Latest news with #NorwegianViva
The Wire
4 days ago
- Business
- The Wire
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE® UNVEILS NEARLY 500 VOYAGES WORLDWIDE DURING PEAK 2027 TRAVEL SEASON
NCL to deploy eight ships in Europe including Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, with 10 embarkation ports, multiple overnight stays & late night departures. With an Expanded Focus on Seven-Day Voyages and Weekend Departures, NCL Delivers Guests MORE Opportunities and Easy Access to Explore the World. MUMBAI (28 July 2025) - Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 58-year history of breaking boundaries, has revealed its Northern Hemisphere spring/summer 2027 deployment – allowing travellers to get ahead on planning their ideal holiday. The season features nearly 500 individual voyages across 20 ships, departing from nearly 30 of the world's top homeports, including Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Southampton, England; Helsinki, Finland; Istanbul, Turkey; Copenhagen, Denmark and Reykjavik, Iceland. From April through October 2027, NCL's spectacular fleet of ships will call to over 150 unique ports across 59 countries delivering immersive itineraries with MORE time in port, including over 170 overnight stays in the most sought-after destinations such as Istanbul, Turkey; Reykjavik, Iceland; and Copenhagen, Denmark. Whether planning a quick escape or longer adventure, the newly opened deployment delivers MORE opportunities for guests to make the most out of the prime travel season. 'With our most expansive deployment yet, we're giving Indian guests even more ways to explore the world—with itineraries now open from 2025 through 2027,' said Ben Angell, Vice President and Managing Director of NCL APAC. 'From more ways to enjoy an exhilarating Alaska holiday to more seven-day Mediterranean and Northern Europe sailings we're delivering more of what matters to our guests: longer port stays, more overnight calls, more value and greater flexibility to create the perfect cruise holiday.' 'We're proud to be the cruise line of choice for travelers who want MORE out of their vacation – MORE freedom, MORE destinations and MORE unforgettable experiences,' said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. 'Our spring and summer 2027 deployment clearly brings our promise to life, offering something for everyone. Whether guests are hopping between European cities nearly every day, taking in Alaska's natural beauty from ships custom-built to bring the outdoors in, or kicking back on the beach with family and friends at one of our two resort-style destinations, there's no shortage of ways to relax, explore, and create unforgettable memories.' Itinerary highlights from NCL's Northern Hemisphere spring/summer 2027 deployment include: EXPLORE EUROPE WITH MORE SEVEN-DAY VOYAGES, OVERNIGHTS & LATE DEPARTURES NCL will deploy eight ships, including some of the brand's newest and recently renovated vessels, across Europe. Offering mostly seven-day itineraries that begin and end on weekends, guests have the option to sail from 10 popular embarkation ports, including Barcelona, Spain; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; and Reykjavik, Iceland. These port-intensive voyages spend over 90% of their time in port with an average stay of nearly 11 hours and feature multiple overnight stays in cities like Istanbul, Turkey; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Hamburg, Germany, as well as late-night departures from favourites like Santorini, Greece; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Ibiza, Spain, giving guests MORE time to explore Europe's most captivating destinations. In spring/summer 2027, Norwegian Prima® and Norwegian Viva® will return to European waters offering a variety of nine-to-11-day voyages across the continent. Norwegian Viva will sail the Western Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries from June through October from four different homeports: Istanbul, Turkey; Barcelona, Spain; Rome (Civitavecchia) and Ravenna (Venice), Italy. Meanwhile, Norwegian Prima will offer Mediterranean voyages, featuring maiden calls to Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia and Kotor, Montenegro. For the majority of the summer, she will make her return to Northern Europe to operate guest-favorite open-jaw voyages to Iceland and Norway, departing from Southampton, England, and Reykjavik, Iceland. In September and October 2027, Norwegian Prima will close out her Europe season with three Baltic open-jaw sailings, which will also mark her inaugural turnaround in Helsinki, Finland and her maiden call in Riga, Latvia. In addition to its newer and larger ships, NCL strategically deploys its mid-size ships to the region to deliver more intimate, destination-focused voyages allowing guests to explore must-see and lesser-known ports with ease. Aboard Norwegian Sun®, travellers can sail seven-day, port-intensive Mediterranean itineraries with no sea days between May and August 2027 departing for the first time from Rome (Civitavecchia) and Venice (Ravenna), Italy. These open-jaw sailings include maiden calls to historic bucket list ports including Corfu, Greece. Moreover, Norwegian