It had been over two years since we sailed with Norwegian Cruise Line. Since that Norwegian Pleasure crusing in summer time 2023, the cruise line has modified fairly a bit. So, we took benefit of a last-minute deal to sail aboard Norwegian Aqua. Now, we’re again with our sincere overview of what it’s actually like cruising on NCL’s newest mega-ship.
Our Sincere Norwegian Aqua Cruise Evaluation
Norwegian Aqua is the primary Prima Plus-class ship, that includes the same format and ambiance to the primary two Prima-class vessels. These ships really feel like upscale resorts with their modern styling and complex environment.
Although, the primary two Prima-class ships did have a few notable design flaws that guests, including us, weren’t shy about mentioning. Primarily based on this suggestions, NCL made a number of enhancements to Norwegian Aqua. From new eating places to redesigned areas, many of those modifications enhance the cruise expertise. Nonetheless, there are nonetheless areas the place Norwegian Aqua falls wanting its rivals.
We’re sharing what we liked, what missed the mark, and whether or not NCL’s latest ship is price reserving in your cruise.
Sports activities Deck
One change that stands out is the utterly revamped sports activities deck.
Whereas I do benefit from the Speedway go-kart monitor discovered on different Norwegian ships, I’m glad the cruise line eliminated it from Norwegian Aqua. Notably on the Prima-class ships, I at all times thought the race monitor seemed misplaced on an in any other case elegant ship.
As a replacement, Norwegian Aqua debuts the AquaCoaster, marketed as the primary of its variety at sea. This hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide is a complimentary attraction just like Disney Cruise Line’s AquaDuck and AquaMouse. The important thing distinction is the propulsion system – as a substitute of a conveyor belt, the AquaCoaster makes use of a crane launch system that propels riders as much as 30 MPH. After the dramatic launch, it’s principally a standard raft-style waterslide. Nonetheless, it’s a enjoyable time and I respect that there is no such thing as a upcharge to trip.
Eradicating the race monitor allowed Norwegian to reinforce different components of the sports activities deck as nicely. Norwegian Aqua contains a new glow court docket – an upgraded half basketball court docket with digital enhancements and interactive video games. There’s additionally a devoted pickleball court docket, acknowledging the game’s rising reputation on cruise ships.
Moreover, The Drop, a 10-story dry slide, is featured on the port aspect of deck 18, however The Rush dual-racing dry slides have been eliminated, thereby enlarging the Stadium. This outside house options ping-pong tables, beer pong, shuffleboard, and cornhole. Whereas the realm has a extra industrial look than we’d desire, all video games listed here are complimentary too.
Norwegian additionally reimagined the Bull’s Eye house. This darts lounge has been relocated and now contains a bar. It’s complimentary now too; although, the brand new venue solely has two dartboards. Nonetheless, there have been minimal wait instances, and we loved a number of video games whereas sampling drinks on faucet on the new Bull’s Eye Bar.
The one remaining upcharge on the sports activities deck is Tee Time, the international-themed mini-golf course, which is $5 per individual. Whereas charging for mini-golf appears extreme, the interactive options do add worth. Digital scoring, numerous challenges, and bonus factors create a extra participating expertise than conventional mini-golf. Regardless of the cost, this 2-story, 12-hole course remained standard throughout sea days.
Pool Deck
Whereas Norwegian Aqua’s capability is 3,500 visitors at double occupancy, the ship nonetheless has just one major pool. Granted, the house has been enhanced, and the pool on deck 17 is noticeably bigger with two accompanying infinity whirlpools. With the Wave waterslide eliminated, there are extra starboard aspect lounge chairs as nicely, permitting extra visitors to get pleasure from this top-deck house. But, it nonetheless will get fairly crowded on sea days.
The Children Aqua Park on deck 18 has additionally been expanded. Surrounded by loungers, this space is good for households with younger kids. Nonetheless, the water options and general footprint don’t examine to what you’ll discover on newer ships within the Carnival or Royal Caribbean fleets.
