Big on features, light on overwhelm—NCL's Aqua proves you don't need to go massive to have an unforgettable cruise with all the latest bells and whistles
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Aqua Offers All the Fun of a Megaship on a More Manageable Scale
Published on Apr. 29, 2025
I’m not afraid to admit when I’m wrong, and I have made some incorrect assumptions about Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) over the years. In my 30-plus cruises on 13 cruise lines, I’d never sailed with NCL for one very specific reason: I had been led to believe it was old-fashioned and geared toward a more mature crowd.
But as a cruise writer, it’s my job to be familiar with all the cruise lines, so when I was invited to experience the newest ship, Aqua, on the media preview sailing in April, I knew it was time to see for myself what NCL stands for.
Wow! I was so pleasantly surprised with the three days I spent on board that I wished it were a full seven-day sailing. I was enamored by the design, decor, dining options, entertainment and, most of all, the killer attractions on the top few decks that rivaled the likes of the world’s biggest cruise ships, including Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and MSC’s World Europa, but in a much smaller footprint. Spoiler: This was not my grandparents’ cruise line, and one look at the colorful and playful hull design from world-renowned street artist Allison Hueman confirmed that.
Read on to learn more about NCL’s latest and greatest ship in the Prima Class and why it’s the perfect choice for your next vacation.
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NCL’s Aqua review
Ship size and capacity
One of the first things I noticed when I boarded Norwegian’s Aqua was how not overwhelming it felt—for reference, I had literally just disembarked from MSC’s 216,000-ton World America the day before, which holds 6,700 passengers. At just over 156,000 gross tons and with a capacity of around 3,500 guests, Aqua is technically a large ship, but compared to a megaship, it felt refreshingly manageable. I was actually excited to walk around and explore because it didn’t feel like a daunting, multiday chore.
There’s a surprising amount of “wow” packed into this smaller footprint (more on that later), but it never felt crowded. NCL designed Aqua with wider walkways, spacious public areas and more expansive outdoor deck space that keeps things flowing. For me, that translated into less time navigating crowds and more time actually enjoying the ship.
Itinerary and home ports
While Norwegian’s Aqua made its grand debut in Miami, with a christening ceremony at PortMiami featuring Emmy Award–winning actor Eric Stonestreet as the ship’s godfather, it will actually have three home ports with corresponding itineraries:
- Miami: Sailing the Caribbean on 2-, 4-, 5- and 7-day cruises (including port calls in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, St. Thomas and the Bahamas)
- Port Canaveral (Orlando): Sailing the Caribbean on 7-day cruises (port calls include Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, Tortola and the Bahamas)
- New York: Sailing to Bermuda on 4-, 5-, 6-, 7- and 8-day cruises
During our visit to Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island, complete with a zip line, infinity beach, swings and water sports, I took a tour of the construction areas for the expansions that will debut later this year. NCL is adding a new welcome center, an island-wide tram system, an adults-only Vibe Beach Club, a recreation and lawn-games area, and a 28,000-square-foot heated pool with two swim-up bars, zero-entry for kids, water features, cabanas and ocean views.
But the biggest excitement is that NCL is finally building a pier that will eliminate the cumbersome need to use tender boats to visit this island destination, significantly improving the passenger experience.
Cabins
Cruise-ship cabins can sometimes feel like an afterthought or simply a place to sleep between meals and excursions. But on Norwegian’s Aqua, the accommodations were thoughtfully designed, comfortable and surprisingly stylish.
I stayed in a balcony stateroom, and right away, I appreciated the layout. There was enough storage to actually unpack (even if I’d been on a longer cruise), the bathroom was quite large with ample storage and a huge shower (by cruise-ship standards), and the color palette—soft neutrals with modern accents—was tranquil in all the right ways. And there were plenty of power outlets and USB ports too, not to mention a really nice hair dryer that doesn’t require you to hold the “on” button during use (one of my biggest pet peeves with most cruise lines).
One of the standout features of Aqua‘s accommodations is the variety. Whether you’re cruising solo or splurging on a luxe escape, there’s a cabin for every type of traveler. The solo studio staterooms, which come with access to a private lounge, are a great option for single cruisers who don’t want to pay the dreaded “solo supplement.” And at the other end of the spectrum, The Haven, Norwegian’s ship-within-a-ship concept, offers a private sundeck, its own restaurant and lounge, and 24-hour butler service.