Jewel® will return to Europe for a full season for the first time in over a decade, offering seven- and nine-day Baltic voyages between Copenhagen, Denmark and Helsinki featuring first-time visits to Klaipeda, Lithuania; Riga, Latvia; and Gdynia, Poland - ideal for guests seeking to dive into cities that boast Medieval architecture and history as well as modern art, design and culture in Northern Europe. Rounding out the season, Norwegian Epic® will offer NCL's ever-popular seven-day Western Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona, Spain and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy from May through October 2027, providing travellers the opportunity to explore each destination pre- or post-cruise for an extended vacation. Norwegian Dawn® will also offer scenic open-jaw sailings from May through October 2027 between Barcelona, Spain and Lisbon, Portugal, providing even more ways to experience the best of Southern Europe by sea. MORE WAYS TO ENJOY ALASKA ABOARD SHIPS CUSTOM-BUILT FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS With the global rise of 'coolcations,' holidays to cooler climates, Alaska is the prime destination to experience an exhilarating holiday. Commencing in late April, NCL's Alaska season sets sail from Seattle; Whittier, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia aboard Norwegian Encore®, Norwegian Bliss® and Norwegian Joy®, each of which were custom-built for the destination with expansive outdoor and indoor spaces to marvel at the natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and the area's rich wildlife as well as Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy will sail seven-day voyages departing each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Seattle's Pier 66. Furthermore, Norwegian Joy will offer longer and more immersive nine- and 10-day voyages from mid-May to mid-June as well as end of August to end of September. Beginning 10 May 2027 through 20 Sept. 2027, Norwegian Jade® will cruise a series of seven-day open-jaw sailings between Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska and feature iconic scenic cruising along Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay on each voyage. Guests aiming to immerse themselves even more in the 'Last Frontier' can add an NCL Cruisetour to their reservation and explore the majestic Denali National Park, take a scenic ride on the historic tracks of the Alaska Railroad or fish halibut and salmon in the cold waters of Kachemak Bay. GUEST FAVOURITE NORWEGIAN SPIRIT TO OFFER EXTENDED SOUTH PACIFIC SEASON Following her 2026/2027 summer season in Australia and New Zealand, Norwegian Spirit® will remain in the Pacific through December 2027, offering a diverse range of open-jaw voyages across Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Hawaii and Alaska. The ship will homeport in Sydney, Australia; Lautoka, Fiji; Papeete, French Polynesia and Honolulu, and sailing a total of 11 immersive itineraries across the region. Norwegian Spirit will offer an expansive South Pacific season with a choice of 11- to 13-day voyages, calling to exotic destinations such as New Caledonia, Fiji, the Samoan Islands, French Polynesia, and the Cook Islands. MORE SHORT ESCAPES AND ISLAND-FILLED ADVENTURES WITH THREE- TO 11-DAY CRUISES TO THE CARIBBEAN, BAHAMAS & BERMUDA A standout feature of NCL's Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries is a visit to the company's private island destinations Great Stirrup Cay, the cruise line's top-rated port in the Bahamas, and Harvest Caye in Belize. Both islands are featured on nearly every voyage during the spring/summer 2027 season. These destinations deliver a picture-perfect beach experience, complete with pristine shores and turquoise waters, while offering guests even MORE ways to create lasting memories through unique shore excursions and curated island offerings. Beginning in late 2025, Great Stirrup Cay will debut a series of enhancements designed to elevate the guest experience, including a new multi-ship pier that ensures guaranteed access to the island; a convenient tram service for ease; an oversized heated pool perfect for relaxing under the sun; as well as the extension of popular onboard experiences ashore, such as an adult-only retreat with private cabanas, and Horizon Park, a family-friendly recreation area with lawn games and gathering spaces. These updates to NCL's private island come as it's expanding its Caribbean and Bahamas deployment for the spring/summer 2027 season. Guests will have eight ships to choose from including some of the Company's newest, Norwegian AquaTM and Norwegian Viva®, as well as easy access with embarkation ports across Florida. Another popular island destination best enjoyed during the spring and summer is Bermuda, with voyages departing from Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. In 2027, three NCL ships will sail to Bermuda as part of the cruise line's seven-month season, including Norwegian Breakaway®, Norwegian Pearl® and to-soon-be the Company's newest ship – Norwegian Luna®. Running from April through October, guests will have MORE opportunities than ever to experience the island's