Norwegian Aqua Debuts from Port Canaveral with Thrilling New Activities, Dining, and Entertainment for All Ages
(IN SHORT) Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, has officially begun its inaugural season from Port Canaveral, offering seven-day Caribbean voyages to destinations like Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay. The ship features unique experiences such as the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid waterslide and roller coaster, as well as diverse entertainment, dining, and relaxation options. Norwegian Aqua is designed to offer both thrilling adventures and tranquil escapes for all guests. The new More At Sea™ program offers exceptional value with inclusive premium beverages, dining, excursions, and more.
(PRESS RELEASE) MIAMI, 2025-Apr-30 — /Travel PR News/ — Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is thrilled to announce the debut of its newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, which embarked on its inaugural season of seven-day Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, on April 26, 2025. The innovative ship, carrying 3,700 guests on its maiden voyage, will offer fun-filled voyages to the Eastern Caribbean, featuring stops at Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), Tortola (British Virgin Islands), and NCL’s private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.
Norwegian Aqua’s debut comes just in time for the summer travel season, with a series of seven-day Eastern Caribbean sailings available through August 2025. Guests will enjoy the newly enhanced amenities at Great Stirrup Cay, including a new multi-ship pier, a heated pool, a family-friendly splash zone, and a swim-up bar – all designed to elevate the island experience for families and travelers of all ages.
“We are thrilled to have Norwegian Aqua homeport in Port Canaveral for her inaugural season of Caribbean voyages,” said David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Port Canaveral is an ideal cruise destination, offering excellent access for travelers and a range of attractions nearby. Norwegian Aqua is built to offer year-round fun-in-the-sun voyages, whether guests seek thrilling adventures or simply wish to relax. We’re excited to begin her journey from this fantastic port.”
Norwegian Aqua introduces some of the most innovative experiences at sea, including The Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid waterslide and roller coaster. This high-speed attraction sends adventurous guests racing across three decks of the ship with a thrilling launch that combines the excitement of a roller coaster with the fun of a waterslide. The ship also features the Glow Court, an interactive sports complex with a LED floor for day activities and an electric nightclub atmosphere by night, as well as the Aqua Game Zone, offering retro arcade games, new-age virtual reality experiences, and classic carnival games.
Onboard Norwegian Aqua, guests will enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including the headlining show “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince”, a high-energy immersive concert experience celebrating the legendary artist. The ship also offers “Elements: The World Expanded”, a dazzling acrobatics and magic show inspired by the elements of earth, wind, fire, and water, along with interactive game shows like “The Price Is Right LIVE”.
Food lovers will be delighted by the ship’s 17 dining options, including Sukhothai, NCL’s first specialty Thai restaurant, and Indulge, the brand’s first-ever plant-based eatery. Norwegian Aqua also boasts 18 bars and lounges, including the Metropolitan Bar, the first-ever sustainable craft cocktail bar at sea.
For guests seeking relaxation, Norwegian Aqua offers expansive outdoor spaces, including a newly expanded pool deck and the adults-only Vibe Beach Club. The Mandara Spa provides an array of treatments, and guests can unwind in the thermal suite, featuring heated loungers, an ice room, and various saunas, including the new clay sauna.
Following its inaugural season in Port Canaveral, Norwegian Aqua will sail to Bermuda from New York City for a series of five- and seven-day voyages from August to October 2025. The ship will then return to Miami for a season of seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises between October 2025 and April 2026.
NCL’s new More At Sea™ program enhances the cruise experience by offering unlimited premium beverages, specialty dining, high-speed Wi-Fi, shore excursion credits, free airfare for the second guest, and kids sail free on select sailings. With savings of over 75%, this package is the perfect way for guests to get the most value from their cruise vacation. For more details on this offer, visit www.ncl.com/cruise-deals/more-at-sea.
With a 10% increase in size and capacity compared to sister ships Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Aqua is the first ship in the new Prima Plus Class. Spanning 1,056 feet and accommodating 3,571 guests at double occupancy, it offers more outdoor space and the highest staffing levels of any contemporary cruise ship.
Captain John Murray, CEO of Port Canaveral, expressed excitement about the partnership, saying, “We’re thrilled to welcome Norwegian Aqua to our homeport fleet. Port Canaveral offers easy access for guests, and our team looks forward to providing NCL’s passengers with the exceptional experience that has made this port a leader in the cruise industry.”
For more information about Norwegian Aqua or to book a cruise, please visit www.ncl.com, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or contact a travel professional.
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SOURCE: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
