Norwegian Aqua debuts as newest ship at Port Canaveral, Florida, for the new cruise season

Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), the global innovator in cruise travel, celebrated the debut of the all-new Norwegian Aqua at Port Canaveral, Florida, on Saturday, April 26, 2025, where she began her inaugural season of roundtrip Caribbean cruises as the newest ship in port.

This past weekend, approximately 3,700 guests embarked on Norwegian Aqua’s first week-long voyage to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Florida, its initial homeport since its official debut earlier this month. Just in time for the summer travel season, Norwegian Aqua will offer a series of seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries through August 2025 with calls in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in The Bahamas, which will debut new family-friendly amenities beginning in late 2025. With upcoming island enhancements, guests will enjoy easy access with a new multi-ship pier; a spacious area to bask in the warm Bahamian sun, featuring a large heated pool; family-friendly experiences such as a play area with fun water features for kids; as well as a bar for guests who want to continue enjoying their unlimited open bar package off the ship.  

“We are thrilled that Norwegian Aqua will homeport in Port Canaveral for its inaugural season of Caribbean voyages,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Port Canaveral is an attractive cruise destination with a wide variety of nearby attractions for guests to extend their cruise vacation, and easily accessible by plane, train, or car. Launched just in time for summer, Norwegian Aqua is designed to offer year-round sun-filled adventure travel with outdoor activities for guests seeking fun, or just looking to relax. We are excited for her to begin her cruise journey with our Port Canaveral partners.”

Norwegian Aqua features many industry-first activities, including the top-deck signature attraction, the Aqua Slidecoaster. The world's first hybrid water coaster and waterslide continues to generate growing social media buzz with a high-speed motorized launch that propels adventurers through dual slides spanning three decks. Guests can also enjoy the new Glow Court, a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor that offers unique, interactive games during the day and transforms into a nightclub at night. For the whole family to enjoy together, the new Aqua Game Zone caters to multigenerational interests with retro arcade games like Ms. Pacman and Mario Brothers, complemented by new-age virtual reality experiences and classic carnival games.

The entertainment doesn’t stop there. Guests won’t want to miss the main stage production of “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince,” an immersive theatrical concert experience created in-house with top industry talent, honoring multi-Grammy® Award-nominated and award-winning Prince ^. The show has already received rave reviews for its infectious energy and features many of the icon’s greatest hits, including “Purple Rain,” “Kiss,” “When Doves Cry,” “1999,” and MORE! Other Main Stage productions include “Elements: The World Expanded,” an enhanced version of NCL’s top-rated show, combining acrobatics, magic, and stunning visual effects inspired by the four elements: earth, wind, fire, and water; as well as interactive game shows like “Price is Right LIVE.”

For those who travel for the love of food, you'll be challenged to try the 17 onboard dining options, including NCL's first specialty Thai restaurant, Sukhothai, and the brand's first plant-based restaurant in the 11-season food court, Indulge. Norwegian Aqua also features 18 bars and lounges, including Metropolitan Bar, the industry's first sustainable craft cocktail bar.

Norwegian Aqua offers something for everyone and features a variety of spaces to relax, including the newly expanded pool deck and the adults-only Vibe Beach Club, now more spacious than ever. For added relaxation, guests can visit the Mandara Spa and Salon for invigorating spa services or a visit to the Thermal Suite, which features heated loungers, an ice room, a steam room, and a variety of saunas, including the new clay sauna.

Ten percent larger and with more capacity than her sister ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Aqua is the first in the Prima Plus class. With more outdoor space and the highest staffing levels of any new contemporary cruise ship, Norwegian Aqua is 1,056 feet long and accommodates 3,571 guests at double occupancy.

“We have a great partnership with NCL and are excited to welcome Norwegian Aqua to our homeport fleet,” said Captain John Murray, CEO of Port Canaveral. “Port Canaveral is the ideal homeport for this new Prima-Plus-class ship, especially with more guests arriving by car to take advantage of our easy on-and-off access. Our team looks forward to providing NCL guests with the customer-centric experience that has made our port a cruise industry leader.”  

Following the ship's initial season at Port Canaveral, she will sail a series of five- and seven-day voyages to Bermuda from New York between August and October 2025, before returning to Miami for a season of seven-day cruises in the Eastern Caribbean between October 2025 and April 2026.

For guests planning their next cruise vacation aboard Norwegian Aqua or any ship in the NCL fleet, the company's newest program, More At Sea™, offers guests more value with an unlimited open bar featuring premium brand beverages like Casamigos Tequila, Woodford Reserve, Grey Goose Vodka, and more; as well as specialty meals; high-speed Wi-Fi minutes; and $50 USD shore excursion credits in every port of call. More At Sea offers guests incredible value, saving over 75%, and kids sail free on select cruises.

Fuente: Norwegian Cruise Line.