pink sand beaches, historical sites and lush green golf courses through overnights at the Royal Naval Dockyard on each sailing. Moreover, both Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Pearl will sail Canada & New England itineraries from 29 Aug 2027 to 17 Oct. 2027 calling to the most picturesque ports, including Charlottetown, Canada and Quebec City. Onboard these voyages, guests can savor the picturesque scenery of the Northeast tinted with the changing fall foliage, feast on fresh, local seafood delicacies and enjoy wine tastings at regional wineries and estates. In addition to the newly opened 2027 deployment, NCL cruises to nearly 350 destinations worldwide giving guests the chance to plan and book their upcoming cruise vacation well in advance. For guests looking to elevate their cruise experience, NCL's More At Sea™ is a must. Available across the whole fleet, this all-in-one offering delivers incredible value and includes unlimited premium beverages with brands such as Casamigos Tequila, Woodford Reserve, and Grey Goose Vodka; specialty dining package; high-speed Wi-Fi minutes; and US$50 shore excursion credits at every port. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
Miami Herald
20-06-2025
- Miami Herald
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals a lineup of summer deals
As summer hits full swing, millions of families begin searching for that perfect mid-year escape. School's out, vacation days are in reach, and the promise of new memories is calling. But as the cost of travel continues to rise, planning a family getaway can feel more daunting than exciting. When you add up airfare, hotels, meals, and entertainment, even a short vacation can break the bank, especially if the trip involves a large family or a multigenerational group. Cruising has become an increasingly popular option because it's possible to find packages that don't break the bank. Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Cruise vacations offer a blend of convenience, value, and variety that's hard to match. Everything from lodging to meals to activities is bundled together, often at a fraction of the cost of a land-based trip. Plus, travelers get to explore multiple destinations without the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking. With ships designed to cater to kids, teens, parents, and grandparents alike, cruising is one of the few vacation styles where everyone finds something to enjoy. And this summer, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is raising the bar with deals that make a cruise vacation even more attractive. Norwegian Cruise Line is heating up summer travel with what it calls the "hottest deals at sea." Right now, guests can get up to $1,000 off any sailing, plus an added bonus: NCL's 'More at Sea' package, which delivers more than $2,000 in value through perks like unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursion credits, and Wi-Fi. Related: Norwegian Cruise Line shares secrets from its kitchen Even better, the cruise line is making it easier for families to sail together. On select cruises, kids sail free - an offer that can translate into huge savings for parents planning that all-important summer vacation. It's all about helping families create unforgettable moments without the stress. "Now is the best time of year to go somewhere new and create unforgettable memories…with the people we love most," said NCL President David J. Herrera. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Looking to check a few destinations off your bucket list? Norwegian has nine ships sailing in Europe this summer, including the cutting-edge Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. These ships offer everything from Greek Isles getaways to cultural tours through Italy, France, and Spain. Highlights include island-hopping itineraries through Santorini and Mykonos, and northern routes to Norway and Iceland - a rising favorite among adventure travelers. The newly renovated Norwegian Breakaway is another standout, now featuring a Silver Screen Bistro and a Horizon Park outdoor recreation area perfect for families. Meanwhile, the Norwegian Epic boasts an enhanced Aqua Park for kids and a revamped adults-only Vibe Beach Club, making it easy to please every member of the travel group. Prefer cooler weather? "Coolcations" are trending, and Alaska is at the top of the list. Norwegian will have some of its most popular ships in the region, including the Bliss, Joy, and Encore, offering seven- to 10-day itineraries out of Seattle, Vancouver, and Whittier. Guests will enjoy stunning natural landscapes, up-close wildlife experiences, and authentic cultural encounters, particularly at Icy Strait Point - a destination run by the Huna Totem Corporation that highlights indigenous traditions and breathtaking scenery. In addition to broad summer savings, Norwegian is offering special discounts to educators, active and retired military, and residents of specific U.S. states. Military members can now take advantage of 35% off cruises to Alaska and Europe through Sept. 30, 2025. Teachers receive up to 25% off the same itineraries, giving them the perfect excuse to decompress after the school year ends. And for residents of Florida, Louisiana, Texas, California, New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, resident-only rates offer an extra 20% off select sailings. Norwegian Cruise Line continues to make cruising more accessible and personalized. Whether you're a solo traveler seeking peaceful ocean views or a family of four needing a balcony stateroom with connecting rooms, NCL has you covered. Onboard entertainment includes Broadway-style shows, award-winning dining, indulgent spas, and even racetracks at sea. With value-packed deals, globe-spanning itineraries, and family-friendly perks, Norwegian Cruise Line is making summer vacations easier - and more affordable -than ever. