Norwegian Aqua has begun its maiden voyage from Lisbon to Southampton with 2,000 invited passengers on board.
The departure marks the start of a five-part inaugural sailing for Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship ahead of its official christening in Miami on April 13.
The ship will sail from Southampton to Bruges with more guests from the UK trade and press from Tuesday.
Norwegian Aqua is the first in the line’s Prima Plus Class with features including a hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide Aqua Slidecoaster, a digital sports complex and Aqua Game Zone, alongside 17 restaurants and 18 bars and lounges.
The Prima Plus Class is described as the “latest evolution” of the Prima Class, which currently includes Norwegian Prima and Viva. Norwegian Aqua and it sister ship Luna will be larger than the original Prima ships, with two further ships in the class set to be larger again.
NCL president David Herrera said: “This is a milestone moment for Norwegian Cruise Line as we set sail aboard Norwegian Aqua, a ship designed to offer our guests more – more wide-open space, more thrills, more culinary experiences and more immersive entertainment.
“During this inaugural season, we look forward to welcoming our travel partners from around the world and to give them the exclusivity of being the first to experience our newest product and to fully understand how guests can ‘Experience More at Sea’ with us.”