NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line and Fincantieri celebrated the float out of Norwegian Aqua at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard on Tuesday, April 23.
This marks a significant milestone for the first ship in the Prima Plus Class, as she was launched from the drydock at the shipbuilding yard in Marghera/Venice, making her initial contact with the water.
The float-out signifies the completion of the ship's external construction in preparation for its debut in April 2025. In a maritime tradition, two ceremonial coins were welded into Norwegian Aqua to symbolize good luck and safe passage for the vessel. The ship's hull was blessed by a local chaplain and christened with champagne.
Norwegian Aqua, at 156,300 gross tons and 1056 ft (322 m) in length, will be 10% larger than her predecessors in the Prima Class, offering more space and innovative features. These include the world’s first-ever hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster, a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor, Glow Court, and NCL’s most expansive outdoor promenade, Ocean Boulevard.
Additionally, the ship will feature luxurious staterooms in The Haven by Norwegian, including 3-bedroom Duplex Haven Suites.
Norwegian Aqua is scheduled to debut in April 2025 with 7-day Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral Florida, followed by voyages to Bermuda from NYC New York and Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami Florida.