Norwegian Cruise Line along with its partners at Fincantieri have commemorated the float out of Norwegian Aqua, the first of the expanded Prima Plus Class, from its dry dock at the shipyard in Marghera (Venice), Italy, marking a major construction milestone and the first time the vessel made contact with the water.
The launching of Norwegian Aqua signifies the completion of the external work done on the ship readying it for its April 2025 debut.
To celebrate this milestone, two ceremonial coins were welded into Norwegian Aqua in maritime tradition, which historically symbolized an offering to ancient gods and goddesses of the sea in exchange for good luck and safe passage for the vessel. The ceremony was followed by a blessing by a local chaplain and celebratory champagne breaking across the ship’s hull.
“We are excited to celebrate another milestone with our partners at Fincantieri, who are integral to the Prima Class journey and supporting us in evolving the amazing experience we design and deliver for our guests,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Building upon the guest-favorite features of the award-winning vessels of this class, the 10% increase in space provides us with more flexibility to deliver more offerings and more beautifully designed venues for our guests to relax and explore on board Norwegian Aqua.”
At 156,300 gross tons and a length that spans 1,056 feet, Norwegian Aqua will be 10% larger than the first two Prima Class vessels providing more space and more innovative offerings including the world’s first-ever hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster; a new digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor, Glow Court; and NCL’s most expansive 360-degree outdoor promenade, Ocean Boulevard, to date. The ship will also boast luxurious accommodations in The Haven by Norwegian, including NCL’s first-ever Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites.
Construction continues on Norwegian Aqua until its debut in April 2025, where the ship will sail seven day Caribbean itineraries departing from Port Canaveral, Fla. With calls to the tropical island destinations of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas.
Following the ship’s Caribbean season, Norwegian Aqua will offer five and seven-day voyages to Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025 and then cruise five and seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami beginning October 2025 through April 2026.
Contact us for additional information and to book your voyage with Norwegian Cruise Line.