Norwegian Aqua
Prima Plus · US East Coast & Eastern Canada, Caribbean & Bahamas
The first ship in the Prima Plus class, which entered service in 2025, is about 10% larger than the preceding Prima-class ships at 156,300 GT. It retains the spacious outdoor decks praised on its predecessor while adding major attractions such as a water slide and roller coaster combined into one experience, plus a three-story, open-air multipurpose theater. The Haven is a private area at the forward end of the ship with its own pool and restaurant, making it suitable for guests who want to avoid the crowds found on large ships. In summer 2026, it will operate year-round from New York to Bermuda and, from autumn onward, from Miami to the Caribbean, centered on the North American East Coast. With new-build cabin amenities and passenger flows, it is an easy choice for first-time travelers seeking a large ship.
Current position (external site)View on VesselFinder (IMO 9824007)External site. Position information has not been checked by Cruise Atlas.
For travelers from Japan
A guide to public baths, Japanese food and language support, payment in yen, smoking, dress codes and power outlets, based on available official and other sources. Details may vary by itinerary and season. Check the official website for current information.
Similar facilities, such as a thermal suite
Some Japanese language support
English text in preparation.
Official: confirmed by the cruise line or another official source / Secondary source: confirmed by other sources / Estimated: inferred by Cruise Atlas / Not stated: no information found in official sources
At a glance
What is included and what costs extra
- Meals (main restaurants)Included
- AlcoholExtra charge
- GratuitiesExtra charge
- Wi‑FiExtra charge
- Specialty diningExtra charge
- Shore excursionsExtra charge
As of 2026, More at Sea is effectively included as standard with many NCL fares, conditionally covering unlimited drinks for guests aged 21 and over sharing the cabin, 150 minutes of Wi-Fi, several specialty dining visits, and a $50 credit per port. Specialty dining typically costs $40–60 per venue. With the base fare (without a promotion), everything except meals costs extra.
- Extra chargeDrinks (one beer)$7-12
- Extra chargeSoft drinks and water$3.50
- Extra chargeDrink packageMany fares include More at Sea, with conditional benefits for guests aged 21 and over and guests sharing a room, such as unlimited drinks, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining. Specialty restaurants are typically about $40-$60 per visit.
- Extra chargeWi‑FiWith More at Sea, all guests sharing a stateroom each receive 150 free minutes of Wi-Fi.
- Extra chargeGratuities (automatic service charge)$20-25/day (varies by stateroom category)
- Extra chargeSpa (60 minutes)About $150-$200
- Extra chargeLaundryNo self-service laundry. A fill-a-bag service costs about $35, one shirt costs $5.95, and dry cleaning costs $7.95. Upper-tier members receive discounts and complimentary benefits.
- Shore excursionsNCL-operated shore excursions can be purchased separately (prices vary by content and port, from tens to hundreds of dollars). When More at Sea applies, a $50 credit is provided for each port (up to 6 ports).
Prices are shown in the onboard currency; no currency conversion is applied.
Boarding, atmosphere, and links
- Japan departures: No
- Home ports: Galveston (Texas; a major home port for Caribbean cruises), Port Canaveral (Florida; depending on the season), Miami (Florida; depending on the season)
- Departure ports: Galveston, Port Canaveral, Miami
- All ages
- A cutting-edge ship with attractions such as the Aqua Slidecoaster and an expanded Promenade, creating an experiential, active, and casual atmosphere. Freestyle Cruising keeps the dress code relaxed.
- Sailings mainly depart from and return to the United States, with many North American passengers. Families and active couples who want to experience the new amphibious hybrid slide coaster are among the guests.
Like the Prima class, the Prima Plus class achieves about 20% greater energy efficiency than conventional ships. The NCL Group has set goals for biofuel trials, expanded shore-power connections, and net zero by 2050.
Ship character
- • Family trips
- • First-time cruisers
- • Activity-focused travelers
- • Travelers seeking easy New York itineraries
- • Travelers seeking a quiet cruise
- • Travelers seeking small-ship port immersion
- • Travelers requiring Japanese-language support
Cruise stories and videos on external sites
5 linksThese are articles and videos by other publishers, not Cruise Atlas. Their content is their own and has not been reviewed by us. Links open in a new tab.
