Latest news with #NorwegianPrima
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Climate
- The Herald Scotland
Norwegian cruise guest falls from gangway, suffers 'minor injuries'
"On duty crew members were able to immediately assist the guest from the water and see that they were evaluated by the medical team," the spokesperson told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. "It was determined that they sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for further examination and treatment." The ship departed from Civitavecchia on May 24 for a 10-day cruise with stops in Italy, Greece, Malta and France, according to CruiseMapper. Tyler Roys, Senior Meteorologist with AccuWeather, said there were wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour in the afternoon from the east-northeast. "Gusts like this are not usual as we move into the summer months but are more common during the winter season," he said in an email. The cruise line halted disembarkation and embarkation until the weather improved and "the ship was able to safely dock again." "During this interruption, our crew were actively attending to our guests until they were able to re-embark the ship," the spokesperson added. "As always the safety of our guests and crew is our top priority." The incident isn't the only one of its kind in recent years. Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Magic ship hit a pier in Jamaica during windy weather in February 2024. Wind also caused an MSC Cruises ship, MSC Sinfonia, and another Norwegian vessel, Norwegian Prima, to break from their moorings the previous month. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
Business Insider
13-05-2025
- Business Insider
I sailed on Norwegian's giant new cruise ship. It's one of my new favorites — and strong competition against Royal Caribbean and Carnival.
On paper, the 156,300-gross-ton Norwegian Aqua is similar to any other commercial cruise ship. Its 20 decks, colorful hull, and protruding spaghetti-like waterslide-roller coaster are hard to miss from the streets of its homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida. The 1,056-foot-long Prima Plus-class vessel is 10% larger than its Prima class predecessors, Norwegian Prima and Viva. It can accommodate up to 4,482 guests, with its 1,387 cabins ranging from tiny 94-square-foot solo studios to mammoth eight-person, 2,100 square-foot suites with butlers and balconies. But despite its size, Norwegian Aqua feels more like a boutique ship. In 2025, it starts at $773 per person for a five-day round-trip Bermuda cruise from New York. Competitor Royal Caribbean has perfected the art of building colorful cruises with distinctively disparate 'neighborhoods.' By shedding thematic cohesion, Royal Caribbean's vessels create different areas for different guests, making them feel more like floating cities. Norwegian's latest project has similarly diverse amenities. But instead of creating contrasting districts with vastly different themes, every public space exudes a clean, bright, modern design. It forgoes the garish, kaleidoscopic, and at times campy decor travelers might associate with large family ships in favor of a neutral and subtly sophisticated interior that opens seamlessly into its outdoor spaces — of which there are plenty. During my complimentary three-night test voyage in mid-April, the ship was sailing at half its full capacity. It's so well designed, I thought it was only a quarter full. It looks like its upscale sister brands, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, without sacrificing the entertainment of its mass-market purpose. In addition to kids' clubs, Norwegian Aqua keeps families entertained with a 10-story drop slide, high-tech dart boards, and a kids' water playground. A large, family-friendly cruise wouldn't be complete without a waterslide. The Aqua Slidecoaster does double duty as a slide and a roller coaster. The Slidecoaster's robot arm launches riders upward of 31 miles per hour into the waterslide tubes. Once inside (and after you stop screaming), it slows down significantly, with a pace more akin to a quick lazy river. It's jolting and entertaining — a great replacement for Norwegian's go-kart course, notably absent from the ship. Plus, it's free, a rarity for cruise ship crown jewels. Cruise staples like a sports court, arcade, and mini-golf course have also been modernized on Aqua. What the Glow Court lacks in size, it makes up for in versatility. Its LED floors and walls instantly transform according to the participant's choice of sport and activity. The 12-hole mini-golf course is similarly flashy. Cameras track and log the participants' putts, forgoing the need for a do-it-yourself scorecard. It also automatically stores the ball