This is how the Norwegian Aqua is received by Swiss cruise professionals

She is one of the most sensational cruise ships to be launched in 2025: the Norwegian Aqua. The new flagship of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) measures 321 meters and offers space for almost 3600 guests. She is currently crossing the Atlantic en route to the United States and is scheduled to be christened in Miami on April 13.

Even before the christening, business partners and the media were allowed to take a closer look at the brand-new Norwegian Aqua – including around 30 cruise professionals from Switzerland. However, the weather did not bode well for the maiden voyage in Europe.

The original itinerary included a journey from Lisbon to Southampton with a stop in Rotterdam. However, rough seas in the stormy Atlantic disrupted the maiden voyage, forcing the cancellation of the Rotterdam stop. Instead, the impressive new ship remained in the port of Lisbon for longer – and set a direct course for Southampton from there.

Despite the weather-related change of route, the Swiss cruise professionals got ample opportunity to explore the new flagship. On board: Bruno Hesser, Sales Agent at Dertour Suisse and for over a decade one of the Aida faces in Switzerland, and Joel Lendenmann, founder and owner of the Altenrhein-based travel agency Cruise Expert, which specializes in cruises.

The two industry experts took a thorough tour of the Norwegian Aqua, sharing what impressed them most, where there’s still room for improvement, and which features continue to surprise even seasoned cruisers.

Lendenmann says to Travelnews without beating around the bush: «It's an ingenious ship.» The Norwegian Aqua, positioned in the upper mainstream segment, is less reminiscent of a classic cruise ship than of a luxurious beach club at sea. «Very modern, very open – you never feel confined», says Lendenmann.

The ship is particularly suitable for sunny routes in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean. «The Norwegian is designed to be a fair-weather ship», says the cruise expert. He has rarely encountered such a mixture of cruise and resort feeling.

Hesser is also enthusiastic: «I think the ship is amazing», he says. The design is discreet and tasteful, and the sense of space is convincing. He particularly praises the spacious public areas with high ceilings and wide passageways – significantly more comfortable than on many other ships.

According to the cruise experts, the Norwegian Aqua sets new culinary standards. Lendenmann particularly likes the Indulge Food Hall – a modern market hall with various stands where guests can order their favorite dishes directly at the table using a tablet. The concept is included in the price.

Hesser describes a well-balanced mix of inclusive and à la carte dining options, with a deliberately streamlined selection that helps further reduce food waste. The only shortcoming he notes for non-American guests is the coffee—those dreaming of creamy milk froth will have to head to the Starbucks counter.

Another standout feature is the three-story Aqua Theater & Club, which transforms into a chic nightclub after the show on select evenings. For Hesser, the experience is reminiscent of a Broadway musical – immersive, sophisticated and technically elaborate. The convertible stage can be used for shows and as a dance floor.

What’s more, the show isn’t confined to a single stage—it unfolds all around the ship. Instead of crowds in the main theater, the Norwegian Aqua relies on decentralized entertainment, as cruise pro Joel Lendenmann explains. «Guests can decide for themselves what they feel like doing – and it doesn't suddenly get crowded when 2,000 people stream out of a show at the same time.» The result is greater variety, enhanced freedom, and a more relaxed, comfortable atmosphere on board.

The cabins have also been well received. Discreetly designed, they feature above-average bed sizes (two by two meters) and high-quality furnishings—including on the balconies. «Here, too, the cruise line is prioritizing quality», notes Hesser.

The exclusive «The Haven» area is also very popular – the ship-in-ship concept with 123 suites, a private sun deck with an infinity pool, bar, restaurant and concierge service. The wellness area gets top marks from both: «Comparable to the best spa hotels I know», says Lendenmann.

There are a few drawbacks, albeit at a high level. The main pool is somewhat small, and at 99 US dollars per day, spa access is quite expensive. However, the upside is that the area remains uncrowded—a clear benefit for those seeking peace and relaxation.

Lendenmann's conclusion: «I definitely want to take the Norwegian Aqua on a private trip again. The concept has completely won me over.» As soon as he arrived home, he sent a voice message to his friends: «Let's go on this cruise together – it's worth it!» He recommends it for families, but also for honeymooners.

Hesser is also planning a private trip on the Norwegian Aqua – the only thing he has to do is convince the kids to take the longer flight to the boarding location, as he notes with a grin. Norwegian Cruise Line offers attractive cabin categories and seasonal special offers for families in particular, which make traveling with children especially appealing.

In its first year of operation, the Norwegian Aqua will set sail from Miami, Port Canaveral (Orlando) and New York City – with sunny routes to the Bahamas, the Caribbean and the private island of Great Stirrup Cay.