An aqua slidecoaster on a cruise ship. Yes, you heard that right!
With adrenaline-pumping offerings, indulgent spa, umpteen games, mind-blowing entertainment and 18-plus dining venues, Norwegian Cruise Line's Aqua wows family cruisers
As our bus nears Southampton's Horizon Cruise Terminal, my dad's eyes light up with excitement. The brand-new Norwegian Aqua, the latest gem from Norwegian Cruise Line, comes into view.
We're thrilled to be among the privileged few boarding her inaugural 4-day roundtrip voyage from Southampton.
Welcome Aboard
After breezing through security, we received our Freestyle Cards—our golden tickets to everything on board, including our cabin. We step into the Penrose Atrium, a breathtaking three-level space instantly setting the tone. Bathed in natural light from sweeping ocean-view windows, it features sleek modern lighting, designer décor, and a buzzing mix of restaurants, shops, lounges, and service desks.
Having sailed on NCL's Prima-class ships before, I can see familiar touches from the Prima and Viva, but Aqua has its unique energy and can accommodate 3,571 passengers.
Our home at Sea
A quick announcement signals our cabin is ready. We head to Deck 13, where our Club Balcony Suite awaits. Spacious and stylish, the room boasts a cozy bed, a chic sitting area, a work desk, a modern bathroom, and a well-sized wardrobe. But the star of the show? A private forward-facing balcony that offers a front-row seat to the ocean's ever-changing drama.
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
เทรดทองCFDs ด้วยค่าสเปรดที่ต่ำที่สุด
IC Markets
สมัคร
Undo
Guests looking to revel in luxury can opt for The Haven, NCL's luxury enclave with lavish suites, round-the-clock butler and concierge service, and an exclusive sundeck.
Fun and Games
With our bags stashed and spirits high, we explore the ship. Deck 17's main pool area is already lively—sun-seekers lounging, guests sipping cocktails, and others soaking in the infinity-edge hot tub. Quieter than Aqua's sister ships, this deck also houses the Aqua Game Zone, complete with VR rides, arcade games, and even mini-bowling.
Looking for friendly competition? Head to Decks 18–20, home to complimentary attractions like The Stadium, featuring ping-pong, air hockey, foosball, and even beer pong.
The Glow Court is a highlight—a high-tech digital sports arena with an interactive LED floor that transforms from a sports court by day to a nightclub by night. We certainly enjoy Tee Time —a vibrant 12-hole mini-golf course stretching across two decks with holes themed after global cities. Of course, thrill-seekers will gravitate toward the Aqua Slidecoaster. Its thrilling start is followed by a mellow meander, and the dual slides let us race each other. And then there's The Drop—a heart-pounding free fall from Deck 18 to Deck 8. Not for the faint-hearted!
A Feast for All Tastes
One of the best things about cruising? Endless dining.
Included in your fare are meals at several a la carte and buffet spots, ideal for satisfying every craving. Onboard Norwegian Aqua, 17 dining venues and 18 bars await. Of these, five are complimentary, plus an exclusive restaurant for Haven guests. We're smitten with Hudson's—a beautiful glass-walled restaurant at the ship's rear serving up an array of global dishes with panoramic sunset views.
For quick, global bites, Indulge Food Hall is our go-to.
F
rom Indian and Asian to BBQ and desserts, everything is ordered via tablet and delivered to your table. The Surfside Café & Grill offers buffet-style dining all day, indoors and out. New to the Aqua lineup is Sukhothai, NCL's first-ever Thai specialty restaurant. We also enjoy an evening at Los Lobos, where we savor made-at-the-table guacamole, hearty enchiladas, and perfectly crisp churros with dulce de leche.
Relax and Rejuvenate
For wellness lovers, The Mandara Spa is a sanctuary. The Thermal Suite wows with a two-story waterfall, saltwater pool, saunas, steam rooms, am ice room and heated loungers with ocean views. We unwind here with infused waters and fresh fruit between treatments. Also in the spa complex is the Pulse Fitness Center, stocked with treadmills, free weights, and fitness classes like yoga, spin, and boot camp (available for a fee or via class pass).
