The Sandton Times stepped aboard the brand-new Norwegian Aqua for its dazzling inaugural sailing from Southampton, for a cruise experience like no other in The Haven.

 

• Norwegian Aqua redefines modern cruising with its sleek design, immersive experiences, and a first-ever hybrid rollercoaster-slide at sea.
• With elevated luxury in The Haven, vibrant dining, and next-gen entertainment, this new cruise ship sets sail as a bold new chapter in freestyle cruising.
• From high-adrenaline thrills on the Aqua Slidecoaster to serene sunsets at the infinity pool, Norwegian Aqua offers something for every kind of traveler.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

 

Let’s set the scene: the sun shining over Southampton’s cruise terminal, seagulls circling in formation like a military flyover, and one of the most anticipated cruise ships of the year making her global debut. Welcome aboard Norwegian Aqua, the first vessel in the new Prima Plus Class, and arguably the cruise line’s boldest leap into luxury, design, and unapologetic wow-factor.

 

This wasn’t just any maiden voyage. It’s a celebration at sea, with over 2’000 specially invited guests, and we had the privilege of being amongst the first to sail from Southampton on this floating palazzo of gastronomy, design and entertainment. What made it even more spectacular? Our space of operations: The Haven Penthouse Suite – NCL’s signature enclave of exclusivity.

 

All Aboard – From Harbour To Haven

Our adventure began in Southampton, with a night’s stay at the Harbour Hotel – a five-star property that looks like it could double as a sleek super-yacht. Situated right on the water’s edge, the hotel delivered nautical chic with polished service and a really good breakfast. From cloud-like super king beds to a rainfall shower framed in marble, complimentary welcome G&T as well as a divine spa, it was the perfect pre-cruise warm-up.

 

The next morning, it was a short hop to the port, where Norwegian Aqua – the 156’300-tonne sea giant – stood shimmering like a celebrity waiting for its close-up. It’s not every day you board a ship still smelling of new paint and fresh excitement. Check-in was swift and seamless. Moments later, we found ourselves whisked away in a private elevator to The Haven – NCL’s crown jewel. Think private concierge, 24-hour butler, an exclusive infinity pool, a sauna overlooking the ships wake, and even a cold plunge room. It’s cruising, but elevated to the top deck.

 

Our Penthouse in The Haven was a masterclass in modern luxury. King-size bed? Check. L’Occitane products? Naturally. A balcony with sweeping views and complimentary Prosecco? Oh yes. Buttons to open the curtains and dim the lights at the touch of a finger? Of course. This wasn’t just a room – it was a sanctuary.

 

Aqua By Name, Aqua By Nature

Norwegian Aqua is more than just a ship – she’s an engineering marvel, a visual spectacle, and a playground of design. Her striking hull artwork, designed by world-renowned street artist Allison Hueman, sets the tone: bold, colourful, mythical – a nod to the ‘sea goddesses’ ruling her waves. As we explored the ship, it was clear that NCL meant it when they promised “MORE”. From the sprawling open decks and immersive lounges to the glow-in-the-dark sports court (Glow Court, it’s called – obviously), everything on Aqua felt fresh and forward-thinking.

 

But the star of the show? The Aqua Slidecoaster. Yes, a slidecoaster – the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea. Towering across decks 18 to 20, it propels thrill-seekers through hairpin turns and refreshing dips at speeds up to 50km/h. And yes, it’s as bonkers and brilliant as it sounds.

 

Dining At Sea – From France To Italy And Beyond

Dining aboard Norwegian Aqua is an experience unto itself. With over 17 options to explore, the toughest part is deciding where to begin. Our first night was reserved for Le Bistro – a refined French dining experience. French Onion Soup, Lobster Thermidor, and a decadent Pear Dessert – the romance of Paris met the rhythm of the ocean.

 

The following evening took us to The Haven Restaurant – an exclusive culinary gem reserved for those residing in the ship’s most luxurious quarters. Ocean views, bespoke menus, and whisper-quiet service elevated dinner into a transcendent experience. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, there was Onda by Scarpetta – NCL’s ode to upscale Italian dining. Homemade pastas, divine seafood, and wine that flowed smoother than the English Channel. Bellissimo doesn’t even begin to cover it.

 

Entertainment That Makes Waves

NCL’s entertainment has always pushed boundaries, but Aqua raises the bar (and the curtain). The debut of Revolution: A Celebration of Prince transformed the Aqua Theater into a purple-hued party, blending tribute with theatrics. For fans of the late icon, it was a must-see. For everyone else? Still worth it for the sheer spectacle.

 

The energy continued at Syd Norman’s Pour House – a live music venue channeling rock nostalgia with a healthy dose of karaoke-fueled mischief. Later in the cruise, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours had us singing into our espresso martinis. It’s theatre. It’s concert. It’s both, with a side of sea breeze.

 

A Belgian Rendezvous – Bruges In Bloom

Norwegian Aqua dropped anchor in Zeebrugge, Belgium – the gateway to the medieval masterpiece that is Bruges. A short bus ride later, we found ourselves wandering cobblestone streets, sampling Belgian waffles, inhaling the scent of chocolate shops, and contemplating how many fries are too many fries (answer: there’s no such thing). Bruges is a fairytale city with UNESCO charm – the perfect land-based contrast to an ocean escape.

 

The Future Of Cruising – Panel & Perspectives

Back on board, we attended a panel discussion hosted by NCL’s top brass, who shared insights into the innovation behind Norwegian Aqua. With input from leaders across hospitality, food and beverage, entertainment, and sustainability, it became clear that NCL isn’t just competing with other cruise lines – it’s redefining what’s possible at sea. From the immersive Galaxy Pavilion to the eco-conscious tech and boundary-breaking entertainment, Norwegian Aqua is a vessel built not just to dazzle today’s traveller, but to inspire tomorrow’s.

 

Final Thoughts – Worth The Splash? Absolutely.

Aboard Norwegian Aqua, fun and finesse isn’t a perk – it’s the standard. Whether it’s sipping cocktails in The Haven Lounge, braving the Aqua Slidecoaster, or indulging in the culinary genius of Scarpetta and Le Bistro, there’s a palpable sense that you’re part of something special. This isn’t just another cruise ship. It’s a bold, beautiful statement that the next chapter of cruising is now – and it sails the ocean in 2025.

 

For those lucky enough to book into The Haven, it’s a floating five-star resort. For everyone else? Norwegian Aqua still delivers more of everything you could ask for – more space, more flavour, more fun, more wow. As inaugural voyages go, this one wasn’t just smooth sailing. It was a jol.

 

Stand a chance to WIN with The Sandton Times.

 

Advertise on The Sandton Times today!

 

Head back to The Sandton Times Home Page for more stories.