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Norwegian Cruise Line Takes Delivery of 156,300 Ton Aqua at Shipyard in Italy, Will Arrive at Port Canaveral in April

By  //  March 14, 2025

From the Space Coast, the new ship will offer 7-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries

Norwegian Cruise Line, the global leader in innovative cruise travel, cruise ship The Norwegian Aqua will homeport in Port Canaveral in April. From the Space Coast, the new ship will offer 7-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries that will visit St. Thomas, Tortola, Puerto Plata, and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island destination in the Bahamas. (NCL image)

BREVARD COUNTY • FLORIDA — Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of the Norwegian Aqua, the 20th ship in its fleet and the first in the next-generation Prima Plus Class, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy.

The Norwegian Aqua will be in Port Canaveral starting in April and will sail from Miami, Port Canaveral, and New York City during her first year of service. From the Space Coast, the new ship will offer 7-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries that will visit St. Thomas, Tortola, Puerto Plata, and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island destination in the Bahamas.

As Norwegian Aqua prepares to enter service, NCL completes another landmark event with the float-out of Norwegian Luna.

The float-out signifies the completion of the ship’s external work and marks the first time she makes contact with water.

Norwegian Luna will move to the floating dock previously occupied by Norwegian Aqua for interior construction and furnishing in preparation for the ship’s launch in spring 2026.

Norwegian Aqua is a testament to NCL’s innovation, seamlessly blending hallmark Prima Class features – spacious staterooms, experiences beyond expectations, and world-class entertainment – with exciting new enhancements.

Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of the Norwegian Aqua, the 20th ship in its fleet and the first in the next-generation Prima Plus Class, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. Measuring 1,056 feet in length and 156,300 gross tons, the ship accommodates 3,571 guests at double occupancy and boasts expansive outdoor spaces, ensuring a deeper connection to the ocean.

Measuring 1,056 feet in length and 156,300 gross tons, the ship accommodates 3,571 guests at double occupancy and boasts expansive outdoor spaces, ensuring a deeper connection to the ocean.

Norwegian Cruise Line officials said that building on the legacy of Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Aqua is 10 percent larger in size and capacity, offering more wide-open space, thoughtful art and design, service that puts guests first, and unmatched guest experiences.

“Norwegian Aqua introduces fresh features that exemplify NCL’s commitment to delivering more – more thrills, more dining, and more immersive activities – while ensuring unparalleled service through the highest staffing levels of any new contemporary cruise ship,” said a Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson.

Norwegian Cruise Line, the global leader in innovative cruise travel, cruise ship The Norwegian Aqua will port in Port Canaveral in April.

Food lovers can indulge in a mix of brand-new and signature dining experiences, including the debuting specialty dining venue Sukhothai and guest favorites like Cagney’s Steakhouse and Le Bistro. Moreover, the highly rated Indulge Food Hall also features Planterie, a new eatery serving plant-based bowls and healthy options for lunch and dinner.

At night, guests will enjoy world-class entertainment with headlining productions, including “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince,” an immersive tribute show developed in partnership with Prince Legacy, LLC, and Primary Wave Music.

It delivers a theatrical concert-like experience featuring the icon’s chart-topping hits. Additionally, “Elements: The World Expanded,” an enhanced version of NCL’s highest-rated show, “Elements,” blends acrobatics, magic, and intrigue, drawing inspiration from the four elements of earth, air, water, and fire for a breathtaking theatrical spectacle.

Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of the Norwegian Aqua, the 20th ship in its fleet and the first in the next-generation Prima Plus Class, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. The Norwegian Aqua will port in Port Canaveral in April. (NCL image)

Departing from Florida ports, Norwegian Aqua will offer short voyages to the Bahamas and seven-day Caribbean itineraries. These will visit sun-drenched destinations such as Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island paradise in the Bahamas, celebrated for its pristine beaches and exclusive experiences.

In late 2025, the island will become even more accessible to guests with the addition of a new pier.

Sailing from New York City in August and September 2025, Norwegian Aqua will offer Bermuda cruises during the peak summer season. During her five- to seven-day Bermuda itineraries, guests will enjoy convenient overnight stays, allowing more time to explore the island’s world-class golf courses, vibrant culture, and famous underground caves, just a short voyage from the U.S. East Coast.

For more information about Norwegian Aqua, NCL’s award-winning 20-ship fleet, and worldwide itineraries, please contact a travel professional or visit www.ncl.com.