Food and drink
There are more than 20 dining options on board, ranging from included venues to specialty restaurants. You’ll find casual comfort food, something upscale or grab-and-go snacks to suit your mood—and appetite.
The complimentary dining rooms serve solid, well-executed fare and offer panoramic 270-degree views—one night at Hudson’s, I was positioned right over the wake, and it was so dreamy to watch through floor-to-ceiling windows. Another night, I booked a reservation at specialty restaurant Le Bistro, where I had a tasty goat cheese croquette appetizer, followed by a delicious braised lamb shank and roasted lamb chop entree served with sweet potatoes. The stunning chandelier alone in this restaurant is worth the visit.
Aqua also debuts a brand-new concept for NCL: the Indulge Food Hall, a casual, open-space venue with international food stations where you can mix and match small plates. You order off tablets at your table, and a server delivers your food. (Read: It’s not a buffet.) It’s included in your cruise fare, and honestly, it felt like the ultimate foodie playground. This was my very first stop upon embarkation, and I sampled the tandoori chicken, Asian noodles, chips and guac, and a killer chocolate cake all in one sitting. No shame.
Bars are plentiful too, and each has its own vibe, from the relaxed Observation Lounge with ocean views to the dark and moody Metropolitan Bar, which has an impressive cocktail menu. There’s even a proper Starbucks on board (included with some drink packages).
Entertainment and onboard amenities
Norwegian got the memo that Royal Caribbean and MSC have excellent entertainment, and as a result, they’ve invested in creating experiences that are bold, original and genuinely fun.
The headliner show is Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, and it was a true celebration of the Oscar-winning, Grammy-winning artist. During this concert-like experience, I sang along to “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Little Red Corvette,” “Purple Rain” and more—and so did everyone else. There’s also a second main-stage production I’d highly recommend, Elements: The World Expanded, plus live music throughout the ship. (I enjoyed a pre-dinner dirty martini in Metropolitan Bar one night while listening to a duo sing along with their guitars.)
But the biggest “wow” factor? Aqua‘s outdoor attractions. The Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid roller coaster waterslide that twists and turns over the ship’s top decks, is pure adrenaline. There’s also a splash zone for kids, as well as a virtual-reality gaming space that teens (and, let’s be real, adults) will love—there are some old-school arcade games and a bowling alley here too. My dad and I played a really fun round of miniature golf at Tee Time, themed to worldwide travel hot spots, spread over two decks with totally digitized scoring, and then a cutthroat game of life-size Connect Four.
The Mandara Spa is the perfect oasis. I thoroughly enjoyed my aroma stone therapy massage and then lounged in the thermal suite for a little extra self-care. If you’re more of an active cruiser, Aqua has a spacious and well-equipped gym.
For those who want to combine fitness with fun, the ship also features an outdoor jogging track, where you can get in your steps with a view of the ocean, and the Glow Court, a digital sports complex that transforms from a daytime sports zone to a high-energy nighttime venue.
Pricing
Fares vary based on the season, cabin type and promotions, but Aqua is positioned to be accessible for a wide range of travelers (and NCL is one of the most affordable cruise lines as it is). Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly inside cabin or want to go all-out in The Haven, there’s a price point for just about everyone.
At press time, an inside cabin on a 7-day sailing from Miami starts at $953 per person, and the two-day Bahamas run from Miami starts at $355 per person for a fun weekend getaway.
Norwegian often runs promotions that could be as much as 50% off cruise fares, include free airfare for the second guest, and allow third and fourth guests in your cabin to join for as low as $99. Also consider the More at Sea package, which includes unlimited open bar, excursion credits, specialty dining and Wi-Fi, if that value-to-cost ratio makes sense for your vacation style.
Bookings can be made directly through Norwegian Cruise Line’s website, or you can work with a travel advisor who specializes in cruises, which can be especially helpful if you’re new to sailing or want help picking the best stateroom.
A final word
Going into this sailing, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Norwegian’s Aqua truly surprised me in all the best ways. It’s a ship that manages to pack in all the thrills and entertainment of a megaship without the overwhelming scale. Everything felt thoughtfully designed, easy to navigate and, most importantly, fun.
From the immersive shows and modern dining concepts to the laid-back vibe and top-deck adrenaline, Aqua hit a sweet spot I didn’t know I was missing in my cruising life. It’s stylish without being stuffy, lively without being chaotic, and ideal for families, couples and solo travelers alike.
Aqua is proof that Norwegian Cruise Line is charting a bold new course—and after sailing her, I’m officially on board.
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