Norwegian Aqua completes inaugural...

More than 2,000 travel trade and media partners experience ‘More at Sea’ on the Lisbon-Southampton sailing

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has welcomed its first guests aboard the hotly anticipated Norwegian Aqua.

On 20 March 2025, the new ship took more than 2,000 travel trade and media partners on a sailing from Lisbon, Portugal to Southampton, UK.

The sailing was the first of a five-part inaugural series, concluding in Miami with the official christening voyage schedule to take place in April.

Marking a new chapter in NCL’s fleet evolution, guests got to experience first-hand how the brand is delivering more with its newest innovations and offerings in line with its ‘More At Sea’ brand promise.

Norwegian Aqua

NCL President David J Herrera said: “This is a milestone moment for Norwegian Cruise Line as we set sail aboard Norwegian Aqua, a ship designed to offer our guests more – more wide-open space, more thrills, more culinary experiences, and more immersive entertainment.

“During this inaugural season, we look forward to welcoming our travel partners from around the world and to give them the exclusivity of being the first to experience our newest product and to fully understand how guests can experience More At Sea with us.”

As NCL’s 20th and the first vessel in the cutting-edge Prima Plus Class, Norwegian Aqua builds on the legacy of the award-winning Prima Class with an array of industry-first and brand-exclusive features designed to elevate the guest experience. Leading the way is the thrilling Aqua Slidecoaster – the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide – offering two exhilarating and unique ride experiences as the longest and fastest slides at sea.

Guests can also enjoy the cutting-edge Glow Court, a next-generation digital sports complex featuring an interactive LED floor that seamlessly adapts for different games during the day and transforms to a club at night.

Norwegian Aqua pickleball court

Additionally, the Aqua Game Zone reimagines NCL’s beloved Galaxy Pavilion, providing entertainment for all ages with a mix of retro arcade games, immersive virtual reality challenges, and interactive gaming experiences.

New entertainment on board includes world-class productions created in collaboration with top industry talent, including Revolution: A Celebration of Prince. Hosted in the three-storey Aqua Theatre, guests can choose to participate as standing audience members on deck six, or watch the show with its live audience from deck seven or eight.

Other shows include Red, White and British, paying homage to British music legends, and Elements: The World Expanded, an enhanced version of NCL’s longest running and top-rated show, blending acrobatics, magic and stunning visuals inspired by the four elements.

Elements

In addition, there are 17 new and returning restaurants and 18 bars and lounges, many featuring daily entertainment and activities, from live bands to art classes.

New dining experiences aboard Norwegian Aqua include Sukhothai, NCL’s first-ever Thai specialty restaurant, and Planterie, the brand’s debut plant-based eatery, located within Indulge Food Hall.

Following her inaugural voyage, Norwegian Aqua will embark on a Transatlantic voyage to the US, where she will be officially christened in Miami on 13 April 2025, with Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet serving as her godfather.

Eric Stonestreet stars in NCL ad

She will then homeport in Miami and Port Canaveral (Orlando), as well as New York City, offering Bahamas, Caribbean and Bermuda itineraries.

NCL’s new More At Sea programme provides guests more value with an unlimited open bar featuring premium beverage brands such as Casamigos Tequila, Woodford Reserve and Grey Goose Vodka; specialty dining; high-speed Wi-Fi, and $50 shore excursion credits at every port of call.

More At Sea packages must be booked before boarding; upgrades are not available on board. NCL partners are encouraged to recommend the upgrade to all clients with More At Sea delivering guests savings of more than 75%.

For more information, visit www.ncl.com/cruise-deals/more-at-sea. To partner with NCL, email Rebecca Ransom, Business Development Manager Middle East, rransom@ncl.com, call/WhatsApp: +44 7961 300 729; for more information, visit www.ncl.com