On 23APR, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) commemorated the float out of Norwegian Aqua, the first of the expanded Prima Plus Class, from its dry dock at the shipyard in Marghera (Venice), Italy.
This marked a major construction milestone and the first time the vessel made contact with the water.
The float-out of Norwegian Aqua signified the completion of the external work done on the ship, readying it for its April 2025 debut.
In a maritime tradition, two ceremonial coins were welded into the Norwegian Aqua to mark a milestone, symbolizing offerings to ancient sea deities for luck and safe passage. This was followed by a blessing from a local chaplain and champagne breaking across the ship's hull.
"We are excited to celebrate another milestone with our partners at Fincantieri, who are integral to the Prima Class journey and supporting us in evolving the amazing experience we design and deliver for our guests,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Building upon the guest-favorite features of the award-winning vessels of this class, the 10% increase in space provides us with more flexibility to deliver more offerings and more beautifully designed venues for our guests to relax and explore on board Norwegian Aqua.”
At 156,300 gross tons and a length that spans 1,056 feet, Norwegian Aqua will be 10% larger than the first two Prima Class vessels, including the world’s first-ever hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster; a new digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor, Glow Court; and NCL’s most expansive 360-degree outdoor promenade, Ocean Boulevard, to date.
“We are excited to mark this significant moment with Norwegian Cruise Line as we witness the float out of Norwegian Aqua, which represents a new chapter in our long-lasting partnership,” stated Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division. “We are proud to be part of this transformative journey in which innovation, a cornerstone of our industrial plan, is one of our key points, as we strive to push boundaries and elevate industry standards."
Construction continues on Norwegian Aqua until its debut in April 2025, where the ship will sail seven-day Caribbean itineraries departing from Port Canaveral, Fla. With calls to the tropical island destinations of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas.
Following the ship’s Caribbean season, Norwegian Aqua will offer five and seven-day voyages to Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025 and then cruise five and seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami, the “Cruise Capital of the World,” beginning October 2025 through April 2026.
“The Prima Class is a true evolution of the brand,” said Mark Kansley, senior vice president of hotel operations of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We hear from our guests following every cruise, and they appreciate the intimate nature and greater variety of elevated spaces throughout the ship for them to relax in or explore while on vacation. We are excited to soon deliver on this next chapter of our evolution – the Prima Plus Class – and bring our guests along on our journey.”
