The Norwegian Aqua, the third vessel in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Plus class, has set sail for its first sea trials. Departing from the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, near Venice, on December 10, the ship is heading to the Mediterranean for a series of rigorous tests.
During its sea trials, Norwegian Aqua will undergo an exhaustive evaluation to ensure the vessel meets the highest standards of safety, performance, and functionality. If these tests are successful, construction will resume ahead of the ship’s much-anticipated debut. Norwegian Aqua is set to be christened in Miami on April 13, 2025, with actor Eric Stonestreet serving as the ship’s godfather.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has introduced several innovative features to further evolve this ship class, building on the success of its predecessors, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. Among the standout attractions onboard is the “Aqua Slidecoaster,” a first-of-its-kind hybrid water slide and roller coaster, promising thrills for passengers of all ages. For those seeking luxury, the ship will debut the industry’s first three-bedroom duplex suite, designed to redefine premium accommodations.
As NCL continues its partnership with renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, the Prima Plus class is setting a new benchmark in cruise innovation. At 322 meters in length and weighing 156,300 gross tons, Norwegian Aqua is approximately 10% larger than her sister ships. With a guest capacity of 3,571 at double occupancy, she boasts more outdoor spaces and the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the contemporary cruise segment.
