Norwegian Cruise Line celebrated the float out of Norwegian Aqua from dry dock at Fincantieri’s Marghera, Italy shipyard. Following the successful debut of Norwegian Prima, the Norwegian Aqua will be the first ship for Norwegian Cruise Line’s next-generation Prima Plus Class of vessels, and the float out is the first time the ship has touched water.
The float out of Norwegian Aqua signifies the completion of external work on the ship ahead of its April 2025 debut. To celebrate the milestone, two ceremonial coins were welded into Norwegian Aqua in maritime tradition, which symbolizes an offering to ancient gods and goddesses of the sea in exchange for good luck and safe passage for the vessel. The ceremony was followed by a blessing by a local chaplain and celebratory champagne breaking across the ship’s hull.
At 156,300 gross tons and a length that spans 1,056 feet, Norwegian Aqua will be 10% larger than the first two Prima Class vessels providing more space and offerings including the world’s first-ever hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster; a new digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor, Glow Court; and Norwegian Cruise Line’s most expansive 360-degree outdoor promenade, Ocean Boulevard. The ship will also boast luxurious accommodations in The Haven by Norwegian, including NCL’s first-ever three-bedroom duplex Haven Suites.
The ship will host three brand-new onboard dining options including Sukhothai, NCL’s first-ever Thai specialty restaurant; Swirl Wine Bar, a new, upscale wine bar; and Planterie, the Brand’s first dedicated eatery with a full plant-based menu. Offering indoor and outdoor seating, Indulge Food Hall will boast 10 food stations drawing inspiration from international food marketplaces from around the world.
When Norwegian Aqua debuts in April 2025, the ship will sail seven-day Caribbean itineraries departing from Port Canaveral, FL with calls to the tropical islands of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas. Following the ship’s Caribbean season, Norwegian Aqua will offer five and seven-day voyages to Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025 and then cruise five and seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami beginning October 2025 through April 2026.
To book your escape on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Aqua, we recommend MEI Travel for a free, no obligation quote and free help throughout your trip.