after the final hole, so you only have to return your putter. However, a go-around will cost $5 per player. Afterward, hit up the juiced-up arcade. Again, it's not free. And the variety of VR headset rides, claw machines, arcade games, and tiny bowling lanes is sure to dent the wallets of families with excitable children. On the bright side, the Stadium, an open-air collection of activities such as shuffleboard and "beer" pong, is free. Adults get the Vibe Beach Club. Time to drop the youngsters off at the kids' club? Hit the pickleball court to increase your heart rate. If you'd rather relax, there's always the spa with facials costing upward of $300. Or, head to Vibe Beach Club. The adult-only outdoor reprieve has lounge chairs, hot tubs, and drinks. However, it does cost $270 for a seven-day pass. If you hate lounging near children, it might be worth the cost. But there are plenty of other places to loiter under the sun, be it the pool deck or the Ocean Boulevard walkway with infinity pools and daybeds. The luxury of choice also extends to dining. For something new, you could pay $50 to try Norwegian's first Thai restaurant, Sukhothai. The papaya salad and red curry with roasted duck met expectations, although neither was as spicy as they were hyped to be. That said, your meal will likely be cheaper (and just as good) at your local Thai restaurant. Aqua has 7 complimentary restaurants. Or, if you're being generous, 17 — Indulge Food Hall has 10 stations, including Spanish tapas, noodles, and plant-based bowls, that can be ordered using tableside digital tablets. The Lanzhou beef and dan dan noodles were pleasantly authentic (as in, I choked on the chili oil in the beef noodle soup a few times). The same goes for the Indian stall, as expected from a kitchen with a tandoor. Order from the veggie-friendly Planterie for a lighter meal. The Hawaiian bowl was nutty and balanced. For protein, consider a side of the tempeh, which is prepared with a sweet barbecue sauce. Or, try the cóctel de mariscos from The Latin Quarter, brisket from Q Texas Smokehouse, or picanha from Seaside Rotisserie — you can order from different stalls simultaneously. Indulge is quick and convenient, with enough options to satisfy a family of fussy eaters. If I could eat there every day, I would. Aqua has two ritzy main dining rooms for a more formal sit-down dinner. There's also a classic cruise ship buffet. But be warned, it's smaller than expected. Instead, grab a Brie sandwich and a cookie from the Observation Lounge. Or head to Local for bar food comforts like pretzels and burgers. They'll pair great with an ice-cold beer. There are 16 other places to grab a beverage on Aqua, whether a glass of prosecco or a Starbucks Frappuccino. Swirl is Norwegian's first wine bar. One bartender told me it had access to every bottle on board the ship, while another said orange wine is exclusive to the Mediterranean restaurant. You're better off sipping at another bar if you barely know the difference between a riesling and a Chenin Blanc. Go to Metropolitan for live music with a dark, classy ambiance. There's also a whiskey bar for, well, whiskey enthusiasts, and a humidor lounge for cigar indulgers. Venues like the pool, improv club, and live music hub, Syd Norman's Pour House, have places to drink, too. Syd Norman's isn't to be mistaken with the theater show 'Syd Norman's Presents: Rumours.' During the performance, a cover band runs through Fleetwood Mac's iconic album while dropping bits of trivia about each song. It's much less theatrical than the "Revolution: A Celebration of Prince" show, which is chock-full of lightweight hip thrusts, colorful costumes, and lilypad-like platforms that rotate around the standing room floor to create an ever-changing set. For a more showy show, there's "Elements: The World Expanded, which features magicians and Cirque du Soleil-like acrobats. So yes, while Norwegian Aqua looks like an upscale cruise ship for retirees, it's really a great option for families. Norwegian's latest ship leans into the "floating amusement park" cruise trend without overwhelming guests. It strikes an artful balance between curating a posh atmosphere and including amenities to satisfy multigenerational families. It's as relaxing (infinity pools with daybeds and hidden nooks with ocean views) as it is fun (ping pong, darts, and Aqua Slidecoaster). While there are plenty of paywalls (be it the adult-only lounge or mini-golf), all of the complimentary options are sufficient, if not better. Will you have to wait in line for the free Aqua Slidecoaster? Yes. Will you feel FOMO if you skip the upcharged arcade? Maybe. Will you return to the food hall more than once if you don't want to pay for specialty dining? Yes — and I'll be jealous if you do.
