The Norwegian Aqua is the first in a new class called Prima Plus, meaning it is 10% bigger than its forerunners Prima and Viva. Even with 3,571 passengers, there is plenty of space for everyone on the 20 decks.
With 17 restaurants spread across 20 decks, Norwegian Cruise Line’s brand-new £1billion ship, Norwegian Aqua, has just launched – and it’s making waves with its mammoth offering.
Spanning 1,056 feet and accommodating up to 3,571 guests, the ship is designed to provide both thrilling entertainment and luxurious accommodations.
Journalist and cruise expert Dave Monk recently was lucky enough to sail on its inaugural five-day cruise from Lisbon to Southampton. However, the ship will sail from Florida and New York to The Bahamas, Caribbean and Bermuda.
Dave was among of the very first passengers to test out the impressive Slidecoaster, a ride combining a waterslide and roller coaster that launches passengers through tunnels.
“I heard a shrill mechanical whirring from behind and suddenly a metal arm was propelling me like a human cannonball up the slope and into the entrance of a large plastic tube. It all went downhill from there – literally – as I was carried in a plastic dinghy for nearly 900ft on a wave round numerous bends, through a succession of bright lights and vivid colours, making it feel like some psychedelic dream or the opening titles of Doctor Who,” he said.
“Around 40 thrilling seconds later, I was deposited with a splash into a pool back near the start and clambered out, wet and laughing. This was the Slidecoaster – a cross between a water slide and roller coaster – on the new £1billion cruise ship Norwegian Aqua.”
Entertainment includes 18 bars and lounges, a Prince tribute show, DJ nights, and venues like The Metropolitan lounge. Activities range from a pickleball court and VR games to crazy golf and an infinity-pool-lined promenade. There’s also a luxurious spa, a digital sports complex, and a high-end area called The Haven, offering exclusive suites with private amenities.
He said: “As well as the slidecoaster, the ship has a drop slide, pickleball court and a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor that adapts for different games during the day and transforms to a club at night.
“A crazy golf course called Tee Time has a different country theme for each hole, such as a windmill for the Netherlands and Tower Bridge for the UK. The Game Zone has a mix of retro arcade favourites and virtual reality challenges. Down on deck eight is a much more traditional cruise feature, the promenade, which encircles the ship, but is wide enough to feature infinity pools and a vivid blue sculpture for selfies.”
Dining options are plentiful, with 17 restaurants, including Onda by Scarpetta (Italian), Le Bistro (French), Cagney’s Steakhouse, and new addition Sukhothai (Thai). The Indulge Food Hall offers a modern twist with app-based ordering from a variety of food stalls.
He added: “I spent some hours in the impressive spa with its plunge pools, sauna, ice room and relaxation zone. By the end of a 75-minute massage, I was nearly asleep.
“For those with money to spare, The Haven ‘ship within a ship’ offers the very best suites, with a private sun deck, bar and restaurant. Occupants have the best of both worlds – an exclusive enclave but access to all the facilities of a big vessel. Aside from shore excursions, there’s lots to do on board every day, from a Mr Sexy Legs Competition to craft classes and a murder mystery,” he added.
Despite a rocky start with weather delays and choppy waters in the Bay of Biscay, the cruise still proved to be an unforgettable experience.
“The voyage I was on is sometimes called a shakedown, meaning they test out the new crew and facilities before paying customers get on board. However, this was a shakedown in more ways than one as we set sail into high winds and waves in the Bay of Biscay following a two-day delay in port due to bad weather,” he said.
“Although we wobbled around a bit, the ship, the captain and his crew came through with flying colours. “
With so much on offer, Dave admits he didn’t get to experience everything – and would gladly return to explore more of what Norwegian Aqua has in store.
He concluded: “As we arrived in Southampton after five full days on board, I still hadn’t seen or done everything that Norwegian Aqua has to offer. Guess I’ll just have to come back…”
Book the holiday
- Norwegian Cruise Line offers a seven-day cruise on Norwegian Aqua, leaving Miami on November 9 and visiting Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, The Bahamas, from £891pp. Flights extra. ncl.com
- More info at godominicanrepublic.com dot.vi.gov bvitourism.com bahamas.com
