Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has officially taken delivery of its 20th ship, Norwegian Aqua, from the Fincantieri shipyard. This marks a significant milestone for the company and highlights its growth as it expands its fleet.
Norwegian Aqua is the first ship in NCL’s next-generation Prima Plus Class, following the success of the earlier Prima and Viva ships. The ship is set to debut on its inaugural sailing, which will be covered by Travel Weekly in the coming days.
In addition to the delivery of Norwegian Aqua, NCL also celebrated another important event with the float-out of the Norwegian Luna. The float-out signifies the completion of the ship’s exterior construction and its first contact with water. Norwegian Luna will now undergo interior construction and furnishing in preparation for its planned launch in April 2026.
David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, expressed his excitement about Norwegian Aqua. “Norwegian Aqua is more than just a ship – it’s a promise to our guests that we will continue to push boundaries and deliver more at sea,” he said. “With new attractions like the Aqua Slidecoaster and Sukhothai, our first Thai specialty restaurant, Norwegian Aqua is designed to create unforgettable moments for guests as it sails to the Caribbean, Bermuda, and our private island, Great Stirrup Cay.”
He also thanked Fincantieri for their partnership in bringing Norwegian Aqua to life. “This collaboration will continue to fuel NCL’s growth and success,” Herrera added.
Norwegian Aqua is 10% larger than its predecessors, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, offering more space, enhanced design, and a stronger focus on guest experience. The ship introduces exciting features, such as the Aqua Slidecoaster, a first-of-its-kind rollercoaster-waterslide hybrid, and the Aqua Game Zone, an interactive entertainment space with arcade games, virtual reality, and other fun activities for all ages.
Additionally, Norwegian Aqua offers a range of dining options, including the debut of the Sukhothai restaurant, serving Thai cuisine. Other guest favorites like Cagney’s Steakhouse and Le Bistro are also onboard, and the popular Indulge Food Hall now features a new plant-based dining option called Planterie.
Entertainment aboard Norwegian Aqua is set to impress, with shows such as “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” and an enhanced version of NCL’s highly rated “Elements” production, combining acrobatics, magic, and theatrics.
Fincantieri’s General Manager of Merchant Ships Division, Luigi Matarazzo, shared his excitement about the ship’s completion. “Norwegian Aqua represents our continued commitment to innovation and excellence, marking another milestone in the cruise industry,” Matarazzo said. “We are proud to contribute to NCL’s success and look forward to future collaborations.”
Norwegian Aqua’s Maiden Sailings
Norwegian Aqua will begin its inaugural European sailings before embarking on a transatlantic journey from Southampton, UK, on March 28, 2025. It will arrive in the US on April 4, 2025, for events in Boston and New York City. The ship will be officially christened in Miami on April 13, 2025, with Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet, known for his role in Modern Family, as the godfather.
During its first year, Norwegian Aqua will sail from Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida, as well as New York City. The ship will offer short voyages to the Bahamas and seven-day Caribbean itineraries, visiting destinations like Puerto Plata, the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas. A new pier will be added to the island in late 2025, improving accessibility for guests.
In August and September 2025, Norwegian Aqua will offer Bermuda cruises from New York City, featuring five- to seven-day itineraries with overnight stays. This gives guests more time to explore Bermuda’s attractions, including its world-class golf courses, vibrant culture, and famous underground caves, all just a short trip from the US East Coast.
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