I Tried Out the First Prima Plus Class Cruise Ship, Norwegian Aqua
On March 25th, I had the opportunity to sail on Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) first Prima Plus-Class ship, the Norwegian Aqua, sailing from Southampton to Belgium.
Now, before I delve further into my thoughts on NCL’s shiny new ship, let me present you with a few stats about the ship. She boasts 156,300 gross tons, has a capacity of 3,571 passengers at full occupancy, and 1,388 crew members. Her length is 1,056 feet, with a total of 20 decks.
My initial reaction as I stood in front of her, as she lay in dock from the Port of Southampton, was that familiar buzz of excitement I had whenever it was time to board.
Standing out prominently behind the new Horizon Terminal, I already knew that she was going to be something special. Norwegian Aqua is 10% larger than the original Prima-class, including Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, meaning that there would be more space to enjoy.
One of the first things that caught my eye as I eagerly approached her was the ship’s stunning hull artwork by artist Allison Hueman.
I found the colour scheme a modern twist on how a ship can stand out in a crowd. The calming yet vibrant colours continued cleverly throughout the ship.
Moving onwards into the heart of the ship is the atrium. I liked the space and it has plenty to admire. The floor-to-ceiling LED panels that adorn the walls capture an essence by expressing the visuals of the ocean.
It’s fully lined with a chic seating area, surrounding itself in cool blues and warm colours, with a feel of sophistication without actually being over-the-top.
There’s plenty of seating around, and even a Starbucks! I can confirm it was a definite hit, as the long queues of passengers eager to grab their favorite drinks were a daily occurrence.
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One of the many standout areas that I like about the new NCL vessel is the impressive art gallery. In addition to the colours and the clever décor, there is certainly plenty of room to admire the pieces from afar, giving each of its artworks the space they deserve.
While the style of art wasn’t necessarily to my taste, I can’t deny how well-curated and striking the actual space is.
Shopping isn’t my forte either, but the onboard shopping experience is pretty much as expected and located in key positions to catch your eye!
Norwegian Aqua Accommodations
My stay in the Club Balcony Suite began sprightly when I first entered the room. It was very spacious, accommodating up to 4 guests, with room sizes ranging from 231 to 358 sq ft. Knowing I had at least three full days onboard, I was impressed by the layout and the comfort it provided.
The floor-to-ceiling windows offered uninterrupted ocean views, and the modern, sleek, and stylish decor allowed me to have an all-important relaxing atmosphere, albeit for a short time.
The balcony was a bonus, ideal for couples or small families who look to have comfort on their breaks without going all out on a full suite. I believe it will certainly strike a great balance between luxury accommodation and affordability.
I like the idea that anyone looking for a more budget-friendly option can have their wish. The standard balcony cabins available were well-designed and range from 186 to 294 sq ft.
It also reflected the ship’s sleek aesthetic. The soft, neutral tones of the room with bursts of colour make for a peaceful setting. However, I feel, while the ship boasts more space overall, the standard cabin bathrooms felt quite snug—a bit of a letdown given the added room elsewhere.
An impressive idea onboard is the designated Studio Staterooms, designed specifically for solo travellers. Norwegian Aqua has 73 solo studios in total, each 94 sq ft. These thoughtfully crafted cabins provided a cozy yet stylish space without the added cost of paying for double occupancy.
It’s a fantastic option, and I feel it will no doubt be a popular choice for those traveling alone who will need, and still want, a comfortable and modern room at sea.
The most luxurious accommodations Norwegian Aqua has onboard are situated in The Haven. These rooms are so spacious and boast the best panoramic views on the ship directly from their balconies.
These spaces have a personalised concierge and an impressive 24-hour butler service, with brand new 2-storey, 3-bedroom Duplex Suites. And even more impressive is that Norwegian Aqua has 123 of these suites, more than any other Prima ship.
Dining Experiences
Moving ahead now, my favourite subject is the food onboard! I was keen to try Norwegian Aqua’s cuisine. I have to say, it’s an absolute treat, with specialty restaurants having plenty of variety and satisfying my cravings.