Sadly, Norwegian Aqua lacks a devoted adults-only pool as nicely. The Vibe Seashore Membership on deck 17 is an upcharge venue the place visitors over 18 can get pleasure from upgraded loungers, a devoted bar, and two infinity scorching tubs for a charge. However there’s no pool. Pricing for Vibe Seashore Membership begins at $269 per week and $99 for a day cross (if out there). In the event you don’t care a couple of pool, Vibe Seashore Membership is a pleasant retreat from the crowds and the households.
Certainly one of our favourite options on any mega-ship is Norwegian’s Waterfront. On Breakaway and Breakaway Plus vessels, this midship promenade presents outside bars, eating places, and assorted seating, however the Prima-class vessels take this idea to the following stage. Norwegian Aqua’s absolutely wrap-around Ocean Boulevard presents most of the similar facilities along with a plunge pool and shallow pool on either side of the ship, together with solar loungers, couches, and sofas for stress-free.
This outside space, harking back to a complicated seaside membership, felt extra spacious and fewer crowded than the primary pool deck. It presents various seating choices in each solar and shade, making it an excellent spot away from the crowds and get together environment of the lido deck. One notable distinction is that Norwegian Aqua’s Ocean Boulevard options fewer artwork installations within the Concourse and extra seating as a substitute.
Leisure
We used to say Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean supplied the most effective leisure at sea.
For years, Norwegian invested closely in Broadway and West Finish productions, together with Kinky Boots, Footloose, Six, and extra lately, Beetlejuice. Nonetheless, over the previous couple of years, NCL has ended most of these licensing deals in favor of original productions.
On Norwegian Aqua, the signature present is Revolution: A Celebration of Prince. Whereas I’m not significantly drawn to Prince’s music, the manufacturing high quality and excessive power exceeded typical cruise ship requirements. The transformational options of the Aqua Theater created an immersive expertise as nicely; nonetheless although, the present was primarily a well-produced live performance.
Maybe my favourite present within the Aqua Theater was Syd Norman’s Presents Rumours. This stripped-down present contains a dwell band and 4 gifted singers. Whereas it’d lack technical wizardry, watching the performers work by means of Fleetwood Mac’s total Rumours album whereas weaving in band historical past made for a fascinating night.
The Aqua Theater additionally hosts The Worth is Proper Dwell sport present, permitting visitors to compete for actual prizes. Full with traditional video games like Plinko, it was entertaining to look at fellow cruisers “come on down.” This was the one manufacturing requiring reservations, which might solely be made as soon as onboard.
The ultimate night time of our cruise featured Parts: The World Expanded. Whereas marketed as “revamped and reimagined” for Norwegian Aqua, it felt remarkably just like the version we saw on Norwegian Joy two years ago. The present contains dancers and aerialists however is actually a glorified magic present.
One of many huge points with the Norwegian Aqua leisure is the shortage of a reservation system for a lot of the productions in the primary theater. We waited in line for over 45 minutes for the Prince present, and regardless of arriving half-hour early for Parts, we couldn’t discover two seats collectively.
The underside line: Norwegian’s shift away from Broadway productions ends in reveals that, whereas entertaining, aren’t as memorable or spectacular as their predecessors. Nonetheless, Royal Caribbean continues to supply productions of epic scale on its latest ships, with technologically spectacular reveals like The Wizard of Oz and Again to the Future: The Musical, making the cruise line a transparent winner now within the leisure class.
Specialty Eating
Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the Freestyle Cruising method to eating, providing no set dinner instances or eating assignments. Visitors can select from numerous complimentary choices or quite a few specialty eating places.
Earlier this yr, NCL revamped its specialty dining pricing and menus as part of the new More at Sea.
With Extra at Sea, we obtained two specialty dinners. As followers of most of the NCL specialty venues, we paid cowl fees for 2 extra eating places as nicely.
Whereas most eating places will probably be acquainted to Norwegian regulars, Norwegian Aqua debuts Sukhothai, changing our beloved Meals Republic. Situated on deck 17 starboard, this venue serves genuine Thai delicacies. We had been wanting to attempt it on our first night time.
