Last week, I was thrilled to get the opportunity to check out NCL’s Aqua; this colorful and spacious beauty just turned up here on NYC’s West Side piers for the first time back in April. Reporters and influencers got to grab a look before the passengers did and reports that came back to me were incredible. I have only traveled on the Epic and Gem and they are much bigger than the smaller but more elegant Aqua.
It’s obvious that the Aqua has become a “family favorite” for family reunions and weddings. There were six weddings scheduled for the voyage that I got a sneak peek of before it left the NY Harbor for the Caribbean! Many families meet up at one of the many casual yet classy lounges on board.
There are some great leisurely activities for people of all ages like the lavish country themed mini golf course called Tee Time that features augmented reality and electronic scoring. I had to chuckle that New York City had its own themed hole among all the countries including Greece and England but the greatest city in the world deserved that little tribute, LOL! (You can see it in the above photo.)
Then there’s the Aqua Slidecoaster —the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster/waterslide at sea—a thrilling fusion of speed, water, and innovation. No I was too scared to go on it but passengers who were initially petrified told me that they loved it and actually went back for seconds! As you can see from the photo above, the tracks really go along the edge of the ship and the NYC skyline is an amazing backdrop! Close to both Tee Time and the Aqua Slidecoaster are fenced courts that you can use for a multitude of sports including pickleball and basketball.
The pool opportunities are over the top on the Norwegian Aqua. It features several distinct pool experiences designed for both relaxation and excitement. At its heart is the main pool deck, lined with loungers and hot tubs, perfect for sunbathing and socializing. Families will love Aqua Park, complete with waterslides and splash zones for kids, while thrill-seekers can head to the Wave Waterslide for a rush that loops out over the ship’s side. Adults seeking peace have the Vibe Beach Club with private sunbeds, infinity-style whirlpools, and a more serene atmosphere. Additionally, the Thermal Suite in the Mandara Spa offers heated pools and therapeutic water features for wellness-focused relaxation. Altogether, Aqua’s pools balance high-energy fun with quiet escapes at sea.
I’m all about the food on any cruise ship and I have to say that the NCL folks kept a couple of favorites that are on every one of their ships like Le Bistro and Cagney’s (pictured above). Both eateries got stylish makeovers and look very expensive (but they are not). The decor reminds me of classic New York modernist restaurants. As an example, Le Bistro looks like Buddakan (made popular by Sex & The City) and Cagney’s looks like 11 Madison Park with brighter colored chairs.
Here’s a simple and clear roundup of the food and dining offerings onboard the Norwegian Aqua, blending both complimentary and specialty experiences. You honestly cannot go wrong with any of the following choices and staff is sensitive to any food issues that you might have (just speak up at the beginning of your meal):
Complimentary Dining Options
Hudson’s Dining Room is a spacious main dining venue with sweeping views, serving internationally inspired meals for breakfast, lunch (sea days), and dinner. The Commodore Room is a stylish, slightly smaller main dining room offering the same rotating menu as Hudson’s—typically open for dinner. Indulge Food Hall is a modern food court-style venue with multiple global food stations and ordering via tablet—fast, varied, and ideal for any appetite. Planterie specializes in plant-based bowls like the Southwest Bowl (smoked tempeh) and Mediterranean Goddess Bowl (spiced vegetables, tabbouleh, honey-roasted carrots). The Local Bar & Grill is a casual, 24/7 pub-style spot serving comfort favorites—think Fish & Chips, Reuben sandwiches, and burgers—great for anytime bites. The Surfside Café & Grill is the ship’s main buffet, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating and ever-changing themed cuisine. Haven Restaurant is an exclusive dining space reserved for guests in The Haven suites, offering elevated daily menus at all meal times.
Specialty (Paid or Package-Included) Dining Venues
Cagney’s Steakhouse is a classic American steakhouse serving prime cuts, crab cakes, and indulgent truffle fries in a refined atmosphere. Hasuki (Teppanyaki) features Japanese interactive dining—chefs prepare meals tableside with flair. Food includes udon, seafood, and more. Le Bistro features elegant French dining with romantic décor, chandeliers, and refined dishes that transport you to Paris. Los Lobos Vibrant Mexican restaurant offers flavorful dishes and tableside guacamole in a casual-modern setting. Nama Sushi & Sashimi is a sleek sushi bar serving expertly crafted nigiri, rolls, and sashimi. Onda by Scarpetta is an upscale Italian eatery with modern takes on classics like lobster tagliatelle and homemade tiramisu. Palomar Mediterranean is seafood focused restaurant serving dishes like tuna crudo and grilled octopus in a refined atmosphere. Sukhothai is Norwegian’s first-ever Thai specialty restaurant—expect authentic Thai fare such as cashew chicken, pad thai, flavorful curries, and more.
If you’d like more info on the NCL or want to book a trip, go to www.ncl.com. The heated lounge chairs in the Thermal Suite (pictured above) are enough of a reason to travel on the Aqua! BTW, are great 50 per cent off deals on many of the most popular NCL ships as well as Aqua specials right on the home page.
