Latest news with #AquaSlidecoaster
Times
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Rollercoasters, arcade games and giant slides — I've found the most fun-packed cruise ship
There's a knot in my stomach, the kind you get before a rollercoaster drops. But this is no amusement park ride. I'm rocketing skywards on the Aqua Slidecoaster, hands gripping an inflatable raft hurtling up a steep ramp 20 decks above the Atlantic. It's a ride that promises thrills and it delivers — just not the way I expected. Instead of a dramatic plunge, I'm launched into the gentlest, splashiest waterslide. Giggling and wet, I emerge moments later, ready to line up and do it all over again. The Aqua Slidecoaster is a rush — and unlike many activities on board, it's free — but everything about Norwegian Aqua screams 'fun'. This is a ship built for holidays in the sun, with up to 12-night itineraries in the Bahamas, Caribbean and Bermuda. I joined a round trip from Miami, Florida, with a stop at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island in the Bahamas. It was jam-packed with high-octane rides and sun-soaked infinity pools, Broadway-worthy shows, buzzy bars and dining. Aqua is the first in Norwegian's new Prima Plus Class and its largest ship to date. At 1,056ft, it is longer than its older shipmates, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, and carries up to 3,571 passengers. I'd expected mega-ship glitz, but Aqua is more boutique resort than floating city, with clean lines, designer touches and space to spare. It's also made for play. Glow Court, an interactive court with LED walls and floor that lights up feels just like stepping into a video game. One moment I'm shooting hoops to stop a virtual volcano from erupting and kicking balls into a honeycomb wall, exploding the tiles to win. Next, I'm stamping out glowing squares and dodging laser beams in a digital obstacle course. At night, the entire space transforms into a neon-lit lounge. Nearby, there's pickleball, a 12-hole mini-golf course, beer pong and a bar with interactive darts. Game Zone is a blast (£132pp for a seven-day pass). The arcade hall serves up fun nostalgia hits, with retro classics such as Donkey Kong and Ms Pac-Man alongside pinball machines, mini bowling lanes and VR rides. As it is right next to the Observatory Lounge, grown-ups can unwind over a cocktail while kids play just steps away. I had dance-offs with friends, raced V8 motorcars and strapped in for a VR rollercoaster ride through a dystopian city crawling with zombies. The graphics were simple but the thrill was real. The Drop, a slide that spirals down the outside of the ship sent me into a ten-deck freefall, where I landed, face up, laughing and dazed, outside the Local Bar & Grill. 'Fastest way to lunch,' one passenger quipped. Sure, but my stomach was still stuck where the trapdoor snapped open: four seconds of unadulterated terror before meeting up with the slide. Fortunately, you don't have to drop through a trapdoor to find good food. Aqua has 15 dining venues, nine of them speciality restaurants. I ate at Sukhothai (£38 supplement), a temple of spice new to Norwegian and its first Thai restaurant. It's the real deal, one that happily nails the Thai key flavours of salty, sour, sweet and spicy. I devoured plump salt and pepper prawns, a zingy green papaya salad and pad Thai. Curries, especially the duck curry, were a standout: rich and saucy, with depth and spice. The kitchen will also dial up the heat if you're feeling brave. • Read our full guide to Cruise holidays Hudson's, the main dining room, included in the cruise fare, is a showstopper, all chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows framing uninterrupted sea views. The menu is equally expansive, ranging from seared scallops to spaghetti pomodoro. Local Bar & Grill, another complimentary spot, became my breakfast go-to, with a full English breakfast, proper espresso and a laid-back vibe. Table service was a perk. It also shines late at night, with burgers and beer. Indulge Food Hall travels the globe with fast bites ordered via a menu board. The best of these included tostadas, smoky Texas barbecue, fragrant korma, bang bang noodles and salads from the new, plant-based stall, Planterie. At the heart of the ship is the Penrose Atrium, a sleek, multi-level space wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass that floods the decks with natural light and endless ocean views. It's the ideal perch for gazing out at the horizon, Starbucks in hand or a breezy daytime drink from the Penrose Bar, one of several lounges scattered across the ship. Down on deck six, there's the Whisky Bar, a buzzy spot most hours with a killer negroni. The new Swirl Wine Bar is steps away, but cosy and quiet, with a decent wine list. When the sun sets, Aqua comes to life with