Norwegian Cruise Line officially welcomed its latest addition, Norwegian Aqua, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, as shipbuilder Fincantieri delivered the vessel at Marghera shipyard near Venice. The 156,300-gross-ton ship is the first in NCL’s new Prima Plus class, an evolution of the Prima-class ships that is roughly 10% larger than its predecessors.

Norwegian Aqua introduces several new onboard attractions while retaining signature features from previous Prima-class ships. Among the most anticipated innovations is the Aqua Slidecoaster, a first-of-its-kind water slide and roller coaster hybrid that winds around the ship’s funnel. The attraction replaces the go-kart track found on Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva.

Maiden Voyage & Christening
Following an exclusive preview sailing for business partners—including representatives from Ships and Cruises—the Norwegian Aqua will officially enter service on March 28, 2025, in Southampton, England. From there, the ship will embark on its inaugural transatlantic voyage to Boston, Massachusetts.

A high-profile christening ceremony is scheduled for April 13, 2025, in Miami, with actor Eric Stonestreet serving as the ship’s godfather. After the ceremony, Norwegian Aqua will be deployed on a series of cruises departing from key ports along the U.S. East Coast.

U.S. Deployment & Future Plans
From April to August 2025, the ship will sail weeklong Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida. It will then shift to New York City from August to October 2025, offering sailings to Bermuda. For its first winter season (2025/26), Norwegian Aqua will operate a series of weeklong Caribbean cruises from Miami.

Looking ahead, NCL plans to expand its Prima Plus fleet, with Norwegian Luna, a sister ship to Norwegian Aqua, set to debut in 2026.