The color aqua, Latin for ‘water’, symbolizes rejuvenation, clarity and tranquility. So, after another busy month of mom-life (when does it stop being busy? I’m asking for a friend…), I couldn’t have been more excited to embrace those very qualities on the christening voyage of the Norwegian Aqua. Even better? I got to share the experience with one of my longtime college girlfriends, someone I hadn’t seen in person for over four years. With five kids of her own (yes, five!), she was the perfect “plus-one”, because who else could use rejuvenation, clarity and tranquility more than a mom of five? This cruise certainly had all of that and so much more.
If you’re thinking ahead to a fall vacation or even Spring Break next year, here’s what you can expect when you book a family voyage (big or small) aboard the brand-new Norwegian Aqua!
Norwegian Aqua Facts: 3,571 guest capacity | 1,388 crew | 1,760 staterooms | 5 pools & 9 hot tubs| 17 restaurants and 18 bars and lounges | The Haven (123 rooms & suites) | 10%+ size and capacity from sister ships Norwegian Prima and Viva
Relaxation with a Side of Adrenaline
The christening voyage from Miami to Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) private island, Great Stirrup Cay, was jam-packed with tons of options for media guests to experience, from the larger than life Mandara Spa to the viral Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide at sea. Relaxation with a side of adrenaline? Sounds like a winning family cruise vacation to me!
For those who prefer their adrenaline without getting wet, there’s also a dry slide called “The Drop” that zooms you down multiple decks. The actual drop at the beginning is a doozy, but so much fun! During our downtime, my plus-one and I enjoyed the ship’s new and improved relaxation zones. The Mandara Spa’s thermal suites (including a therapeutic red light shower, ice room and charcoal sauna) were pure bliss. We spent over three hours there and it was tired mom heaven.
Prior to setting sail, we celebrated the Aqua’s christening at a special ceremony with Emmy Award-Winning Actor and Godfather, Eric Stonestreet. At the ceremony, NCL also announced huge expansion plans for Great Stirrup Cay (GSC). Kicking off in late 2025, families (and parents especially!) can look forward to a brand-new pool area with a dedicated bar, a colorful splash zone just for the kiddos and an expanded adults-only Vibe Beach Club. These additions will roll out alongside the completion of a brand-new multi-ship pier, making it easier than ever to step off an NCL ship and straight into paradise.
For now, guests must take a tender to GSC which, as you may guess, isn’t always ideal in certain weather conditions.
A Different Kind of Live Entertainment
When it comes to cruise entertainment, Norwegian Cruise Line really gets it. They’ve found that guests want familiar music, visual spectacle and shorter, high-impact performances that feel like a true night out. The Aqua certainly delivers.
We had the chance to check out two of the headlining shows, and WOW. “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” was an absolute standout—it’s more like a live concert than a cruise production. I was on my feet in the pit, dancing steps away from the stage! If you’re a Prince fan, prepare to be blown away. Then there’s “Elements,” a reimagined NCL favorite. The illusions, acrobatics and Cirque-inspired stunts were so good that we actually went twice. Yep, it was that mesmerizing.
And don’t worry—kids (and their grownups!) aren’t left out when it comes to unique entertainment onboard. The impressive Glow Court and Aqua Game Zone takes family fun to the next level. Glow Court is a high-tech digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor that shifts from different ball games by day to a full-blown dance party at night. Meanwhile, the Aqua Game Zone is a retro-meets-modern play space filled with classic arcade games, immersive VR experiences and interactive options like bowling that will keep everyone entertained, no matter their age.
Cuisine for Every Palate
Foodies unite! With 17 dining locations on the Aqua, there is an elevated option for every taste or picky eater in your family.
One of my favorite discoveries was Sukhothai, NCL’s brand-new Thai offering. The flavors were bold, authentic and beautifully presented—definitely a specialty restaurant standout for me. I was also really impressed by Indulge Food Hall. I initially thought it replaced the ship’s standard cruise buffet (nope, they still have one of those by the pool). Instead, it’s a beautifully decorated food hall that features ten different culinary stations, including Norwegian’s first-ever plant-based eatery.
Let’s not forget about the drinks… Aside from the Starbucks onboard, my two favorites were Aqua’s wine bar, Swirl, and the Metropolitan Bar. It isn’t just ‘art deco stylish’—it’s also the cruise industry’s first sustainable craft cocktail bar! From zero-waste ingredients to eco-conscious spirits, it’s clear NCL is thinking about the planet…while working to keep your glass full.
Affordable Luxury
My biggest takeaway from the voyage, especially viewing the ship through a family-oriented lens, is that NCL is working to offer as much value to its guests as possible. Did you know that kids sail free? (That certainly helps if you happen to have five like my plus-one!) They also offer a pretty affordable More At Sea package that bundles all of the (typically annoying) cruise upcharges such as unlimited open bar, Starlink Wi-Fi, as well as specialty dining and shore excursion credits.
The balcony cabin we stayed in was brand new and beautiful! In fact, all of the room classes we toured were. However, if you have a large family, it might make sense to upgrade to a large suite (or even a multi-story duplex) in The Haven, Norwegian’s exclusive enclave with premium (and more spacious) accommodations. The Haven on the Aqua is the largest and most expansive of all their ships and features private elevator access, a restaurant and bar, infinity pool area/sun deck and your own personal concierge and 24-hour butler. I wouldn’t complain.
Sailing now through August 2025 from Port Canaveral, Norwegian Aqua is taking families to Great Stirrup Cay, St. Thomas, Puerto Plata and beyond. From there, she’ll rotate her home port to New York City and return to Miami in October 2025.
Teacher Perks
Since this blog post is publishing in May, in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5 – 9), Norwegian Cruise Line is bringing back one of its most meaningful initiatives—Norwegian’s Giving Joy. This heartwarming recognition program honors exceptional educators across the U.S. and Canada with something truly special: a well-deserved vacation. This year, 20 teachers will win a free cruise, and three of those winners will also score an exclusive spot aboard the christening voyage of Norwegian Luna, NCL’s newest ship launching in Spring 2026.
From now through May 31, you can nominate your favorite accredited educator at nclgivingjoy.com by sharing how they’ve made a lasting impact in the lives of students or their community. Winners will be selected based on their dedication, creativity, and ability to rise to the challenges of modern education.
Did you know? NCL also offers a year-round Teacher Cruise Discount with 5% off cruise fares and a $50 onboard credit for eligible school staff!
Michelle Olson-Rogers is a mom of one and the founder of Modern Boca Mom, an award-winning lifestyle website for the stylish & modern South Florida parent. She can also be found on Instagram at @modernbocamom.
