Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator of the global cruise segment together with its partners at Fincantieri, the Italian shipbuilding company, celebrated the launch of the brand new Norwegian Aquafirst in the class Prima Plus expanded, which left the dry dock of the Marghera shipyard (Venice) and is came into contact with water for the first time.
The launch of Norwegian Aqua marks the completion of exterior work being done on the ship in preparation for her launch debut in April 2025. To celebrate this milestone, two ceremonial coins were soldered into the Norwegian Aqua in accordance with maritime tradition, where historically, the coins symbolized an offering to the ancient gods and goddesses of the sea in exchange for good luck and safe passage to the ship. The ceremony was followed by a blessing of a local chaplain and by the celebration champagne breaking on the hull.
Norwegian Aqua, innovation and charm “beyond borders”
With a gross tonnage of 156,300 tons and a length of 322 meters, Norwegian Aqua will be 10% larger than the first two ships First Classalso the result of Fincantieri’s mastery, providing more space and more innovative offers including the first hybrid roller coasters and waterslides in the world, the Aqua Slidecoaster; a new digital sports complex with a interactive floor LED, Court light; and the most wide outdoor walk 360 degrees of NCL, Ocean Boulevard, to date. Plus, it will also boast luxurious accommodations in the The Haven of Norwegian, including the very first le first Haven duplex suites three bedroom apartment by NCL.
Construction continues on Norwegian Aqua until her debut in April 2025, when the ship will set sail for seven day Caribbean itineraries departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, and calling at the tropical island destinations of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas.
After the Caribbean season, Norwegian Aqua will offer voyages of five and seven days in Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 to October 2025 and then five- and seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami, the “Cruise Capital of the World,” from October 2025 to April 2026.
The enthusiastic words of the protagonists
“We are thrilled to celebrate another milestone with our partners at Fincantieri, who are an integral part of the Prima Class journey and support us in the evolution of the extraordinary experience we design and offer to our guests“, he has declared David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Building on customer-preferred features of award-winning ships in this class, the 10% increase in space provides greater flexibility to provide more offerings and more beautifully designed places for our customers to relax and explore aboard Norwegian Aqua”.
Words confirmed in turn by Luigi Matarazzogeneral director of the Merchant Ships Division of Fincantieri: “We are thrilled to celebrate this significant moment with Norwegian Cruise Line as we witness the launch of Norwegian Aqua, which represents a new chapter in our long-standing partnership, and we are proud to be part of this transformative journey in which innovation, a pillar of our business plan, is one of our calling points as we strive to push boundaries and raise industry standards“.
“The Prima Class is a true evolution of the brand“, he has declared Mark Kansley, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations at Norwegian Cruise Line. “We have heard from our guests after every cruise and they appreciate the intimate nature and greater variety of elevated spaces throughout the ship in which to relax or explore during their vacation. We are excited to soon realize this next chapter in our evolution – Prima Plus Class – and take our guests on the journey with us”.
