
NORWEGIAN AQUA © Fincantieri
First Prima Plus Class vessel delivered to Norwegian Cruise Line
CruiseNorwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has taken delivery of its newest ship, NORWEGIAN AQUA, from the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera. The vessel is the first in the new Prima Plus Class, offering larger outdoor spaces than any other cruise ship and innovative guest experiences. At the same time, NCL is celebrating the launch of its sister ship, NORWEGIAN LUNA, which has left dry dock.
With the delivery of NORWEGIAN AQUA, NCL adds the 20th ship to its fleet. The delivery took place at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, and this event marks the first step for the next generation of cruise ships.
Meanwhile, NCL reached another significant milestone with the launch of NORWEGIAN LUNA. The launch signifies that the ship's exterior work is complete, and it touches water for the first time. NORWEGIAN LUNA will take NORWEGIAN AQUA's place at a floating dock at the shipyard, where work on the ship's interior construction and fittings will be completed ahead of its debut in spring 2026.
"NORWEGIAN AQUA is more than just a ship – it's a promise to our guests to continue pushing boundaries and delivering MORE at sea," says David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line. "From thrilling attractions like the Aqua Slidecoaster to the debut of Sukhothai, our first Thai speciality restaurant, NORWEGIAN AQUA is designed to create unforgettable moments for the whole family as they cruise to the Caribbean, Bermuda, and our private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, where we remain focused and excited to invest in the guest experience."
Herrera continues: "We are deeply grateful for the partnership with Fincantieri and their expertise in bringing NORWEGIAN AQUA to life and paving the way for NCL's continued growth and success. And with the launch of NORWEGIAN LUNA, we're already looking forward to the next chapter in our fleet expansion."
NORWEGIAN AQUA is 10% larger in both capacity and size than the two Prima Class ships, NORWEGIAN PRIMA and NORWEGIAN VIVA.NORWEGIAN AQUA is 322 metres long, weighs 156,300 gross tonnes, and accommodates 3,571 guests. Its size means the ship has more outdoor space than any other cruise ship, ensuring guests always feel close to the sea.
"NORWEGIAN AQUA is a testament to the solid and enduring partnership between Norwegian Cruise Line and Fincantieri, recently reaffirmed by the historic order of the four largest ships ever built by our group for the brand. This vessel showcases our shared commitment to technical innovation and excellence and is yet another milestone in a thriving cruise industry where Fincantieri continues to lead the way. We are honoured to bring yet another groundbreaking ship to life and look forward to continuing our partnership with all the exciting projects ahead," says Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of the Merchant Ships Division for Fincantieri.
NORWEGIAN AQUA features a range of innovative attractions that are new not only to NCL but to the entire cruise industry. The Aqua Slidecoaster is the world's first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, offering thrilling twists and magnificent views. The Aqua Game Zone is a new interactive area with games and challenges for guests of all ages. Here, you'll find all kinds of entertainment, from retro arcade games like Ms Pacman, Donkey Kong, and Mario Bros to modern Virtual Reality games. NORWEGIAN AQUA also boasts NCL's first Glow Court – a high-tech, digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor. By day, guests can immerse themselves in fun games, and by night, the area transforms into a nightclub.
Food enthusiasts can enjoy a mix of both new and classic NCL dining experiences, including the all-new speciality restaurant Sukhothai and returning guest favourites like Cagney's Steakhouse and Le Bistro. At NCL's signature dining venue, Indulge Food Hall, Planterie will be featured – a new restaurant serving plant-based dishes.
NORWEGIAN AQUA's entertainment line-up includes the headline show "Revolution: A Celebration of Prince". This tribute show, developed in partnership with Prince Legacy, LLC and Primary Wave Music, is a concert-like experience taking audiences through the pop icon's greatest hits. Guests can also experience the theatrical performance "Elements: The World Expanded", a new and improved version of NCL's acclaimed show "Elements", featuring plenty of acrobatics, magic, and mystique.
© Shippax
Mar 14 2025
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