One of the standout new spots on the ship is the cruise line’s first-ever Thai restaurant, Sukhothai. And boy, does it deliver. The flavours are bold and moreish, the plating is exquisite, and the ambiance transports you straight to a high-end eatery in Bangkok. The mango sticky rice? I have to add, absolute perfection.
All the familiar favourites onboard NCL are back, like Cagney’s Steakhouse and NAMA (a visually stunning sushi bar), which shine amid the ship’s colourful design.
Le Bistro was another highlight for me, as I love French cuisine. I loved the stylish and sleek decor of the room, and found it both elegant and welcoming. It was perfect for a special night out.
For my starter course, I opted for the onion soup. It was rich and flavourful and plentiful to get my taste buds going. My choice of the fillet of beef with fondant potato for my main course was easily the best choice I could have made. It was quite possibly the best I’ve ever had. If you’re a foodie, this spot is a must.
The Indulge Food Hall on Deck 8 is another win for the ship, as it offers a mix of global cuisine in a casual, flexible, and relaxing setting. I found it ideal if I didn’t want a formal sit-down meal, but still wanted quality food.
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Now, onto the buffet—it left me a tad underwhelmed. I expected a wider variety of choices to choose from, and bundles of it to satisfy my needs. However, I found the choices lacking.
And while the staff’s singing was meant to add a bit of fun to proceedings, I found it distracting. I get that it’s part of the atmosphere, and I do want the fun element to shine, but I’d have preferred to enjoy my meal without the added entertainment.
Entertainment and Activities on Norwegian Aqua
One activity definitely not for me, yet thrill-seekers will love the new Aqua Slidecoaster on Deck 18. It has been promoted as the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea.
I’ll admit, I chickened out! But for anyone brave enough to give it a try like Cruise Hive’s founder, Emrys Thakkar, it’s bound to be an exhilarating ride! In Emrys’s own words: “It’s super fast at the start when the arms propel you forward, just wish it would last longer!”
On the same deck was The Glow Court. A great idea to have this on board as it has a dual function. A digital sports complex with neon lights and an interactive LED floor, that transforms into a buzzing nightclub at night, which adds a unique touch.
The Game Zone on Deck 6 was my place to be, and it is packed with sports-related activities. Tee Time, an interactive mini-golf course, was a blast.
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I got way too competitive for my own good on the 12-hole course, but it was all in good fun. There’s also table tennis and pickleball in The Stadium, making for a lively and challenging atmosphere.
The new Aqua Game Zone on the same Deck is an absolute highlight. From the moment you step inside, the neon lights and buzzing energy pull you in.
Whether you head into your classic arcade games or new modern challenges, there is something for everyone. I had a great time, and it’s pure fun, with nostalgia rolled into one.
The Aqua Theatre & Club, a three-story venue, is a transformable space that isn’t just a main theater for all the main production shows, but also the seating can be removed to become a nightclub! However, the drink holders on the chairs are not designed well enough to hold a bottle of beer!
While the Prince-inspired show was a standout with great musicians, I would have loved more intimate performances, like more jazz nights or live acoustic sets.
Relaxation and Outdoor Spaces
The main pool deck onboard is designed for the ultimate relaxation breakaway. It has plush daybeds and an infinity-edge pool along the side that offers panoramic, breathtaking ocean views.
The Ocean Boulevard was cleverly designed as it wrapped around the entire ship, making it stand out. It also featured the Oceanwalk glass bridge and Infinity Beach, which boasts intimate pools overlooking each side of the vessel. It was the perfect setup for soaking up the sun rays whilst enjoying a cocktail or three. Or maybe four.
Final Thoughts on Norwegian Aqua
The Norwegian Aqua is a spectacular addition to NCL’s fleet. It is a further step forward and a new generation of the popular but slightly smaller Prima class ships.
Would I sail on her again? Yes, without a doubt. But I’d go in knowing that while it offers some of the best thrills and relaxation at sea, there are still a few tweaks that could make it even better.
So, in all, if you’re ever looking for a cruise ship that has something for everyone, then Norwegian Aqua is a fantastic choice. And next up is sister ship Norwegian Luna, which will debut in Spring 2026.
I Tried Out the First Prima Plus Class Cruise Ship, Norwegian Aqua