When Cruise Nation gets an invite to sail aboard Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest showstopper, you know we’re diving in headfirst—cocktail in hand, of course. We joined the stunning new Norwegian Aqua, the first Prima Class Plus ship and the third ship in NCL’s Prima Class, to see what all the buzz was about. Spoiler alert: she’s a total game changer.
First Impressions
The Balcony Cabins are surprisingly roomy, with a marble-style bathroom, dressing table, comfy sofa area, plush bed, and a generous balcony fitted with two luxurious chairs. Vibe Beach Club? Think luxury resort at sea—with infinity pools, comfy loungers, and no fighting for space.
Deck 17 and above delivers non-stop action. From the moment we walked into Aqua Game Zone, it felt less like a ship and more like a floating playground. Despite the ship’s size, it never felt crowded. Whether you were looking to chill or chase the fun, there was always a perfectly placed spot.
Dining and Drinks
With 17 restaurants and 18 bars and lounges, Norwegian Aqua is a floating foodie paradise.
Buffet with Bite
Forget soggy buffet clichés. Aqua’s buffet is fresh, flavourful, and 100% worth repeat visits. From fluffy pancakes to perfectly poached eggs, breakfast alone is a win.
Elegant Eats in the Main Dining Rooms
Aqua’s main dining rooms bring the cruise classic into the modern day. With beautifully presented three-course menus, attentive service, and a relaxed-yet-refined vibe, they’re ideal for long, leisurely meals. Whether it’s steak and seafood night or a hearty pasta dish, there’s always something to impress—and the views? Chef’s kiss.
Indulge Your Senses
At Indulge Food Hall, you can tour nine international food stations without ever leaving your seat. Just order via iPad and enjoy everything from noodles to rotisserie chicken. Want five starters and no mains? Go for it. Freestyle Dining means no rules, no dress codes, just delicious freedom.
Speciality Standouts
Our team favourite? Hasuki Teppanyaki. Think dinner meets theatre with flying eggs, sizzling plates, and endless laughs. We dined here as a big group for one of our ‘More At Sea’ speciality dining nights and it was the perfect pick. The chefs were entertaining, talented, and had everyone laughing from start to finish.
Other top picks include Cagney’s Steakhouse for that classic surf-and-turf and Le Bistro for romantic French vibes. Pair it all with a glass from Swirl, NCL’s newly introduced cosy wine bar.
More at Sea: Is The Upgrade Worth It?
We tested NCL’s ‘More At Sea’ all-inclusive package—and it’s a no-brainer. For just £249 per person on a 7-night sailing, you get:
- A premium drinks package (yes to cocktails, Grey Goose, Hendrick’s, wine and beer!)
- 3 speciality dining experiences (from a whopping 17 restaurants)
- $50 shore excursion credit per port (perfect for spontaneous explorers)
- 150 minutes of Wi-Fi (great for keeping the socials updated)
It’s one of the best value packages we’ve seen. We’d have spent a fortune on drinks without this package, and used our credit in Bruges for a canal ride and discovered hidden gems we’d have otherwise missed.
Activities and Entertainment
From epic rides on the world’s first water rollercoaster to show-stopping evening tribute shows, this ship is all about high energy fun.
Activities
Next-Level Gaming
The gaming zone is brilliantly designed—big, easy to navigate, and loaded with options. Parents, rejoice: there’s even a chilled space for you while the kids go full VR warrior mode.
Mini Golf, Major Laughs
Every hole is themed around a destination, and the competition got intense (especially among the adults). Our top moment? Jamaica. No one nailed it in one shot—but we all tried.
Splash & Soak
The kids’ splash zone is a huge hit, while grown-ups can relax close by. With racing slides, shaded areas, and sun loungers, it’s a win-win.
Thrill Rides
Shoutout to our brave Sales Assistant Kayleigh who took on The Drop and the Aqua Rollercoaster—two adrenaline-pumping water rides you won’t find on your average ship. They’re fast, fun, and unforgettable.
