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In a landmark event at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, the much-anticipated Norwegian Aqua™, the pioneering ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) next-generation Prima Plus Class, touched water for the first time, marking a significant milestone in its construction journey. This event celebrates the progression from dry dock to ocean-ready status and highlights a pivotal shift in luxury cruising dynamics.

With the float out, Norwegian Aqua™ exits a critical construction phase, where the exterior completion allows the following interior craftsmanship stages to begin. The ceremony, enriched with maritime traditions such as welding two ceremonial coins to the hull for good luck and a chaplain’s blessing, was punctuated with a champagne toast against the ship’s gleaming hull, symbolizing good fortune and safe voyages ahead.

NCL Aqua Haven Duplex Bedroom.

David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, articulated the company’s vision at the event, stating, “The float out of Norwegian Aqua™ represents not just a significant milestone in the construction of this magnificent vessel but also underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in guest experience. Leveraging the enhanced space and design, we aim to elevate on-board offerings and deliver unparalleled relaxation and adventure.”

The ship, boasting a gross tonnage of 156,300 and stretching over 322 meters, offers 10% more space than its predecessors in the Prima Class. This enlargement facilitates an array of novel attractions, such as the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster, and the Glow Court, a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor. Additionally, the ship features the most extensive 360-degree outdoor promenade, Ocean Boulevard, and opulent accommodations in The Haven by Norwegian®, including the inaugural Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites.

Norwegian Aqua™ is a testament to NCL’s innovative spirit and the enduring partnership with Fincantieri. Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division, expressed pride in the collaboration: “Today’s milestone not only reflects our joint commitment to pushing the boundaries of shipbuilding but also reinforces our focus on innovative design and state-of-the-art engineering.”

Post-construction, Norwegian Aqua™ is scheduled to embark on its maiden voyage in April 2025, navigating seven-day Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship will visit enchanting locales, including Puerto Plata, Tortola, St. Thomas, and NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay. Following its Caribbean stint, the vessel will traverse New York City and Miami routes to Bermuda and the Eastern Caribbean.

Mark Kinsley, senior vice president of hotel operations at NCL, highlighted the customer-centric approach of the Prima Plus Class: “Feedback from our guests underscores their appreciation for the intimate yet diverse environments aboard our ships. The Prima Plus Class is designed to enhance this experience, providing more personalized and expansive settings for leisure and exploration.”

Norwegian Cruise Line continues to redefine oceanic journeys with Norwegian Aqua™, promising an avant-garde blend of luxury, leisure, and adventure, setting new benchmarks in the cruise industry. For more information or to book a voyage aboard the revolutionary Norwegian Aqua™, visit NCL’s official website or contact their customer support centres in Australia and New Zealand.