- Personal blogEnglishNorwegian Aqua Review: 7 Nights Onboard
cruises.substack.com · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
- Personal blogEnglishSailing the Brand-New Norwegian Aqua: Our Ultimate Guide from Inaugural Voyage
kirktoristory.com · Sailed Mar 28, 2025 · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- ArticleEnglishPR / hosted trip disclosedNorwegian Aqua cruise review: All the ship has to offer passengers - The Points Guy
thepointsguy.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- YouTubeEnglishAffiliate links disclosedBoarding NCL's NEWEST SHIP, the NORWEGIAN AQUA | Cruise Vlog
youtube.com · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
- Personal blogEnglishPR / hosted trip disclosedNorwegian Aqua Review: 7-Night Caribbean Cruise · Replicate the Magic
replicatethemagic.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
Sources
- Officialncl.com
- Encyclopediaen.wikipedia.org
- Secondary sourcevesselfinder.com
- Officialncl.com (2)
- Secondary sourceeatsleepcruise.com
- Secondary sourceshinecruise.com
- Secondary sourcetravelweekly.com
- Secondary sourceparamountcruises.com
Source: Wikipedia “Norwegian Aqua” (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Cabins by category
| Cabins | Size | Occupancy and beds | Features | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Inside Cabin The lowest-priced category onboard, with no window or balcony. ADA-accessible rooms are available. Decks 5 and 9-16 | 15–24 m² (161–258 ft²) | 2-4 people Queen bed (convertible to twin). Family-type cabins have an added sofa bed and accommodate up to 4 guests. | Accessible | Check on the cabin overview page |
Studio Single The smallest category is designed for single occupancy. It has no window or balcony, but includes a dedicated lounge where solo guests can socialize with one another. Decks 12-13 forward | 9 m² (97 ft²) | 1 guest (single occupancy) Full-size bed, 1 bed. | Solo | Check on the cabin overview page |
Oceanview Cabin Cabins with a large round window. Three types are available: standard, large, and family-oriented. ADA-accessible rooms are available. Deck 5 | 17–34 m² (183–366 ft²) | 2-4 people Queen bed (convertible to twin). Family-type cabins have an added sofa bed. | WindowAccessible | Check on the cabin overview page |
Balcony Stateroom The most common category with private balconies, accounting for more than half of the ship's cabins. ADA-accessible rooms are available. Smoking is not permitted, including on balconies. Decks 9-16 | 21–34 m² (226–366 ft²) | 2-4 people Queen bed (convertible to twin). Family-type cabins have an added sofa bed. | BalconyAccessible | Check on the cabin overview page |
Club Balcony Suite / Family Suite A group of suites and family suites on the regular decks that is not part of The Haven's private area. Decks 9-13 (forward, midship, aft) | 22–59 m² (237–635 ft²) | 2-4 people Mainly king beds. Family-type cabins have an added sofa bed and accommodate up to 4 guests. | Balcony | Check on the cabin overview page |
The Haven The ship's highest private area, The Haven. It ranges from penthouses to Premier Owner's Suites. Decks 10-15 (dedicated area, mainly midship and aft) | 27–195 m² (291–2,099 ft²) | 2–8 guests King bed (1 to 3 beds depending on cabin type) | BalconyConciergeAccessible | Check on the cabin overview page |
Approximate figures from official and reliable sources. Cabins vary by ship, category, and sailing.Links generally lead to official pages; some have not been verified.
Families, adults-only areas, and practical information
- • Guppies / Splash Academy / Entourage — Free programs for Guppies (ages 6 months-3 years), Splash Academy (ages 3-12), and Entourage (ages 13-17).
- • Vibe Beach Club — An adults-only sun deck for guests aged 18 and over, with a large jacuzzi and private-feeling lounge chairs. Service is provided.
- • Casino — A casino centered on slot machines and table games. Guests must be 18 or older (21 or older in some cases on sailings departing from or arriving in the United States).
- Onboard currency
- USD
- Gratuities
- Charged automatically to your onboard account after boarding as the Discretionary Service Charge. Prepayment is also possible. A separate 20% service charge is added to food and drink purchases such as drink packages, specialty restaurants and the spa.
- Payment
- Cashless onboard
- Voltage
- Many ships have both North American-standard 110V-range and European-standard 220/230V-range outlets.
- Formal nights
- Because of the Freestyle concept, no mandatory formal nights are scheduled. There is a "Dress up or not" night that encourages guests to dress up if they wish, but participation is free.
- Medical facilities
- Every ship has a 24-hour medical center, with about 1 to 2 doctors and 2 to 3 nurses on staff depending on ship size. Consultation and treatment costs are not included in the fare and are billed separately to your onboard account (an itemized statement for insurance claims can be issued). Travel insurance is recommended.