big-ticket shows. Its headline act, Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, is all velvet swagger, funk and falsetto — and excellent — with four powerhouse singers, a great band and high-voltage dancers. I boogied in the dance area in front of the stage, an experience not unlike the first Prince concert I saw back in 1994. Rumours, Norwegian's full-length tribute to Fleetwood Mac's iconic album, is another must-see, intimate and raw, blending music with the band's famously dramatic backstory. A late show at Improv at Sea proved a hoot, with American stand-up comedians delivering slick one-liners. • Quiz: what kind of cruise would you enjoy most? Mandara Spa was the antidote to all this action. A day pass to the Thermal Suite (£75) bought me restorative hours drifting between wet and dry saunas, a menthol-infused steam room, snow room, and others lined with pink salt, clay or detoxifying charcoal. Infinity Beach was another sanctuary. Toes in the water on an overwater daybed, there was only sea and sky ahead. Up on deck 17, the main pool was buzzier: with sunloungers, a bigger pool than earlier ships and a party vibe. Vibe Beach Club upped the ante, replete with infinity hot tubs, cabanas and sunloungers shaded by vermilion umbrellas, and DJs spinning ambient tunes (£202pp for a seven-day pass). I stayed in a Deluxe Balcony room, one of 1,037 in the category. It was spacious, with smart storage, a roomy bathroom and a clean, modern aesthetic. Solo travellers are well catered for too, with 37 Studio cabins and their own dedicated lounge. The Haven — Norwegian's ship-within-a-ship — is a step up, with its own restaurant, infinity pool, butler service, concierge and private lift. With 127 suites, it's Norwegian's biggest suite complex yet, and includes the first two-storey, three-bedroom duplex suites. It was quiet on our sailing, but no doubt will be a top pick for families and multigenerational travellers. • 19 of the best Caribbean cruise lines for 2025 At Great Stirrup Cay, our one beach day on this mini-cruise, there was no shortage of ways to while away the day — much like the cruise itself. Some guests snorkelled with schools of colourful fish while others paddled across turquoise shallows or ziplined high above the sea. Norwegian has big plans for the island, including a sprawling new pool, upgraded cabanas and a pier; as things stand, the ship anchors off the island and you're ferried ashore by tenders. But to me, it was close to perfect, with soft sand underfoot, palms swaying and a peaceful, unhurried vibe. I ended the day at Silver Cove, the island's luxe, resort-style sanctuary with private villas, a Moët & Chandon bar, a spa (all three at extra cost) and a serene infinity pool. I sat on a scoop of white sand, nothing but blue seas ahead, and drank it all in. This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Belinda Luksic was a guest of Norwegian Cruise Line, which has seven nights' full board from £1,194pp, departing on November 30 ( Fly to Miami
Business Insider
25-05-2025
- Business Insider
I sailed alone on Norwegian's latest giant cruise ship and was surprised how easy it was as a solo traveler
Norwegian Cruise Line's latest ship, Norwegian Aqua, is great for both families and lone cruisers. The ship has 93 single-person cabins and plenty of solo-friendly amenities. The cruise line has been championing the solo cruise boom. Sailing alone on a giant cruise ship doesn't have to feel like a socially isolating act of family vacation defiance. In fact, Norwegian's latest vessel wants you to go solo. The 4,482-guest Norwegian Aqua prides itself on being a floating resort for families to lounge together, be it the daybeds littered over the infinity pools or the plush group seating near the Metropolitan bar's live pianist. However, if you look closely, you'll notice there are as many options — if not more — for people going alone. After all, the adrenaline-pumping 10-floor dry slide can only accommodate one rider at a time. There's one sure sign Norwegian is vying for solo cruisers: Its new ship has 93 single-person cabins. Cruise lines compensate for lost revenue on double-occupancy cabins by slapping an often hefty "single supplement" fee on solo cruisers' fares. To bypass this, look for specially designated single traveler cabins. There are 73 of these 94-square-foot, windowless rooms. These relatively small and affordable cabins start at $1,880 for a weeklong Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida, this summer — which is about $600 cheaper than a standard inside cabin with the supplementary fee. There's no room for a living room. For that, go to the Studio Lounge, a large social space exclusive to these solo sailors. However, like their cabin counterparts, you won't find any natural light down here. If you'd rather loaf under the