Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest generation of ships is the Prima Class. Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva debuted in 2022 and 2023. Norwegian Aqua has just sailed its maiden voyage and is due to be christened in Miami on 15 April. Three more ships in Prima Class are set to be delivered by 2027.
1. What do agents need to know?
Innovative, stylish and featuring a number of brand ‘firsts’, Norwegian Aqua is the first Prima-Plus class ship. This means more outdoor space (Aqua is 10% bigger than Viva and Prima), enhanced drinking and dining experiences, a first-at-sea hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, an expanded pool area and a theatre that cleverly transforms into a nightclub in around 10 minutes.
The entertainment is also a real selling point, with productions ranging from dance parties to aerial acrobatics and rock-n-roll tribute shows.
Norwegian Aqua will homeport in Miami and sail from Bermuda to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, including the line’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay.
2. Sleep well
There’s lots of choice for all budgets: solo travellers can book one of 73 studio staterooms which gives them access to NCL’s popular Studio Lounge, and the opportunity to meet other singles in their own exclusive space. I stayed in one of the balcony staterooms – there are more than 1,000 balcony and club balcony suites and staterooms – which featured a spacious interior with a calming colour palette, an abundance of storage, a smart bathroom with a generously proportioned shower cubicle, and a roomy balcony.
For the luxury client, there are 34 suites and penthouses, plus The Haven, which offers the new and fleet-first three bedroom duplex suites, alongside many other premium accommodation options and upscale facilities in the exclusive enclave, accessible by private keycard.
3. Dine around
There are 17 options and some real gems included in the fare. Indulge Food Hall features global street food stations ranging from a tapas truck to Indian (the chicken tikka is one of the most popular dishes) and the new Planterie for healthy plant-based options – food is ordered on a tablet at the table, and appears minutes later.
I also rated the Local Bar & Grill for classic pub fare, and Hudson’s main dining room for its elegant designer decor and a la carte breakfasts – I thoroughly enjoyed the bircher muesli and open faced smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel.
Making its debut on Aqua is Sukhotai, NCL’s first ever Thai specialty restaurant – other specialty dining venues which should be pre-booked include Le Bistro which serves fine French cuisine, Onda by Scarpetta for elegant Italian dishes and the authentic American steakhouse, Cagney’s.
Best spots for a drink? The Metropolitan Bar for craft cocktails such as the Croissant Mai Tai, and The Observation Lounge, my best kept secret for a cosy, relaxing tipple with outstanding views.
4. No chance to be bored onboard
One thing is for certain, clients will never be at a loss for things to do or experience. The ship is easy to navigate and most of the fun stuff can be found on the upper decks. The star of the show and great for all ages is the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first-ever hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide – free to slide and with no need to book, the rafts accommodate two people at a time. The minute-long ride starts with a powerful launch and slide into a tube-like tunnel, which is exciting – you then slow to a more chilled pace. Definitely one I wanted to do more than once!
Days can be spent at the expanded pool deck which has two infinity hot tubs and an infinity edge pool: Norwegian Aqua features the most pool space of any Prima class ship so there are sun spots a-plenty. Younger family members are catered for with the kids’ aqua park and two kids’ clubs.
Cruise calories can be worked off at the Glow Court, a new digital sport complex with an LED floor that changes for different games – it also transforms into a nightclub in the evening. The all-new Game Zone is now more family-friendly, and houses immersive virtual reality experiences alongside retro games and high-tech mini golf.
Those looking for chill time should head to the Mandara Spa, which has an expansive Thermal Suite (passes are available for purchase) featuring steam rooms, ice room, salt pool and forward-positioned thermal relaxation room with rows of heated loungers, one of my favourite spots for those zen moments gazing out to sea.
In the evening, clients should not miss the excellent Aqua Theater productions, in particular Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, and Rumors, the Fleetwood Mac tribute experience.
5. What are the biggest upselling opportunities?
Norwegian Aqua really does have something for every age and taste. NCL’s luxury ship within a ship concept, The Haven, is an obvious win: on Aqua it’s bigger than ever and features 123 suites, an infinity pool and an outdoor spa.
Solo and multi-generational clients are well catered for, with the exclusive Studio Lounge for singles, kids’ clubs, diverse dining venues and of course, world-class entertainment which ranges from acrobatic shows to immersive concerts. New-to-cruise passengers will also be hooked on the fresh and modern surroundings and variety of dining and drinking options, plus plenty of outside space in which to lounge, play or workout.
Vibe Beach Club is another way to elevate a client’s cruise – day passes are limited but entry unlocks luxurious loungers, infinity hot tubs, a full-service bar and endless views.
Itineraries are broadly Caribbean-based, so why not suggest a pre or post-cruise stay in multi-cultural Miami. And don’t forget the competitive More at Sea beverage package which is taken by more than 90% of passengers – there’s also full commission for agents.
What Rebecca loved about Norwegian Aqua
NCL is certainly meeting the ‘More at Sea’ brief with Norwegian Aqua. I was impressed by the added value offerings, from the free and fun Aqua Slidecoaster, to the complimentary Indulge Food Hall, and Mandara Spa, which has one of the best thermal suites at sea.
I liked that Vibe Beach Club offers guests a chance to enjoy their own private enclave for a reasonable extra charge, without having to splash out on The Haven. But of course – if the budget does stretch – that is the ultimate luxury experience.
Book it: Norwegian Cruise Line offers a seven-day Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Dominican Republic itinerary, departing November 9 2025 round trip from Miami and calling at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, from £891 (starting price in a studio cabin); ncl.com/uk
