There’s something undeniably special about being part of an inaugural cruise. The excitement, the fresh-off-the-yard feel, and the buzz of experiencing a ship before anyone else—it’s the perfect mix for cruise lovers like us. So, when the opportunity arose to sail on Norwegian Cruise Line’s brand-new Norwegian Aqua from Southampton to Boston, there was no hesitation. We were all in.
A New Era for NCL
Norwegian Aqua is set to be a game-changer for NCL. As the first in the brand-new Prima Plus class, she builds upon the success of the Prima series, but with bigger and bolder features. More space, more entertainment, more dining—we’re here for it. And with NCL already delivering some of the most exciting ship designs in the contemporary cruise space, we can’t wait to see how they’ve taken things up a notch.
The transatlantic route from Southampton to Boston is the ultimate way to get acquainted with a new ship. Plenty of sea days to explore every deck, sample every restaurant, and test out the headline entertainment before Norwegian Aqua begins her official itineraries. There’s no better way to soak in the "Freestyle Cruising" experience than on a voyage where the ship itself is the destination.
What We’re Most Excited About
- The Aqua Slidecoaster – A rollercoaster at sea? Yes, please. We loved the rush of the Prima Speedway, so we’re eager to see how this new high-speed attraction stacks up.
- Infinity Beach & Ocean Boulevard – NCL’s outdoor spaces have been a highlight in recent years, and we’re expecting some stunning sea views and clever design here.
- New Dining Concepts – NCL always delivers on variety when it comes to food. Whether it's Indulge Food Hall’s international bites or brand-new dining experiences, we’ll be tasting our way across the Atlantic.
- The Haven – While we won’t be staying in NCL’s ultra-luxury enclave this time, we’ll definitely be taking a peek at what’s new in this exclusive retreat.
The Transatlantic Experience
Crossing the Atlantic is always a unique adventure. There’s a rhythm to sea days that’s unlike any other itinerary—long, leisurely mornings, afternoons spent discovering hidden corners of the ship, and evenings filled with entertainment, dining, and cocktails. And with Norwegian Aqua making its debut, there’s going to be an extra level of excitement in the air.
Plus, arriving in Boston at the end of the voyage adds another layer of adventure. A city rich in history, culture, and (most importantly) amazing seafood, it’s the perfect place to wrap up an incredible journey.
Countdown to Norwegian Aqua
With the inaugural voyage on the horizon, we’re counting down the days until we step aboard and see what NCL’s next generation of ships has in store. Stay tuned for updates, first impressions, and all the behind-the-scenes details as we embark on this transatlantic adventure.
Follow along as it happens over on Instagram from 28 March!