Norwegian Cruise Line has celebrated the float out of its newest cruise ship, Norwegian Aqua, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera (Venice), Italy.

The flooding of Norwegian Aqua’s construction drydock so that she can be floated out to a wet berth marks the completion of the external work on the ship ahead of its April 2025 debut.

Two ceremonial coins were welded onto Norwegian Aqua as part of a long-running maritime tradition, the coins historically symbolised an offering to gods and goddesses of the sea in exchange for good luck and safe passage. 

The ceremony was followed by a blessing by a local chaplain and celebratory champagne breaking across the ship’s hull.

“We are excited to celebrate another milestone with our partners at Fincantieri, who are integral to the Prima Class journey and supporting us in evolving the amazing experience we design and deliver for our guests,” said David J. Herrera, President, Norwegian Cruise Line. 

“Building upon the guest-favorite features of the award-winning vessels of this class, the 10 percent increase in space provides us with more flexibility to deliver more offerings and more beautifully designed venues for our guests to relax and explore on board Norwegian Aqua,” he added.

At 156,300 gross tons Norwegian Aqua is 10 percent larger than the first two Prima Class ships Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. The ship also offers new categories of luxurious accommodations in The Haven, Norwegian’s luxury ship-within-a-ship enclave, including the line’s first-ever Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites.  

Norwegian Aqua is the third vessel in the cruise line’s new Prima class, which is defined by expansive outdoor spaces thanks to the Ocean Boulevard, a promenade space on Deck 8 that is inspired by The Waterfront aboard the Breakaway-Plus class ships, but has been expanded to the extent that features usually only available up on the pool and sun decks are now located much closer to sea level.

Ocean Boulevard not only offers ocean view outdoor dining, but also infinity pools, sun loungers and art installations in addition to dozens of bars, restaurants and cafes. Elsewhere on the ship there is Indulge Food Hall, an upscale open-air marketplace with both indoor and outdoor seating at the 11 restaurants located within it.

In all, there are 35 dining options available, including new-to-the-line eateries that debuted aboard Prima and Viva, and long-time favourites including Cagney’s Steakhouse, which boasts a refreshed design featuring new décor celebrating the 20th-century modernist architecture of Chicago.

A more comprehensive list of all the dining options available aboard Norwegian Aqua can be found here.