The Newest Cruise Ship in the World - NCL AQUA

The World’s Newest Cruise Ship – Norwegian Cruise Line AQUA The Aqua is the newest addition to Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet and joins its Prima Class siblings, Prima and Viva. I had the privilege of experiencing its inaugural voyage from Southampton to Zeebrugge and back in March 2025, and here’s my full review. Overall, the ship is absolutely breathtaking. Norwegian has truly outdone themselves once again with the design, dining options, and onboard entertainment. The ship’s layout is seamlessly designed, with countless areas to explore. From enjoying a quiet cocktail by the pool to an adrenaline-pumping ride on the slide coaster, the options are endless. Cruise Facts for Enthusiasts: With a gross tonnage of 156,300 tons, a length of 1,056 feet, and a capacity for nearly 3,600 passengers, the Aqua is 10% larger in size and capacity compared to Prima or Viva. This ship will be based out of Port Canaveral in Florida, Miami, and New York during the summer season. Food and Beverage: Let’s face it – many of us go on a cruise just to indulge in delicious food! With 17 restaurants and 19 bars, there’s no shortage of culinary options, and you might not even get through them all in a 7-night trip. Accommodation: The cabins are beautifully designed in soft, muted tones, offering an impressive amount of storage space both in the rooms and bathrooms. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered, from USB-C ports to the innovative shower door design. The balcony furniture is also a significant upgrade compared to other cruise lines and is surprisingly comfortable. Cabins come in various options, including inside, studio, balcony, club cabins, and suites. Notably, they offer solo cabins in every category with no supplements, which is fantastic for those traveling alone. There’s also a dedicated lounge for solo passengers to meet others. Additionally, there are great suite options that are perfect for multi-generational groups. The Haven: The Haven provides an exclusive boutique experience with private elevators, a 24-hour butler, a dedicated pool and sundeck, plus the Haven Restaurant and Bar. If you enjoy a luxurious, intimate experience typical of five-star cruise lines, but with all the amenities of a larger ship, this is the area for you. Specialty Dining: As expected, Norwegian’s signature restaurants are available, including Starbucks, Cagney’s Steakhouse, Los Lobos (Mexican), Onda by Scarpetta, Palomar (Mediterranean), Nama Sushi, Hasuki (Teppanyaki-style), Le Bistro (French cuisine), and more. New to Aqua is Sukhothai, a Thai-inspired restaurant included in the specialty dining packages. Complimentary Dining: There are two main dining rooms – Commodore and Hudson – plus the Surf Side Café and Grill on Deck 17, which serves buffet-style meals. The Local Bar is perfect for grabbing a quick bite like burgers and chicken wings after a shore excursion. One standout for me was Indulge Food Hall – a food court without the usual crowds. You order small plates from around the world via an iPad, and the food arrives in minutes, perfect for picky eaters or if your party is craving different cuisines. Based on guest feedback, there’s also a plant-based option available at Planterie. Entertainment: There’s a bar around every corner, from Belvedere (for vodka cocktails) to Metropolitan (a nod to a bygone era), and Improv, the onboard comedy club. Swirl is a new, intimate venue on Aqua where you can enjoy fine wine in a laid-back setting. Fans of NCL’s Syd Norman’s will be happy to know that popular performances like Prince: The Revolution and Rumours (a Fleetwood Mac tribute) have moved to the main stage, leaving space for even more performances at Syd Norman’s. It was a hit during our sailing. Another highlight was the Observation Lounge, offering stunning indoor and outdoor views with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The main stage features 1-hour-long performances at 7:30 and 9:30 PM, focusing on recognizable music – perfect for those who don’t want to commit to a long show or listen to unfamiliar tunes. After the performance, the venue transforms into a nightclub for late-night dancing. Activities: • Slidecoaster: A hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea – a two-person ride that sends you racing down a tube slide. • Glow Court: A high-tech sports venue for interactive games. • The Drop: A dry slide that spirals you down 10 stories – or you can just relax with a cocktail and watch others take the plunge! • Vibe Beach Club: A luxurious adults-only area available at an extra cost, perfect for those traveling without children. There’s also a game zone, Bull’s Eye Bar, mini-golf, bowling – you'll never be bored on this ship. Plus, there are kids’ and teens’ clubs and an Aqua park to keep the younger passengers entertained. Spa: The spa is next-level with state-of-the-art pools, steam rooms, a salt room, an ice room, and a charcoal sauna. Though it’s a bit pricey, if you have a lot of sea days, I highly recommend purchasing the spa pass for access to the relaxation area alone. Ocean Boulevard: This was my favourite part of the ship! It spans the entire 8th deck, offering the chance to enjoy the fresh ocean air while exploring various bars, lounges, and activities. You can even walk across glass bridges with a cocktail in hand. There are infinity pools on either side of Ocean Boulevard where you can relax in the sun and watch the world go by. More at Sea (the revamped Free at Sea): This add-on package includes specialty dining (based on your itinerary’s length), Wi-Fi, and a premium drinks package. Priced at around £249 per person, it’s fantastic value when compared to similar offerings from other cruise lines. Without a doubt, I would highly recommend this cruise to both families and solo travellers. The ship is stunning, beautifully designed, and offers plenty of space for whatever activity you’re in the mood for.