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Like its Prima Class sisters, Norwegian Prima and Viva, the new Norwegian Aqua is simply stunning. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), however, has upped its game with the 3,571-passenger ship, which is the first of its Prima Plus Class ships. Just for starters, it’s 10% larger than its sisters, and that space has unquestionably been put to good use.
I had the chance to see the 156,300 gross-ton ship for myself, when it was docked in New York City’s cruise port from April 7 to 9 prior to its April 13 christening and subsequent seven-day Caribbean itineraries out of Port Canaveral, Fla.
Here’s everything to know about what’s new and noteworthy onboard Aqua.
Accommodations
Part of the extra 10% space onboard Aqua was allocated to The Haven, NCL’s luxury hotel-within-a- hotel concept. The space, which was moved aft (it’s set forward on Prima and Viva) houses 123 suites – compared to 107 on the sister ships – including four new two-story, three-bedroom Duplex Suites.
Beyond Haven accommodations – and similar to Prima and Viva – Aqua is equipped with six stateroom and suite categories totaling 1,659 staterooms. The most plentiful are the 1,034 Balcony staterooms, which measure between 231 to 358 square feet. Other categories include 34 Suites & Penthouses (388 to 635 square feet), 34 Suites (393 to 635 square feet), 48 Club Balcony Suites (241 to 412 square feet), 140 Oceanview staterooms (186 to 370 square feet), 365 Inside staterooms (160 to 254 square feet) and 73 inside Studios (94 square feet) for solo travelers.
The Haven was moved to Norwegian Aqua’s aft. Pictured, The Haven Lounge. (Source: Claudette Covey)
Dining
Tucked away on Deck 17 is Sukhothai, a new Thai restaurant that replaces Food Republic. The eatery features dishes that are well-suited for sharing; standouts include pad thai, red Thai curry, Thai spring rolls and salt-and-pepper prawns.
Indulge Food Hall, where guests order items from a generous number of culinary options using an iPad, has a new addition: Planterie, which – as its name implies – serves plant-based dishes.
Additionally, the Commodore Room – one of two main dining venues (Hudson’s is the other) – was nearly doubled in size on Aqua.
Public Areas
The racetrack on Prima and Viva has been replaced by the Aqua Slidecoaster, a hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide. The attraction significantly increased the amount of space on Deck 17, the result of which is a larger pool, more deck space and the expansion of Vibe Beach Club, an adults-only public area that comes at an extra cost.
The new Swirl Wine Bar is set on Deck 6, joining the Whiskey Bar, which was moved from Deck 8. The Belvedere Bar (my favorite onboard Aqua) was moved from Deck 6 to Deck 8 and now sits in the heart of the Penrose Atrium.
The Metropolitan Bar was revamped and now off ers daily live entertainment. Last but not least, the Glow Court – a digital sports complex with an interactive LED fl oor – was added to Deck 20.
The pool and deck space aboard Aqua is larger than on Prima and Viva. (Source: Norwegian Cruise Line)
Entertainment
Aqua debuted the hourlong “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” show, which pays tribute to the iconic musician and performer and includes hits such as “Little Red Corvette,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Purple Rain” and “Delirious.” The show was a huge hit with guests during Aqua’s preview cruises, and for good reason – who doesn’t love Prince’s music?
Itineraries
Aqua’s seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries out of Port Canaveral call at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private Bahamian island.
This August through October, Aqua will embark on a series of four- to seven-day cruises to Bermuda from New York City. The ship will then reposition to Miami, operating seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises from October 2025 through April 2026.
Aqua’s Prima Plus Class sister, Norwegian Luna, is scheduled to make its debut in spring 2026.
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