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ALL-NEW NORWEGIAN AQUA ARRIVES TO NEW YORK CITY FOR HER OFFICIAL U.S. DEBUT
– NCL Releases Brand-New Images of Norwegian Aqua Including Growing Viral Sensation the Aqua Slidecoaster – the World's First Hybrid Rollercoaster and Waterslide – – Norwegian Aqua to Return to the Big Apple Offering Roundtrip Sailings to Bermuda Beginning August 2025 – MIAMI, April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, today celebrated the arrival of the all-new magnificent Norwegian Aqua™ to the U.S. for an exclusive preview in New York City before she returns in August 2025 for a series of voyages to Bermuda. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: Today, Norwegian Aqua will welcome over 2,000 invited guests for a two-day inaugural event to experience the Brand's newest offerings. Ranging from first-in-the-industry activities to returning guest-favorites, NCL is delivering MORE of what guests love about cruising with the Brand. With an overall 10 percent size and capacity increase from sister ships Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Aqua also boasts the world's first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster. The latest attraction at sea, which is currently catching viral attention on social media, features a high speed powered launch that propels adventurous guests through one of two different courses across three decks. With dual slides, guests can have two unique experiences on this industry-leading attraction. "All of us at NCL are thrilled to finally welcome our newest incredible ship, Norwegian Aqua to the U.S., especially here in New York City," said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "New York and the tri-state area are an incredibly important market for us, so to showcase the beautiful Norwegian Aqua here in the Big Apple during her inaugural season was a no-brainer. We cannot wait for her to return to New York City in August for a season of voyages to Bermuda and for our guests to experience MORE to do and MORE to enjoy with everything she has to offer for the whole family." Norwegian Aqua offers activities bow-to-stern for everyone. For the guests who prefer to kick back and relax, the adults-only Vibe Beach Club provides even more space with outdoor loungers and cabanas overlooking sweeping ocean views. Guests can also retreat to the Mandara Spa and Salon for rejuvenating treatments, tranquil saunas, and invigorating spa services. Families and active adults can revel in attractions such as the outdoor activity complex, The Stadium; as well as The Drop, the 10-story jaw-dropping dry slide; and the Bull's Eye Bar where guests can enjoy a game of interactive darts with a beer or cocktail in hand. Food and beverage enthusiasts can savor in Norwegian Aqua's 17 dining options and 18 bars and lounges including the redesigned Metropolitan Bar which now features a grand piano for live entertainment. Norwegian Aqua also features the brand-new Glow Court, a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor, where guests can enjoy a variety of interactive activities by day before the space transforms into a nightclub in the evening. The reimagined Aqua Game Zone offers a fun-for-the-whole-family vibe with an array of virtual reality and classic arcade games such as Ms. Pacman, Mario Brothers and Duck Pin Bowling. Additionally, the ship offers an expanded pool deck equipped with day beds that are perfect for lounging in the warm Caribbean sun. Guests can also look forward to Norwegian Aqua's world-class entertainment lineup in collaboration with top industry talent, including "Revolution: A Celebration of Prince." The immersive theatrical concert experience pays tribute to the legendary artist's greatest hits. Other headline 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 shows such as the "Price is Right LIVE," and MORE! On April 13, 2025, Norwegian Aqua will officially be christened in Miami, the 'Cruise Capital of the World,' with a celebratory ceremony featuring godfather and two-time Emmy®-Award winning actor Eric Stonestreet. Following her official christening, Norwegian Aqua will offer a series of seven-day Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla. between April 2025 to July 2025 before sailing five and seven-day voyages to Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025. The ship will then sail five and seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami beginning October 2025 through