Starters like rooster satays and salt-and-pepper prawns delivered daring flavors and knowledgeable preparation. Below the brand new eating plan, visitors can get pleasure from as much as 3 appetizers and three desserts however just one entrée. Entree choices at Sukhothai vary from numerous curries to pad thai, fried rice, and duck. We did suppose it was a bit unusual that pad thai and fried rice had been thought-about entrees. Sure, if you would like fried rice together with your Thai cashew rooster, that can price an additional $25.
Whereas the meals was good, we nonetheless desire the Meals Republic. And we expect the $50 cowl cost is a bit steep given the menu picks.
We haven’t been wowed by Le Bistro up to now, however we determined to present the restaurant one other attempt. Fortunately, we discovered the meals a lot improved. In its new location on deck 7 aft, the venue maintains its glitzy décor with a hanging glass chandelier centerpiece, making it the proper spot for an intimate dinner. If paying to dine right here, the quilt cost is $60.
The French onion soup was wealthy and genuine. My lamb chops arrived completely seared to medium temperature with delicate Moroccan seasoning. Heidi’s coq au vin featured tender rooster in a savory pink wine discount. For dessert, each the Fraisier with strawberries and pistachio-almond cake and the ile flottante had been tasty.
On night time three, we paid the $40 cowl cost (plus 20% gratuity) to dine at Onda by Scarpetta, one in every of our favourite Italian eating places at sea up so far. The worth stays wonderful right here – principally all pizza, antipasti, and pasta depend as starters, which means you’ll be able to order one in every of every along with an entree and desserts.
Nonetheless, this go to proved extra inconsistent than our earlier eating experiences. The pizza was a disappointment, because it tasted no higher than what you’d get within the buffet. Starters like burrata and fritto misto had been on par with typical choices at sea however not overly noteworthy.
With a desk stuffed with starters, we selected pasta as our entrées. The bolognese glad with tender pappardelle and hearty ragù, however Heidi’s mezzelune solely marginally exceeded major eating room high quality. Lastly, my tiramisu and Heidi’s butterscotch budino offered gentle, candy endings to a very filling meal.
We concluded our cruise at Los Lobos, an upscale Mexican restaurant providing wonderful worth at $40. The tableside guacamole is important – our “guacamole grasp” custom-made it to accommodate Heidi’s preferences. Different highlights embrace queso fundido and spicy salsa with chips. Heidi’s rooster fajitas arrived scorching with well-seasoned rooster and completely charred greens. My cochinita pibil featured tender marinated pork that melted in my mouth. And we couldn’t resist ending with churros and tres leches.
Service throughout all 4 eating places was immediate and attentive. Regardless of a number of programs, dinners usually lasted round 90 minutes.
Different specialty choices embrace Norwegian staple Cagney’s Steakhouse, the Mediterranean seafood-focused Palomar, dinner-and-show at Hasuki (the most important teppanyaki restaurant at sea), and sushi at Nama. So, relying in your tastes, you’re certain to discover a restaurant (or two, or three) that it would be best to attempt on Norwegian Aqua.
Complimentary Eating
Whereas the specialty eating is superb, you don’t need to spend extra to search out one thing scrumptious to eat on Norwegian Aqua.
For sit-down meals, two major eating rooms serve dinner – the smaller Commodore Room on deck 6 and the elegant, aft-located Hudson’s on deck 7. Each supply the identical rotating menu that includes each day specials alongside a classics menu with requirements like Caesar salad and rotisserie rooster.
We dined right here as soon as for lunch and as soon as for dinner and located it typical of major eating room experiences. Whereas starters and desserts had been ample, I significantly loved the Hawaiian pork stomach. Hudson’s additionally opens for breakfast each day and presents sit-down lunch on sea days. Of be aware, NCL lately carried out a $5 cowl cost for added entrees.
For informal eating, the Native Bar and Grill gives a superb choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Although restaurant seating is proscribed, the bar presents a choose menu as nicely. The rooster wings listed here are irresistible and out there till 3 AM. Different sandwiches and meals are served from 11 AM to 10:30 PM. Don’t overlook the freshly made breakfast both, out there most days till 10:30 AM for late risers.
