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I Cruised on a $1.3 Billion Ship BEFORE It Opened to the Public

Emma Cruises
Emma Cruises
🏅Authority
👁️ 533K views📅 1 years ago⏱️ 25:47

Key Moments

Editorial Summary

The creator provides a comprehensive look at the Norwegian Aqua, a new and highly innovative cruise ship, during a press trip before its official public launch. The experience begins with challenges caused by bad weather in Lisbon, which prevents the ship from docking on schedule and results in missed ports. Despite these setbacks, the creator explores various high-tech amenities, including the Aqua Coaster, a hybrid roller coaster and water slide, and a ten story drop slide. The video details the ship's scale, noting its twenty decks and numerous dining and bar options, such as the Indulge Food Hall and the specialty restaurant Suckatai. The creator also examines the ship's design, highlighting the modern atrium, the versatile theater that transforms into a nightclub, and the expansive promenade deck. Additional coverage includes a tour of different cabin types, from standard balcony rooms to accessible cabins, and a visit to the luxury Haven area. The creator concludes by reflecting on the ship's technological advancements and the overall experience of being among the first passengers on board.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.

How This Review Compares

This review's score for Norwegian Aqua
Seriously Tasty
All-time creator consensus for Norwegian Aqua
Solid Strip

This review is more positive than the all-time creator consensus.

What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsFull Ship Review🏅Authority Creator
OtherFrom LisbonVeteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

I've been one of the first people in the entire world to test a roller coaster that launches you at speed into a water slide.

It definitely didn't all go to plan. In fact, we weren't sure at one point if it would happen at all.

I usually avoid sailing on new cruise ships when they launch because maiden voyages are notorious for things going wrong.

I have the highest loyalty status with Norwegian, so I also get a couple included with that, too.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Book accessible cabins far in advance as they sell out very fast.
Consider the dining package or promotions that include specialty meals for better value.
Use the cruise card for all onboard transactions and access.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Maiden voyages are notorious for things going wrongThe chance to be the first on board was too exciting, so I decided to take the risk and come on board.

Questions This Creator Answers

QWhat is it like to cruise on a brand new ship before it opens to the public?
QHow does the Norwegian Aqua compare to older Norwegian ships?
QWhat are the highlights and challenges of a press cruise on a maiden voyage?

Topics Covered

Safety Medical1 Sad BaconLoyalty Program2½ Happy BaconService Crew3 Happy BaconShip Condition4 Happy BaconWater Park3½ Happy BaconDining Specialty4 Happy BaconEntertainment Shows3½ Happy BaconPool Deck3 Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Lisbon2½ Happy Bacon
Rotterdam1 Sad Bacon
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon — creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology

Video content sourced from the creator's original upload. Watch on YouTube