Norwegian Cruise Line has commemorated the float out of Norwegian Aqua, the first of the expanded Prima Plus Class, from its dry dock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera (Venice), Italy, marking a major construction milestone.
Norwegian Aqua hits the water for the first time at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)
Norwegian Aqua hit the water for the first time, signifying the completion of the external work done on the ship readying it for its April 2025 debut. To celebrate, two ceremonial coins were welded into Norwegian Aqua in maritime tradition, which historically symbolizes an offering to ancient gods and goddesses of the sea in exchange for good luck and safe passage for the vessel.
"We are excited to celebrate another milestone with our partners at Fincantieri, who are integral to the Prima Class journey and supporting us in evolving the amazing experience we design and deliver for our guests,” said NCL president David J. Herrera.
“Building upon the guest-favourite features of the award-winning vessels of this class, the 10% increase in space provides us with more flexibility to deliver more offerings and more beautifully designed venues for our guests to relax and explore on board Norwegian Aqua.”
Slidecoaster on Norwegian Aqua (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)
At 156,300 gross tons and a length that spans 1,056 feet, Norwegian Aqua will be 10% larger than the first two Prima Class vessels. The expansion will provide more space for innovative offerings including the world’s first-ever hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster; a new digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor, Glow Court; and NCL’s most expansive 360-degree outdoor promenade, Ocean Boulevard. The ship will also boast luxurious accommodations in The Haven by Norwegian, including NCL’s first-ever ‘Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites.’
Construction will continue on Norwegian Aqua until its debut in April 2025, when the ship will begin seven-day Caribbean itineraries departing from Port Canaveral, Fla. The ship will visit Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s Bahamian private island.
Norwegian Aqua main pool (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)
Following the ship’s Caribbean season, Norwegian Aqua will offer five and seven-day voyages to Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025 and then cruise five and seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami beginning October 2025 through April 2026.
“The Prima Class is a true evolution of the brand,” said Mark Kansley, senior vice president of hotel operations of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We hear from our guests following every cruise, and they appreciate the intimate nature and greater variety of elevated spaces throughout the ship for them to relax in or explore while on vacation. We are excited to soon deliver on this next chapter of our evolution – the Prima Plus Class – and bring our guests along on our journey.”
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