NCL announces new Prima Plus class

NORWEGIAN Cruise Line (NCL) has opened sales for its new Norwegian Aqua (render pictured), the first ship of its nextgeneration Prima Plus class.

Aqua will debut in Apr 2025 with seven-day Caribbean voyages from Port Canaveral.

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri will construct the four-ship Prima Plus class, having earlier this year completed the delivery of NCL’s two-vessel Prima class the first time the cruise line and shipbuilder had worked together.

Building upon the Prima class, Aqua will deliver an overall 10% size and capacity increase from her sister ships Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva.

Aqua will accommodate 3,571 guests at double occupancy, and will offer more outdoor space and the highest staffing levels of any new contemporary cruise ship.

Highlights will include the world’s first “hybrid-coaster”; NCL’s first three-bedroom duplex suites, located in The Haven; and a digital sports complex.

Aqua will also feature captivating hull art designed by world-renowned graffiti artist Allison Hueman.

Her first voyages include calls to island destinations such as Puerto Plata, Tortola, St. Thomas, and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas.

“Aqua is a true testament of fusing together what represents the future of our brand as the first ship in the Prima Plus Class, and our commitment to pushing the boundaries in guest-first experiences that will make new waves at sea,” President David Herrera said.

“[She] will feature new, elevated and exhilarating offerings that once again showcase NCL as the innovator in the industry and as a key contributor to a new era of cruising.” MS