Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima-class ship will offer sailings to the Eastern Caribbean and Bermuda. A new stage show celebrates the music of Prince.
Norwegian Cruise Line, known as an innovator within the cruise industry, recently celebrated the debut of its newest ship when the Norwegian Aqua was christened at PortMiami. A bit different than the line’s two other Prima-class ships, she is 10% larger, accommodates more guests, and has new features and amenities.
More about the Christening Ceremony
Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet, the Norwegian Aqua’s godfather, christened the ship at the company’s LEED Gold Certified terminal at PortMiami on April 13. The ceremony included some wonderful surprises and announcements.
Special guests onboard (over 2,000) were treated to a preview of Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest in-house production, “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince,” a theatrical concert experience honoring multi-Grammy Award winner Prince. Then David J. Herrara, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, shared exciting news about enhancements set for Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s private island in the Bahamas. The christening event concluded with the ceremonial bottle break across the ship’s hull, which was initiated by Stonestreet. The Norwegian Aqua then set sail on her christening voyage.
New Cruise Ship Sails from Port Canaveral
Following her christening voyage, the Norwegian Aqua sailed to Port Canaveral, Florida and began seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises. These include visits to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Great Stirrup Cay. She will continue to offer Eastern Caribbean cruises through August 2025.
Norwegian Aqua Offers Diverse Dining
Guests sailing on the Norwegian Aqua can enjoy 17 different dining options. Specialty restaurants include:
- a new Thai restaurant
- Cagney’s Steakhouse
- Le Bistro, French cuisine
- Ondo by Scarpetta, Italian cuisine
- Los Lobos, contemporary Mexican cuisine
- Hasuki, Teppanyaki cuisine prepared at your table
- Nama Sushi
- Palomar, a Mediterranean seafood restaurant
The Norwegian Aqua has a Starbucks offering specialty coffees as well as options like a Teavana Shaken Iced Green Tea Lemonade.
The Planterie, in Indulge Food Hall, offers plant-based options.
Among the complimentary dining options:
- Hudson’s – this reimagined main dining room offers beautiful views through floor-to-ceiling windows
- The Local Bar & Grill offers classic food in a relaxed atmosphere
- Surfside Cafe & Grill
- Indulge Food Hall provides diverse choices and now has the new Planterie, which features healthy plant-based options
Larger Main Pool and Other Enhancements
The Norwegian Aqua has some new features for guests to enjoy. Unlike the other two Prima- class ships, the Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, the Norwegian Aqua does not have a go-kart track. Instead, she has a much larger pool and sundeck. The track takes up quite a bit of space on the other ships and is used only for certain periods of the day. Also, the track serves only a small number of guests. The main pool on the Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva is rather small.
The Vibe Beach Club
Other enhancements on the Norwegian Aqua include:
- The Vibe Beach Club – this is an adults-only sun deck area, and the size has been doubled, which allows for more lounge chairs with plush cushions. Whirlpools and cabanas are available on the 16th-floor space, which has its own bar.
- Aqua Slidecoaster – this is the first blended roller coaster and water slide at sea and is free. The dual slides race across three decks.
- Ten-story dry slide – this dangles off the edge of the ship.
- Glow Court – brand new, the Glow Court is a digital sports complex with an LED floor that offers interactive games during the day. In the evening it transforms into a nightclub.
Wide Choice of Bars on This New Ship
Onboard the Norwegian Aqua, guests can choose from 18 bars and lounges. A few include the Penrose Bar, located in the Penrose Atrium, and Metropolitan Bar, which is the cruise industry’s first sustainable craft cocktail bar. Syd Norman’s Pour House features specialty cocktails with an interactive experience. Bull Eye’s Bar and Swirl Wine Bar are two more.
The music of Prince entertains Norwegian Aqua audiences.
New Stage Production Salutes Prince and His Music
The three-story Aqua Theater & Club offers the new headlining production “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince.” The immersive theatrical concert experience, created in-house with top industry talent, honors Prince and includes hits like “Purple Rain,” “Kiss,” “1999” and “When Doves Cry.”
Other mainstage productions include:
- “Elements: The World Expanded” – an enhanced version of Norwegian’s top-rated show that blends acrobatics, magic and stunning visuals inspired by four elements – earth, wind, fire and water
- “Price is Right LIVE” – an interactive game show
- “Rumors: The Fleetwood Mac Tribute Experience”
- Ocean Music Fest provides the ultimate jam session at sea. Guests can get up and dance as multiple musicians take the stage and play favorite party hits.
Additional Itineraries
After completing her sailings to the Eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral, the Norwegian Aqua will do a series of five- and seven-day warm-weather cruises from New York City to Bermuda through October 2025. Then the Norwegian Aqua will return to Miami for a season of seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises through April 2026. These will include Great Stirrup Cay, the private island in the Bahamas.
Reimagine your adventures at sea and sail for unrivaled experiences – start charting your new path with our Cruise Guide.
By Cindy Bertram
Photos courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
