Review: Norwegian Aqua

Cabins: Aqua is home to Norwegian’s largest-ever ship-within-a-ship concept, The Haven, comprising 123 stylish suites with private balconies and facilities exclusively for Haven keyholders, including an infinity pool, a whirlpool and a glass-fronted sauna located at the aft providing optimum views.

Among the accommodation on offer are four spacious duplex suites, each with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, targeting multigenerational families and groups traveling together. Guests staying in The Haven enjoy concierge and butler services, as well as access to the rest of the ship’s attractions. Beyond The Haven, there solo studios, interior, ocean-view, balcony and suite staterooms comfortably styled with lots of storage space and generously proportioned bathrooms. Inside, you can really feel this vessel’s extra 10% in size. 

Food and drink: There are more than 15 dining outlets on board. The ship’s seven specialty restaurants come with cover charges ranging from US$40 to US$60. In response to consumer demand, Aqua debuts NCL’s first-ever Thai restaurant, Sukhothai. Other popular premium spots include Nama carving up glistening slices of sushi. 

Open to all, Indulge Food Hall redefines buffet dining. Here, you order from tablets and dishes from around the world are delivered direct to your table. The concept has proved to be a huge success and on Aqua it has been expanded to include the line’s plant-based outlet, Planterie. Dine here for superfood ensembles such as the Mediterranean Bowl, a quinoa salad with fried chickpeas, curried hummus, olives and roast carrots.

When it’s time for a drink, Aqua’s 17 bars and lounges come in all shapes and sizes; some are designed to entertain, others encourage conversation, and one has a robot bar tender. Head to the brand-new Swirl bar for the wine and chocolate tasting, well worth the US$22 fee.

Facilities: The newly introduced Aqua Slidecoaster is a hybrid rollercoaster-waterslide. For thrill-seekers who want a faster descent, there’s The Drop, a heart-racing, 10-storey plunge slide shooting riders down the side of the ship. Passengers looking for a little friendly competition can head to the Game Zone, offering arcade games and virtual reality headset experiences. The Glow Court is an LED sports floor designed for more high-tech games.

To escape the young ones, head to Vibe Beach Club, for guests aged 18 and over, or visit the sanctuary that is Mandara Spa. It’s easy to lose a day in this luxurious retreat furnished with jet pools, saunas, steam rooms and a salt room.

Entertainment: By day, there are art classes and countless live quiz shows held in bars.

After dark, Aqua keeps the fun going with stand-up comedy at The Improv at Sea and lively karaoke nights at Syd Norman’s Pour House. NCL shows launched with Aqua include a tribute to pop icon Prince. Revolution is an immersive theatrical concert with attendees forming part of the show by being the dancing “front row” fans. After the show, the theatre turns into a nightclub. 

Be sure to recommend NCL’s More at Sea package to passengers. It includes premium drinks, Wi-Fi and a shore excursion credit.

To partner with NCL, email Rebecca Ransom, Business Development Manager Middle East, rransom@ncl.com, call/WhatsApp: +44 7961 300 729. For more information, visit www.ncl.com