 8 Ocean Boulevard has been enhanced to supply much more out of doors area on Norwegian Aqua. Because the largest-to-date, this totally wrap-around promenade will characteristic extra seating (by eliminating The Rush slides touchdown space), the Oceanwalk glass bridges, Infinity Seaside with its infinity edge swimming pools, the La Terrazza lounge area, and the Soleil Bar on the aft of this deck.
Largest Haven Complicated
Lastly, Norwegian Aqua may have the most important Haven complicated at sea. This ship-within-a-ship idea will characteristic 123 well-appointed suites. They’ll all have entry to an expansive sundeck with an infinity pool, an outside sauna and chilly room, and two sizzling tubs. The Haven additionally encompasses a non-public lounge, unique bars, and a restaurant.
To not point out, Norwegian Aqua will debut the first-ever 3-bedroom Duplex Haven Suites. These two-story suites have separate dwelling and eating areas, three loos, a sprawling balcony, and three bedrooms.
Exterior The Haven, Norwegian Aqua will supply a wide range of probably the most spacious lodging within the fleet. These embody solo, inside, ocean view, and balcony class staterooms.
Norwegian Aqua Itineraries
When she units sail, Norwegian Aqua will supply 7-day itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida. From August by means of October of 2025, the ship will place to New York for 5- and 7-day voyages to Bermuda. Then, she is going to sail Japanese Caribbean itineraries from Miami by means of April 2026.
Feedback
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The submit We Simply Returned from the Shipyard and Give You Our Unique First Have a look at Norwegian Aqua appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.
