Norwegian Cruise Line Celebrates Key Milestones for Newest Ships

1 month ago 7

Today, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) officially took delivery of its newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, marking a significant step forward in the company’s fleet expansion. The Norwegian Aqua is the 20th vessel in NCL's award-winning fleet and the first ship in the highly anticipated Prima Plus Class. The delivery took place at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, where the ship was constructed.

The excitement didn’t stop there—NCL also celebrated a major milestone with Norwegian Luna, the next ship in the pipeline. Norwegian Luna has successfully floated out of her dry dock, signaling the completion of her external construction. As she touches the water for the first time, she will now move to a floating dock for the next phase of interior work and furnishing, setting the stage for her 2026 debut.

"Norwegian Aqua is more than just a ship—it’s a commitment to our guests that we will continue to push boundaries and deliver MORE at sea," said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "From thrilling attractions like the Aqua Slidecoaster to the debut of Sukhothai, our first Thai specialty restaurant, Norwegian Aqua is designed to create unforgettable moments for the whole family while cruising to the Caribbean, Bermuda and our private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, where we remain focused and excited about investing in the guest experience.”

Herrera added, “We are deeply grateful to Fincantieri for its partnership and expertise in bringing Norwegian Aqua to life, paving the way for NCL’s continued growth and success. And with Norwegian Luna’s float out, we’re already looking ahead to the next chapter of our fleet expansion.”

Building on the success of its predecessors, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Aqua is 10 percent larger in both size and capacity, providing guests with more expansive spaces, creative design, and exceptional service. The ship introduces compelling new features that highlight NCL’s dedication to offering more excitement, more dining options and more engaging activities—all while maintaining the highest staffing levels of any new contemporary cruise ship to ensure an unsurpassed guest experience.

Norwegian Aqua showcases NCL’s innovation by combining the signature features of the Prima Class—spacious staterooms, extraordinary experiences and world-class entertainment—with thrilling new upgrades. At 1,056 feet long and 156,300 gross tons, the brand-new vessel accommodates 3,571 guests at double occupancy and offers expansive outdoor areas, encouraging a stronger connection to the sea.

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