KCR Spring 2025 Magazine - Flipbook - Page 56
All-new Norwegian Aqua Sets Sail
Norwegian Cruise Line’s all-new Norwegian Aqua doesn’t just launch
a ship – it introduces an entirely new class of cruising. The 昀椀rst in the
Prima Plus Class, Aqua blends futuristic design with intuitive luxury,
taking the acclaimed Prima Class to a whole new level.
As Aqua emerged through stormy seas into Lisbon port for her debut
voyage, excitement rippled through the crowd. The storm had delayed
her arrival, but she arrived shining – an apt metaphor for the voyage
ahead.
From the outset, Aqua is a visual marvel. The ship’s striking Penrose
Atrium – a luminous three-storey centrepiece of curves and glass – sets
the tone for a voyage that balances architectural grace with innovation.
Norwegian’s new philosophy, “Experience More at Sea,” is echoed
throughout: in the wide-open decks, immersive entertainment, and
sheer attention to detail.
Elegant Staterooms and Re昀椀ned Escapes
Aqua’s accommodations are spacious and beautifully appointed,
designed to o昀昀er a restful haven after a day of exploration. Balcony
staterooms are sleek yet cosy, with plush linens, memory foam beds, and
elegant ocean views. Club Balcony Suites elevate the experience further
with more space and welcome treats, while solo travellers are thoughtfully catered for with private, well-designed studio cabins.
But the true jewel lies within The Haven – Norwegian’s exclusive “ship
within a ship.” This private enclave crowns the top of Aqua, o昀昀ering elite
guests secluded lounges, private dining, a sundeck, and 24-hour butler
service. The Haven’s three-bedroom duplex suites and panoramic Owner’s Suites are among the most luxurious at sea, combining grandeur
with tranquillity.
Dining Elevated to Artform
With 17 dining venues and 18 bars, Norwegian Aqua delivers culinary
excellence with 昀氀air. One of the most exciting new additions is Sukhothai, NCL’s 昀椀rst Thai speciality restaurant. With carved wooden
panels and soft lantern lighting, it o昀昀ers dishes that sing with spice,
complexity, and beauty.
Planterie, Aqua’s 昀椀rst fully plant-based venue, is quietly revolutionary.
Located within the Indulge Food Hall, it’s a celebration of 昀氀avourful
plant-forward cuisine.
Other highlights included the theatre of teppanyaki at Hasuki, fresh
sashimi at Nama, and classic French re昀椀nement at Le Bistro, where
perfectly prepared dishes and 昀椀ne wines made for an indulgent evening.
Wellness at Sea
The Mandara Spa® aboard Aqua is a sanctuary in motion. Its expansive
Thermal Suite is a feast for the senses, o昀昀ering everything from a
charcoal sauna and salt room to the 昀椀rst clay sauna at sea. These
wellness experiences go beyond pampering; they restore and invigorate.
A highlight is the Relaxation Lounge – with 昀氀oor-to-ceiling windows,
heated loungers, and uninterrupted ocean views. The spa menu features
over 50 treatments, and a full-service salon ensures guests can leave
looking as refreshed as they feel.
Innovation Meets Tranquillity
What’s most surprising about Aqua is the feeling of space. Public areas
are vast and thoughtfully arranged, with lounges and decks that never
feel crowded. The pool deck is a serene escape, its new daybeds and
panoramic views inviting quiet re昀氀ection under the sun.
Art and design are embraced with playfulness, too. The ship’s gleaming
sel昀椀e sculpture – a re昀氀ective, modern installation – is both a photo
opportunity and a statement of contemporary cool.
A New Standard for Entertainment
Aqua is also a ship of spectacle. “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince”
electri昀椀es the main theatre with West End-calibre energy, while
“Elements: The World Expanded” dazzles with aerial acrobatics and
stunning projection – a fusion of artistry and technology that feels
uniquely suited to life at sea.
Entertainment extends beyond the stage. The Aqua Slidecoaster – the
world’s 昀椀rst hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide – is a marvel of onboard
engineering. Equally imaginative is Glow Court, a digital sports arena
by day and iridescent nightclub by night. These spaces blend fun with
futuristic 昀氀air, delighting guests of all ages.
The Aqua Game Zone rede昀椀nes family entertainment, o昀昀ering
everything from retro arcade games to cutting-edge VR. It’s immersive
and inclusive, making Aqua ideal for multigenerational travel without
compromising on sophistication.
What surprised me most, however, was how balanced the experience
felt. I’d assumed such a large ship would be too crowded or chaotic.
Instead, I found serenity when I needed it – from my quiet balcony
to the gentle hum of the spa – and vibrant energy when I wanted to
explore, dine, or dance.
By Lisa Curtiss
For more information or to book your voyage aboard Norwegian Aqua,
visit: https://www.ncl.com
