Join our Commercial Manager, Richard, as he shares his first-hand experience aboard the brand-new ship, Norwegian Aqua. The latest addition to Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Class. In his blog, Richard takes us on a journey through the ship’s incredible open spaces, thrilling attractions, and world-class dining, all while soaking up the stunning sea views.
Norwegian Aqua is the newest addition to the NCL fleet and part of the Prima Class. Packed full of open spaces you can enjoy the most of what the ship has to offer with stunning sea views. A daily walk down Ocean Boulevard on deck 8 was ideal for enjoying the sea views whilst also having options for alfresco dining, relaxing on the day beds in the water and taking a dip in the infinity pools.
One of the first glimpses of the ship you get to see is the stunning artwork on the hull. This is a signature feature of Norwegian Cruise Line, with each ship different and making it easily recognisable. Norwegian Aqua’s hull artwork was designed by Allison Hueman. The first ever female hull artist and is known for her street art. This ship artwork is called ‘Where the sky meets the sea’ and is a collaboration of representations of the sky and sea.
Thrilling Outdoor Attractions
This ship has so many outdoor facilities to enjoy including the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and water slide ‘Aqua Slidecoaster’. Where you can race a friend at speeds over 30mph through the tubes – not for the faint-hearted! If that’s not enough you can then free fall 10 decks on the dry slide known as ‘The Drop’. On the top deck you can also find lots of places to relax. Enjoy the sun from the sun loungers, the hot tubs, main pool area and kids Aqua park for the little ones. For the adults, the Vibe Beach Club is the place to head, with its infinity pool and hot tubs all with a bar for those important cocktails.
I enjoyed the quirky Bull’s Eye Club, this is an interactive darts experience for great fun with family or friends. The Glow Court is a new feature that includes a lit floor with many sports games on offer and mini golf spanning over two decks.
Continuing on the outdoor and space theme, for those not so thrill seeking. A walk along the Oceanwalk is highly recommended looking down at the ocean waves beneath your feet, there’s an infinity beach and pool and La Terraza to wind down with a drink.
Family Fun For All Ages
The family fun doesn’t end there…the Aqua Games Zone on deck 17 has interactive games, arcade machines, simulators and a bowling alley plus for the younger travellers there’s age appropriate activities in the kids clubs onboard. And whilst the kids are playing there, the best views onboard can be seen from the Observation Lounge. Spanning around the front of deck 17 with its floor to ceiling windows, snacks and bar.
Looking for some relaxation and chill time, the ‘Mandara Spa & Salon’ offers a range of refreshing treatments with breaktaking views in the relaxation lounge with the heated beds.
The Exclusive Haven Experience
One of my favourite places on the ship, The Haven, a ‘ship within a ship’ concept. Included within the Haven is a sundeck offering unparalleled views, indoor and outdoor private lounges and bars with complimentary snacks and a choice of suites. The biggest suite being the new Haven Duplex Suite spanning over two decks. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and lounge areas – your own apartment! The best part, all with your own butler to assist with your every need. My absolute favourite was the Owners Suite…wow what can I say this was impressive with three bedrooms, a large lounge area, a hot tub on the spacious balcony and a shower with a view!
Comfortable Accommodations For Every Traveller
Aside from the Haven, the other accommodations around the ship really impressed me. I stayed in a standard balcony cabin which is one of the largest I’ve seen at sea. There was plenty of room in the cabin, lots of wardrobe and cupboard space as well as a huge bathroom. For any solo travellers, the studio cabins are well worth considering. Great for singles and also friends travelling together complete with its own studio lounge.
Entertainment Options Onboard
There are plenty of entertainment venues around the ship. Norwegian Aqua has lots of venues all offering something different from live singers and performances to quiet background music. The Aqua Theatre is a three story venue that showcases evening performances. I enjoyed ‘Rumours’, which was an insight into Fleetwood Mac’s iconic album. In the evening the venue is completely transformed into a nightclub. There was live entertainment in Syd Normans Pour House where you can combine cocktails and live music. If comedy is your thing then ‘Improv at Sea’ offers a funny alternative. The ‘Metropolitan’ was a favourite of mine, offering live entertainment and an interactive iPad menu of drinks.
Diverse Dining Experiences
From Mediterranean to Mexican, sushi to steak, NCL Aqua has it all. There are 15 dining options for you to enjoy onboard including sit down restaurants, buffets, food halls and room service. One of the highlights for me is ‘Indulge Food Hall’. Serving tasty dishes from all around the world – Indian, Italian, Latin American and a dedicated plant-based station. If you’re hungry in the small hours ‘The Local Bar & Grill’ has a range of complimentary casual pub snacks (you must try the chicken wings!).
Freestyle Cruising With Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line are the innovators of freestyle cruising. Meaning cruisers can dine when they want, with whom they want and where they want. With there being no dress codes or formal nights you can be relaxed (or as dressed up!) as you like. And with Norwegian’s ‘More At Sea’, you can enjoy more inclusions, for a charge including premium drinks, shore excursion credit, wifi and a speciality dining package.
I had a blast on Norwegian Aqua for her preview sailing. I can’t wait to go back and enjoy all of that outdoor space in the Caribbean. With Norwegian’s freestyle approach it appeals to solos, couples, families, multi-generational families and new to cruise. A great option if you want to swap that same land based hotel for a cruise. Visiting many destinations in one holiday! Step on board… you know you want to!
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