Nonetheless, my favourite addition to Prima-class ships is the Indulge Meals Corridor. House to seven completely different stalls plus dessert, the small plates supply various culinary choices. Although, NCL has modified the breakfast format from distinctive grab-and-go gadgets to a regular buffet, which was a bit disappointing as we actually loved the breakfast choices on our Prima cruise again in 2022.
The worldwide choices on the Indulge Meals Corridor shine throughout lunch (usually midday to 2:30 PM) and dinner (5:30 PM to 9:00 PM). Arrive early and put together to hunt for seats. In contrast to different meals halls, you could order from tablets at tables, with meals delivered to you. You cannot stroll as much as a stall and seize one thing to take with you.
Whereas handy in concept, meals can take half-hour or longer to reach. It’s additionally not unusual to obtain partial orders or have gadgets go lacking.
It’s powerful to choose our favourite stall with the combo of culinary choices. The Latin Quarter serves rooster tostados and guacamole, whereas Nudls presents daring road noodles and savory dan dan noodles. One other standout is Seaside Rotisserie with freshly ready meats and sides. Tamara delivers genuine curry dishes, Q Texas Smokehouse presents barbecue favorites, and Tapas gives small plates.
New on Norwegian Aqua is Planterie, a vegetarian-forward stand serving salads and bowls. This new corridor is ideal for these with dietary restrictions or searching for more healthy choices.
Further Seize-and-Go Choices on Norwegian Aqua
Except for The Native and Indulge Meals Corridor, Norwegian Aqua presents few informal choices. The ship additionally lacks on the subject of actually grab-and-go choices.
The Surfside Cafe, the ship’s buffet on deck 17, is just too small for the variety of passengers. No matter timing, we encountered queues and struggled to search out seating even with Sukhothai open throughout the mornings and afternoons for overflow seating.
Breakfast usually runs from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, lunch from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM, and dinner from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Whereas not as in depth as we’d anticipate for a ship of this measurement, the buffet supplied your typical picks of cold and hot gadgets.
At breakfast, there have been eggs, breakfast meats, sides, continental gadgets, and a customized omelet station. Lunch and dinner had been comparable, with a wide range of entrees and aspect dishes, and a full salad bar. Nonetheless, some associates identified that the pizza modifications all through the day. In the course of the day, it’s a thicker French bread-style pizza; whereas, for dinner, it’s a extra conventional pizza.
The even smaller Surfside Grill in the back of the buffet serves because the ship’s burger venue. This primary station allows you to construct customized burgers or scorching canine with commonplace toppings. However that is undoubtedly not Carnival’s Man’s Burger Joint.
Lastly, the Remark Lounge presents gentle snacks at choose instances, usually 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and a pair of:30 PM to five:00 PM. Choices embrace cookies, small sandwiches, flatbreads, and quiche.
Norwegian Aqua lacks a complimentary cafe providing meals all through the day just like the Worldwide Cafe on Princess or Cafe Promenade on Royal Caribbean. So, checking the Norwegian app for venue hours turns into important, as many eating choices function on restricted schedules.
Bars and Lounges
Whereas the precise variety of bars and lounges on Norwegian Aqua stays comparatively the identical, NCL has considerably scaled again its signature drink menus. Now, most bars on the ship serve an identical menus with just a few exceptions. We significantly miss the distinctive cocktails at Belvedere Bar. Now relocated to deck 8, this atrium bar swaps locations with the Whiskey Bar and options a regular drink menu.
The Metropolitan Bar does keep its signature sustainable cocktail menu alongside different traditional drinks. This bar has additionally been redesigned, that includes a piano with dwell music within the evenings. Really, it’s now probably the most standard lounges on the ship. Soleil and Luna Bar aft on deck 8 supply the ship’s largest choice of draft beer, plus unique cocktails on faucet.