- Bringing items onboard
- At embarkation, you may bring up to 1 bottle each of wine and champagne (Other alcohol, beer, and drinks such as water and soda are not allowed). A corkage fee applies when opened in restaurants, bars or cabins ($15 for a 750 ml bottle, $30 for a 1.5 L magnum). Holders of a drinks package (including Free at Sea) are exempt.
- Mobile and connectivity
- Offshore (as a guide, 12 nautical miles or more from land), your home carrier's roaming can be used through Cellular at Sea (an onboard base station, displayed under names such as "cellularatsea"), but both calls and data tend to be expensive. Switching to airplane mode and using Wi-Fi calling (WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, etc.) over the onboard Wi-Fi is offered as a cheaper alternative.
- Japanese support
- Staff —Menus —Announcements —
Dining
One of the Prima Plus class's unique main dining venues. Freestyle cruising format.
Hours: Breakfast 7:30-9:30, lunch 12:00-14:00, dinner around 17:30-21:30
Complimentary main dining similar to Hudson's. Open for dinner only.
Hours: Dinner only, around 17:30-21:30
Casual dining in a standard buffet format. Grill menu also available.
Hours: Breakfast 7:00-10:00, lunch 12:00-15:00, dinner around 17:30-21:30
Complimentary 24-hour pub dining. Enjoy burgers and pub food late into the night.
Hours: Open 24 hours
The largest complimentary food hall on Aqua-class ships. Many venues, including BBQ, noodles, Indian, Latin, tapas, custom salads, and desserts, are free. Only Starbucks and the ice cream shop charge extra.
Hours: Breakfast 7:00-10:00, lunch 12:00-15:00, dinner around 17:30-21:30
Paid steakhouse known for authentic steaks. Fixed-course set menu.
- 8 oz filet mignonIncluded in the set-menu price
- Lobster tail (additional charge)+$25
- Seven-layer chocolate cakeIncluded in the set-menu price
Mexican restaurant popular for tableside guacamole and margaritas. Set-price system.
- Tableside guacamole, freshIncluded in the set-menu price
- Cochinita pibil (braised pork)Included in the set-menu price
- ChurrosIncluded in the set-menu price
Italian restaurant overseen by renowned chef Scarpetta. Known for its pizza and seared octopus.
- Margherita pizzaIncluded in the set-menu price
- Burrata (with prosciutto)Included in the set-menu price
- Grilled octopusIncluded in the set-menu price
Formal dining venue serving traditional French cuisine.
- Escargot BourguignonIncluded in the set-menu price
- Côte de veau (roasted veal)Included in the set-menu price
Teppanyaki-style Japanese restaurant where chefs cook in front of guests.
- Teppanyaki course (with edamame, soup, salad, main and dessert)$49 (fixed price)
Japanese restaurant serving sushi and sashimi.
- Sushi roll and sashimi (choose four-item set)$50 (set, up to 4 items selectable)
Upscale venue centered on Mediterranean cuisine and seafood. Luxury add-on options are available.
- Grilled Mediterranean sea bassIncluded in the set-menu price
- Whole lobster (additional charge)+$25
Casual venue where guests can order street food from around the world à la carte.
- Pad Thai$19
- Sushi, schnitzel, nachos, dumplings, and moreVarious a la carte items
Facilities and activities
A new attraction for the Norwegian Aqua class: a water-and-land hybrid slide coaster with a top speed of 31 mph. It combines water sections with dry (land) sections for an innovative experience, the first at sea. Free to use.
A three-deck water area with two pools, multiple water slides, and four jacuzzis.
An outdoor promenade expanded even further than on the Prima class. Bars and lounges are concentrated along a wide open deck that circles the whole ship, making it an adult-oriented space for relaxing while enjoying sea views.
An adults-only sun deck for guests aged 18 and over, with a large jacuzzi and private-feeling lounge chairs. Service is provided.
A large spa offering massages, facials, thermal suites, and other treatments.
A three-deck main theater where production shows can be seen free of charge; it transforms into a nightclub at night.
A casino centered on slot machines and table games. Guests must be 18 or older (21 or older in some cases on sailings departing from or arriving in the United States).
A gym with 270-degree ocean views. Equipment use is free, while some classes, such as Ryde (cycling) and HIIT, require an additional fee.
Free programs for Guppies (ages 6 months-3 years), Splash Academy (ages 3-12), and Entourage (ages 13-17).
A dance and nightlife lounge distinguished by neon lighting.
A small live music bar inspired by a rock bar.
A beer bar offering more than 50 bottled beers, more than 20 draft beers, and craft cocktails.