New Norwegian Cruise Line ship Norwegian Aqua has been floated out from its shipyard in Italy.
The first of the line’s expanded Prima Plus class vessels will be 10% larger than the first two Prima class ships.
The float out from the dry dock at the Fincantieri yard in Marghera near Venice signifies completion of the external work done on the 156,300 gross ton ship readying it for its debut in April 2025.
Norwegian Aqua will feature the the Aqua Slidecoaster, claimed to be world’s first-ever hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide; Glow Court, a new digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor; and the line’s largest 360-degree Ocean Boulevard outdoor promenade.
NCL’s first three-bedroom duplex Haven suites will also be introduced on the ship.
The ship is due to enter service running seven-day Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida.
Five and seven-day sailings will then operate from New York City to Bermuda between August and October 2025 before a winter season of Caribbean departures from Miami until April 2026.
NCL president David Herrera said: “We are excited to celebrate another milestone with our partners at Fincantieri, who are integral to the Prima Class journey and supporting us in evolving the amazing experience we design and deliver for our guests.
“Building upon the guest-favourite features of the award-winning vessels of this class, the 10% increase in space provides us with more flexibility to deliver more offerings and more beautifully designed venues for our guests to relax and explore on board Norwegian Aqua.”
Hotel operations senior vice president Mark Kansley added: “The Prima class is a true evolution of the brand.
“We hear from our guests following every cruise, and they appreciate the intimate nature and greater variety of elevated spaces throughout the ship for them to relax in or explore while on vacation.
“We are excited to soon deliver on this next chapter of our evolution – the Prima Plus class – and bring our guests along on our journey.”