Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has celebrated the arrival of the all-new Norwegian Aqua to the US for an exclusive preview in New York City before she returns in August 2025 for a series of voyages to Bermuda.
Norwegian Aqua, earlier this week, welcomed over 2,000 invited guests for a two-day inaugural event to experience the brand’s newest offerings.
With an overall 10 percent size and capacity increase from sister ships Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Aqua also boasts the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster. The latest attraction at sea, which is currently catching viral attention on social media, features a high speed powered launch that propels adventurous guests through one of two different courses across three decks. With dual slides, guests can have two unique experiences on this industry-leading attraction.
“All of us at NCL are thrilled to finally welcome our newest incredible ship, Norwegian Aqua to the US, especially here in New York City,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.
“New York and the tri-state area are an incredibly important market for us, so to showcase the beautiful Norwegian Aqua here in the Big Apple during her inaugural season was a no-brainer. We cannot wait for her to return to New York City in August for a season of voyages to Bermuda and for our guests to experience MORE to do and MORE to enjoy with everything she has to offer for the whole family.”
Norwegian Aqua offers activities bow-to-stern for everyone. For the guests who prefer to kick back and relax, the adults-only Vibe Beach Club provides even more space with outdoor loungers and cabanas overlooking sweeping ocean views. Guests can also retreat to the Mandara Spa and Salon for rejuvenating treatments, tranquil saunas, and invigorating spa services.
Families and active adults can revel in attractions such as the outdoor activity complex, The Stadium; as well as The Drop, the 10-storey jaw-dropping dry slide; and the Bull’s Eye Bar where guests can enjoy a game of interactive darts with a beer or cocktail in hand. Food and beverage enthusiasts can savour in Norwegian Aqua’s 17 dining options and 18 bars and lounges including the redesigned Metropolitan Bar, which now features a grand piano for live entertainment.
Norwegian Aqua also features the brand-new Glow Court, a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor, where guests can enjoy a variety of interactive activities by day before the space transforms into a nightclub in the evening. The reimagined Aqua Game Zone offers a fun-for-the-whole-family vibe with an array of virtual reality and classic arcade games such as Ms. Pacman, Mario Brothers and Duck Pin Bowling. Additionally, the ship offers an expanded pool deck equipped with day beds that are perfect for lounging in the warm Caribbean sun.
On April 13, Norwegian Aqua will officially be christened in Miami, the ‘Cruise Capital of the World,’ with a celebratory ceremony featuring godfather and two-time Emmy®-Award winning actor Eric Stonestreet. Following her official christening, Norwegian Aqua will offer a series of seven-day Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla. between April 2025 to July 2025 before sailing five and seven-day voyages to Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025. The ship will then sail five and seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami beginning October 2025 through April 2026 featuring a visit to NCL’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, which will debut a multi-ship pier in late 2025.