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
Forbes
30-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Norwegian Aqua Debuts: 10 Big Changes From Norwegian Prima And Viva Ships
Norwegian Aqua is the first ship to feature a female hull artist. NCL Norwegian Aqua is the third in the line's Prima Class of ships and the 20th in its fleet, but this vessel is quite different from its predecessors. Not only is it 10% larger, but it also boasts several new amenities and features that are not the same as Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, which launched in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Why is Aqua different than the first two? For starters, the way Norwegian places these ship orders to the shipyard is in pairs. While Prima was being built, Viva was already under its own design phase. To make them notably different is more of a challenge. Aqua and its sibling ship Luna are far enough down the line to incorporate guest and crew feedback into their construction. Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna are sister ships, and the next two to emerge from the Prima Class of ships for NCL. NCL This allows the brand to remove features that may not have been particularly popular or efficient and replace them with new concepts that improve upon the ship. As a result, Norwegian refers to this new subset of ships internally as Prima Plus ships. Here are 10 ways that Norwegian Aqua differs from Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, and why you may notice some changes, but not others. Norwegian Aqua has a larger pool and sundeck. NCL The race track was a headline-grabbing feature of the first two ships (and nothing new for Norwegian). But, it took up quite a bit of landscape on the ship, and it was only used for certain periods of the day. In addition, while it was being used, it could only serve a small number of guests at the time. This was a significant tradeoff for space and use. At the same time, many wondered why the size of the main pool was so small. Aboard Aqua, things are different. In place of the race track, the ship had more space to play with allowing for more amenities that served more people and made better use of the space. Norwegian Aqua has two additional sections that expand its cabin count and onboard footprint. NCL The pool and pool deck are larger, which are sure to be popular on the Caribbean sailings the ship will make during its inaugural summer season. If you're wondering how a ship gets 10% larger, it's not by adding an extra deck. Instead, two central 36-foot long sections were added to its midsection extending its length. Vibe Beach Club is an adults-only space. NCL Many of the space enhancements to the ship were made in the public areas and top decks. This was intentional to permit more entertainment space for guests, especially when it comes to relaxation time in the sun. Vibe Beach Club is the adults-only sun deck has doubled in size allowing for more lounge chairs with more plush cushions. Whirlpools and cabanas are also available on the 16th floor space, which also has its own private bar. Guests can pay for special access to quieter area. This is the first hybrid roller coaster and water slide at sea. NCL While slides are nothing new to Norwegian's first two Prima Class ships, Norwegian Aqua has the first blended roller coaster and water slide at sea. Its introduction was another benefit of removing the racetrack as it takes up some, but not all, of the same footprint wrapping around the ship's funnel. This is in addition to the ten-story dry slide that dangles off the edge of the ship. Unlike Prima and Viva, there is now only one dry slide instead of two, which leads to more deck space by the infinity-edge pools on the other side. The ride accelerates and decelerates like a roller coaster. NCL Brave travelers don bathing suits and hop aboard special rafts that follow the same acceleration-deceleration technology of a roller coaster. It's a splashy and panoramic experience that changes by the day depending upon the port where the ship is that day. The best part: it's free. Previously, the race track that it replaces carried a surcharge to enjoy it. It will also be able to accommodate more guests at a time than the racetrack making more efficient use of space. Indulge Food Hall now has a new plant-based option. NCL A quintessential part about any cruise is the food and beverage experience. And Norwegian is no stranger for making waves when it comes to where and how travelers dine. It was the catalyst for freestyle dining and introduced the idea of dining when hungry instead of at set times in its main restaurant. The Commodore Room, one of the main, included restaurants, is now twice as big as before. This is just one of several restaurants, each with a different theme, that are part of the included package. A rendering of the new Sukhothai restaurant aboard Norwegian Aqua NCL The specialty dining venues have also seen a small shakeup. In place of its Asian-Latin fusion outlet Food Republic, a new Thai restaurant, Sukhothai, joins the lineup of restaurants that a charge a fee for an upgraded experience. These also include a sushi restaurant, hibachi