Discovering Norwegian Aqua: A Flight Centre Exclusive with Lisa on the Inaugural Sailing
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 Lisa Randall will be among the first to find out.
In this blog
Lisa 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, Lisa is eager to explore everything Norwegian Aqua has to offer.
A First-Time Cruiser’s Dream
For Lisa, 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, Lisa'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, Lisa 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, Lisa 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, Lisa's every craving will be covered.
Moments of Rest and Relaxation
With so much to see and do, will Lisa 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, Lisa 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 Lisa 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 Lisa, 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!
Cook Islands
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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