sun, you could pay for Vibe Beach Club. However, you are on a kid-friendly cruise with a surplus of catered facilities. So if you can't beat them, join them. Most of these family amenities are also secretly great for solitary travelers (minus the cluster of outdoor activities at the Stadium, unless you can finesse playing "beer" pong and shuffleboard alone). No need to ride the Aqua Slidecoaster with a stranger. I've been on plenty of solo cruises for work, so I understand the hate for waterslides that require two riders. (You're telling me I have to share my raft with a random kid?!) Thankfully, Norwegian Aqua's hybrid waterslide-roller coaster accommodates single and double riders. Plus, riding alone means no one has to hear you shriek when the robot arm launches you upward of 31 miles per hour into the waterslide. The multi-purpose, LED-lit sports court can accommodate several players. Or, you're welcome to go alone if you don't want to bicker over the activity of choice. The same goes for the arcade's two-lane bowling alley — so long as you're OK with an audience of children pausing their virtual reality games to judge your performance — and the mini-golf course, which automatically tracks your putts-per-hole. No need to fear eating in solitude. The ship has 15 dining options, half of which are complimentary. These include the familiar cruise buffet, two main dining rooms, and American pub grub from Local Bar and Grill. The food hall has 10 varied stalls, from Indian to Spanish tapas to Texan barbecue. Don't let decision paralysis stop you from living your lunch dreams. The portions are relatively small, so you don't need to eat family-style to try multiple dishes. Plus, there are plenty of communal tables that make eating alone feel casual. Grab a snack at the Observation Lounge. Most guests go there to enjoy a quiet cocktail with ocean views. However, the lounge has an underrated feature: a tiny café-like buffet with small bites such as Brie sandwiches and cookies. Grab a quiche and a soft leather seat for a relaxing mid-day solitude snack. Or, if you're feeling chattier, sit at one of the couches and strike up a conversation with your seatmate. Going to the theater doesn't have to feel like a socially isolating experience. "Revolution: A Celebration of Prince" could be the most engaging show you'll go to alone. You could grab a seat on the upper decks, but I recommend heading to the bottom, standing room-only floor. Small, lilypad-like stages move throughout the performance to create an ever-changing set, corralling the standing viewers while providing plenty of room to sing, dance, mingle, and mix along to the Prince cover songs. It'll feel more like a concert than a traditional seated show, although there are plenty of those if you prefer. None of the other theater shows are interactive, save for "The Price is Right Live." "Elements: The World Expanded" is Norwegian's Cirque du Soleil dupe, while "Syd Norman's Presents: Rumours" is another cover show showcasing Fleetwood Mac's magnum opus album. Or, if you really hate going without company, make friends at the Studio Lounge and drag them with you. Dancing to Prince with your new chums will surely make for a memorable solo vacation.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ALL-NEW NORWEGIAN AQUA DEBUTS AS THE NEWEST SHIP IN PORT CANAVERAL FOR THE SPRING/SUMMER CRUISE SEASON
– Norwegian Aqua is Sailing Seven-Day Fun-in-the-Sun Caribbean Voyages Now Through August 2025, Including Visits to Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's Private Island Destination in the Bahamas – – Norwegian Cruise Line's Newest Ship Features the Growing Viral Sensation the Aqua Slidecoaster – the World's First Hybrid Roller Coaster and Waterslide – and MORE Innovative Experiences for the Whole Family – – For B-roll and Additional Assets of Norwegian Aqua, Please Visit the Press Kit Here – MIAMI, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, celebrated the debut of the all-new Norwegian Aqua to Port Canaveral, Fla. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, where she commenced her inaugural season of round-trip Caribbean cruises as the newest ship in port. This past weekend, approximately 3,700 guests embarked on Norwegian Aqua's first week-long voyage to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Fla., her initial homeport since her official debut earlier this month. Just in time for the summer travel season, Norwegian Aqua will offer a series of seven-day Eastern Caribbean sailings through August 2025 with calls to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, the Company's private island in the Bahamas which will debut new amenities for the whole family beginning late 2025. With the upcoming enhancements to the island, guests will enjoy easy access with a new multi-ship pier; an expansive