Everything You Need to Know About NCL's Newest Ship: Norwegian Aqua
- Julia
- Apr 5
- 6 min read
NCL's first ever Prima-Plus Class ship has begun her inaugural sailing, offering guests incredible onboard thrills, world-class service, delicious dining, and over-the-top entertainment. Norwegian Aqua is the next generation of Prima Class ships, following in the footsteps of the beloved Prima and Viva. There are plenty of brand-new concepts and expanded favorites that guests are going wild for, including the first ever Aqua Slidecoaster, and NCL's first Thai-inspired specialty restaurant, Sukhothai.
In this post we will dive deep into all the onboard offerings, from dining, to activities, entertainment, and more!
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
CASINO | If you love to gamble, this classic cruise venue offers slot and slide machines, and table games like craps, 3 card poker, and roulette. Enjoy the authentic casino experience with a designated smoking section. Harr Travel advises gambling responsibly while having fun!
MANDARA SPA | Norwegian offers an exceptional space for relaxation with pre-bookable treatments, a barber shop, and salon services for hair, manicures, and pedicures, as well as a full med spa. The Thermal Suite is a standout feature, boasting hydrotherapy pools, water features, various saunas including a new clay room, an experiential shower, and hot stone loungers. The relaxation area provides a range of lounging options, making the Mandara Spa the ultimate spot for rejuvenation on the ship.
AQUA SLIDECOASTER | This is a brand-new concept being introduced on Aqua. This rollercoaster/waterslide hybrid will be 3 decks tall and involve many twists and turns along the way. Instead of the go-kart track seen on the ships prior, Aqua will have this thrilling brand new slide concept that is sure to be a whole lot of fun for the entire family. We aren't quite sure yet what this ride will look like, if it will involve inner-tubes, or be similar to the log rides you find at amusement parks- but either way it will be a slam dunk!
TEE TIME | NCL has made miniature golf high-tech with their score-tracking course that is the perfect activity for all ages!
THE DROP | The Drop, a fan-favorite dry slide from past ships, offers a thrilling experience. Guests step into a pod, and the floor drops out, sending them spiraling 10 decks down through a dark and clear slide over the ship's side. It's perfect for an adrenaline rush on a long sea day.
PICKLEBALL COURT | Grab your paddles and your friends and enjoy a bit of friendly competition on the court.
GLOW COURT | NCL has created an LED sports floor for immersive play in the brand new venue- the Glow Court. Guests can organize a game and head out to the court for a little high-tech basketball or other fun sports.
AQUA GAME ZONE | NCL has reimagined the Galaxy Pavilion onboard Aqua, offering the "Aqua Game Zone" a mix of retro arcade games and immersive virtual reality experiences- the perfect hangout for families and friend groups!
AQUA PARK & POOL | Cool off on a hot day at the Aqua Park and Pool area of the ship. At the pool you can grab a piña colada from the bar and enjoy a dip in the infinity pool or hot tubs, as the music blasts and the vibes stay high. Just around the corner will be the Aqua Park- the splash pad designed for kids, with plenty of surrounding seating for parents and families!
VIBE BEACH CLUB | If you want to find the ultimate relaxing space onboard the ship, away from the hustle and bustle, the Vibe Beach Club is for you. This 18+ onboard club has limited passes available, making it one of the most exclusive spots on the ship. Here you will find a full-service bar, infinity hot tubs, and plenty of extra-comfy loungers throughout to lay back and enjoy the sunshine.
ONBOARD DINING OPTIONS
SUKHOTHAI | For the first time, Norwegian has introduced a new Thai specialty restaurant- Sukhothai. The menu features authentic cuisine with dynamic flavors including Thai Cashew Chicken, Salt and Pepper Prawns, and a delicious Thai Grilled Steak Salad.
PLANTERIE | The Indulge Food Hall- one of the most popular complimentary dining spaces onboard the ship- has gained a new restaurant on Aqua. Planterie is a plant-based restaurant offering bowls and various healthy options. Menu highlights will include: the Mediterranean Goddess Bowl with spiced veggies, tabbouleh, and carrots; and the Southwest Bowl with smoked tempe.