Sun-Kissed Serenity
Sundecks are sprinkled across decks 8, 17, and 18, offering countless ways to soak in the sea air. Deck 8's outdoor promenade includes La Terazza—a cozy terrace with couches—and Ocean Walk, NCL's first glass walkway at sea. Our favorite? Infinity Beach, with loungers, sunbeds nestled in shallow water, and twin infinity-edge hot tubs flanking each side.
Nightlife & Entertainment
When the sun sets, Norwegian Aqua comes alive with world-class entertainment.
'Revolution: A Celebration of Prince' delivers an electrifying tribute to the music legend, while 'Elements: The World Expanded' dazzles with acrobatics and visuals inspired by nature's elements. Night owls have no shortage of options: live music, improv comedy, karaoke, and DJ sets unfold in various venues. Because performances are held in enclosed spaces, open areas remain peaceful for quiet conversations.
Syd Norman's Pour House continues its legacy with classic rock shows, tribute nights, and karaoke. Over at The Improv at Sea, laughter flows freely with nightly comedy acts. After the main shows, the DJ takes over, transforming venues into high-energy nightclubs. Deck 7 houses Aqua Casino, filled with slot machines and gaming tables. Shoppers can browse through boutique shops in The Gateway on Deck 7 and more retail spaces near the Penrose Atrium on Deck 8, offering everything from luxury accessories to souvenirs.
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Economic Times
Norwegian Cruise Line ship detaches from pier in Sicily, passenger blown into water by strong winds. Watch video
A Norwegian Cruise Line ship separated from the pier amid strong winds, causing a guest to fall off the gangway into the water. A passenger aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship fell into the water after strong winds pushed the vessel away from the pier. The incident occurred on May 30 in Catania, Sicily, as the passenger was attempting to disembark from the Norwegian Epic. A sudden gust of wind caused the ship to drift from the dock, leading the individual to fall into the sea. 'On duty crew members were able to immediately assist the guest from the water and see that they were evaluated by the medical team,' a spokesperson for the cruise line told USA Today. ALSO READ: Kerch bridge hit by Ukraine with underwater explosives: Why is the Crimean Bridge is so important to Putin? A passenger aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship fell into the water after being knocked over by strong winds as the vessel was departing from the pier. The incident occurred last Friday while the Norwegian Epic was docked in Catania, Sicily, according to a spokesperson for the cruise line. 'Crew members on duty were able to quickly assist the guest from the water and ensured they were evaluated by the medical team,' Norwegian Cruise Line said in a statement provided to People. 'It was determined the guest sustained only minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for further examination and treatment.' At the time, wind gusts in the area were reported to reach up to 45 miles per hour, according to AccuWeather. ALSO READ: Jeff Bezos' precautionary measure revealed ahead of his ultra-rich luxurious wedding with Lauren Sanchez Following the incident, the ship temporarily suspended all disembarkation activities and waited for weather conditions to improve before cruise-related incidents are not uncommon, particularly during the busy summer months when families rush to begin their vacations as soon as school is out. ALSO READ: US actor Jonathan Joss' sexual orientation played a key role in his fatal shooting? Check details The ship is currently on a 10-day excursion that started in Rome with stops in Italy, Greece, Malta and France, incident is hardly the first time wind has caused issues on cruise ships. In February 2024, Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Magic ship struck a pier in Jamaica during high November 2024, a Royal Caribbean ship suffered severe damage inside after bad weather rocked the vessel as it traveled from Barcelona to Miami. The 'unexpected wind gust' caused the ship to jerk, sending glass bottles smashing and furniture April, one ship with a Norwegian Cruise Line-sponsored tour abandoned an 80-year-old passenger in Africa after she suffered a stroke during an excursion. Another pair of elderly castaways were left stranded by the cruise line in Spain last May when the ship left without July, a family of nine was accidentally left behind in Alaska after crews miscounted during their check to ensure all the passengers had returned before departing.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Norwegian Cruise Line ship detaches from pier in Sicily, passenger blown into water by strong winds. Watch video
