It had been over two years since we sailed with Norwegian Cruise Line. Since that Norwegian Pleasure crusing in summer season 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 trustworthy evaluate of what it’s actually like cruising on NCL’s newest mega-ship.
Our Sincere Norwegian Aqua Cruise Assessment
Norwegian Aqua is the primary Prima Plus-class ship, that includes an identical structure and ambiance to the primary two Prima-class vessels. These ships really feel like upscale resorts with their up to date styling and complex ambiance.
Although, the primary two Prima-class ships did have a couple of notable design flaws that visitors, together with us, weren’t shy about stating. Primarily based on this suggestions, NCL made a number of enhancements to Norwegian Aqua. From new eating places to redesigned areas, many of those adjustments enhance the cruise expertise. Nevertheless, there are nonetheless areas the place Norwegian Aqua falls in need of its opponents.
We’re sharing what we cherished, what missed the mark, and whether or not NCL’s latest ship is value reserving in your cruise.
Sports activities Deck
One change that stands out is the fully 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 all the time 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 sort 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 experience.
Eradicating the race monitor allowed Norwegian to boost different components of the sports activities deck as effectively. 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 recognition 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 out of doors house options ping-pong tables, beer pong, shuffleboard, and cornhole. Whereas the realm has a extra industrial look than we’d want, all video games listed below 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 particular person. Whereas charging for mini-golf appears extreme, the interactive options do add worth. Digital scoring, varied challenges, and bonus factors create a extra participating expertise than conventional mini-golf. Regardless of the cost, this 2-story, 12-hole course remained well-liked throughout sea days.
Pool Deck
Whereas Norwegian Aqua’s capability is 3,500 visitors at double occupancy, the ship nonetheless has just one principal 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 effectively, permitting extra visitors to take pleasure in 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 youngsters. Nonetheless, the water options and total footprint don’t evaluate 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 effectively. The Vibe Seaside Membership on deck 17 is an upcharge venue the place visitors over 18 can take pleasure in upgraded loungers, a devoted bar, and two infinity scorching tubs for a charge. However there’s no pool. Pricing for Vibe Seaside Membership begins at $269 every week and $99 for a day go (if accessible). If you happen to don’t care a couple of pool, Vibe Seaside Membership is a pleasant retreat from the crowds and the households.
Considered one of our favourite options on any mega-ship is Norwegian’s Waterfront. On Breakaway and Breakaway Plus vessels, this midship promenade gives out of doors bars, eating places, and assorted seating, however the Prima-class vessels take this idea to the subsequent stage. Norwegian Aqua’s totally wrap-around Ocean Boulevard gives lots 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 out of doors space, harking back to a complicated seashore membership, felt extra spacious and fewer crowded than the principle pool deck. It gives various seating choices in each solar and shade, making it a perfect spot away from the crowds and get together ambiance 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 one of the best leisure at sea.
For years, Norwegian invested closely in Broadway and West Finish productions, together with Kinky Boots, Footloose, Six, and extra just lately, Beetlejuice. Nevertheless, over the previous couple of years, NCL has ended most of those licensing offers in favor of unique 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 vitality exceeded typical cruise ship requirements. The transformational options of the Aqua Theater created an immersive expertise as effectively; 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 reside band and 4 gifted singers. Whereas it’d lack technical wizardry, watching the performers work by Fleetwood Mac’s whole Rumours album whereas weaving in band historical past made for an interesting night.
The Aqua Theater additionally hosts The Value is Proper Stay recreation 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 evening of our cruise featured Parts: The World Expanded. Whereas marketed as “revamped and reimagined” for Norwegian Aqua, it felt remarkably just like the model we noticed on Norwegian Pleasure two years in the past. The present consists of dancers and aerialists however is basically a glorified magic present.
One of many massive points with the Norwegian Aqua leisure is the shortage of a reservation system for many of the productions in the principle 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 leads to reveals that, whereas entertaining, aren’t as memorable or spectacular as their predecessors. Nevertheless, 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 strategy to eating, providing no set dinner instances or eating assignments. Company can select from varied complimentary choices or quite a few specialty eating places.
Earlier this 12 months, NCL revamped its specialty eating pricing and menus as a part of the brand new Extra at Sea.
With Extra at Sea, we obtained two specialty dinners. As followers of lots of the NCL specialty venues, we paid cowl fees for 2 extra eating places as effectively.
Whereas most eating places might 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 desperate to attempt it on our first evening.
Starters like rooster satays and salt-and-pepper prawns delivered daring flavors and skilled preparation. Beneath the brand new eating plan, visitors can take pleasure in as much as 3 appetizers and three desserts however just one entrée. Entree choices at Sukhothai vary from varied curries to pad thai, fried rice, and duck. We did assume it was a bit unusual that pad thai and fried rice had been thought of entrees. Sure, if you would like fried rice together with your Thai cashew rooster, that may value an additional $25.