Evening Entertainment
Expect West End-worthy performances at the Aqua Theatre (Prince and Fleetwood Mac tributes? Yes please), and don’t miss karaoke nights at Syd Norman’s Pour House for major laughs.
After the curtain falls, the Aqua Theatre transforms into a multi-level nightclub with DJs, dazzling lights, and a crowd that’s ready to party. Prefer something mellow? Head to Belvedere Bar for live acoustic sets, sip a martini at the elegant Penrose Bar, and don’t worry—there’s a Starbucks onboard to wake yourself up the next day!
And when the comedy club turns into a DJ-led dance floor after dark, it proves Aqua uses every inch of space to entertain.
The Haven
Some of our lucky team members got to experience The Haven — NCL’s exclusive suite enclave, and let’s just say… we’ve been ruined for regular cruising ever since.
From private elevators to palatial suites with espresso machines, bubbles on ice, plush seating, and round-the-clock butler service, it’s a serious glow-up. Think New York penthouse meets luxury yacht, all with jaw-dropping ocean views.
Up on the private Haven Pool Deck, you’ll find an infinity pool, outdoor sauna, and an icy-cool cold room — perfect for refreshing dips between sun-soaked lounging.
Then there’s The Haven Restaurant — the quiet culinary crown jewel. Whether you’re starting your day with silky Eggs Benedict or a smoked salmon platter paired with freshly brewed coffee (or hey, why not a Mimosa?), breakfast here feels like a warm hug.
Lunch is a lavish affair too: think lobster bisque, mozzarella and prosciutto, and perfectly cooked steak frites. And whatever you do, save room for the carrot cake — it’s outrageously good.
Come dinner, the delights keep rolling in. Filet Mignon? Yes. Surf & Turf (with buttery Lobster, of course)? Absolutely. Pan-Seared Scallops? Say no more.
All served up with effortless, friendly service, a top-notch wine list, soft drinks, and every indulgence you could dream of.
And the best part? When you’ve had your fill of fun elsewhere on the ship, you can slip back to this serene, ultra-private sanctuary whenever you please. Bliss.
Wellness At Sea
The Mandara Spa on Aqua is something else entirely. Spread across two serene, beautifully designed floors, it feels more like a high-end wellness retreat than a cruise ship facility. With Elemis treatments, tranquil indoor pools, and relaxation areas that ooze luxury, we forgot we were even at sea.
Right next door, the Pulse Fitness Center is a dream for gym-goers, complete with top-of-the-line Technogym equipment and ocean views from every treadmill. Whether you’re smashing a workout or stretching off last night’s steak dinner, the space delivers.
The staff? Total pros. Friendly, knowledgeable, and determined to keep your wellness vibe on point.
Accessibility
Because every guest deserves a five-star experience, Norwegian Aqua delivers accessibility in style. Whether you have reduced mobility or specific support needs, this ship has your back (and your front, and your side entrances too).
Pre-Cruise Planning
Booking accessibility services is smooth sailing with NCL. A dedicated support line helps with everything from mobility aids to dietary requirements. Pre-cruise emails offer useful reminders, packing tips, and options for custom requests—making your holiday start before you even step onboard.
Embarkation & Check-In
At Southampton terminal, assistance is readily available, even if signage is a bit sparse. Expect wheelchair pushers, wider lanes, and accessible seating—plus a super-efficient check-in process with helpful staff.
Cabin Accessibility
The accessible staterooms are seriously well-thought-out: automatic wide doors, roll-in showers, lowered surfaces, pull-down shower heads, and emergency call buttons both in the bedroom and bathroom. Balcony cabins even come with mini ramps for step-free lounging.
Around the Ship
Lounges, restaurants, and entertainment venues are fitted with ramps and elevators. The theatre on Deck 7 includes designated accessible seating, and staff are always on hand to lend a hand. The pools? Yes, they’ve thought of that too—removable lifts are available (with 24 hours’ notice).