grill, American steakhouse, Mexican restaurant and Italian Onda by Scarpetta. And that hibachi grill is the largest teppanyaki restaurant in the Norwegian fleet, an indication of its popularity, now offering nine tables for large groups. The Belvedere Bar aboard the new Norwegian Aqua NCL Another important feature for any cruise is where to find a drink. There is a new wine bar, and one of the main cocktail bars was made larger to accommodate a grand piano and small place for live entertainment. There are plans for some of the bars to do double duty during the day, even when not pouring drinks. They can be used for special talks, trivia games or other hosted activities. Nama is back by popular demand for its sushi and sashimi menu, and the teppanyaki restaurant on board is larger than any other Norwegian ship. NCL The Local Bar & Grill, which is akin to a sports bar, has more seating space and more screens airing a global variety of games and matches. The swing chairs on earlier ships, highly popular albeit taking up a lot of space, were replaced with more group seating. This venue is open 24 hours a day with a menu of complimentary bar snacks like pretzel bites with spicy mustard, bowls of chili and burgers. Starbucks, which is part of the larger Penrose Atrium, also enjoys more seating space with double-height windows overlooking the passing scenery. The first Prince-inspired show at sea takes place aboard Aqua. The line worked closely with the performer's production and legacy preservation teams to create an in-house tribute to his music and life. "Revolution: A Celebration of Prince' is a complimentary show that takes place at least once during each sailing. Actor Eric Stonestreet, who stars in ABC's Modern Family, is the ship's godfather. NCL This is all in addition to the other onboard entertainment that takes place in the theater each evening. They range from special entertainers that join the ship for different sailings, like comedians and magicians, to the brand's own musical revue. For Aqua, the latter has been upgraded to include more acrobatics and magic features. The popular Fleetwood Mac tribute in one of the bars also returns to Norwegian Aqua, as does 'The Price is Right LIVE on NCL,' a game show modeled after its namesake TV series, awarding passengers real prizes. The glow court for nighttime basketball play NCL Although the cruise line's research found that the more recognizable the music and shows, the higher the guest satisfaction, Aqua does not feature a headline Broadway show the way Viva did with 'Beetlejuice.' According to the cruise line, feedback shows that 'visual spectacle' and easy-to-follow narratives are top of mind for customers. Norwegian believes that travelers are less interested in investing in a longer-form Broadway plot line and prefer something that entertains immediately, even if they arrive a bit late for the show, for example. The Mediterranean bowl at Planterie in Indulge Food Hall NCL Tapping into the growing interest in healthy and vegetarian dining, the ship offers more plant-based options on the menu than before. It is especially notable in Indulge Food Hall, where guests place orders from various food stands via tabletop tablets to have them delivered to their seat. Instead of a salad station on the first two ships, Aqua has Planterie, a plant-based venue serving salads and grain bowls with a variety of proteins like tofu and tempeh. A duplex suite in The Haven NCL The Haven, which is the hotel-within-a-hotel concept on the top decks of the ship, features its own private dining room, bar, lounge and pool areas. This has always been a popular upgrade on its ships, and so much so, that Aqua features more Haven cabins. There are now 123 suites, up from 107, to cater to the growing premium demand. The newest suite on the ship now has three bedrooms and spreads across two levels. This is Norwegian Aqua's self-declared "selfie statue." NCL And as with every Norwegian ship, the artwork is different throughout the interiors. From grand sculptures along the exterior decks to art on the stairway landings, it is all chosen particularly to highlight emerging artists. The cruise line also stands out for painting its ship hulls in dramatic colors and patterns making each vessel unique in its lineup. Think of it like an airline's livery, which is distinctive in its own right. This is the first time that a female artist (Allison Hueman) designs the ship's exterior art. She is particularly known for her street art around the world. Aqua Pulse fitness center stocks Technogym equipment. NCL Aqua relies exclusively on marine gas oil, which distinguishes it from its previous ships that used a blend. This means Aqua has no scrubbers or scrubber towers. With a lower sulfur content and more energy-efficient operations, marine gas oil is a focus for the line's newer ships. A new feature on board allows the bridge to see real-time regulatory information regarding the environment. This could include a whale passage that is active during the time of the sailing that they need to avoid or new local rules recently put into place at a particular port. This is a first for Norwegian.
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@
