The pool deck on board the Norwegian Aqua (Image: Norwegian)
Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest £1billion marvel, the Norwegian Aqua, has simply set sail with a splash, boasting 17 eating places throughout its 20 decks. The ship stretches an spectacular 1,056 toes and might host up to three,571 friends, offering a combine of high-octane leisure and opulent dwelling areas.
Journalist and cruise knowledgeable Dave Monk had the privilege of embarking on its maiden 5-day voyage from Lisbon to Southampton. The ship’s future routes embrace journeys from Florida and New York to The Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda. Dave was one of the first to expertise the Slidecoaster, an exhilarating attraction that merges a waterslide with a curler coaster, sending riders by way of tunnels at high speeds.
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“I heard a shrill mechanical whirring from behind and suddenly a metal arm was propelling me like a human cannonball up the slope and into the entrance of a large plastic tube. It all went downhill from there – literally – as I was carried in a plastic dinghy for nearly 900ft on a wave round numerous bends, through a succession of bright lights and vivid colours, making it feel like some psychedelic dream or the opening titles of Doctor Who,” he recounted.
“Around 40 thrilling seconds later, I was deposited with a splash into a pool back near the start and clambered out, wet and laughing. This was the Slidecoaster – a cross between a water slide and roller coaster – on the new £1billion cruise ship Norwegian Aqua.”
Entertainment on board consists of 18 bars and lounges, a show paying tribute to Prince, DJ nights, and venues reminiscent of The Metropolitan lounge. Activities span from a pickleball courtroom and VR video games to mini golf and a promenade lined with infinity swimming pools.
Additional facilities embrace a luxurious spa, a digital sports activities complicated, and an upscale space often known as The Haven, which affords unique suites with non-public amenities.
The new £1bn cruise ship Norwegian Aqua has 17 eating places and 20 decks ( (Image: Norwegian Aqua)
He shared: “As well as the slidecoaster, the ship boasts a drop slide, pickleball court and a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor that adapts for different games during the day and transforms into a club at night.
“A loopy golf course referred to as Tee Time has a completely different nation theme for every gap, reminiscent of a windmill for the Netherlands and Tower Bridge for the UK. The Game Zone has a combine of retro arcade favourites and digital actuality challenges. Down on deck eight is a a lot more conventional cruise characteristic, the promenade, which encircles the ship, however is huge enough to characteristic infinity swimming pools and a vivid blue sculpture for selfies.”
Dining options are abundant, with 17 restaurants on offer, including Onda by Scarpetta (Italian), Le Bistro (French), Cagney’s Steakhouse, and new addition Sukhothai (Thai). The Indulge Food Hall provides a modern twist with app-based ordering from a range of food stalls.
He added: “I spent some hours within the spectacular spa with its plunge swimming pools, sauna, ice room and rest zone. By the tip of a 75-minute therapeutic massage, I was practically asleep.
“For those with money to spare, The Haven ‘ship within a ship’ offers the very best suites, with a private sun deck, bar and restaurant. Occupants have the best of both worlds – an exclusive enclave but access to all the facilities of a big vessel. Aside from shore excursions, there’s lots to do on board every day, from a Mr Sexy Legs Competition to craft classes and a murder mystery,” he added.
Despite initial setbacks on account of climate delays and turbulent seas within the Bay of Biscay, the cruise remained a memorable journey.
The Aqua is big, 10% larger than its forerunners within the cruise line (Image: Norwegian)
“The voyage I was on is sometimes called a shakedown, meaning they test out the new crew and facilities before paying customers get on board. However, this was a shakedown in more ways than one as we set sail into high winds and waves in the Bay of Biscay following a two-day delay in port due to bad weather,” he mentioned.
“Although we wobbled around a bit, the ship, the captain and his crew came through with flying colours. “.
Dave acknowledges that with a lot accessible, he did not handle to attempt every part and is keen to return for an additional spherical of exploration aboard the Norwegian Aqua.
He concluded: “As we arrived in Southampton after five full days on board, I still hadn’t seen or done everything that Norwegian Aqua has to offer. Guess I’ll just have to come back…”
I was one of the first to sail on the extraordinary ship (Image: Dave Monk)
Book the vacation
- Norwegian Cruise Line affords a seven-day cruise on Norwegian Aqua, leaving Miami on November 9 and visiting Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, The Bahamas, from £891pp. Flights additional. ncl.com
- More data at godominicanrepublic.com dot.vi.gov bvitourism.com bahamas.com