Excursions
Excursion listings include accessibility info like step count and mobility levels. And for ports that allow, accessible transport can be arranged via Guest Services.
Dining, Tech & Support
Menus in Braille, support for hearing needs in theatres, and accessible tech (like the NCL app and subtitled in-room TVs) make everyday life onboard a breeze. Medical services are midship on Deck 12 (note: charges apply and should be claimed via travel insurance).
For Families
Kids’ zones like Splash Academy and Guppies are accessible, and stroller routes are wheelchair-friendly throughout the ship. No babysitting service, but maximum freedom to roll wherever you like.
Disembarkation
Worried about the last day? Don’t be. Luggage is handled, transport is accessible (when pre-booked), and the process is as calm as a Caribbean sunset. In short: Norwegian Aqua is one of the most accessible ships at sea – and yet another reason why Cruise Nation always brings you holidays where everyone gets to live their best life.
Final Thoughts
Norwegian Aqua is where premium cruising meets playful adventure. Whether you’re a foodie, a thrill-seeker, a spa lover, or just in it for the views and cocktails (no judgement), this ship has you covered.
Ready to sail on a ship that truly has it all? Browse Cruise Nation’s best-value deals aboard Norwegian Aqua and prepare to cruise like a pro.
View all Norwegian Aqua cruise deals here
Comments from the team
Jade
This was my first time sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line, and it completely surpassed my expectations—it’s now top of the list for my next cruise. There’s truly something for everyone on Aqua; I could easily see myself inviting the whole family next time. For the prices we sell Aqua cruise package holidays for—including More At Sea—there’s so much value packed in.
Natasha
If you’re planning a family cruise on Norwegian Aqua, let me just say—you’re in for a treat! This ship is packed with activities that will keep both kids and parents entertained, and I was seriously impressed with how well everything was thought out.
Lisa
Having never sailed with NCL I can honestly say the experience was fantastic, the service from the staff on board was amazing, delicious food and plenty for all to do from young to old, this is an amazing ship with so much to offer and I am so happy I got to experience it all in 3 short days.
Jamie
Aqua is one of the best ships I’ve ever been on. It was so easy to get around the ship, unlike many older ones. The speciality dining restaurants were amazing, and the buffet restaurant offered a fantastic variety. I’d highly recommend trying the complimentary Indulge Food Hall, which offers a range of cuisines from around the world. You can have Indian food, your partner could opt for Italian, and the kids can enjoy burgers – all ordered from an iPad!
I’d also highly recommend everyone adds the More at Sea package, which includes Premium Drinks, Wi-Fi, speciality dining, and excursion credit. It’s incredible value for money – especially when you consider a large beer is $8.50 plus tax and a Diet Coke is $3.50 plus tax.
Andrew
Check-in and disembarkation were really quick and efficient. Connecting to the Wi-Fi was simple—much easier than my experience with another cruise line last year, where you had to hand over your devices and queue up for someone to connect them for you.
The cabin was spacious, and so was the balcony. We dined in several different restaurants, and the food was excellent across the board. There were plenty of bars onboard with quick service—the Darts Bar was a particular favourite.
There were loads of activities to keep the kids entertained, and the shows were both entertaining and of a high standard.
Elaine
Just one word….WOW. I was lucky enough to experience Haven for the first time, and I think this is the way forwards. From the exclusive check in area with refreshments on tap, the private Haven guest elevators, the absolutely luxurious suites to the serene escapism of the pool terrace, lounge, bar and restaurant. It’s a ship within a ship, warranting the ‘luxury’ title.
The ship facilities are elevated, with additional guest space, and a flow around the ship that just made sense. Make sure to catch a live rock band in Syd Normans Pour House after dinner for a great end to your night!
Gemma
NCL Aqua excels in providing a comfortable, well-equipped cruise experience for guests with reduced mobility. From pre-cruise planning to onboard accessibility and shore excursions, the ship’s thoughtful design and attentive staff ensure an inclusive and enjoyable journey.
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