The Whiskey Bar is now on deck 6 aft, subsequent to The Commodore Room. This secluded bar presents a wide range of whiskeys and bourbons. A lot of the cocktails and spirits listed here are included within the Extra at Sea Limitless Open Bar. We expect this relocation makes full sense. Moreover, the adjoining Swirls Wine Bar is new to Norwegian Aqua and presents wines by the glass and by the bottle for fans.
Most remaining bars, just like the Remark Lounge, Penrose Bar, Improv at Sea, Syd Norman’s Pour Home, and the outside Waves Bar, all serve the identical drink choices. Apparently, Vibe Seashore Membership presents an in depth checklist of mocktails and lower-alcohol cocktails unique to that venue.
For a lot of cruisers, the standardized menus received’t matter. With almost everybody having the Limitless Open Bar, simplifying menus is smart for workers. Nonetheless, we miss experiencing distinctive atmospheres and signature drinks at completely different venues across the ship. For us, this selection is a part of what makes mega-ship cruising particular.
Onboard Actions and Nightlife
Our five-night cruise included two ports and two sea days. In the course of the day, Norwegian Aqua supplied typical cruise actions. There have been poolside contests, trivia within the Atrium, dance courses, artwork auctions, Deal or No Deal, and bingo within the Aqua Theater. Upcharge choices included digital wine excursions, liquor tastings, and spirit courses at numerous bars.
The Mandra Spa and Thermal Suite on deck 15 is among the greatest within the fleet. It boasts a large hydrotherapy pool plus experiences like saunas, steam rooms, and a salt room. Maybe the most effective half is the forward-facing leisure space with heated loungers and comfortable seating. You should purchase cruise lengthy passes beginning at $339. Or, if they’re out there, go for a port day cross for $99.
After all, there’s additionally your typical spa therapies and salon providers out there for an upcharge and a fairly typical health middle. Nonetheless, Norwegian Aqua doesn’t have a devoted jogging monitor.
The Aqua Recreation Zone on deck 17 replaces the Galaxy Pavilion. Stripped of most digital actuality and interactive video games, it’s now merely a large arcade. From retro video games to trendy digital actions, a voyage-long limitless cross prices $199 for white and inexperienced video games. The cross could be shared amongst gamers. So, it is likely to be an excellent deal for households with a number of children.
Situated close by the Recreation Zone, the Remark Lounge presents a very completely different vibe. Right here, cruisers can loosen up with ocean views, make amends for a ebook, or simply benefit from the tranquility.
At night time, you’ll discover a wide range of dwell music all through the ship. The probably the most taking place bars is the Metropolitan Bar. On a number of evenings, Marty Lake performed themed piano classes and in addition took requests. In between, you could possibly normally discover a duo or band. The Latin band Basic Tones held court docket at Penrose Atrium Bar most evenings. In the direction of the top of the cruise, Juci Do Carmo strung acoustic units close to the Belvedere Bar, from one-hit wonders to traditional pub-style songs.
Often standing-room-only, Syd Norman’s Pour Home was residence to 2 themed rock reveals which shouldn’t be missed. This solid is gifted and excessive power. Except for these reveals, the venue principally served as a karaoke bar.
No matter performer or venue, most bars on Norwegian Aqua had been packed each night time. Discovering seats proved difficult as did getting drinks given there have been so few servers at every venue.
For much more nighttime enjoyable, the relocated Improv at Sea showcased two comedians with two nightly performances. Sadly, showtimes conflicted with the primary theater productions, or our dinner instances, so we didn’t get to attend any of the comedy reveals. The venue doubles as a late-night dance membership as nicely, although it by no means appeared busy any time we checked.
The Atrium hosts sport reveals like The Excellent Couple, Battle of the Sexes, and Majority Guidelines. The Aqua Theater transforms right into a nightclub after that night’s manufacturing, with themed events like Superior 80s, Loopy Horny Cool 90s, and Glow Celebration led by Alvin and the assistant cruise director.
Norwegian Aqua suffers from a lot of the similar crowding points we famous on Norwegian Prima, as many venues are simply too small for a ship of this measurement. They’re additionally understaffed.