Whereas the meals was good, we nonetheless want 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 prior to now, however we determined to provide 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 putting glass chandelier centerpiece, making it the right 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 crimson wine discount. For dessert, each the Fraisier with strawberries and pistachio-almond cake and the ile flottante had been tasty.
On evening three, we paid the $40 cowl cost (plus 20% gratuity) to dine at Onda by Scarpetta, one in all our favourite Italian eating places at sea up thus far. The worth stays glorious right here – principally all pizza, antipasti, and pasta depend as starters, which means you possibly can order one in all every along with an entree and desserts.
Nevertheless, 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 filled with starters, we selected pasta as our entrées. The bolognese glad with tender pappardelle and hearty ragù, however Heidi’s mezzelune solely marginally exceeded principal eating room high quality. Lastly, my tiramisu and Heidi’s butterscotch budino supplied mild, candy endings to a very filling meal.
We concluded our cruise at Los Lobos, an upscale Mexican restaurant providing glorious worth at $40. The tableside guacamole is crucial – our “guacamole grasp” custom-made it to accommodate Heidi’s preferences. Different highlights embody 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 sometimes lasted round 90 minutes.
Different specialty choices embody Norwegian staple Cagney’s Steakhouse, the Mediterranean seafood-focused Palomar, dinner-and-show at Hasuki (the biggest teppanyaki restaurant at sea), and sushi at Nama. So, relying in your tastes, you’re sure 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 great, you don’t have to spend further to seek out one thing scrumptious to eat on Norwegian Aqua.
For sit-down meals, two principal eating rooms serve dinner – the smaller Commodore Room on deck 6 and the elegant, aft-located Hudson’s on deck 7. Each provide the identical rotating menu that includes day by 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 principal eating room experiences. Whereas starters and desserts had been enough, I significantly loved the Hawaiian pork stomach. Hudson’s additionally opens for breakfast day by day and gives sit-down lunch on sea days. Of be aware, NCL just lately applied a $5 cowl cost for extra entrees.
For informal eating, the Native Bar and Grill offers a superb possibility for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Although restaurant seating is restricted, the bar gives a choose menu as effectively. The rooster wings listed below are irresistible and accessible till 3 AM. Different sandwiches and meals are served from 11 AM to 10:30 PM. Don’t overlook the freshly made breakfast both, accessible most days till 10:30 AM for late risers.
Nevertheless, my favourite addition to Prima-class ships is the Indulge Meals Corridor. House to seven totally different stalls plus dessert, the small plates provide various culinary choices. Although, NCL has modified the breakfast format from distinctive grab-and-go objects to a typical 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 (sometimes 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 can’t stroll as much as a stall and seize one thing to take with you.
Whereas handy in idea, meals can take half-hour or longer to reach. It’s additionally not unusual to obtain partial orders or have objects go lacking.
It’s powerful to choose our favourite stall with the combination of culinary choices. The Latin Quarter serves rooster tostados and guacamole, whereas Nudls gives daring avenue 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 gives barbecue favorites, and Tapas offers 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 in search of more healthy choices.
Extra Seize-and-Go Choices on Norwegian Aqua
Apart from The Native and Indulge Meals Corridor, Norwegian Aqua gives few informal choices. The ship additionally lacks with regards to really grab-and-go choices.
The Surfside Cafe, the ship’s buffet on deck 17, is simply too small for the variety of passengers. No matter timing, we encountered queues and struggled to seek out seating even with Sukhothai open in the course of the mornings and afternoons for overflow seating.
Breakfast sometimes 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 intensive as we’d anticipate for a ship of this measurement, the buffet supplied your typical picks of cold and hot objects.
At breakfast, there have been eggs, breakfast meats, sides, continental objects, 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. Nevertheless, some buddies identified that the pizza adjustments all through the day. Throughout the day, it’s a thicker French bread-style pizza; whereas, for dinner, it’s a extra conventional pizza.
The even smaller Surfside Grill behind the buffet serves because the ship’s burger venue. This fundamental station enables you to construct customized burgers or scorching canine with commonplace toppings. However that is positively not Carnival’s Man’s Burger Joint.
Lastly, the Remark Lounge gives mild snacks at choose instances, sometimes 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and a pair of:30 PM to five:00 PM. Choices embody 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 a couple of 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 typical 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 reside music within the evenings. Really, it’s now one of the crucial well-liked lounges on the ship. Soleil and Luna Bar aft on deck 8 provide the ship’s largest collection 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 gives a wide range of whiskeys and bourbons. A lot of the cocktails and spirits listed below are included within the Extra at Sea Limitless Open Bar. We predict this relocation makes full sense. Moreover, the adjoining Swirls Wine Bar is new to Norwegian Aqua and gives wines by the glass and by the bottle for lovers.
