A New Era of Design
Norwegian is clearly elevating their ships to a whole new level, and I’m here for it. Gone are the overly bright, dated colors of their past cruise decor. Aqua feels sophisticated, modern, and warm… like stepping into a chic boutique hotel rather than a mega cruise liner. The textures, tones, and furnishings throughout the ship were incredibly tasteful, and every space felt thoughtfully curated. Gorgeous. From the colors they used to the spaces, fixtures and furniture, everything was beautiful.

The Haven: Boutique Luxury at Sea
We stayed in The Haven, NCL’s exclusive “ship-within-a-ship” concept, and it was nothing short of exceptional. I don’t know how you go any other way after you go the Haven, but it is lovely, lovely. They did an amazing job.

The Haven gives you all the amenities of a large cruise ship with the intimacy and luxury of a private retreat – think dedicated lounges, a private pool and sundeck, exclusive dining, a concierge, and even butler service. We stayed in a One Bedroom Owner’s Suite, and it had more than enough space for a long sailing, including ample storage (a huge win if you tend to overpack).

The bathroom was beautifully designed, but we did notice the lighting could use some improvement, especially for tasks like makeup application. (I had to put on my makeup in the walk-in closet. Minor detail, but hey, it matters when you’re trying to look cute on vacation!)

Dining: Elevated, Varied, and Delicious
One of the biggest standouts on Aqua was the dining. Norwegian continues to offer a wide variety of restaurants that rival some of the best spots on land. In the mood for a steakhouse, Mediterranean food, sushi or hibachi? They’ve got it all and more. We had the chance to try a few, and they did not disappoint:

• Palomar (Mediterranean): Every dish was spot on. The tuna and Greek salad were particular highlights. Elegant, fresh, and exactly the kind of elevated experience you hope for on a luxury ship.
  
• Hasuki (Hibachi): This was a surprise! Featuring 18 tables, the space is much larger than hibachi restaurants on other ships and felt like being on land. The food was fresh, not overly salty, and the experience felt authentic.

• Indulge Food Hall: A fast favorite. With everything from Indian to BBQ to plant-based options, this grab-and-go market was a hit. It’s all ordered via iPad and was especially great for groups with diverse tastes. The only drawback? Those with allergies might find customization a bit tricky.
  
• Sukothai (Thai Cuisine): A brand-new concept centered around NCL’s bestselling Pad Thai. It means “happiness,” and based on the feedback, it’s delivering just that.

Cocktails & Wine, Elevated
The cocktail scene on Aqua deserves a shoutout for sure. Bartenders onboard are true craft cocktail creators. I asked for a tequila martini and was treated to a spicy, jalapeño-infused masterpiece that had everyone ordering “the same thing she’s having” by the end of the night.

And the Swirl wine bar? Wow. Beautiful design, an impressive list (including a rare bottle of our favorite wine, Il Barro, from the Ferragamo family’s vineyard in Italy), and the ability to uncork a bottle and take it with you to dinner. A classy, seamless touch.

While some of our group experienced some inconsistencies with cocktails, we were willing to chalk it up to growing pains, and we really appreciate that NCL’s all-inclusive liquors are much higher quality than on offer on other ships. 

Entertainment & Innovation
NCL is revamping its entertainment lineup in a big way, offering over 100 refreshed or brand-new shows, from intimate live music to major stage productions. One favorite was Rumors in the Pour House, which used to be a small-venue favorite but is now featured in a full-size theater thanks to guest feedback (a great example of how NCL is listening and adapting).

One of our group went to Revolution, a celebration of Prince, which he liked and said it was really entertaining. He said that the Aqua Theater has a unique layout, which includes floor seating you might find in a larger venue like a stadium, which was unique.

Also worth noting is the Aqua Slidecoaster—the world’s first hybrid roller coaster and water slide at sea. Even in 30-degree NYC weather, one of our team braved it and reported back: it’s a thrill, especially at launch. Definitely one for the bucket list.

Plenty of Space to Relax
Bars and lounges offer tons of comfortable seating where you can really enjoy your cocktail and company, which is unique for a cruise ship. The pool decks and lounge areas on Aqua also feel more spacious than most cruise ships. There are cushioned couches, daybeds, and loungers everywhere, making it easy to find a cozy spot to relax without feeling cramped.