Norwegian Cruise Line has officially welcomed the Norwegian Aqua homeport debut in Port Canaveral, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s expanding fleet. As the first ship in the all-new Prima Plus class, Norwegian Aqua is now offering a series of immersive, seven-day Eastern Caribbean voyages throughout spring and summer 2025. With increased capacity, cutting-edge amenities, and a variety of destinations – including the cruise line’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay – Norwegian Aqua delivers a unique blend of high-energy adventure and serene luxury.
A Bold New Chapter Begins at Port Canaveral
Setting sail with approximately 3,700 guests on her inaugural cruise, the Norwegian Aqua homeport schedule in Port Canaveral will run through August 2025. Destinations include picturesque stops like Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each voyage also features a visit to Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, which is set to debut new guest amenities later this year, including a large heated pool, splash zones for kids, and a multi-ship pier to streamline access.
Game-Changing Onboard Attractions
The Norwegian Aqua homeport launch comes with more than just a new itinerary; it introduces one of the most innovative experiences at sea. Guests can now experience the Aqua Slidecoaster—the world’s first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide. This thrill ride races across three decks with a high-speed powered launch, attracting adventure seekers and social media attention alike.
Complementing this is the Glow Court, a transformative LED sports and entertainment zone that turns from an interactive game space by day to a vibrant dance floor by night. Families and gamers of all ages can dive into the Aqua Game Zone, packed with retro arcade classics, VR fun, and carnival-style games that keep everyone engaged on board.
Entertainment That Rivals Broadway
Entertainment is another defining feature of the Norwegian Aqua experience. Headlining the main stage is “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince,” a high-energy tribute concert celebrating the life and music of the pop icon with hits like “Purple Rain” and “1999.” The ship also features the visually striking “Elements: The World Expanded,” an enhanced production of one of Norwegian’s most popular shows, blending acrobatics, illusion, and elemental themes. Guests can even participate in a live taping of “The Price is Right LIVE,” adding a fun and interactive twist to their cruise evenings.
Dining to Satisfy Every Palate
With 17 diverse dining venues, food lovers will find no shortage of flavors on board. The new specialty Thai restaurant, Sukhothai, introduces bold Southeast Asian flavors, while the plant-based options at the 10-station Indulge food hall cater to a variety of dietary lifestyles. Guests can also enjoy 18 bars and lounges, including the Metropolitan Bar, known for sustainable cocktails made with eco-conscious ingredients.
Relaxation and Wellness at Sea
Beyond the thrills, the Norwegian Aqua also caters to relaxation and rejuvenation. The ship’s expanded pool deck offers ample sun-soaked lounging space, while the adults-only Vibe Beach Club provides a quiet escape for couples and solo travelers. For deeper relaxation, the Mandara Spa features a luxurious thermal suite with heated loungers, steam and ice rooms, and a new clay sauna designed for full-body detoxification.
Elevated Design and Guest Experience
As the first of the Prima Plus class, Norwegian Aqua boasts a 10% size and capacity increase over its predecessors. At 1,056 feet long and designed to carry 3,571 guests at double occupancy, the ship offers more outdoor space per guest and the highest crew-to-guest staffing ratio among contemporary cruise ships. This emphasis on space and service reinforces the premium experience that distinguishes the Norwegian Aqua voyages from typical Caribbean cruises.
Looking Ahead to Year-Round Adventures
After concluding her summer sailings from Port Canaveral, Norwegian Aqua will head to New York for Bermuda voyages in late 2025 before shifting to Miami for winter sailings to the Eastern Caribbean. This continuous rotation of itineraries ensures the Norwegian Aqua offerings remain dynamic and attractive to a wide range of travelers year-round.
As Norwegian Cruise Line charts the next course in cruise innovation, the arrival of Norwegian Aqua at Port Canaveral signals not just the beginning of a new ship’s journey, but a refreshed vision of what modern cruising can offer. With state-of-the-art attractions, expansive dining, immersive entertainment, and destination-rich itineraries, the Norwegian Aqua is setting new standards in family-friendly cruising.