Norwegian Aqua Cruise
With total excitement we embarked at Southampton port, which was effortless and speedy, having completed online check-in for the cruise helps speed up the embarkation process.
As we stepped on board this swanky new ship, elegant surroundings with minimalist tones greeted us, totally in total contrast to the iconic bright colours of the exterior of NCL ships. The décor is plush, inviting and continued as we navigated our way around. NCL Aqua has been built with an emphasis on more wide-open spaces which is totally evident. Ocean Boulevard is the place to be for the fresh ocean air. From the La Terraza where you can lounge and watch the ocean go by in peaceful tranquilities, to the Indulge outdoor lounge and serene Infinity Beach with lush chaise beds resting over a blanket of water and infinity pool, this is the perfect place to mingle, relax with a book or a cocktail.
As you make your way further up to deck 17, this is the outdoor hub with main pool area offering toasty Infinity Hot Tub’s to enjoy, Waves Pool Bar, Kid’s Aqua Park, Aqua Game Zone and the stunning Observation Lounge is located here (my favourite spot on board). The Vibe Beach club also located on deck seventeen is exclusively for guests 18years and older offering a vibrant bar and luxurious cabana beds.
We got to view a number of staterooms during our visit. I was personally staying in a Balcony Stateroom which is quite spacious, excellent storage space and layout, private bathroom with walk in shower, super comfortable bedding, a 2-seater sofa which can double as a sofa bed in some of the Balcony Staterooms and a coffee maker. Choose from Inside, Ocean view, Balcony, Club Balcony Suite, Suites, and the Solo Studios which are in a separate area accessible only by solo-guests complete with their own Solo Lounge. All the rooms we viewed are beautifully appointed, superbly comfortable and decorated in line with the overall theme of the décor. Extremely impressed.
For those looking for that level-up, you can choose The Haven with your exclusive sundeck pool, priority embarkation/disembarkation, 24-hour room service, Haven Restaurant, Lounge and concierge service is to name but a few of the extra amenities included with The Haven.
Let us talk dining, where do I begin and end. I was truly blown away by all the dining venues on offer, not to mention the quality of food and the choice is fantastic. The best choice at sea I have experienced to date. Complimentary dining is offered in the Main Dining rooms, The Local Bar & Grill, Surfside Café and Grill and Indulge Food Hall which is a superb tapas style restaurant where you order food from your table, delivered to you and prepared fresh for you. Planterie – plant-based restaurant is a huge welcome addition and exceptionally popular. The speciality dining restaurants include the signature Cagney’s Steakhouse plus some new contenders including Hasuki teppanyaki, Nama Sushi, Palomar Mediterranean, Los Lobos Mexican, Le Bistro, Onda by Scarpetta Italian and Sukothai Thai. I mean how can you choose. Each with their own unique menu to suit everyone on board. Complimentary dining is free style, turn up when you are hungry! Speciality dining requires booking a reservation and comes with a nominal charge per person.
Will I be bored? – absolutely not! This ship is built to excite from the world’s first hybrid Aqua Slidecoaster at Sea, The Drop - spiralling 10-stories down the side of the ship, Glow Court, a high-tech LED sports floor, high-tech games rooms complete with VR games and interactive games. Honestly, you will not see the children for the duration nor the adults too!
Entertainment is spectacular, genuinely world-class productions and performers to enjoy, from Revolution – A Celebration of Prince, Fleetwood Mac Rumours and the incredible Elements are all in the main theatre. Throughout the ship there are plenty of entertainment zones i.e. Casino, Syd Norman’s, The Improv at Sea and the classic The Price is Right Live Show. Not forgetting the disco to dance the night away. All other bars have light music each evening, so there is ALWAYS something happening. If you fancy a quiet area to retreat, there are plenty of those too.
The World-class Mandara Spa® on board is the perfect haven to retreat and indulge in detoxifying saunas, state-of-the-art pools, two-story waterfall, thermal suite and a huge array of wonderful treatments to choose from. For the fitness guru, you will also have the Pulse fitness centre complete with suspension training, gym and workout classes.
NCL offer “More At Sea” which for a very nominal charge extra to your cruise, you can enjoy Beverage Package, Shore Excursion Credit, Wi-Fi minutes and Speciality Dining. There are some T&C’s pertaining to your cruise duration.
What is my takeaway from NCL Aqua? Well to begin I was incredibly impressed and there was nothing that I could fault from my experience. Top quality furnishings, lush interior, an inviting and superbly spacious cruise ship. Outstanding entertainment and facilities on board for ALL the family. Fantastic experiences onboard from the high thrills to the relaxed chills. Delicious cuisine throughout including complimentary and speciality. Choice choice choice is the main highlight from all the above you will be spoilt for choice on Norwegian Aqua.
Norwegian Aqua is a perfect cruise for families with young children to teenagers, couples, honeymoons, family groups, groups of friends, seasoned cruisers, and those looking for a premium leisure cruise.
I would love to tell you so much more as I could go on and on, however, for full details and to begin your next cruise experience with Norwegian Cruise Line please do get in touch with me, as I am only too happy to share and recommend for you.