area for guests to soak up the warm Bahamian sun complete with an oversized heated pool; experiences for the whole family including a splash zone with fun water fountains and features for children; as well as a swim-up bar for guests who want to keep enjoying their unlimited open bar package off the ship. "We are so 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 attractive cruise destination with a variety of attractions in the surrounding area for guests to extend their cruise vacation, and easy access by plane, train or automobile. Launching just in time for summer, Norwegian Aqua is designed to offer fun-in-the-sun voyages year-round with outdoor activities for guests looking for thrills, or who simply want to chill. We're excited to have her begin her cruise journey with our partners at Port Canaveral!" Norwegian Aqua boasts many first-in-the-industry activities including the hallmark top-deck attraction, The Aqua Slidecoaster. The world's first-ever hybrid waterslide and roller coaster continues to generate growing social media buzz with a high-speed powered launch that propels adventurous guests through dual slides that race across three decks. Guests can also enjoy the brand-new Glow Court, a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor offering unique and interactive games by day and transforming into an electric club by night. For activities the whole family can enjoy together, the new Aqua Game Zone has multigenerational appeal with retro arcade games such as Ms. Pacman and Mario Brothers, complemented by new-age virtual reality experiences and classic carnival games. The entertainment doesn't stop there. Guests will not want to miss the headlining production of "Revolution: A Celebration of Prince," an immersive theatrical concert experience created in-house with top industry talent, honoring the multi-Grammy® Award-nominated and winner Prince. The show has already been met with rave reviews for its contagious energy, featuring many of the icon's greatest hits including "Purple Rain," "Kiss," "When Doves Cry," "1999" and MORE! Other main stage productions include "Elements: The World Expanded," an enhanced version of NCL's top-rated show, blending acrobatics, magic and stunning visuals inspired by the four elements – earth, wind, fire and water; as well as interactive game show such as the "Price is Right LIVE." For those who travel for the love of food, they will be challenged to try all 17 dining options on board, including NCL's premiering specialty Thai restaurant, Sukhothai, and the brand's first-ever plant-based eatery in the 10-station food hall, Indulge. Norwegian Aqua also features 18 bars and lounges, including Metropolitan Bar, the industry's first sustainable craft cocktail bar. Offering something for everyone, Norwegian Aqua features an array of spaces to unwind including the newly expanded pool-deck and the adults-only Vibe Beach Club, now more spacious than ever before. For even MORE tranquility, guests can visit the Mandara Spa and Salon for invigorating spa services or a trip to the thermal suite which features heated loungers, an ice room, steam room and a variety of saunas including the new clay sauna. With a 10% increase in size and capacity from sister ships Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Aqua is the first of the Prima Plus Class. Featuring more outdoor space and the highest staffing levels of any new contemporary cruise ship, Norwegian Aqua spans 1,056 feet long and accommodates 3,571 guests at double occupancy. "We have a great partnership with NCL and are excited to welcome Norwegian Aqua to our homeport fleet," said Captain John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. "Port Canaveral is the ideal homeport for this new Prima-Plus class ship, especially with more guests driving in to take advantage of our easy in/easy out access. Our team looks forward to providing NCL's guests with the customer-focused experience that has made our Port a cruise industry leader." Following the ship's first season in Port Canaveral, she will sail a series of five and seven-day warm-weather voyages to Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025 before returning to Miami for a season of seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises between October 2025 and April 2026. For guests planning their next cruise vacation aboard Norwegian Aqua or any ship in NCL's fleet the Company's brand-new program, More At Sea™, provides travelers more value with unlimited open bar featuring premium beverage brands such as Casamigos Tequila, Woodford Reserve, Grey Goose Vodka and more; as well as specialty dining meals; high-speed Wi-Fi minutes; and $50 shore excursion credits at every port of call. More At Sea delivers guests an incredible value with savings of over 75%. The package also includes free airfare