NCL Aqua Review
- jmongold
- May 24
- 2 min read
In early May 2025 I had the privilege of taking a tour on the brand new Norwegian Aqua!
It’s a beautiful Prima Class ship with stunning décor, comfortable favorites, and one-of-a-kind experiences like the all-new Aqua Slidecoaster and Sports Glow Court.
During the tour, I viewed various staterooms categories, dined in Hudson’s, watched the Aqua Slidecoaster in action, and was impressed by Tee Time- the electronic mini golf experience (similar to Putt Shack).
In addition to impressive activities, the staterooms are also an upgraded experience.
This beautiful new ship has sleek, soothing decor in every stateroom with a contemporary, yet comfortable design.
The Vibe Beach Club is an expanded, relaxing and quiet sun deck for guests over 18 with a full-service bar and 2 Infinity hot tubs. It’s a great place to lounge in the sun without the distraction of little ones.
The Stadium boasts complimentary games like shuffleboard, pickleball, subsoccer, foosball, and more, and looked like a great place for teens, tweens, and families.
Infinity Beach has locations on both sides of the ship. Each beach features a large infinity pool and daybeds surrounded by water.
Oceanwalk allows you to walk above the ocean on a glass walkway. It’s either really cool or unbelievably scary.
The Drop is a 10-story tall dry slide that will delight kids and adults alike. Or scare the pants off of you. You decide.
There’s also plenty of NCL favorites: Kid’s Aqua Park, Observation Lounge, Improv at Sea, and the 3-story Aqua Theater hosting Broadway-style shows and late-night parties.
Specialty Dining like Los Lobos, Nama Sushi, Le Bistro, Cagney’s, and Hasuki won’t disappoint, but NCL’s complimentary dining- including The Commodore Room, Hudson’s, The Local, and Indulge Food Hall- have great menus, too.
NCL created a great ship in the Aqua, and has added plenty of updated, upgraded, and thoughtful touches.
It’s a large ship that doesn’t feel over-whelming (And I’ve been on ones that definitely have!).
But NCL has also increased the space in the common areas on Aqua, but did not increase the guest capacity to the same margin. This provides more space for guests to relax without feeling over-crowded or packed in the common areas. More quiet places to discover and less competition for seating in the popular areas. And that may be the biggest thing that sets Aqua above the rest.
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