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We Tested The New Norwegian Aqua— Here’s What Surprised Us

Eat Sleep Cruise
Eat Sleep Cruise
🏅Authority
👁️ 47K views📅 9 months ago⏱️ 24:58

Key Moments

Editorial Summary

The creators evaluate the Norwegian Aqua, the first vessel in the Prima Plus class, noting it aims to address previous design complaints. They highlight the removal of the go-kart track in favor of the Aqua Coaster, a hybrid roller coaster and water slide. The sports deck is described as more cohesive with new additions like a pickleball court and a redesigned lounge. While the pool deck features a larger main pool and an expanded kids aqua park, the creators note a lack of a dedicated adult-only pool and potential crowding issues. Entertainment has shifted from Broadway productions to original shows like a Prince tribute, which the creators found high quality but occasionally difficult to access due to a lack of reservation systems. Dining options include new specialty venues like Sukatai Thai and improved offerings at Listro, alongside various complimentary choices in the Indulge Food Hall and main dining rooms. The creators conclude that while the ship offers improved layouts and spacious balcony staterooms, it still faces challenges regarding venue capacity and standardized bar menus.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.

How This Review Compares

This review's score for Norwegian Aqua
A Nibble
All-time creator consensus for Norwegian Aqua
Solid Strip

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

What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsFull Ship Review🏅Authority Creator
❤️ Best for CoupleOther · 5 nightsVeteran Cruiser

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

Creator's Key Takeaways

It's been over 2 years since we sailed with Norwegian Cruise Line, and a lot has changed.

In place of the go-kart track, the cruise line introduced the Aqua Coaster, which they're saying is the first of its kind at sea.

Unfortunately, one of the biggest misses on Norwegian Aqua is that it lacks a dedicated adult-only pool.

The bottom line, Norwegian shift away from Broadway productions results in shows that while entertaining, aren't as memorable or impressive as their predecessors.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Check the Norwegian app for venue hours as many dining options operate on limited schedules.
Arrive early at the indulge food hall and prepare to hunt for seats.
If you don't care about a pool, the Vibe Beach Club is a nice retreat from the crowds and families.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Finding a chair on the pool deckArrive early or use the Vibe Beach Club (for a fee) for a quieter retreat.
Understanding dining options and hoursCheck the Norwegian app for venue hours and plan accordingly.

Questions This Creator Answers

QWhat are the key changes and improvements on the new Norwegian Aqua compared to previous Prima class ships?
QIs the Norwegian Aqua a good choice for families and first-time cruisers?
QWhat dining and entertainment options are available on Norwegian Aqua?

Topics Covered

Pool Deck1½ Sad BaconEntertainment Shows1 Sad BaconDining Specialty1 Happy BaconCabin Balcony3 Happy BaconCrowd Capacity2 Sad BaconEntertainment Nightlife½ Happy BaconWater Park1½ Sad BaconLoyalty ProgramMeh
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