Even though it might look familiar, the Norwegian Aqua is very different from the first two Prima-class ships, the Norwegian Prima and Viva.
At 156,300 gross tons and 1,056 feet long, with a capacity of almost 3,600 passengers, the Aqua is set to debut in March and represents an evolution of the Prima class and the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) brand.
It's 10% larger than the Prima and Viva and features more spacious areas and new concepts.
"Evolution" was a word I heard frequently during a recent three-day event hosted by NCL in Venice, introducing media and international travel partners to the line's first Prima Plus-class vessel.
Our first look
As our bus pulled into Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard just outside Venice, we caught our first glimpse of the ship's hull, designed by street artist Allison Hueman, the first female to design hull art for the line. "Where the Sky Meets the Sea" is a dramatic, 16-color abstract design representing the sea, the sky and ancient goddesses through an interpretation of modern mythology.
The artwork is in sharp contrast to the subtle blue-hued hulls of the Prima and Viva.
Wearing hard hats and steel-toe shoes while dodging wires hanging from the ceiling and avoiding obstacles on the floor -- often to the sounds of welding in the background -- Nelson Martins, NCL's regional vice president of fleet hotel operations strategic initiatives, led us on a tour of the ship.
The changes were notable, with the addition of two 11-meter sections creating expanded interior and outdoor areas and space for new venues. Representatives from the line also explained how the redesign, including relocating restaurants and bars, would improve guest flow.
The Aqua Slidecoaster is a hybrid roller coaster and waterslide. Photo Credit: Gwen Pratesi
Most impressive was the three-story Aqua Slidecoaster wrapping around the ship's funnel, which replaces the go-kart track found on the other two Prima-class ships. NCL said the ride is the first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide of its kind -- on land or at sea.
Spanning decks 18 through 20, the Aqua Slidecoaster will catapult riders along two tracks at up to 31 mph. Alex Tavernini, the senior director of guest experiences and innovation at NCL, told us the thrill ride will accommodate up to 200 guests per hour.
Daniela Jolodosky, vice president of revenue management at NCL, reiterated what we heard from other executives: It was time to change things up and replace the racetrack.
"We have five ships with racetracks. Seeing the evolution of our brand, there is a little bit for everybody," she said. "The Aqua Slidecoaster is different; it's a real roller coaster. My children love the racetrack, but I think they'll love the Slidecoaster even more."
The pool and deck area on the Aqua will be larger than on NCL's Prima-class ships. Photo Credit: Gwen Pratesi
Enhancing the guest experience
Throughout the three-day media event, executives, including Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO Harry Sommer, told us that the line listened to what guests wanted -- and wanted more of -- and what the line could do better to enhance the guest experience.
The Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, the second Prima Plus-class ship, which was announced at the event in Venice and is set to debut in 2026, are the responses to that feedback.
The redesigned ships will feature more outdoor spaces, fresh entertainment and culinary offerings, including a new original production show. Guests will also find a larger contemporary class of the Haven, the line's luxury ship-within-a-ship concept.
"I love that it reinforces who we are as a brand. This ship is based on us listening to our guests, listening to our travel partners and focusing on the best of the best we can bring," NCL president David Herrera said during a panel discussion. "I hope it comes across as exactly what it is. Aqua, Luna is just the next evolution, the next extension of Norwegian."
Exciting and new
And what's next is exciting. Here's a sampling of what guests can expect when the Aqua launches in March.
Entertainment: "Revolution: A Celebration of Prince" is a new, immersive production featuring the Grammy-winning hits of the music icon.
Guests will find an updated "Elements: The World Expanded," which includes acrobatics, intrigue and magic.
Fans of the Fleetwood Mac tribute show, "Syd Norman's Presents: Rumors," can experience a new choreographed version of the hit show in a larger venue at the Aqua Theater & Club.
Glow Court is a high-tech LED sports court.
Outdoor decks: The redesigned pool and pool deck are now larger (without the presence of the go-kart racetrack).
Infinity Beach is also more spacious with the removal of The Rush slide.
The adults-only Vibe Beach Club is nearly twice as large as the space on the Norwegian Prima and Viva.
Restaurants and bars: There is increased seating capacity in The Commodore Room, Hudson's, Indulge Food Hall, Le Bistro and Hasuki.
The popular Teppanyaki restaurant also has increased capacity with nine 18-seat tables.
The Swirl Wine Bar, an intimate new venue located between Whiskey Bar (now on Deck 6) and Hasuki, features an extensive offering of wines by the glass, including rare and premium vintages.
Metropolitan, the Sail & Sustain cocktail bar, has relocated to the aft of Deck 7. The larger venue will now feature an entertainment area with a grand piano.
At Indulge Food Hall, guests can order plant-based menu options at the Planteries, which is replacing the Green Station.
The ship will also feature Sukhothai, the first Thai specialty restaurant for the line, offering dishes like Thai cashew chicken and salt and pepper prawns.
Many other venues, including The Local Bar & Grill, will have new designs and features.
The Haven: With 123 suites, The Haven on the Norwegian Aqua is the largest in the fleet. The private enclave on the new ship also features the first two-story, three-bedroom Duplex Suite.
Penrose Atrium: The retail stores around the atrium were relocated to open the space and provide more seating for guests.