The $1.3 billion, 3,571-passenger Aqua features the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea, which Krimmel revealed can push through 200 people an hour.
Although Aqua is just 10% larger than sister vessels – Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva – Krimmel believes guests will immediately notice the difference.
Other highlights include an enhanced pool and atrium, 123 Haven suites and 17 dining options, while immersive entertainment includes a concert experience celebrating legendary singer Prince.
“Prima was an eye opener in many regards – Aqua is a perfected version as we knew there were some challenges to learn from,” said Krimmel.
On long-term deployment plans, Krimmel confirmed UK guests are asking for shorter cruises, with seven-night itineraries taking preference over 10-night and 11-night sailings.
“Europe is our number one product and will remain relevant, with some of our ships doing open-jaw itineraries in 2026. We continue to explore where we can take the ships, and the great thing is we are mobile, unlike land-based resorts.”
NCL’s vice president and head of UK and Ireland, Gary Anslow, told TTG: “Itineraries will continue to expand, and we are seeing demand for shorter round trip itineraries from European cities such as Lisbon and Rome. The seven-night itinerary flying out on a Sunday is what Brits are looking for.”
’People are spending more’
Norwegian Cruise Line has invested heavily in its private island Great Stirrup Cay, which will enable two Breakaway-Plus class ships to dock at one time. Breakaway-Plus ships are larger than Prima or Prima-Plus vessels.
“The Caribbean will be a big part of our business going forward, and in 2026, we’ll have a 97% increase in deployments,” said Anslow, who believes this provides a sales opportunity for agents.
“People travelling further are likely to spend more, and put more value into a pre- or post- cruise stay,” he added. “There’s some security around the Caribbean – guaranteed weather, flight capacity has picked up massively, and guests are looking to extend in Miami before sailing. Private islands such as Great Stirrup Cay and [NCL’s] Harvest Cay are also a major pull.”
Anslow stated that Seattle also offers untapped revenue opportunities for agents booking clients onto Alaska itineraries. But with the news of possible restrictions on passenger numbers and cruise calls threatened in 2026, he believes working with communities is key.
“We’re making choices around how we operate, but at the same time we have to have respect for the places we go to,” said Anslow.
“It’s not in anyone’s interest for there to be over tourism or over crowding. We want the destinations we visit to benefit from the cruise industry.”