for the second guest and kids sail free on select sailings. For more details on NCL's new More At Sea offering, visit For b-roll and additional assets of Norwegian Aqua, please visit the press kit here. For more information about the Company's award-winning fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit About Norwegian Cruise Line As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 58 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the opportunity to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, the company invites guests to 'Experience More at Sea' by providing them with more to see, more to do, more to enjoy, and more value on their vacation. To further deliver guests with more value, NCL's 'More At Sea™' package provides added benefits and inclusions such as unlimited open bar; specialty dining credits; high-speed Wi-Fi; shore excursions credits; as well as free airfare and third and fourth guests sail free on select sailings. Its fleet of 20 contemporary ships sail to nearly 350 of the world's most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company's private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo-traveler staterooms, club balcony suites and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company's ship-within-a-ship concept. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the NCL Newsroom and follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian. Norwegian Cruise Line is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. To learn more, visit NCL Media ContactPublicRelations@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Norwegian Cruise Line Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ALL-NEW NORWEGIAN AQUA ARRIVES TO NEW YORK CITY FOR HER OFFICIAL U.S. DEBUT
– NCL Releases Brand-New Images of Norwegian Aqua Including Growing Viral Sensation the Aqua Slidecoaster – the World's First Hybrid Rollercoaster and Waterslide – – Norwegian Aqua to Return to the Big Apple Offering Roundtrip Sailings to Bermuda Beginning August 2025 – MIAMI, April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, today celebrated the arrival of the all-new magnificent Norwegian Aqua™ to the U.S. for an exclusive preview in New York City before she returns in August 2025 for a series of voyages to Bermuda. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: Today, Norwegian Aqua will welcome over 2,000 invited guests for a two-day inaugural event to experience the Brand's newest offerings. Ranging from first-in-the-industry activities to returning guest-favorites, NCL is delivering MORE of what guests love about cruising with the Brand. With an overall 10 percent size and capacity increase from sister ships Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Aqua also boasts the world's first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster. The latest attraction at sea, which is currently catching viral attention on social media, features a high speed powered launch that propels adventurous guests through one of two different courses across three decks. With dual slides, guests can have two unique experiences on this industry-leading attraction. "All of us at NCL are thrilled to finally welcome our newest incredible ship, Norwegian Aqua to the U.S., especially here in New York City," said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "New York and the tri-state area are an incredibly important market for us, so to showcase the beautiful Norwegian Aqua here in the Big Apple during her inaugural season was a no-brainer. We cannot wait for her to return to New York City in August for a season of voyages to Bermuda and for our guests to experience MORE to do and MORE to enjoy with everything she has to offer for the whole family." Norwegian Aqua offers activities bow-to-stern for everyone. For the guests who prefer to kick back and relax, the adults-only Vibe Beach Club provides even more space with outdoor loungers and cabanas overlooking sweeping ocean views. Guests can also retreat to the Mandara Spa and Salon for rejuvenating treatments, tranquil saunas, and invigorating spa services. Families and active adults can revel in attractions such as the outdoor activity complex, The Stadium; as well as The Drop, the 10-story jaw-dropping dry slide; and the Bull's Eye Bar where guests can enjoy a game of interactive darts with a beer or cocktail in hand. Food and beverage enthusiasts can savor in Norwegian Aqua's 17 dining options and 18 bars and lounges including the redesigned Metropolitan Bar which now features a grand piano for live entertainment. Norwegian Aqua also features the brand-new Glow Court, a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor, where guests can enjoy a variety of interactive activities by day before the space transforms into a nightclub in the evening. The reimagined Aqua