SWIRL | This new wine lounge is located on Deck 6, and features a comprehensive menu of wine-by-the-glass, including an extensive list of rare and premium vintages. The space's architecture is inspired by the beauty of Arizona's Antelope Canyon, offering a warm and inviting space to enjoy a glass of wine with friends before dinner.
HASUKI | This is a classic teppanyaki grill with shared seating all around the teppanyaki tables. They have a wide variety of options from fried rice, to steak, scallops, and shrimp; everything needed to create a delicious grilled-up meal. The chefs will give you a show as they perfectly season and cook up your meal right in front of you.
NAMA | A great compliment to Hasuki right across the way, Nama Sushi is an intimate restaurant serving delicious sushi and sashimi.
PALOMAR | This is all about Mediterranean food, with emphasis on the seafood! Enjoy the Mediterranean delicacies in a stunning setting that features a beautiful bar, elegant seating that will make you feel as though you are dining on the Greek isles.
CAGNEY'S STEAKHOUSE | Cagney's is a Norwegian staple, and is one of the most popular specialty restaurant onboard that features delicious steakhouse options with an open kitchen concept! Enjoy delicious and tender cuts of steak, incredible sides, and don't forget to order the signature chocolate layer cake for dessert.
ONDA BY SCARPETTA | This gorgeous specialty restaurant is a piece of artwork in-and-of itself. Not only will you dine on authentic Italian cuisine such as brick oven pizza and handmade al dente pasta; but you will enjoy it all in a beautiful setting with architecture that is reminiscent of an ocean wave.
LE BISTRO | Enjoy a romantic date night or elevated dinner with friends at this NCL classic. Le Bistro offers delicious French fare in a beautiful setting. Enjoy escargot, steak tartare, duck, and many delicious french patisseries for dessert.
LOS LOBOS | This is the authentic Mexican restaurant that NCL fans love. Here you can enjoy your tacos and guacamole in the vibrant indoor and outdoor seating areas.
HUDSON'S | This beautiful sit-down dining venue is a work of art. The space features wrap around windows, elegant white tablecloths, and beautiful columns and chandeliers throughout. Here guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, which includes a static and rotating menu. You even have the ability to purchase from some of the specialty restaurants for an upcharge, if you so choose.
THE LOCAL BAR & GRILL | This is a 24 hour eatery is a fan favorite, and an incredible option, especially for any passengers who may be struggling with a little bit of jet lag. Here you will find food served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the space also features a bar, lots of seating options, and a huge flat screen tv so you can catch the big game.
INDULGE FOOD HALL | This is an incredible dining hall where you have the ability to try food from several different restaurant options. The restaurants include Indian food, a plant-based restaurant, asian street food, Texas bbq, a tapas truck, soups, salads, and more! There is seating at each restaurant space, as well as a large open seating area in the middle where you can order off an ipad from any of the food hall restaurants, and have it delivered to your table. The seating continues outdoors if you want to enjoy your food while taking in the delightful sea air!
SURFSIDE CAFE & GRILL | This onboard buffet offers complimentary grab-and-go dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Enjoy hot entrees, fruits, pastas, grilled foods, morning egg station, salads, desserts, and soft-serve ice cream. A grill also serves burgers, hot dogs, and brats.
THE HAVEN RESTAURANT | For Haven guests, the Haven Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is an elevated complimentary option that offers sit-down service in an elegant dining room, and guests can order upgraded cuisine that is arguably the best on the ship!
ENTERTAINMENT
AQUA THEATER & CLUB | The beautiful main theater onboard she ship will be offering incredible Broadway shows, and transforms into a Vegas-style nightclub with themed experiences such as "Living La Vida Loca", "Pop Life", a "90's Party".
THE IMPROVE AT SEA COMEDY CLUB | Enjoy a good laugh at the always-popular onboard comedy club.
SYD NORMAN'S | Be ready to Rock and Roll at Syd Norman's on Aqua where the band will be offering a Fleetwood Mac Tribute, "Syd Norman's Presents: Rumours".
Booking Your Cruise
Now that you are ready to book your cruise on the beautiful, brand new Norwegian Aqua, reach out to the experts at Harr Travel. We know the ship inside-and-out, and have an amazing relationship with NCL. Our advisors will craft the perfect cruise vacation of a lifetime for you, your friends, family, or group at an exceptional rate, and give you the Harr Travel signature service every step of the way.
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