NCL: Norwegian Aqua Launched at Marghera

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Fincantieri celebrated the launch of Norwegian Aqua, the first unit of the Prima Plus class, at the Marghera shipyard in Venice.

To mark the occasion, signifying the completion of the external works carried out on the ship to prepare it for its scheduled debut in April 2025, two coins were welded onto the ship, symbolizing an offering to the ancient gods and goddesses of the sea in exchange for good luck and safe navigation for the vessel.

“We are thrilled to celebrate another milestone together with our partners at Fincantieri, who are an integral part of the journey of the Prima class ships and support us in evolving the extraordinary experience we design and provide to our guests,” said David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line. “The 10% increase in space, based on preferences indicated by guests of ships in this class, provides us with greater flexibility in expanding the offerings and immersive environments onboard, through which passengers can relax and explore Norwegian Aqua.”

Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division, also expressed enthusiasm for this significant moment, highlighting the pride of being part of this transformational journey focused on innovation and aimed at raising industry standards.

Work on Norwegian Aqua will continue until its scheduled debut in April 2025, when the ship will enter service, conducting seven-day itineraries in the Caribbean departing from Port Canaveral, Florida. Ports of call will include the tropical 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 Caribbean season, from August 2025 to October 2025, Norwegian Aqua will embark on five- and seven-day itineraries to Bermuda departing from New York City, and subsequently five- and seven-day cruises to the Eastern Caribbean departing from Miami, the “cruise capital of the world,” from October 2025 to April 2026.

“The Prima Class represents a true evolution of the brand,” stated Mark Kansley, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations at Norwegian Cruise Line. “We receive guest feedback after every cruise: they appreciate the intimate nature and greater variety of refined environments throughout the ship, to relax or explore onboard settings during their vacation. We look forward to writing the next chapter of our evolution, the Prima Plus Class, engaging guests in our journey as well.”

Indeed, with 156,300 gross tons and a length of approximately 322 meters, the new unit will be 10% larger than the first two ships of the Prima class, also built by Fincantieri, and will feature more space and innovative offerings, including the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid water slide and roller coaster, the Glow Court, a new digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor, and the Ocean Boulevard, NCL’s largest ever 360-degree outdoor promenade. The ship will also boast luxurious accommodations in The Haven by Norwegian® area, including the first Haven Duplex Suites by NCL with three bedrooms.

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