Get ready to make a splash! Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), a true trailblazer in the world of cruising, has just rolled out the red carpet for their dazzling, brand-new ship, the Norwegian Aqua! On Saturday, April 26th, 2025, Port Canaveral, Florida, buzzed with excitement as this magnificent vessel arrived, ready to embark on her very first season of sun-soaked, round-trip Caribbean adventures, proudly claiming her spot as the newest star in port.
Over the past weekend, a whopping 3,700 delighted guests stepped aboard the Norwegian Aqua in Port Canaveral, her vibrant initial homeport since her grand debut earlier this month. Just in time for the much-anticipated summer travel season, the Norwegian Aqua is set to whisk passengers away on a series of fantastic seven-day Eastern Caribbean voyages through August 2025. Imagine basking in the beauty of Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, exploring the stunning St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, discovering the charm of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, and unwinding on NCL’s own slice of paradise, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas! And guess what? Great Stirrup Cay is about to get even more amazing with brand-new amenities for the whole family, launching in late 2025!
Think easy breezy access with a new multi-ship pier, a sprawling sun-kissed area complete with a huge heated pool, a super fun splash zone for the kiddos with exciting water features, and even a swim-up bar for those who want to keep the good times flowing with their unlimited open bar package right off the ship!
David J. Herrera, the enthusiastic President of Norwegian Cruise Line, couldn’t contain his excitement, saying, “We are so thrilled to have Norwegian Aqua homeport in Port Canaveral for her inaugural season of Caribbean voyages! Port Canaveral is a fantastic cruise hub with so many great things to see and do nearby, making it perfect for guests to extend their amazing cruise vacation. Plus, it’s super easy to get to by plane, train, or car! Launching just as summer kicks off, Norwegian Aqua is designed for year-round fun in the sun, offering thrilling outdoor activities for adventure seekers and plenty of relaxing spots for those who just want to chill. We are absolutely thrilled to start her incredible journey with our wonderful partners at Port Canaveral!”
Prepare for a wave of innovation aboard the Norwegian Aqua! This incredible ship boasts industry-first activities that will leave you speechless, including the sensational Aqua Slidecoaster! This world’s very first hybrid waterslide and roller coaster is already creating a social media frenzy with its high-speed, powered launch that zips adventurous guests through dual slides racing across three decks! And that’s not all – get ready to experience the brand-new Glow Court, a digital sports complex featuring an interactive LED floor that transforms from a hub of unique and engaging games during the day to an electrifying club at night! For family fun that everyone can enjoy together, the new Aqua Game Zone is a multigenerational paradise with awesome retro arcade games like Ms. Pacman and Mario Brothers, alongside cutting-edge virtual reality experiences and classic carnival games!
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Prepare to be blown away by the headlining production of “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince,” an immersive theatrical concert experience created in-house with top-notch talent, paying tribute to the legendary, multi-Grammy Award-winning icon, Prince! This show is already receiving rave reviews for its infectious energy, featuring so many of his greatest hits like “Purple Rain,” “Kiss,” and “1999”! Other spectacular main stage productions include “Elements: The World Expanded,” an even more amazing version of NCL’s highly-rated show, blending breathtaking acrobatics, mesmerizing magic, and stunning visuals inspired by the four elements – earth, wind, fire, and water! Plus, get ready to participate in interactive game shows like the ever-popular “Price is Right LIVE!”
Food lovers, get ready for a culinary adventure of a lifetime with a whopping 17 dining options on board! Challenge yourself to try them all, including NCL’s brand-new, premier specialty Thai restaurant, Sukhothai, and the very first plant-based eatery in the incredible 10-station Indulge Food Hall! And when it’s time to unwind, the Norwegian Aqua offers 18 fantastic bars and lounges, including the Metropolitan Bar, the industry’s very first sustainable craft cocktail bar!
With something for absolutely everyone, the Norwegian Aqua features an array of wonderful spaces to relax and recharge, including the newly expanded pool deck and the even more spacious adults-only Vibe Beach Club! For ultimate tranquility, guests can escape to the Mandara Spa and Salon for invigorating spa services or indulge in the thermal suite, complete with heated loungers, an ice room, a steam room, and even a brand-new clay sauna!
Bigger and better than ever, the Norwegian Aqua is the first of the Prima Plus Class, boasting a 10% increase in size and capacity compared to her sister ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva! With even more outdoor space and the highest staffing levels of any new contemporary cruise ship, the Norwegian Aqua stretches an impressive 1,056 feet long and can comfortably accommodate 3,571 guests at double occupancy!
Captain John Murray, the CEO of Port Canaveral, shared his enthusiasm, saying, “We have a fantastic partnership with NCL and are so excited to welcome Norwegian Aqua to our homeport fleet! Port Canaveral is the perfect homeport for this incredible new Prima-Plus class ship, especially with more guests choosing to drive in and take advantage of our easy in/easy out access. Our team is ready to provide NCL’s guests with the outstanding, customer-focused experience that has made our Port a leader in the cruise industry!”
Following her exciting inaugural season in Port Canaveral, the Norwegian Aqua will set sail on a series of delightful five and seven-day warm-weather voyages to Bermuda from New York City, from August 2025 through October 2025. Then, she’ll head south to Miami for another season of fantastic seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises between October 2025 and April 2026!
For guests dreaming of their next cruise vacation aboard the Norwegian Aqua or any of NCL’s amazing ships, the Company’s brand-new More At Sea™ program offers incredible value! Enjoy unlimited open bar featuring premium beverage brands like Casamigos Tequila and Grey Goose Vodka, along with specialty dining meals, high-speed Wi-Fi minutes, and $50 shore excursion credits at every port of call! More At Sea™ delivers incredible savings of over 75%! The package also includes free airfare for the second guest and even lets kids sail free on select sailings!
For all the exciting details on NCL’s new More At Sea™ offering, be sure to visit www.ncl.com/cruise-deals/more-at-sea.