Game Zone offers a fun-for-the-whole-family vibe with an array of virtual reality and classic arcade games such as Ms. Pacman, Mario Brothers and Duck Pin Bowling. Additionally, the ship offers an expanded pool deck equipped with day beds that are perfect for lounging in the warm Caribbean sun. Guests can also look forward to Norwegian Aqua's world-class entertainment lineup in collaboration with top industry talent, including "Revolution: A Celebration of Prince." The immersive theatrical concert experience pays tribute to the legendary artist's greatest hits. Other headline productions include "Elements: The World Expanded," an enhanced version of NCL's top-rated show, blending acrobatics, magic and stunning visuals inspired by the four elements – earth, wind, fire and water; as well as interactive shows such as the "Price is Right LIVE," and MORE! On April 13, 2025, Norwegian Aqua will officially be christened in Miami, the 'Cruise Capital of the World,' with a celebratory ceremony featuring godfather and two-time Emmy®-Award winning actor Eric Stonestreet. Following her official christening, Norwegian Aqua will offer a series of seven-day Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla. between April 2025 to July 2025 before sailing five and seven-day voyages to Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025. The ship will then sail five and seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami beginning October 2025 through April 2026 featuring a visit to NCL's private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, which will debut a multi-ship pier in late 2025. For guests planning their next cruise vacation aboard Norwegian Aqua or any ship in NCL's fleet the Company's brand-new program, More At Sea™, provides travelers more value with unlimited open bar featuring premium beverage brands such as Casamigos Tequila, Woodford Reserve, Grey Goose Vodka and more; as well as specialty dining meals; high- speed Wi-Fi minutes; and $50 shore excursion credits at every port of call. More At Sea delivers guests an incredible value with savings of over 75%. The package also includes free airfare for the second guest and kids sail free on select sailings. For more details on NCL's new More At Sea offering, visit For b-roll and additional assets of Norwegian Aqua, please visit the press kit here. For more information about the Company's award-winning fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit About Norwegian Cruise LineAs the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 58 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the opportunity to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, the company invites guests to 'Experience More at Sea' by providing them with more to see, more to do, more to enjoy, and more value on their vacation. To further deliver guests with more value, NCL's 'More At Sea™' package provides added benefits and inclusions such as unlimited open bar; specialty dining credits; high-speed Wi-Fi; shore excursions credits; as well as free airfare and third and fourth guests sail free on select sailings. Its fleet of 20 contemporary ships sail to 450 of the world's most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company's private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo-traveler staterooms, club balcony suites and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company's ship-within-a-ship concept. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the NCL Newsroom and follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian. Norwegian Cruise Line is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. To learn more, visit View original content: SOURCE Norwegian Cruise Line Sign in to access your portfolio
USA Today
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Goodbye go-karts: Norwegian's new ship has a water ride like nothing you've seen at sea
Goodbye go-karts: Norwegian's new ship has a water ride like nothing you've seen at sea Show Caption Hide Caption How to find the best price, perks when booking a cruise Find the cruise that works for your budget with these tips. Problem Solved Norwegian Cruise Line's Aqua Slidecoaster is a new attraction that combines a roller coaster and a water slide. The ride is included in the cruise fare and is open to guests who meet the height and weight requirements. Other new activities on board Norwegian Aqua include a Prince tribute show, an interactive sports court, and a revamped arcade and virtual reality area. LISBON, Portugal —Sitting in a raft at the top of a cruise ship, I heard a mechanical trilling getting louder behind me. A mechanism that looked like robot arms got closer until they reached the back of my seat, pushing me upwards through rushing water until I reached a closed portion of the slide. Then, momentum took over. I twisted, turned and splashed for the next 40 seconds or so, gripping tight to the handles of the blue inflatable. I came out the other side wet, colder in the gusty spring weather and ready for another turn. I had stepped onto Norwegian Cruise Line's Aqua Slidecoaster – a combination roller coaster and water slide – and a conveyor belt delivered me to the bottom of a ramp with the Lisbon skyline to my left. The attraction aboard the line's newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, replaced the go-kart track found on others in the fleet, including Prima Class vessels Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. 