Norwegian Cruise Line raises the bar with debut of new ship
The highly anticipated Norwegian Aqua is ready elevate the cruise vacation experience.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s next-generation ship, Norwegian Aqua, is officially ready to begin its inaugural season of Caribbean cruises, and level up the cruise experience for passengers as it sets off.
The first vessel in the Norwegian Prima Plus Class, Norwegian Aqua builds upon all the things that passengers love about Prima Class ships Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva to offer even more to enjoy and experience on board — from exhilarating new attractions and immersive entertainment to a wider range of dining options and more expansive spaces to relax.
Related: Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island is getting a major boost
A stand-out feature of Norwegian Aqua is the thrilling Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide, a dual-slide attraction that uses a high-speed powered launch to propel adventurous cruisers through one of two different courses across three decks.
Ship highlights also include interactive and high-tech gaming experiences, new original shows, and new dining venues, as well as an expanded pool deck, and more wide-open outdoor spaces to relax and enjoy the fresh, ocean air.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.
Norwegian Aqua christened, ready to cruise from Port Canaveral
Norwegian Cruise Line celebrated Norwegian Aqua on April 13 in Miami with an event that included the ceremonial tradition of christening the vessel before it begins its service by the ship's godfather, actor Eric Stonestreet. The celebration also included a preview of the ship’s headline entertainment, “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince,” the world’s first-ever theatrical concert experience honoring music icon Prince.
Following her christening voyage, Norwegian Aqua will sail a season of seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla. featuring calls to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and the cruise line’s private island in The Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.
Related: Norwegian Cruise Line ships are floating artwork
In August 2025, Aqua will head north to sail a series of five and seven-day cruises to Bermuda from New York City. The ship will return to Miami in October 2025 to begin a season of seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises, calling again to Great Stirrup Cay as the Bahamian island introduces a new cruise ship pier, as well as key enhancements that were revealed during Norwegian Aqua’s christening celebration.
Norwegian’s private island to get major upgrades
As it welcomed Norwegian Aqua to its fleet, Norwegian Cruise Line shared details on the major enhancements coming to Great Stirrup Cay in late 2025. Alongside a new multi-ship pier that will provide more reliable access to the destination, Great Stirrup Cay is set to receive a glow-up that will offer passengers more to enjoy during their visits to the Bahamian island.
The island transformation will include the addition of a 28,000-sq.-ft. heated pool with swim-up bars, a family splash zone, and poolside cabanas, as well as a new relaxation area that complements the island’s Bahamian beach vibe.
Related: Norwegian Cruise Line passengers say this add-on is 100% worth it
The upgrades will also bring passenger-favorite areas from Norwegian Cruise Line ships to the island, including the adults-only Vibe Beach Club outdoor lounge area and Horizon Park, a recreation area featuring lawn games and gathering space. Additions will also include a convenient island-wide tram service and a new welcome center.
Even more investments in the destination are also on the horizon as Norwegian and its sister brands, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, increase calls to the destination. Norwegian expects to welcome more than one million passengers to Great Stirrup Cay in 2026, up from about 400,000 in 2024.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.