Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, is a master class in expert cruise ship design. As the first Prima Plus-class ship — 10% larger than Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva — Aqua offers 72 more feet in length, bringing it to 156,300 gross tons and a double-occupancy capacity of 3,571 passengers. The extra space has gone a long way.
According to NCL president David Herrera, “more” is the line’s current mantra and guiding principle: more space, more optionality and more freedom for guests to customize their cruises.
Optimal Omissions
Some of the most notable changes come from what the Aqua leaves behind. Gone is the noisy go-kart track that wrapped around the top decks on previous ships. Similarly missing is The Rush, a pair of racing dry slides, and The Wave waterslide. Instead, guests will find a quieter, more relaxing top deck with an expanded pool and deck area, a longer 12-hole Tee Time mini-golf course and a major new attraction: the Aqua Slidecoaster.
This hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide is a particular standout. It is entirely free to ride, unlike the previous go-karts, and more accessible, with a generous weight limit of up to 300 pounds for individuals, or 400 pounds combined. Riders in rafts are launched up a straight lift ramp at speeds of 30 miles per hour, before a meandering, relaxing path back to the starting station. It is fast, smooth and relaxing — my favorite water slide at sea.
Also nestled in the funnel is the new Glow Court. The neat neon-lit sports court doubles as an outdoor dance floor in the evening. The Aqua Game Zone has also been revamped, with more classic arcade games and sports simulators. It’s all nicely positioned at the center of the scenic Observation Lounge.
Onboard Dining
The only slight miss onboard Aqua is its newest dining venue. With Food Republic removed — I suspect due to its menu overlap with the exceptional and complimentary Indulge Food Hall — Sukhothai takes over. Since pad Thai was one of the most popular items from Indulge, the line decided to develop a Thai specialty restaurant. My colorful and spicy roasted duck curry was good but not great. It didn’t quite meet the expectations of an extra-cost specialty restaurant.
Swirl Wine Bar is a new offering onboard Aqua.
Credit: 2025 Jason LeppertOn our abbreviated three-day christening cruise, there was not much time to try out other eateries. However, I was pleased to see Onda by Scarpetta, the line’s outstanding Italian venue, reprised, along with fan-favorites such as Le Bistro, Hasuki and Cagney’s Steakhouse, all three of which have been relocated to optimize their capacities. Cagney’s even has a new-and-improved entry location directly across from the Metropolitan Bar, which has also been outfitted to maximize its space.
Indulge remains a culinary highlight for its wide variety — from great barbecue to plant-based vegetarian options. Meanwhile, The Local Bar & Grill, one of the ship’s other complimentary dining venues, has been enlarged and redesigned.
Even More Space
The line’s “more” mantra echoes across Aqua. The stylish Penrose Atrium benefits from one of two 36-foot expansions, giving the space an airier feel with floor-to-ceiling windows. Norwegian has also repositioned its bars, retail shops and reception desks. Cruisers should be sure to try the new Swirl Wine Bar next to the returning Whiskey Bar (the Sunny Monk cocktail blending Bulleit, vermouth and peach schnapps was my favorite).
A balcony stateroom onboard Aqua
Credit: 2025 Jason LeppertPrivate accommodations also reflect the line’s thoughtful design. Aqua’s entry-level bathrooms are particularly well-configured, with spacious showers and plenty of room around the sink and toilet. USB-A and USB-C charging ports are conveniently located at both nightstands and the vanity desk.
And of course, The Haven, Aqua’s exclusive enclave of luxurious suites, is bigger and better. The Mandara Spa is also excellent — I enjoyed one of the most thorough hot stone and deep tissue massages I’ve ever had.
Entertainment
NCL has also reimagined its entertainment spaces for Aqua. Part of the casino has been carved out for The Improv at Sea, giving the comedy club better views across its seating. And by removing sofas and an entry vestibule from Syd Norman’s Pour House, the live music venue can now accept 40 more patrons at a time.
A new concert-style show celebrates the music of Prince.
Credit: 2025 Jason LeppertIn the Aqua Theater & Club, NCL has shifted away from full Broadway shows toward in-house performances. “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” is a high-energy, concert-style show that lives up to the legacy of the musical icon. From the balcony, I found it hard not to dance along with the crowd in the mosh pit below.
“Elements: The World Expanded,” the line’s latest iteration of its top-rated show, embodies the four earth elements dynamically with some fresh acrobatics, magic (a “water” levitation trick is particularly impressive) and visual effects. But there were a few tired theatrical tropes, such as streamers representing “wind,” that lacked imagination.
Nonetheless, Norwegian Aqua is a remarkable follow up to Prima and Viva, offering more comfort, better amenities and a smarter use of space. For travel advisors, it’s an easy sell.
According to Herrera, NCL’s goal is to be “the easiest cruise line to do business with.” Aqua proves that they are well on their way.
Next in the series is Norwegian Luna, launching in April 2026 — ships five and six will be slightly bigger. If Aqua is any indication, even greater things lie ahead for NCL.
