Norwegian is starting 2025 strong with its first ever Prima-Plus class ship
It seems like every major cruise line is debuting a new ship in 2025. Royal Caribbean is launching Star of the Seas, MSC Cruises is introducing MSC World America, and now Norwegian Cruise Line is preparing for the arrival of Norwegian Aqua. Set to sail this year, Norwegian Aqua will be 10% larger than its sister ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva.
The inaugural sailing is set for this April, departing from Port Canaveral and visiting the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay. This massive vessel will be the first Prima-Plus class ship and introduces exciting new features, including the first-ever Duplex Haven Suites, the line’s first hybrid rollercoaster/waterslide, a sports arena with a full LED floor, and a 10-story free-fall dry slide. Although this ship doesn’t feature the go-kart track found on other recent Norwegian Cruise Line ships, there’s still plenty for everyone to enjoy
The Aqua Slidecoaster
Not much is known about the new rollercoaster/waterslide hybrid onboard the Norwegian Aqua, and the online teaser video is only about 40 seconds long, offering brief glimpses of what to expect.
Norwegian promises that this will be the fastest slide at sea. Designed for two riders, it reminds me of the AquaDuck on Disney Cruise Line, but with the added thrill of being a rollercoaster, allowing for higher speeds. What excites me most is Norwegian’s claim that this will be one of the longest slides at sea. That’s great news, as most slides typically last only about a minute. If this one manages to break the two-minute mark, I’ll be thoroughly impressed.
Glow Court
The Glow Court is Norwegian Aqua’s innovative new sports court. It offers a variety of games, from soccer to basketball, but what makes it unique is its vibrant LED screens and visuals covering the ground and walls. It feels like stepping into the world of Tron or a Cyberpunk universe. The Glow Court also features video games that can be played on the digital screens and even transforms into a nightclub later in the evening.
New Dining options
The Norwegian Aqua will introduce not only awesome new entertainment venues but also fresh dining options. Guests can look forward to Sukhothai, Norwegian’s first-ever Thai specialty restaurant; the debut of Planterie, a fully plant-based eatery; and the elegant Swirl Wine Bar for a more upscale experience.
More space
The Norwegian Aqua is approximately 22 meters longer than its sister ships, and Norwegian promises enhanced space to walk around and move - always a welcome feature on cruise ships. The Aqua Slidecoster replaces the previous go-kart tracks, freeing up additional space and significantly enlarging the pool deck.
I’m thrilled about the added room to move around. Many modern cruise ships, like Icon of the Seas, may be massive but often feel incredibly crowded. I’m hopeful that the extra open space on Norwegian Aqua will provide passengers with more freedom to move comfortably between decks.
Let’s now wait and see…
I’m genuinely excited to see the Norwegian Aqua introducing so many fresh updates compared to its older sister ships. It’s common for cruise lines to replicate a class with only minor tweaks, but Norwegian is going above and beyond. From the innovative rollercoaster/waterslide hybrid to new shows, restaurants, redesigned rooms, and thoughtful design enhancements, these changes sound impressive on paper. Now we just have to wait and see - April is right around the corner!
Norwegian Aqua FAQ
When is the Norwegian Aqua set to debut?
The Norwegian Aqua is scheduled to debut in April 2025.
Is the Norwegian Aqua the same ship as the Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva?
No, the Norwegian Aqua is the first-ever Prima-Plus class ship. It is 10% larger than the Norwegian Prima and Viva and introduces new features, including exclusive shows, a rollercoaster/waterslide hybrid, new dining venues, and new suites.
What are the Norwegian Aqua’s main destinations?
The Norwegian Aqua will primarily sail to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda.
How much does a cruise aboard the Norwegian Aqua cost?
Prices vary depending on the date and cabin type but start at approximately $720 per passenger for a 4-night Bahamas cruise.
What is the Aqua Slidecoaster?
The Aqua Slidecoaster is the first-ever rollercoaster/waterslide hybrid on a cruise ship. Designed for two guests, it offers high-speed thrills and is exclusive to the Norwegian Aqua.
