Inaugural of NCL Aqua
Upon entering the bright and airy 3 storey Atrium it was the wow factor - I loved the design with its soft white colour palettes, curvy balconies, mixture of seating areas cleverly using different furniture styles -high backed armchairs, curved sofas, bar stool with high tables and tall potted plants scattered around creating intimate zones. This theme is repeated throughout the ship in all public areas, both inside and out. The promenade deck became one of my favourite spots, with its Infinity pools and hot tubs on both port and starboard so one could do shade or sunbathing depending on your wish and find a cabana or lounger or grab and circular ottoman to chat, relax, or curl up and read a book.
For those seeking more animation, head up to the main pool on deck 17 with the topside bar and again the multilevel sundecks. Deck 18 is home to the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster at sea. Not as scary as it sounds and a nice bit of adrenaline, but be in a swimsuit when using as it is water-based even if you are in your little inflatable boat! Up topside is also the games area - impressive - not just your usual basketball court and one mini golf - NCL Aqua has an enormous games area with so many options for all ages - mini golf around the world - the glow court - darts - shuffle boards - even a beer pong table!
The adults-only Vibe Beach club is another zen zone - there is a daily charge for that - with deep cushioned loungers and red parasols, along with its own bar and pools and hot tubs. Also, not far from the buffet for a lunchtime snack. The choice of dining options was phenomenal - 23 outlets - with only three days onboard, I didn’t get to them all but managed to fit in a world tour lunch at the food market Indulge, a Mediterranean fish evening at Palomar and French night at Le Bistro. Lunch was at the Hudson main dining and the Surfside Cafe.
The main dining room Hudson, curves around the back of the ship, enabling nearly every seat to have a sea view. The curve design makes it feel like a speciality restaurant and not the usual main dining room area. Menu choice and quality was top notch as I’ve always experienced on NCL. What I love so much about Norwegian is the dining options - dine when you want and with whom you want, whether it is a single table or a romantic duo or a group - and this is in all outlets, not just speciality dining.
Accommodation options on the ship are extensive. The top is “The Haven” - the Suite section of the ship located at rear half of the Aqua. An exclusive “ship within the ship” with its own restaurant, bar, lounge, concierge, butler service and exclusive outdoor terraces and infinity pools, etc. Access to The Haven is by private lifts from all public areas. Regular accommodation ranges from non-Haven access Suites to Balconies, Ocean View and Inside. Studios are the cabins for Solo travellers and they have their own lounge area with complimentary tea, coffee and soft drinks for social mingling. Design in all rooms is bright and airy and lovely power showers in the bathrooms.
Shows on NCL are their own productions now and the shows we saw were brilliant. Tribute to Prince, Rumours, based on the Fleetwood Mac story - and then Elements - Earth, Wind, Fire and Water inspired dance and song act - all great quality. The theatre is impressive as after the show, most of the seats retract and the whole area becomes the ship’s Nightclub with mega lighting! Not to be missed. We did a shore excursion to Ghent, which was nice. Not too long of a coach transfer followed by a bit of free time exploring the old city on foot, before a 60-minute boat ride around the city canals with a very knowledgeable and entertaining guide.
All in all, a great experience which I’m sure you’d adore, and if you need more information on Aqua, I’m just a phone call away to arrange your trip.