A passenger aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship fell into the water after strong winds pushed the vessel away from the pier. The incident occurred on May 30 in Catania, Sicily, as the passenger was attempting to disembark from the Norwegian Epic . A sudden gust of wind caused the ship to drift from the dock, leading the individual to fall into the sea. — TQCaptain (@TQCaptain) 'On duty crew members were able to immediately assist the guest from the water and see that they were evaluated by the medical team,' a spokesperson for the cruise line told USA Today. ALSO READ: Kerch bridge hit by Ukraine with underwater explosives: Why is the Crimean Bridge is so important to Putin? Live Events Passenger blown into water A passenger aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship fell into the water after being knocked over by strong winds as the vessel was departing from the pier. The incident occurred last Friday while the Norwegian Epic was docked in Catania, Sicily, according to a spokesperson for the cruise line. 'Crew members on duty were able to quickly assist the guest from the water and ensured they were evaluated by the medical team,' Norwegian Cruise Line said in a statement provided to People. 'It was determined the guest sustained only minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for further examination and treatment.' At the time, wind gusts in the area were reported to reach up to 45 miles per hour, according to AccuWeather. ALSO READ: Jeff Bezos' precautionary measure revealed ahead of his ultra-rich luxurious wedding with Lauren Sanchez Following the incident, the ship temporarily suspended all disembarkation activities and waited for weather conditions to improve before resuming. Such cruise-related incidents are not uncommon, particularly during the busy summer months when families rush to begin their vacations as soon as school is out. ALSO READ: US actor Jonathan Joss' sexual orientation played a key role in his fatal shooting? Check details The ship is currently on a 10-day excursion that started in Rome with stops in Italy, Greece, Malta and France, CruiseMapper. The incident is hardly the first time wind has caused issues on cruise ships. In February 2024, Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Magic ship struck a pier in Jamaica during high winds. In November 2024, a Royal Caribbean ship suffered severe damage inside after bad weather rocked the vessel as it traveled from Barcelona to Miami. The 'unexpected wind gust' caused the ship to jerk, sending glass bottles smashing and furniture toppling. Last April, one ship with a Norwegian Cruise Line-sponsored tour abandoned an 80-year-old passenger in Africa after she suffered a stroke during an excursion. Another pair of elderly castaways were left stranded by the cruise line in Spain last May when the ship left without them. In July, a family of nine was accidentally left behind in Alaska after crews miscounted during their check to ensure all the passengers had returned before departing.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
An aqua slidecoaster on a cruise ship. Yes, you heard that right!
With adrenaline-pumping offerings, indulgent spa, umpteen games, mind-blowing entertainment and 18-plus dining venues, Norwegian Cruise Line's Aqua wows family cruisers As our bus nears Southampton's Horizon Cruise Terminal, my dad's eyes light up with excitement. The brand-new Norwegian Aqua, the latest gem from Norwegian Cruise Line, comes into view. We're thrilled to be among the privileged few boarding her inaugural 4-day roundtrip voyage from Southampton. Welcome Aboard After breezing through security, we received our Freestyle Cards—our golden tickets to everything on board, including our cabin. We step into the Penrose Atrium, a breathtaking three-level space instantly setting the tone. Bathed in natural light from sweeping ocean-view windows, it features sleek modern lighting, designer décor, and a buzzing mix of restaurants, shops, lounges, and service desks. Having sailed on NCL's Prima-class ships before, I can see familiar touches from the Prima and Viva, but Aqua has its unique energy and can accommodate 3,571 passengers. Our home at Sea A quick announcement signals our cabin is ready. We head to Deck 13, where our Club Balcony Suite awaits. Spacious and stylish, the room boasts a cozy bed, a chic sitting area, a work desk, a modern bathroom, and a well-sized wardrobe. But the star of the show? A private forward-facing balcony that offers a front-row seat to the ocean's ever-changing drama. