Skip the Scramble for Sun Loungers: How Norwegian's Latest Cruise Ship Sets a New Standard

On a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line Earlier this month, I observed the waves crashing against the coastline near Brest, France. Perched in an elegant armchair positioned at one end of the Penrose Atrium aboard the latest addition to their fleet, the Norwegian Aqua, I managed to secure what seemed like an ideal vantage point despite the bustling atmosphere during the busy morning hours.

It didn’t happen by coincidence. The atrium is part of multiple zones that the cruise company enlarged on Aqua, which was the inaugural vessel for their Prima Plus Class series. To increase its size beyond those in the standard Prima Class—like the Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva—the ship had two sections measuring 11 meters (36 feet) each appended to it, as stated by Mark Kansley, who serves as the line’s top executive overseeing hotel operations.

We had some leeway regarding the placement of those sections, and I believe we took our guests' preferences into account," he said to USA TODAY aboard the vessel. "It was crucial that we provided ample room for them across the entire ship.

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Aqua, which began welcoming its initial passengers this month, is 10% larger than its earlier Prima Class counterparts — yet it seems even more spacious than those numbers suggest. Here’s what you should be aware of.

What is the comparison between Norwegian Aqua and Prima as well as Viva?

Although Aqua maintains the style of Prima and Viva — characterized by a subtle, contemporary appearance with a predominantly blue-and-beige color scheme — there are multiple significant differences.

Aside from expanding the atrium where Starbucks is located and which serves as a central gathering spot, the cruise company eliminated a retail outlet on the seventh deck. This change allowed for significantly more seating with views through large windows.

Kansley mentioned that Norwegian received feedback from visitors on Prima and Viva expressing their desire for additional outdoor deck space, particularly around the swimming area. He added that Aqua would be cruising in the Caribbean offering "even more sun-soaked" routes. Therefore, expanding the pool deck was deemed necessary.

During a March preview cruise, the pool area seemed ample, offering space for lines of sunbeds, infinite-edge Jacuzzis, and sizable daybeds. adults-only Vibe Beach Club , which is also situated on Deck 17, is approximately 45% larger.

The larger dimensions of the vessel allowed the cruise company to add more cabins Including its initial offering of three-bedroom duplex haven suite accommodations spread across two levels, the Haven—the brand’s luxury enclosed area known as a "ship within a ship"—saw an increase in suite count from 107 on both Prima and Viva to 123 on Aqua due to overwhelmingly positive reception, according to Kansley.

Sometimes, the improvements aren’t easily measured but rather relate to the overall experience. "The movement of the ship is far more focused on guests," Kansley noted. "Everything just seems instinctive." In comparison, navigating Prima and Viva could be tricky initially as one familiarized themselves with the layout.

I typically anticipate getting disoriented when navigating a new cruise ship, but during my five-night stay aboard Aqua—which boasts 20 decks and can hold roughly 3,600 passengers at full capacity—I only became confused about the layout once. Although Norwegian expanded upon the designs of Prima and Viva, this vessel remains more compact compared to ships in their Breakaway Plus class.

What additional information is available about Norwegian Aqua?

• Sukhothai: Following the success of the Pad Thai at Nudls within the Indulge Food Hall on earlier voyages, Norwegian decided to launch a full-fledged Thai-specialty eatery, as mentioned by Kansley. Named Sukhothai, this restaurant charges each diner $40 and features not only the popular rice noodles but also dishes such as red curry with roast duck, tom kha gai chicken soup, and mango sticky rice.
• Planterie: Instead of offering just a handful of vegetarian or vegan options, Aqua boasts an entirely plant-based dining area within Indulge. One standout dish at this free-to-use spot features Hawaiian bowls topped with sweet potato glass noodles, grilled pineapple slaw, cucumber salad, and dressed in ginger tahini sauce; guests have the option to enhance their meal with additions like tempeh, falafel, and more. The menu also includes a refreshing lemon lentil soup along with a Mediterranean Goddess bowl filled with quinoa and kale tabbouleh, hummus, kalamata olives, honey-sweetened potatoes, and chickpeas.
• Swirl Wine Bar: Visitors may need to search for this lounge, which is nestled in a snug area on Deck 6 close to the ship’s Whiskey Bar. The establishment offers wine by the glass along with an extensive selection of exclusive high-end varieties. Its modern decor draws inspiration from Arizona's Antelope Canyon and was crafted by Miami-based studio Studio DADO.

Learn more about the fresh onboard activities such as the Aqua Slidecoaster, here. clicking here .

Where will Norwegian Aqua cruise?

After completing a transatlantic voyage that began in Southampton, England, the vessel will embark on trips to the Bahamas, Bermuda, and various destinations in the Caribbean. These voyages will depart from Miami, the Port Canaveral near Orlando, and New York until at least March 2027.

The current cruises offered by Aqua begin at $335 per person for double occupancy, as stated. Norwegian’s website The ticket prices cover lodging, numerous meals aboard, live performances, and additional amenities.

The journalist covering this story was granted access to the event by Norwegian Cruise Line. However, USA TODAY retains full editorial control over the content.

Nathan Diller serves as a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY and is stationed in Nashville. He can be contacted via email at ndiller@GudangMovies21.

The article initially appeared on USA TODAY: Avoid conflicts over sunbathing areas: Discover why Norwegian expanded its latest cruise vessel's size.