ITTN’s Shane Cullen is onboard the unveiling of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Aqua, the newest addition to the cruise line’s fleet along with many trade and media from across the UK and Ireland.
Norwegian Aqua is the first ship in the new Prima Plus Class, a design that promises to push the boundaries of what a cruise ship can offer. It is c.320 meters long and will host 3,571 guests at double occupancy. While definitely a large ship, it is comfortably so and easy to navigate and find your bearings.
While the ship’s size is impressive, what stands out are its innovative features. One of the most talked-about features is the Aqua Slidecoaster, a hybrid waterslide and rollercoaster for thrill-seekers that is billed as the world’s first of its kind at sea. I may muster up the courage for the slide yet but I am too full from a superb dinner at Cagney’s Steakhouse (more on that later).
Beyond the adrenaline-pumping attractions, Norwegian Aqua also offers a more spacious experience for guests. The ship features larger outdoor deck areas, providing ample space for passengers to enjoy scenic views and the open ocean.
The accommodations aboard Norwegian Aqua are equally noteworthy. The ship introduces the Three-Bedroom Duplex Suites, which are designed to accommodate families or groups in luxury, offering more space than any other suite in the NCL fleet (ideal for those of us who have more than 2 children).
Wining & Dining on Board Norwegian Aqua
When it comes to dining, Norwegian Aqua does not disappoint. A food offering is always a good litmus test for the standard of the ship and this is 5-star dining.
The ship will offer an array of options to satisfy every taste, from casual bites to refined dining experiences. Key highlights include the Onda by Scarpetta, NCL’s Italian restaurant known for its upscale atmosphere and signature pasta dishes. For those craving steak, Cagney’s Steakhouse is onboard, a longstanding favorite on other NCL ships.
I enjoyed an evening hosted by NCL at Cagney’s Steakhouse, one of the speciality restaurants (typically this has a cover charge of $60 pp). For starters, I opted for the Iceberg Wedge – a light salad packed with flavours – Roma tomatoes, blue cheese, bacon bits drizzled in dressing. The other options included crab cakes, jumbo shrimp trio, grilled thick-cut bacon, lobster bisque and baked onion soup.
As a steak fan, it was always going to be a rib-eye steak for me. There was plenty to choose from, and if beef wasn’t your thing, there was lobster tail, double-cut Australian Lamb chops with pearl barley risotto, grilled fisherman’s platter, and grilled jumbo shrimp skewer.
The steak was delicious and served with sides of creamed spinach, truffle mashed potatoes and sautéed garlic mushrooms. Mouthwatering and so good I couldn’t fit dessert.
Fellow diners highly recommended the cheesecake.
Commodore Room – Main Dining
Last night’s dinner was at the Commodore Room, one of the redesigned main dining venues with a rustic yet luxurious design, inspired by its sea-faring namesake. I enjoyed the lovely company of the Irish trade’s “plus-ones”.
For starters, I opted for the Caesar salad. For mains, I chose a braised lamb shank with roasted carrots, shallots and rosemary potatoes and I would highly recommend. I couldn’t resist the honey crème brûlée with crispy almond tuile, which did not disappoint.
For a more relaxed experience, guests can visit
- The Local, an all-day dining venue serving comfort food in a laid-back, casual environment.
- There’s also Indulge Food Hall, a trendy venue that blends international street food with a modern twist, perfect for those looking to explore a variety of flavours.
- For a touch of elegance, Le Bistro, the ship’s French restaurant, is a romantic setting for fine dining.
There is a diverse array of dining venues, combining new culinary concepts with reimagined classics which will be open for guests as well as the Waterfront, an outdoor dining area where guests can enjoy meals with stunning ocean views.