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรดทองCFDs ด้วยค่าสเปรดที่ต่ำที่สุด IC Markets สมัคร Undo Guests looking to revel in luxury can opt for The Haven, NCL's luxury enclave with lavish suites, round-the-clock butler and concierge service, and an exclusive sundeck. Fun and Games With our bags stashed and spirits high, we explore the ship. Deck 17's main pool area is already lively—sun-seekers lounging, guests sipping cocktails, and others soaking in the infinity-edge hot tub. Quieter than Aqua's sister ships, this deck also houses the Aqua Game Zone, complete with VR rides, arcade games, and even mini-bowling. Looking for friendly competition? Head to Decks 18–20, home to complimentary attractions like The Stadium, featuring ping-pong, air hockey, foosball, and even beer pong. The Glow Court is a highlight—a high-tech digital sports arena with an interactive LED floor that transforms from a sports court by day to a nightclub by night. We certainly enjoy Tee Time —a vibrant 12-hole mini-golf course stretching across two decks with holes themed after global cities. Of course, thrill-seekers will gravitate toward the Aqua Slidecoaster. Its thrilling start is followed by a mellow meander, and the dual slides let us race each other. And then there's The Drop—a heart-pounding free fall from Deck 18 to Deck 8. Not for the faint-hearted! A Feast for All Tastes One of the best things about cruising? Endless dining. Included in your fare are meals at several a la carte and buffet spots, ideal for satisfying every craving. Onboard Norwegian Aqua, 17 dining venues and 18 bars await. Of these, five are complimentary, plus an exclusive restaurant for Haven guests. We're smitten with Hudson's—a beautiful glass-walled restaurant at the ship's rear serving up an array of global dishes with panoramic sunset views. For quick, global bites, Indulge Food Hall is our go-to. F rom Indian and Asian to BBQ and desserts, everything is ordered via tablet and delivered to your table. The Surfside Café & Grill offers buffet-style dining all day, indoors and out. New to the Aqua lineup is Sukhothai, NCL's first-ever Thai specialty restaurant. We also enjoy an evening at Los Lobos, where we savor made-at-the-table guacamole, hearty enchiladas, and perfectly crisp churros with dulce de leche. Relax and Rejuvenate For wellness lovers, The Mandara Spa is a sanctuary. The Thermal Suite wows with a two-story waterfall, saltwater pool, saunas, steam rooms, am ice room and heated loungers with ocean views. We unwind here with infused waters and fresh fruit between treatments. Also in the spa complex is the Pulse Fitness Center, stocked with treadmills, free weights, and fitness classes like yoga, spin, and boot camp (available for a fee or via class pass). Sun-Kissed Serenity Sundecks are sprinkled across decks 8, 17, and 18, offering countless ways to soak in the sea air. Deck 8's outdoor promenade includes La Terazza—a cozy terrace with couches—and Ocean Walk, NCL's first glass walkway at sea. Our favorite? Infinity Beach, with loungers, sunbeds nestled in shallow water, and twin infinity-edge hot tubs flanking each side. Nightlife & Entertainment When the sun sets, Norwegian Aqua comes alive with world-class entertainment. 'Revolution: A Celebration of Prince' delivers an electrifying tribute to the music legend, while 'Elements: The World Expanded' dazzles with acrobatics and visuals inspired by nature's elements. Night owls have no shortage of options: live music, improv comedy, karaoke, and DJ sets unfold in various venues. Because performances are held in enclosed spaces, open areas remain peaceful for quiet conversations. Syd Norman's Pour House continues its legacy with classic rock shows, tribute nights, and karaoke. Over at The Improv at Sea, laughter flows freely with nightly comedy acts. After the main shows, the DJ takes over, transforming venues into high-energy nightclubs. Deck 7 houses Aqua Casino, filled with slot machines and gaming tables. Shoppers can browse through boutique shops in The Gateway on Deck 7 and more retail spaces near the Penrose Atrium on Deck 8, offering everything from luxury accessories to souvenirs. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