April 2026 featuring a visit to NCL's private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, which will debut a multi-ship pier in late 2025. For guests planning their next cruise vacation aboard Norwegian Aqua or any ship in NCL's fleet the Company's brand-new program, More At Sea™, provides travelers more value with unlimited open bar featuring premium beverage brands such as Casamigos Tequila, Woodford Reserve, Grey Goose Vodka and more; as well as specialty dining meals; high- speed Wi-Fi minutes; and $50 shore excursion credits at every port of call. More At Sea delivers guests an incredible value with savings of over 75%. The package also includes free airfare for the second guest and kids sail free on select sailings. For more details on NCL's new More At Sea offering, visit For b-roll and additional assets of Norwegian Aqua, please visit the press kit here. For more information about the Company's award-winning fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit About Norwegian Cruise LineAs the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 58 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the opportunity to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, the company invites guests to 'Experience More at Sea' by providing them with more to see, more to do, more to enjoy, and more value on their vacation. To further deliver guests with more value, NCL's 'More At Sea™' package provides added benefits and inclusions such as unlimited open bar; specialty dining credits; high-speed Wi-Fi; shore excursions credits; as well as free airfare and third and fourth guests sail free on select sailings. Its fleet of 20 contemporary ships sail to 450 of the world's most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company's private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo-traveler staterooms, club balcony suites and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company's ship-within-a-ship concept. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the NCL Newsroom and follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian. Norwegian Cruise Line is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. To learn more, visit View original content: SOURCE Norwegian Cruise Line Sign in to access your portfolio
USA Today
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Goodbye go-karts: Norwegian's new ship has a water ride like nothing you've seen at sea
Goodbye go-karts: Norwegian's new ship has a water ride like nothing you've seen at sea Show Caption Hide Caption How to find the best price, perks when booking a cruise Find the cruise that works for your budget with these tips. Problem Solved Norwegian Cruise Line's Aqua Slidecoaster is a new attraction that combines a roller coaster and a water slide. The ride is included in the cruise fare and is open to guests who meet the height and weight requirements. Other new activities on board Norwegian Aqua include a Prince tribute show, an interactive sports court, and a revamped arcade and virtual reality area. LISBON, Portugal —Sitting in a raft at the top of a cruise ship, I heard a mechanical trilling getting louder behind me. A mechanism that looked like robot arms got closer until they reached the back of my seat, pushing me upwards through rushing water until I reached a closed portion of the slide. Then, momentum took over. I twisted, turned and splashed for the next 40 seconds or so, gripping tight to the handles of the blue inflatable. I came out the other side wet, colder in the gusty spring weather and ready for another turn. I had stepped onto Norwegian Cruise Line's Aqua Slidecoaster – a combination roller coaster and water slide – and a conveyor belt delivered me to the bottom of a ramp with the Lisbon skyline to my left. The attraction aboard the line's newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, replaced the go-kart track found on others in the fleet, including Prima Class vessels Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. 'But we have them on five ships, and it was time to try something else,' Mark Kansley, Norwegian's Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, told USA TODAY. The line was also looking for a 'first,' he said. 'We wanted something that had never been done before on ships.' The ride is one of several new activities on board – the first in the line's Prima Plus Class – which sailed its maiden voyage earlier this month ahead of its first revenue sailing on March 28. Who can ride Norwegian Cruise Line's Aqua Slidecoaster? Any guest who meets the height and weight requirements can ride (they must be at least 4 feet tall, for example). However, the attraction is not recommended for guests with pacemakers, defibrillators or certain other conditions. There are no age requirements. Passengers can ride solo or double-up in the same raft. How much does the Aqua Slidecoaster cost? The ride is included in the cruise fare. What other new activities does Norwegian Aqua have? Revolution: A Celebration of Prince: Set to Prince's music, the hour-long show is a spectacle of powerful vocals, choreography and moving stage pieces that puts guests on the dance floor. 