USA | Norwegian Cruise Line has celebrated the launch of its new ship, Norwegian Aqua, to Port Canaveral ahead of the summer.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, celebrated the debut of the all-new Norwegian Aqua to Port Canaveral, where she commenced her inaugural season of round-trip Caribbean cruises as the newest ship in port.
This past weekend, approximately 3,700 guests embarked on Norwegian Aqua's first week-long voyage to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Fla., her initial homeport since her official debut earlier this month.
Just in time for the summer travel season, Norwegian Aqua will offer a series of seven-day Eastern Caribbean sailings through August 2025 with calls to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, the Company's private island in the Bahamas which will debut new amenities for the whole family beginning late 2025.
With the upcoming enhancements to the island, guests will enjoy easy access with a new multi-ship pier; an expansive area for guests to soak up the warm Bahamian sun complete with an oversized heated pool; experiences for the whole family including a splash zone with fun water fountains and features for children; as well as a swim-up bar for guests who want to keep enjoying their unlimited open bar package off the ship.
"We are so thrilled to have Norwegian Aqua homeport in Port Canaveral for her inaugural season of Caribbean voyages," said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.
"Port Canaveral is an attractive cruise destination with a variety of attractions in the surrounding area for guests to extend their cruise vacation, and easy access by plane, train or automobile. Launching just in time for summer, Norwegian Aqua is designed to offer fun-in-the-sun voyages year-round with outdoor activities for guests looking for thrills, or who simply want to chill. We're excited to have her begin her cruise journey with our partners at Port Canaveral."
Norwegian Aqua boasts many first-in-the-industry activities, including the hallmark top-deck attraction, The Aqua Slidecoaster. The world's first-ever hybrid waterslide and roller coaster continues to generate growing social media buzz with a high-speed powered launch that propels adventurous guests through dual slides that race across three decks. Guests can also enjoy the brand-new Glow Court, a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor offering unique and interactive games by day and transforming into an electric club by night. For activities the whole family can enjoy together, the new Aqua Game Zone has multigenerational appeal with retro arcade games such as Ms. Pacman and Mario Brothers, complemented by new-age virtual reality experiences and classic carnival games.
The entertainment doesn't stop there. Guests will not want to miss the headlining production of "Revolution: A Celebration of Prince," an immersive theatrical concert experience created in-house with top industry talent, honouring the multi-Grammy Award-nominated and winner Prince. The show has already been met with rave reviews for its contagious energy, featuring many of the icon's greatest hit,s including "Purple Rain," "Kiss," "When Doves Cry," "1999" and more.
Other main stage productions include "Elements: The World Expanded," an enhanced version of NCL's top-rated show, blending acrobatics, magic and stunning visuals inspired by the four elements – earth, wind, fire and water; as well as interactive game show such as the "Price is Right LIVE."
For those who travel for the love of food, they will be challenged to try all 17 dining options on board, including NCL's premiering speciality Thai restaurant, Sukhothai, and the brand's first-ever plant-based eatery in the 10-station food hall, Indulge. Norwegian Aqua also features 18 bars and lounges, including Metropolitan Bar, the industry's first sustainable craft cocktail bar.
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