All aboard the new Norwegian Aqua: an understated masterpiece at sea

28 April 2025

When you think of a brand-new cruise ship, you might expect jaw-dropping atriums, sprawling dining halls, and overwhelming grand spaces. When our Head of Customer Marketing, Steve Hawker, stepped aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's latest ship, Aqua, he was initially surprised those 'wow factor' spaces were noticeably absent.

But what felt like something missing at first, quickly became what he loved most about this ship: a clever, understated design that put intimate experiences and hidden gems front and centre. Rather than being dominated by one or two mega-sized venues, Aqua invites you to explore dozens of smaller restaurants, lounges, and tucked-away bars, each with its own personality.

All aboard the new Norwegian Aqua: an understated masterpiece at sea

Dining: Variety without the overwhelm

Eating on Aqua is genuinely hard to define because there’s so much choice (17 Restaurants and 18 bars!) — but in the best possible way. It strikes that perfect balance between variety and simplicity. During my three-night stay, I managed to sample a world of cuisine, from a lively teppanyaki night where the chefs were as entertaining as the food was delicious, to a futuristic lunch where I ordered everything from on-table tablets. When I wanted something a little more casual, the Surfside buffet never failed to deliver, offering quality and variety with none of the usual compromise.

In addition to the endless dining options, there was also a wide selection of bars - one of my personal highlights was discovering the Swirl Wine Bar and the aptly named Whiskey Bar, both secreted away on Deck 6 in that discreet, intimate way I became accustomed to on Aqua. They had a subtle, almost speakeasy feel — the kind of places you stumble upon and immediately want to linger a little longer.

Entertainment: Big Names, bigger performances

One area where Aqua does go big is its entertainment. As a huge Fleetwood Mac fan, I boarded especially excited to see "Rumours," a live performance inspired by the iconic album and the equally iconic story behind its creation. It did not disappoint. From the hauntingly beautiful "Songbird" — almost indistinguishable from the original — to the soaring energy of "Go Your Own Way," it was one of the best musical performances I've seen, not to mention, at sea.

There was also a phenomenal Prince tribute — less a simple impersonation, more a full-scale ensemble production — which took me completely by surprise. It captured the many guises of Prince's career with authenticity and energy that had the whole audience on their feet.

Family fun: something for everyone

While Norwegian Aqua offers relaxation, it certainly doesn't forget families. The top-deck Aqua Coaster delivers the kind of thrills you’d expect to find at a leading theme park, while the Glow Court — a high-tech sports court — and interactive Games Zone set a new standard for at-sea entertainment. What I loved, though, was how the ship blended these headline attractions with subtler touches: the old-school joy of a ping pong table, a few rounds of shuffleboard, or an impromptu game of mini golf. Tucked away, the Bullseye bar offered another unique find: electronic interactive darts that brought out everyone’s competitive side in the best possible way.

The Haven: Luxury redefined

Aqua's Haven Suite experience added another layer of magic to the trip. For those who want the thrill of an Aqua Coaster ride by day and five-star luxury by night, The Haven is the perfect balance. The private restaurant, sun deck, and exclusive infinity pool feel like a ship within a ship — luxurious but never pretentious.

Special mention has to go to Windsor, my butler, who somehow appeared exactly when needed, whether it was to give a tour of the (surprisingly complex!) room lighting system or to arrange little touches that made the stay even more special. The rear-deck infinity pool quickly became my morning ritual — an understated but perfect way to start the day.

Norwegian Aqua isn't a ship that shouts for attention with flashy spaces. It's a ship that wins you over with moments of discovery, genuine quality, and thoughtful experiences. Whether you're sipping a whisky in a hidden bar, belting out "Dreams" in the theatre, or unwinding by a quiet infinity pool, Aqua has a way of making every moment — big or small — feel special.

Experience Norwegian Aqua for yourself with this beautiful Bahamas & Dominican Republic sailing that departs 30th November 2025.

7 days from £1,296 per person based on 2 sharing a Balcony cabin, Full Board basis.

To book your cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line aboard Norwegian Aqua, contact your Travel Counsellor today.

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