The recently launched $1 billion wonder from Norwegian Cruise Line, the Norwegian Aqua, has made its maiden voyage with great fanfare, featuring 17 dining venues spread over its 20 levels. This majestic vessel spans an astounding 1,056 feet and is capable of accommodating up to 3,571 passengers, providing both thrilling experiences and luxurious accommodations.
Journalist and cruise specialist Dave Monk got the chance to be part of its inaugural five-day journey from Lisbon to Southampton. Future sailings will take passengers from Florida and New York to destinations like The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. One of the highlights for Dave during this trip was trying out the Slidecoaster, a thrilling combination of a water slide and roller coaster that propels people through dark passages at breakneck speeds.
“I heard a sharp mechanical hum coming from behind, and before I knew it, a metallic limb was launching me upward along the incline and right into the mouth of a massive plastic pipe. What followed was quite an adventure—literally a downward spiral—as I found myself floating inside a plastic raft for about 900 feet. The journey took place over several twists and turns under dazzling lights and vibrant colors, giving it the surreal feeling of being part of a hallucinogenic fantasy or the introductory sequence of Doctor Who,” he recalled.
Approximately 40 exciting seconds after starting, I plunged with a splashing sound into a pool close to where we began. After climbing out, drenched but amused, I realized this was the Slidecoaster – a fusion of a water slide and roller coaster – aboard the newly launched £1 billion cruise ship named Norwegian Aqua.
The onboard entertainment features 18 bars and lounges, a performance honoring Prince, DJ evenings, and locations like The Metropolitan lounge. Engaging activities range from a pickleball court and virtual reality gaming to mini golf and an area with infinity pools along a promenade.
Extra features consist of a lavish spa, a high-tech sports facility, and an elite zone called The Haven, providing premium rooms equipped with individual amenities.
He mentioned, "In addition to the slide coaster, the vessel features a drop slide, a pickleball court, and a digital sports complex equipped with an interactive LED floor that changes configurations for various games throughout the day and morphs into a nightclub in the evening."
A miniature golf course named Tee Time features a distinct international motif at every hole, like a windmill representing the Netherlands and London’s Tower Bridge symbolizing the UK. Adjacent to this, The Game Zone offers an array of classic retro arcade games alongside immersive virtual reality experiences. On the lower level, specifically Deck Eight, lies a more conventional nautical attraction: a spacious promenade that circles around the vessel, providing ample room for amenities including infinity pools and a striking blue sculpture perfect for photo ops.
There is a wide variety of dining choices available, featuring 17 eateries such as Onda by Scarpetta for Italian cuisine, Le Bistro for French fare, Cagney's Steakhouse, and the recent addition Sukhothai offering Thai dishes. For those who prefer a contemporary experience, the Indulge Food Hall allows you to order via an app from numerous food stands.
He commented, “I dedicated several hours to the remarkable spa which features plunge pools, a sauna, an ice room, and a relaxation area. After undergoing a 75-minute massage, I was almost dozing off.”
"Those who can afford it will find that The Haven, which operates like a ship inside another ship, provides top-tier accommodations complete with personal sundecks, bars, and restaurants. Residents enjoy two major advantages: they get their own secluded area yet still retain full access to all amenities offered by the larger cruise liner. In addition to land tours, numerous activities take place onboard daily ranging from fun events such as the Mr. Sexy Legs Contest to creative workshops and engaging mysteries," he mentioned.
Even though they faced early challenges because of bad weather and rough waters in the Bay of Biscay, the cruise was still an unforgettable journey.
He mentioned that the journey I embarked upon is often referred to as a shake-down, where they evaluate the new team members and onboard amenities prior to welcoming paying passengers. Yet, this particular trip turned out to be a shake-down in multiple senses since we ventured forth amidst strong gusts and surging seas within the Bay of Biscay after enduring a two-day postponement at harbor because of adverse conditions.
Even though we stumbled a little, the ship, along with its captain and crew, emerged victorious.
Dave recognizes that due to the abundance of options, he was unable to experience everything and looks forward to coming back for additional exploration onboard the Norwegian Aqua.
He ended with, "After spending five full days aboard the Norwegian Aqua and arriving in Southampton, I realized there was still so much more to see and do. Looks like I’ll need to return soon."
Book the holiday
- Norwegian Cruise Line provides a week-long voyage aboard the Norwegian Aqua departing from Miami on November 9th. This journey includes stops at Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas within the U.S. Virgin Islands, Tortola located in the British Virgin Islands, as well as Great Stirrup Cay in The Bahamas, starting at £891 per person. Airfare not included. ncl.com
- More info at godominicanrepublic.com dot.vi.gov bvitourism.com bahamas.com