Most remaining bars, just like the Remark Lounge, Penrose Bar, Improv at Sea, Syd Norman’s Pour Home, and the out of doors Waves Bar, all serve the identical drink choices. Curiously, Vibe Seaside Membership gives an in depth record 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 sensible for workers. Nevertheless, we miss experiencing distinctive atmospheres and signature drinks at totally 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. Throughout 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 varied bars.
The Mandra Spa and Thermal Suite on deck 15 is likely one of the greatest within the fleet. It boasts an enormous hydrotherapy pool plus experiences like saunas, steam rooms, and a salt room. Maybe one of the best half is the forward-facing leisure space with heated loungers and comfortable seating. You should buy cruise lengthy passes beginning at $339. Or, if they’re accessible, go for a port day go for $99.
In fact, there’s additionally your typical spa remedies and salon providers accessible for an upcharge and a reasonably typical health heart. Nevertheless, 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 an enormous arcade. From retro video games to fashionable digital actions, a voyage-long limitless go prices $199 for white and inexperienced video games. The go might be shared amongst gamers. So, it could be deal for households with a number of children.
Situated close by the Recreation Zone, the Remark Lounge gives a totally totally different vibe. Right here, cruisers can chill out with ocean views, compensate for a e book, or simply benefit from the tranquility.
At evening, you’ll discover a wide range of reside music all through the ship. The one of the crucial taking place bars is the Metropolitan Bar. On a number of evenings, Marty Lake performed themed piano periods and in addition took requests. In between, you could possibly normally discover a duo or band. The Latin band Traditional Tones held court docket at Penrose Atrium Bar most evenings. In the direction of the tip of the cruise, Juci Do Carmo strung acoustic units close to the Belvedere Bar, from one-hit wonders to traditional pub-style songs.
Normally standing-room-only, Syd Norman’s Pour Home was residence to 2 themed rock reveals which shouldn’t be missed. This forged is gifted and excessive vitality. Apart from these reveals, the venue largely served as a karaoke bar.
No matter performer or venue, most bars on Norwegian Aqua had been packed each evening. 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 principle 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 effectively, although it by no means appeared busy any time we checked.
The Atrium hosts recreation reveals like The Good 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 Attractive Cool 90s, and Glow Social gathering led by Alvin and the assistant cruise director.
Norwegian Aqua suffers from many 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.
On the subject of households, Norwegian Aqua gives expanded areas for youthful cruisers. Whereas Norwegian Prima debuted with just one multi-use house for visitors 17 and below, 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 below 3.
Staterooms
We stayed in Ocean View Balcony stateroom 10736 on Norwegian Aqua. This cabin is positioned 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 gives significantly more room than comparable staterooms on competitor cruise strains. We appreciated the additional room and considerate structure. 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 supplied ample storage for our 5-day cruise. There was one full-length closet, plus two extra closets with metallic 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 characteristic a number of retailers and USB ports. It didn’t provide a lot storage although moreover a mini-fridge that we used to maintain our two instances of water chilly in the course of the voyage.
Extra USB retailers might be discovered on either side of the mattress. So, we had been in a position to maintain our telephones, computer systems, and cameras charged all through the cruise.
The love seat was a snug spot for us to unwind in the course of the afternoon whereas taking a break. The mattress was positioned nearer to the balcony, which is our most popular configuration, and supplied enough consolation.
The lavatory is extra spacious too. It options one of many largest showers at sea in a typical cabin. It additionally has a number of cabinets for storage and ample counter house.
On the subject of the balcony, the upgraded furnishings was extra comfy than the essential 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 value, a balcony cabin on Norwegian Aqua is effectively 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 Assessment
Having sailed with Norwegian Cruise Line since 2009, we’ve witnessed the road’s evolution over time. 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 more room for leisure as effectively, even when nonetheless too small.
The number of eating choices and freestyle cruising strategy stay interesting options of NCL’s megaships. Informal eating continues to excel as effectively, with venues just like the Native Bar and Grill and Indulge Meals Corridor; although the buffet and availability of grab-and-go objects wants some work.
To not point out, Norwegian Aqua and different Prima-class vessels characteristic 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, recreation reveals, and typical cruise actions fill the times and nights.
Even when NCL has been more and more related to nickel-and-diming ways, the road nonetheless represents unbelievable worth. As an illustration, our balcony cabin with drink bundle and two specialty eating places totaled simply $850 per particular person, together with all taxes and charges.
Regardless of some cutbacks and newer upcharges, we wouldn’t hesitate to sail with NCL once more. The mixture of freestyle cruising, eating selection, and total expertise nonetheless delivers, particularly when the value is correct. With Norwegian Luna launching in 2026 and several other updates coming to Nice Stirrup Cay, we’ll be preserving our eyes out for offers.
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