Jeannine Williamson got a sneak peak of the all-new Norwegian Aqua ahead of its maiden voyage
“Don’t let go of the handles,” says the attendant as I lower myself into the small rubber raft which bobs in the water at the foot of a steep incline. It might be a chilly day in the middle of March but I don’t want to miss the chance of trying out the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid roller-coaster and waterslide. What makes the scenario even more remarkable is I’m not in a theme park but in the middle of the English Channel.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest adrenaline ride, on its next generation Prima Plus-class ship Norwegian Aqua, is one of the most talked about cruise innovations of 2025. And this silver traveller is about to find out what all the fuss is about.
A short wait builds up the tension before I heard a whirring noise. A huge electronic arm comes up behind the raft and, like a cork out of a bottle, I’m suddenly shooting up the ramp at 30mph. It takes my breath away and I couldn’t even scream if I wanted to. The raft enters a tube and for the next minute I wind through three storeys of twists and turns around the ship’s funnel. I emerge soaking wet but grinning from ear to ear.
The Aqua Slidecoaster, where thrill-seekers can ride solo or double up, might be the most attention grabbing innovation on Norwegian Aqua but there are plenty more, as I discovered over the ensuing days. I joined more than 4,000 guests from the travel industry to experience the ship before it headed off for its inaugural season in the Caribbean (where the sunny climes will be much more conducive to the Aqua Slidecoaster, outdoor attractions and wide open deck spaces for lounging and al fresco drinking and dining).
New attractions
Carrying up to 3,571 guests and with an extra 75ft in length, Norwegian Aqua is the bigger sister of the first two Prima-class ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. It certainly feels light and airy, and I like the more understated interior decor and muted colours which give the ship a sophisticated vibe.
Elsewhere, and ideal for silver travellers on holiday with younger members of the family, there are high-tech attractions including the Glow Court, a digital sports complex featuring an interactive LED floor that adapts for different games during the day and transforms to a club at night.
Another area that will come into its own on Caribbean sailings is the Ocean Walk, the equivalent of a promenade at sea with the addition – if you are brave enough to step onto it – of a glass bridge where you can look down on the waves from deck 14.
Along with other ships in the fleet, Norwegian promotes its trademark Freestyle Cruising, which will particularly appeal if you don’t want regimented routines, such as fixed dining times, or strict dress codes and having to don your best bib and tucker for formal nights. Although of course, if you want to push the sartorial boat out nobody is stopping you.
Tempting cuisine
Food is an all-important part of cruising, and with more than 20 different dining venues Norwegian Aqua doesn’t disappoint. On the included dining front, I loved the Indulge Food Hall and was initially surprised, then delighted, to discover it didn’t come at an extra charge.
It’s a fun venue with themed outlets, such as a tapas food truck, and you can order whatever you want via user-friendly tablets. Minutes later, waiters arrive at your table, counter or cosy booth (my favourite place to sit) with your meal and drink. In the interests of transparency, I’m biased when it comes to the new outlet, Planterie, as I’m a vegetarian and so is the silver traveller friend that came along with me. However, I think even the most committed carnivores would enjoy some of these light and beautifully presented dishes.
Epicurean delights continue in Norwegian Aqua’s for-fee restaurants. Norwegian has introduced its first-ever Thai restaurant, Sukhothai, which occupies a great spot high up on deck 17 with panoramic views. I didn’t have time to try it, but my standouts included the colourful and casual Mexican, Los Lobos. It includes the novelty of a ‘guacamole master’ who comes to the table to mix up the freshest dip you’ll have ever tasted, which is spiced and seasoned exactly to your liking. For something more elegant Onda by Scarpetta, an Italian restaurant in a beautiful surrounding, gets my vote. These eateries cost an extra $40, but are well worth it.
Toe-tapping entertainment
Norwegian Aqua also shakes things up on the entertainment front and has moved away from Broadway-style shows to a much more immersive and contemporary concert experience in the three-deck theatre. The all-new Revolution: A Celebration of Prince pays homage to the greatest hits of this multi-talented artist. What makes it even more unique is that a section of seating is removed from the front of the auditorium so passengers can dance along to the music, which adds even more atmosphere to the high-energy spectacle.
The existing Rumours show, performed in one of the bars on other ships, has been rejigged and moved to the theatre on Aqua. Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 album probably played a formative part in the lives of many a silver traveller – it certainly did with me – and each track is played in its entirety and combined with insightful tales of the trials and tribulations of the band at the time. Another fabulous night out.
When it’s finally time for bed, Norwegian Aqua offers a huge variety of cabin categories from cosy studios, with an exclusive lounge, for solo travellers, through the line’s first Duplex Suites which span two floors and have three bedrooms. It also has the fleet’s largest Haven, a gorgeous private suite complex, separate to the rest of the ship, which comes with butler service, its own restaurant, bar and sun deck.
From its vibrant head-turning hull art created by American street artist Allison Hueman and on board sculptures, to its all-new attractions and experiences, Norwegian Aqua is breath-taking in every sense. So much so, I can’t resist having another go on the Aqua Slidecoaster, particularly as it’s free, before I disembark. Whee!
Find out more
To book a cruise on Norwegian Aqua and get further information from our Silver Travel Advisors, call 0800 412 5678.