'This isn't an impersonation show,' said Bryan Anthony White, Vice President of Entertainment Production at the line's parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 'We are really doing a full theatrical tribute, which is something that NCL has wanted to do for a very long time.' The show was developed in partnership with Broadway choreographer and director Patricia Wilcox. Set to Prince's music, the hour-long show is a spectacle of powerful vocals, choreography and moving stage pieces that puts guests on the dance floor. 'This isn't an impersonation show,' said Bryan Anthony White, Vice President of Entertainment Production at the line's parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 'We are really doing a full theatrical tribute, which is something that NCL has wanted to do for a very long time.' The show was developed in partnership with Broadway choreographer and director Patricia Wilcox. Glow Court: The multipurpose sports court features an interactive LED floor that allows guests to immerse themselves in games like Wall Ball, where players use soccer balls to destroy a digital wall, and Stomp, where they have to stomp on and eliminate colored markers in the given time. At night, the space transforms into a nightclub. The multipurpose sports court features an interactive LED floor that allows guests to immerse themselves in games like Wall Ball, where players use soccer balls to destroy a digital wall, and Stomp, where they have to stomp on and eliminate colored markers in the given time. At night, the space transforms into a nightclub. Aqua Game Zone: An evolution of the line's Galaxy Pavilion and arcade offerings, the new area near the top of the ship combines virtual reality offerings with old-school games. Take a simulated Space Walk and then play Mario Bros or the Bean Bag Toss. Some games are complimentary, while others cost extra. Guests can buy one-day or full-voyage passes for $25 per person each day (those are capped at $175 for itineraries of seven or more days). An evolution of the line's Galaxy Pavilion and arcade offerings, the new area near the top of the ship combines virtual reality offerings with old-school games. Take a simulated Space Walk and then play Mario Bros or the Bean Bag Toss. Some games are complimentary, while others cost extra. Guests can buy one-day or full-voyage passes for $25 per person each day (those are capped at $175 for itineraries of seven or more days). Elements: The World Expanded: A revamped version of one of the line's most popular shows is debuting on Aqua, as well. The production centers around earth, water, wind and fire, and was also crafted with Wilcox, a longtime Norwegian collaborator. 'I think certainly what I strive for in 'Elements' is to feel something, and the same thing in 'Revolution,' is that we give (the audience) a big spectacle, but we should also take away a kind of human connection,' she said. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter with USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
The Independent
14-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Norwegian takes delivery of first $850 million Prima Plus-class cruise ship
Norwegian Aqua has hit the water for the first time ahead of its maiden cruise in April. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) took delivery of its latest ship this week during a ceremony at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard in Venice, where more than 4,000 people have worked to construct the vessel. It is estimated to have cost $850 million (£657 million) to build. Norwegian Aqua is the first in the next-generation Prima Plus-class ship and is the largest in the fleet. With a gross tonnage of 156,300 and a length of approximately 322 metres, Norwegian Aqua is 10 per cent bigger than the first two ships in the Prima class, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. Norwegian Aqua' s first voyage is scheduled for 26 April, a seven-night Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral. Once onboard, passengers will discover features such as Slidecoaster, the world's first hybrid roller coaster with a water slide, and an interactive digital sports complex called Glow Court. They can also relax on the ship's Ocean Boulevard, a 360-degree outdoor promenade. David J Herrera, president of NCL, said: 'Norwegian Aqua is more than just a ship – it's a commitment to our guests that we will continue to push boundaries and deliver more at sea. 'From thrilling attractions like the Aqua Slidecoaster to the debut of Sukhothai, our first Thai specialty restaurant, Norwegian Aqua is designed to create unforgettable moments for the whole family while cruising to the Caribbean, Bermuda and our private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, where we remain focused and excited about investing in the guest experience.' The delivery has made space for sister ship Norwegian Luna, which had its float out today (14 March). It will move to the floating dock previously occupied by Norwegian Aqua to be ready for launch in spring 2026. The Fincantieri shipyard is also currently working on four new cruise ships for NCL that will be among the largest at sea, with the first to be delivered in 2030.
