Norwegian Cruise Line’s next-level new ship, Norwegian Aqua, has officially welcomed its first guests—and Karryon is on board to see what’s making waves.
Sailing from Lisbon to Southampton, this $1.3 billion ship is hoped to redefine cruising with industry-first thrills, premium experiences, and a shift in what travellers want at sea.
So, what does Norwegian Aqua mean for Australian agents? More luxury, more commission opportunities, and more reasons to sell cruising to new and repeat customers.
A bigger ship with even bigger opportunities
Norwegian Aqua is the first in NCL’s Prima Plus class—a larger, more refined evolution of the award-winning Prima class. At 10% bigger than Norwegian Prima, it feels even larger, thanks to smarter design and expanded public spaces.
Here’s what’s new:
- The Aqua Slidecoaster – The fastest and longest waterslides at sea, doubling as a hybrid rollercoaster.
- Glow Court – A daytime sports complex that turns into a digital nightclub after dark.
- Expanded Haven Suites – More luxury at sea, tapping into the booming Australian demand for high-end cruise experiences.
The big takeaway? This is a ship built for guests who want more. More entertainment. More flexibility. More high-end touches.
More luxury cabins, more premium travellers
Luxury cruising is on the rise in Australia, and Norwegian Aqua’s expanded Haven by Norwegian® offers a massive opportunity.
“The Haven is selling extremely well,” said Ben Angell, VP & Managing Director NCL APAC.
“There’s strong demand for premium cruising in the Asia-Pacific region, and Norwegian Aqua is giving travellers more reasons to upgrade.”
Norwegian Aqua’s Haven has more suites than ever, plus a private pool, priority access, and exclusive dining. It’s NCL’s answer to the growing trend of ultra-premium cruising, without the limitations of smaller luxury ships.
For Aussie agents, this means higher-value bookings, higher commission, and the perfect upsell for seasoned cruisers looking to upgrade.
Dining that stands out
Food is a major selling point for cruise travellers, and Norwegian Aqua is making a huge play for food-focused guests.
- Sukhothai – NCL’s first-ever Thai specialty restaurant, featuring authentic flavours from Bangkok’s top chefs.
- Planterie – A dedicated plant-based venue, responding to the rising demand for healthier, sustainable dining.
- Indulge Food Hall – A gourmet food hall concept, where guests order via tablet and get their meals in minutes.
“Indulge is a game-changer,” said Christian Pratsch, VP Food & Beverage Operations.
“It’s outperforming traditional buffets because guests want speed, variety, and high-quality ingredients.”
For agents? No more ‘cruise food’ stereotypes. Norwegian Aqua’s dining scene is an easy way to attract first-time cruisers who care about what they eat.
The ship that plugs in
With Australian travellers becoming more eco-conscious, NCL is making sustainability a selling point—not an afterthought.
Norwegian Aqua leads the fleet in sustainability with:
- Biodiesel-ready engines, tested across 40% of the NCL fleet (60% by the end of 2025).
- Shore power capability, allowing the ship to plug into electricity at port, cutting emissions.
- Locally sourced ingredients, reducing transport emissions and supporting regional economies.
“This is a big deal,” said Sarah Brown, Senior Director Environment Ops. “Guests want to travel with a lower environmental impact, and we’re making that possible.”
For agents? More sustainability-driven travellers are looking at cruise options. Norwegian Aqua gives you a strong green angle to sell.
What Norwegian Aqua means for Australian travel agents
Norwegian Aqua is a new way of cruising that taps into key travel trends.
Here’s why it matters to Aussie agents:
✔ More premium products to upsell – Higher-value bookings, higher commission potential.
- Dining that attracts foodies – Perfect for first-time cruisers and luxury travellers.Stronger entertainment offering – Concert-style shows make it an easy sell to music lovers.
- More included value with More at Sea™ – Premium drinks, Wi-Fi, dining, and excursions—all bundled in.
- Sustainability selling points – Eco-conscious travellers will love the shore power, biodiesel, and local sourcing initiatives.
As Norwegian Aqua heads to Miami for her official christening in April, one thing is clear—Norwegian Aqua is redefining what guests and agents can expect from cruising.