'But we have them on five ships, and it was time to try something else,' Mark Kansley, Norwegian's Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, told USA TODAY. The line was also looking for a 'first,' he said. 'We wanted something that had never been done before on ships.' The ride is one of several new activities on board – the first in the line's Prima Plus Class – which sailed its maiden voyage earlier this month ahead of its first revenue sailing on March 28. Who can ride Norwegian Cruise Line's Aqua Slidecoaster? Any guest who meets the height and weight requirements can ride (they must be at least 4 feet tall, for example). However, the attraction is not recommended for guests with pacemakers, defibrillators or certain other conditions. There are no age requirements. Passengers can ride solo or double-up in the same raft. How much does the Aqua Slidecoaster cost? The ride is included in the cruise fare. What other new activities does Norwegian Aqua have? Revolution: A Celebration of Prince: Set to Prince's music, the hour-long show is a spectacle of powerful vocals, choreography and moving stage pieces that puts guests on the dance floor. 'This isn't an impersonation show,' said Bryan Anthony White, Vice President of Entertainment Production at the line's parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 'We are really doing a full theatrical tribute, which is something that NCL has wanted to do for a very long time.' The show was developed in partnership with Broadway choreographer and director Patricia Wilcox. Set to Prince's music, the hour-long show is a spectacle of powerful vocals, choreography and moving stage pieces that puts guests on the dance floor. 'This isn't an impersonation show,' said Bryan Anthony White, Vice President of Entertainment Production at the line's parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 'We are really doing a full theatrical tribute, which is something that NCL has wanted to do for a very long time.' The show was developed in partnership with Broadway choreographer and director Patricia Wilcox. Glow Court: The multipurpose sports court features an interactive LED floor that allows guests to immerse themselves in games like Wall Ball, where players use soccer balls to destroy a digital wall, and Stomp, where they have to stomp on and eliminate colored markers in the given time. At night, the space transforms into a nightclub. The multipurpose sports court features an interactive LED floor that allows guests to immerse themselves in games like Wall Ball, where players use soccer balls to destroy a digital wall, and Stomp, where they have to stomp on and eliminate colored markers in the given time. At night, the space transforms into a nightclub. Aqua Game Zone: An evolution of the line's Galaxy Pavilion and arcade offerings, the new area near the top of the ship combines virtual reality offerings with old-school games. Take a simulated Space Walk and then play Mario Bros or the Bean Bag Toss. Some games are complimentary, while others cost extra. Guests can buy one-day or full-voyage passes for $25 per person each day (those are capped at $175 for itineraries of seven or more days). An evolution of the line's Galaxy Pavilion and arcade offerings, the new area near the top of the ship combines virtual reality offerings with old-school games. Take a simulated Space Walk and then play Mario Bros or the Bean Bag Toss. Some games are complimentary, while others cost extra. Guests can buy one-day or full-voyage passes for $25 per person each day (those are capped at $175 for itineraries of seven or more days). Elements: The World Expanded: A revamped version of one of the line's most popular shows is debuting on Aqua, as well. The production centers around earth, water, wind and fire, and was also crafted with Wilcox, a longtime Norwegian collaborator. 'I think certainly what I strive for in 'Elements' is to feel something, and the same thing in 'Revolution,' is that we give (the audience) a big spectacle, but we should also take away a kind of human connection,' she said. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter with USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