In the case of households, Norwegian Aqua presents expanded areas for youthful cruisers. Whereas Norwegian Prima debuted with just one multi-use house for visitors 17 and beneath, Norwegian Aqua now options three devoted areas: Entourage for teenagers aged 13-17 on deck 14, Splash Lounge for ages 10-12 subsequent door, and Splash Academy on deck 15 for ages 3-12. When not internet hosting organized actions, the deck 15 house is open for self-led household play time with infants and toddlers beneath 3.
Staterooms
We stayed in Ocean View Balcony stateroom 10736 on Norwegian Aqua. This cabin is situated ahead of the ahead elevators on the starboard aspect of deck 10. At 231 sq. toes with a 45-square-foot balcony, this balcony room presents significantly extra space than comparable staterooms on competitor cruise strains. We appreciated the additional room and considerate format. The finishes additionally make the room really feel extra elegant; although, the colour palette isn’t as cheerful as different ships on this class.
Three closet areas offered ample storage for our 5-day cruise. There was one full-length closet, plus two extra closets with steel basket drawers on the backside of every. Two nightstands flank the mattress, one with two cabinets and the opposite with two cubbies.
Whereas on the smaller aspect, the desk did function a number of shops and USB ports. It didn’t supply a lot storage although in addition to a mini-fridge that we used to maintain our two circumstances of water chilly throughout the voyage.
Further USB shops could be discovered on either side of the mattress. So, we had been capable of hold our telephones, computer systems, and cameras charged all through the cruise.
The love seat was a snug spot for us to unwind throughout the afternoon whereas taking a break. The mattress was situated nearer to the balcony, which is our most popular configuration, and offered ample consolation.
The lavatory is extra spacious too. It options one of many largest showers at sea in a regular cabin. It additionally has a number of cabinets for storage and ample counter house.
In the case of the balcony, the upgraded furnishings was extra snug than the fundamental chairs discovered on many cruise strains. We appreciated this house which allowed us to benefit from the ocean views and sail into and out of ports from the consolation of our cabin.
For the worth, a balcony cabin on Norwegian Aqua is nicely well worth the improve. Though, even the extra modest lodging, like an inside or ocean view cabin, are roomier and higher appointed than you’ll discover on most different ships.
Recap of Our Norwegian Aqua Cruise Evaluation
Having sailed with Norwegian Cruise Line since 2009, we’ve witnessed the line’s evolution over the years. Our five-night crusing on Norwegian Aqua demonstrates how a lot can change in simply two years. With new promotions, up to date insurance policies, and redesigned venues, the cruise line has undergone a noticeable transformation.
We respect improvements just like the AquaCoaster and the improved sports activities deck, which supply extra complimentary actions. The bigger pool and extra pool deck seating present extra space for leisure as nicely, even when nonetheless too small.
The number of eating choices and freestyle cruising method stay interesting options of NCL’s megaships. Informal eating continues to excel as nicely, with venues just like the Native Bar and Grill and Indulge Meals Corridor; although the buffet and availability of grab-and-go gadgets wants some work.
To not point out, Norwegian Aqua and different Prima-class vessels function elegant decor and upscale finishes, placing them on par with extra premium cruise strains.
Whereas leisure high quality has declined in our opinion, there’s nonetheless loads to do. Theater productions, a number of music acts, comedy reveals, sport reveals, and typical cruise actions fill the times and nights.
Even when NCL has been more and more related to nickel-and-diming techniques, the road nonetheless represents unimaginable worth. For example, our balcony cabin with drink package deal and two specialty eating places totaled simply $850 per individual, together with all taxes and costs.
Regardless of some cutbacks and more moderen upcharges, we wouldn’t hesitate to sail with NCL once more. The mixture of freestyle cruising, eating selection, and general expertise nonetheless delivers, particularly when the worth is correct. With Norwegian Luna launching in 2026 and several updates coming to Great Stirrup Cay, we’ll be maintaining our eyes out for offers.
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The submit We Spent 5 Days on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Newest Ship – Here’s Our Honest Norwegian Aqua Review appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.
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