The Sandton Times joined a select group of international media in Venice, Italy this week at an event hosted by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), to showcase the upcoming Norwegian Aqua cruise ship, set to debut in 2025.

 

• The event, hosted at the iconic Hotel Excelsior on the picturesque island of Lido, combined the historical allure of Venice with cutting-edge innovation in cruise ship design.
• It was a celebration of luxury, craftsmanship, and adventure, marking an important milestone for NCL and its Prima Plus Class.
• The event also revealed NCL’s new ship coming in 2026: Norwegian Luna.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

 

From 16 – 19 September 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) hosted an exclusive event in Venice, Italy, to unveil the highly anticipated Norwegian Aqua cruise ship, set to debut in 2025. Held at the historic Hotel Excelsior on Lido, the four-day event showcased Venice’s rich culture alongside NCL’s innovative ship design. Invited guests experienced private tours of the ship under construction, Venetian island excursions, and a dazzling reception, while NCL leadership revealed exciting features of the new ship, including the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, promising to set new entertainment standards in worldwide cruising.

 

The Sandton Times arrived at Venice’s Marco Polo International Airport, where NCL had arranged transfers to the luxurious Hotel Excelsior on speedboats or water taxis, as is common in the city of waterways: Venice. Set on the Lido, an island in the Venetian lagoon, the grandeur of the Hotel Excelsior was immediately striking. Its 5-star accommodation offered a serene escape from the bustling ‘streets’ of Venice, with a history stretching back to 1906. The hotel had long been a favorite destination for A-list celebrities and influential figures, from Winston Churchill to Johnny Depp, and recently hosted celebrities and stars of the big screen for the 81st Venice International Film Festival, organised by La Biennale di Venezia.

 

We were welcomed at the hotel, where we checked in and received vital information about the upcoming event, including programming details and safety gear for the much-anticipated shipyard tour. The second day began with a leisurely breakfast at the Hotel Excelsior’s Elimar Beach Bar & Restaurant. Against the backdrop of the Adriatic Sea, we indulged in a buffet of Italian delicacies before preparing for the day’s activities.

 

The Venetian excursion kicked off with a thrilling speedboat ride to Murano, the legendary island of glass-makers. Murano, a collection of small islands connected by bridges, has been a global centre for glass-making since the late 13th century. We took a stroll through the glass making facilities, admiring the vibrant glass creations that lined multiple showrooms, each piece reflecting centuries of expertise and artistry passed down through generations. The excursion included a live glass-making demo, showcasing the art and complexity of this ancient skill.

 

From Murano, we headed to Burano, known for its vivid, colourful houses and intricate lacework. The island’s quaint charm, coupled with its iconic leaning bell tower, provided an idyllic setting for a visit. Afterward, we journeyed to the Venissa Estate on the nearby island of Mazzorbo for a luncheon and wine tasting.

 

Venissa is renowned for its unique Dorona di Venezia grape, which nearly disappeared after a flood in 1966 but was revived by the estate’s founder, Gianluca Bisol. We sampled Venissa’s world-class wines, which embody the distinct, salty terroir of the Venetian lagoon.

 

The evening culminated in a grand welcome dinner back at Hotel Excelsior’s elegant Sala Stucchi, where NCL’s President and CEO Harry Sommer and President David J. Herrera revealed exciting details about Norwegian Aqua. The event highlighted several ground-breaking features of the ship, set to debut in 2025.

 

Norwegian Aqua will make history by premiering the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, known as the Aqua Slidecoaster. This unique attraction will boast two exhilarating slides with a magnetic lift system, guiding guests through three stories of twists and turns around the ship’s funnel. Guests will also have access to the Glow Court, a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor, which transforms into a nightclub by night.

 

 

Luxury accommodations will reach new heights with NCL’s introduction of the Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites aboard Norwegian Aqua. These spacious suites offer opulent living, complete with separate living and dining areas, three bathrooms, and a sprawling balcony. The Haven, a keycard-access-only complex, will also feature the largest number of suites in NCL’s fleet, providing exclusive amenities such as a sundeck, infinity pool, outdoor spa, and private lounge.

 

In addition to Aqua’s thrilling attractions, Norwegian Cruise Line revealed Norwegian Luna, the latest addition to their fleet. Slated for completion in 2026, Luna will offer sun-soaked Caribbean voyages from Miami. At 1056 feet long, Luna will carry approximately 3550 guests, marking a 10% capacity increase from its predecessors. Its hull art, entitled La Luna, created by renowned street artist ELLE, explores humanity’s deep connection to the moon.

 

Norwegian Aqua will also showcase NCL’s exclusive entertainment offerings. The tribute show, Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, will pay homage to the music legend with live performances of his iconic hits. Additionally, Elements: The World Expanded, will blend acrobatics, magic, and inspiration from the four elements in an awe-inspiring production.

 

Wednesday morning offered breakfast on the go as guests embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a private tour of the Norwegian Aqua, still under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard. As one of the leading shipbuilders in the world, Fincantieri has been a long-time partner of NCL, responsible for the construction of many of the company’s cutting-edge vessels.

 

We were among the first to step aboard Norwegian Aqua, which was in the final stages of construction. The ship, which spans 1056 feet and 156’300 gross tons, will offer 3571 guests the most innovative features ever seen on a cruise ship. With a 10% size increase from its sister ships Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Aqua promises more outdoor space, luxurious accommodations, and an enhanced guest experience.

 

Norwegian Aqua’s design also includes NCL’s first Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites, offering unmatched luxury and privacy. These suites will be part of The Haven by Norwegian, a keycard-access-only area with exclusive amenities like a sundeck, infinity pool, outdoor spa, and private lounge.

 

The ship’s hull will feature a stunning mural by renowned street artist Allison Hueman, blending abstract and figurative depictions of the sea and sky under the title ‘Where the Sky Meets the Sea’.

 

The tour of the shipyard concluded with a lunch at Hotel Excelsior, followed by a Prima Class panel discussion with NCL leadership, offering guests a glimpse into the future of cruising. The panel delved into the innovative features of the Prima Class, the design philosophy behind Norwegian Aqua, and what guests can expect from NCL’s next generation of ships. Kevin Bubolz, Vice President & Managing Director Continental Europe, Middle East & Africa spoke to The Sandton Times about the progress of Norwegian Aqua and the popularity of cruising on the sideline of the event.

 

 

As the sun set over the Venetian lagoon, the day ended with a farewell cocktail party at the hotel. As NCL continues to build upon its legacy of innovation and luxury, the Norwegian Aqua promises to redefine what it means to cruise in the 21st century. From its cutting-edge attractions to its lavish accommodations, the ship will set new standards in the industry when it sets sail in 2025.

 

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