Discovering Norwegian Aqua: A Flight Centre Exclusive with Anusya on the Inaugural Sailing

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2.5min read

Published 21 March 2025

Flight Centre Author

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Norwegian Aqua is making waves as the first of Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) innovative Prima Plus Class ships, launching in April 2025. With stunning design, spacious accommodations, and thrilling onboard experiences, this ship is set to redefine cruising. But what’s it really like to step onboard a brand-new ship for its maiden voyage? Flight Centre’s own Anusya Papia will be among the first to find out.


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Anusya will be setting sail on a four-night inaugural voyage from Lisbon, Portugal, to Rotterdam, Netherlands, from March 20 to 24, 2025. So far, she hasn’t been lucky enough to go on a cruise. And what a way to change that! With her sailing coming up soon, Anusya is eager to explore everything Norwegian Aqua has to offer.

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A First-Time Cruiser’s Dream

For Anusya, this trip is a journey into the unknown, and that’s exactly what makes it exciting. “I have no expectations,” she says. “I’m just overjoyed to experience Norwegian Aqua.”

And what better way to do it than on a brand-new ship that offers more space, more entertainment, and more dining than ever before? Aqua is designed to give travellers even more room to move when they’re onboard, with expanded deck areas, an infinity pool, and even day beds on the main pool deck—a first for NCL.

When asked which onboard facilities she’s most excited about, Anusya’s list is packed with excitement and relaxation in equal measure. First up is The Aqua Slidecoaster – A thrilling first-of-its-kind hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide that snakes around three decks. “I don’t know if I’ll be brave enough, but I want to try it!” she says.

As someone travelling without kids, Anusya is already planning to check out Vibe Beach Club – An adults-only retreat with breathtaking ocean views and bubbly in hand.  And of course, there’s the entertainment. NCL is known for spectacular Broadway-style shows, live music, and comedy acts.



Cruising, But Make It a Culinary Adventure

While many first-time cruisers worry about food options, Anusya has no such concerns. A self-described adventurous eater, she’s ready to taste everything Aqua has to offer. Norwegian Cruise Lines are well known for their freestyle cruising concept, which means no set dinner times and plenty of choice onboard.

“I usually prefer a la carte dining, but I have no doubt that Aqua’s buffet will be exquisite. I’m going to sample as many flavours and as many dishes as possible—this is a culinary journey!” she says.

With 19 bars and restaurants, Norwegian Aqua offers an incredible variety of dining experiences. A standout specialty restaurant is Palomar, NCL’s Mediterranean seafood venue, serving dishes inspired by the coasts of Greece, Italy, and Spain. But it isn’t just the speciality restaurants which you can taste if you don’t fancy a buffet dinner. Hudson’s offers elegant à la carte meals with breathtaking floor-to-ceiling ocean views, while The Local Bar & Grill provides 24-hour comfort food in a relaxed setting. From indulgent steakhouse meals to freshly prepared sushi, Anusya’s every craving will be covered.

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Moments of Rest and Relaxation

With so much to see and do, will Anusya even have time to relax? She’s planning to make every moment count and says she’s not sure how much downtime she’ll get between trying out loads of excursions and amenities. But, in a valiant effort to get a real feel for the ship, Anusya says she’ll be spending a bit of time unwinding.

“If I had to choose one thing to enjoy in my downtime, it would be chilling with a glass of bubbly and watching the ocean. The sea is mesmerising—I could watch it for hours.” And of course, there’s she also wants “to experience a spa treatment at Mandara Spa, which promises to "take self-care to another level.”

Where will NCL Aqua be Heading Next?

Norwegian Aqua’s inaugural sailing will take Anusya from the vibrant streets of Lisbon, Portugal, to the historic port of Rotterdam, Netherlands. But after this special voyage, Aqua will embark on exciting itineraries, including:

  • 7-day Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral (April – August 2025)
  • Bermuda cruises from New York (August – October 2025)
  • Caribbean sailings from Miami (October 2025 – April 2026)

Why Try a Cruise?

For Anusya, the answer is simple: a cruise is an all-in-one holiday. You unpack once, travel to multiple destinations, and have every activity, meal, and entertainment option right at your fingertips.

Will she become a cruise convert? Stay tuned—we can’t wait to hear all about it when she returns!

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Expert tip

The thing I love to do on the first day is take a walk around the ship and make sure I get to see everything - that way I know what my must dos are for the cruise. Also, I always unpack and put the suitcase away so I can really relax and enjoy.

Tammy

Cruise Expert

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