Norwegian Aqua sails into history as largest cruise ship in the fleet
- Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of Norwegian Aqua, their newest cruise ship, on March 14, 2025.
- The vessel, with a cost of $850 million, is the largest in NCL's fleet and part of the new Prima Plus-class.
- The introduction of Norwegian Aqua marks NCL's ongoing commitment to innovation in the cruise industry.
In Venice, Italy, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) celebrated the delivery of their newest cruise ship, Norwegian Aqua, during a ceremony on March 14, 2025. This event marked a significant milestone for the cruise line as Norwegian Aqua is the first vessel in their next-generation Prima Plus-class and is the largest ship in their fleet to date. With an estimated construction cost of $850 million, Norwegian Aqua has a gross tonnage of 156,300 and stretches approximately 322 meters long, making it 10 percent larger than its predecessor ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. NCL has emphasized its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction through the launch of this ship, showcasing an expanded range of amenities and features designed to enhance the onboard experience. The vessel is set to make its maiden voyage on April 26, 2025, embarking on a seven-night Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida. This release of Norwegian Aqua has also made way for Norwegian Luna, another upcoming ship, which had its float out on the same day. NCL has plans for continued growth within the industry, with four new cruise ships currently in development at Fincantieri's shipyards, with the first of these expected to be completed by 2030. The introduction of Norwegian Aqua and these additional ships illustrates NCL's strategy to remain competitive in the expanding cruise market while providing memorable experiences for travelers in the future.