Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has officially welcomed its latest cruise ship, Norwegian Aqua, as she embarks on her highly anticipated maiden voyage from Lisbon, Portugal, to Southampton, England. This marks the beginning of a five-part inaugural series that will ultimately conclude in Miami with a grand christening ceremony in April. Norwegian Aqua represents a new chapter in NCL’s fleet expansion, promising guests an elevated cruising experience with groundbreaking innovations and industry-first attractions.
As the first vessel in the Prima Plus Class, Norwegian Aqua builds upon the success of the award-winning Prima Class while introducing cutting-edge enhancements. More than 2,000 invited guests are aboard the exclusive inaugural sailing, getting the first glimpse of the ship’s upscale design and revolutionary features. In celebration of this milestone, NCL has released a first look at the ship’s sleek interiors and pioneering entertainment offerings, giving travelers a taste of the new standard in cruise vacations.
Norwegian Aqua boasts several industry-first attractions, making it one of the most exciting cruise ships to date. Among its standout features is the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, offering passengers an adrenaline-pumping experience with two unique ride options. Additionally, the Glow Court, a next-generation digital sports complex, features an interactive LED floor that adapts to different activities by day and transforms into a vibrant nightlife venue in the evening. The Aqua Game Zone reinvents NCL’s popular Galaxy Pavilion, delivering an engaging mix of classic arcade games, virtual reality experiences, and immersive digital challenges designed to entertain guests of all ages.
Norwegian Aqua is not only redefining onboard entertainment but also introducing world-class performances that set a new benchmark in cruise ship productions. The ship’s lineup includes “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince,” a high-energy theatrical concert paying tribute to the legendary artist with electrifying renditions of his greatest hits. Guests can also enjoy “Elements: The World Expanded,” an enhanced version of one of NCL’s most popular shows, featuring stunning acrobatics, illusionary performances, and captivating visuals inspired by the four elements.
Dining aboard Norwegian Aqua is an adventure in itself, with 17 new and returning specialty restaurants alongside 18 bars and lounges. Among the latest additions is Sukhothai, NCL’s first-ever Thai specialty restaurant, serving an authentic culinary journey inspired by Thailand’s diverse flavors in a modern yet sophisticated setting. Another exciting addition is Planterie, the cruise line’s debut plant-based eatery located in the Indulge Food Hall, catering to guests looking for nutritious and flavorful vegan cuisine.
Following the inaugural voyage across Europe, Norwegian Aqua will set sail on a transatlantic journey to the United States, where she will be officially christened in Miami on April 13, 2025. Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet has been named the ship’s godfather and will play a central role in the ceremony. Once christened, Norwegian Aqua will homeport in Miami, Port Canaveral (Orlando), and New York City, offering guests an array of itineraries to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda through March 2027.
For those planning their next cruise, NCL’s new More At Sea™ program delivers unmatched value, allowing travelers to enjoy premium perks such as unlimited open bar with top-tier brands, specialty dining experiences, high-speed Wi-Fi, and exclusive shore excursion credits. The program also includes enticing benefits such as free airfare for a second guest and free sailings for children on select itineraries. With Norwegian Aqua leading the way, NCL continues to push the boundaries of luxury cruising, offering travelers more excitement, innovation, and value at sea.
