54 | CRUISE NEWS
www.nitravelnews.com AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER
Join NI Travel News’ Jonathan Adair as he steps on board NCL’s Aqua for a truly unforgettable experience…
EMBARKING on a cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Aqua was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we arrived at the terminal, the experience was elevated by the exclusive Haven product, which truly sets the tone for a high-end, luxury vacation at sea.
The Haven: A World of Luxury First off, The Haven on board Aqua is a
separate realm of indulgence that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a five- star hotel. The dedicated check-in area at the terminal immediately sets the tone, bypassing the typical cruise crowds and providing a seamless introduction to your premium experience.
lucky to have the Haven suite, a spacious haven (pun intended) that typically caters to families. The suite featured a separate room with a drop-down super bed, along with its own toilet and shower area, creating a sense of privacy and space that made our three-day stay incredibly comfortable. This suite, with its plush decor and high-end amenities, was like no other cruise accommodation I’ve experienced. The suite was fully equipped with luxury L'Occitane products in the shower and an assortment of coffee options that further elevated the room’s already exceptional atmosphere. The service was impeccable, and having our own dedicated concierge who was available 24/7 was an added touch of
treatments to ensuring we had everything we needed, the butler service made the experience even more extraordinary. It’s hard to imagine needing anything more.
Spaciousness and Design of the Ship One of the first things that struck me
about Aqua was its sheer spaciousness. The ship has been redesigned to offer a 10% increase in space compared to its previous iteration, and it’s immediately noticeable. The public areas, such as the stunning Ocean Boulevard, feel expansive, with various quiet spaces to relax or enjoy the views. Whether it’s sitting in private corners or enjoying the infinity pools and Jacuzzis, there are plenty of areas that feel intimate and serene. The Ocean Boulevard itself was an
unforgettable experience. Walking along the balconies or sitting by the water’s edge in some of the more private nooks gave the impression of having the ship to ourselves. The exclusivity of these areas was a standout feature, when
during times when the ship wasn’t at full capacity. It’s clear that NCL has thought about providing its guests with moments of peace and quiet, even in the midst of a bustling cruise.
A Senses Feast for the
Norwegian Cruise Line has taken the dining experience to new heights, with a range of exceptional options available to satisfy every palate. There are 17 bars and 18 restaurants on board, each offering a different experience. One of the standout moments for us was dining at Indulge Food Hall, where food is prepared fresh in front of you as you sit at your table and make selections via a tablet. This interactive dining experience was something I hadn’t
particularly we visited
comfort. From arranging spa Inside, we were
April/May 2025
encountered before, and it added a fun twist to mealtime.
the experiences didn’t disappoint. Our first night was spent at Onda, an Italian restaurant where the seafood pasta was a highlight. The service was exceptional, and the atmosphere was perfect for a relaxing evening. However, the real showstopper was our visit to Cagney’s Steakhouse on the second night. As a lover of steak, I can confidently say that this was the best steak I’ve ever had in my life. The choice of cuts and the quality of the meat were outstanding, paired with a fine bottle of wine that elevated the entire experience. In The Haven, we also enjoyed a superb
breakfast every morning, with options such as eggs benedict with truffle, freshly squeezed orange juice, and top-notch Brazilian coffee. Starting the day in such luxury was a true treat.
A Revolution in Shows
One of the highlights of the cruise was the entertainment, which has seen a major overhaul thanks to NCL’s own in-house production studio in Miami. The shows were a perfect mix of Broadway-style performances, but with a fresh twist. The performances were short, lasting only an hour, which meant we could enjoy more of the ship’s offerings in a single evening.
When it came to specialty dining,
they sounded like the band as well, and the behind-the-scenes stories of how the songs were created made the experience even more immersive. The last night featured Element, a more family-friendly show with acrobats and magicians that entertained guests of all ages.
Family-Friendly and Multi-Generational Appeal
While the ship did have a noticeable lack of younger children during our trip,
plenty of activities for older children,
The first night featured Revolution, a show based on Prince’s music, which was fantastic. However, for me, the standout performance was Rumours, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac’s
definitely see myself bringing my daughters and even grandchildren on board in the future. The versatility of the ship, with its range of
The performers didn’t just look the part; legendary album.
dining, entertainment, and activities, makes it ideal for couples, families, or even solo travellers. It’s not just for families with young
as a water-slide on the top deck, along with a game zone and other amenities. I can
There are such
clear that NCL has designed Aqua to cater to families and multi-generational groups.
it’s
children, but also for anyone looking for a mix of relaxation, luxury, and fun.
Ports and Itinerary We boarded the ship for a three-day
and chocolate shops, was an unforgettable port
Southampton, of call.
ship would continue its Transatlantic journey to New York and then down to Miami,
would serve the Caribbean for the rest of the season.
Luxury at Every Turn
offerings on board were impressive, with a wide selection of luxury brands available for those looking to indulge in some shopping. The duty-free options were excellent, and there was no shortage of high- end jewellery, handbags, and more. For those who enjoy a good drink, there
The retail
retreat for smokers, offering a dedicated space to unwind, while the Observation Deck at the front of the ship provided stunning panoramic views - the perfect spot to chill out and take in the sea breeze.
were numerous bars to explore, each offering a unique vibe. My personal favourite was The
An Unforgettable Experience Cruising aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s
where it
From the
streets,
repositioning cruise, starting in Southampton and making a stop in Bruges before heading back to Southampton. Bruges, with its stunning ar chitectur e, charming
Swirled Wine Bar, a cozy spot where I could relax and sip on a glass of wine before dinner. For a more lively atmosphere, Syd Norman’s Pour House was always packed, with tribute bands providing excellent live entertainment late into the evening. The Humidor Cigar Lounge was a great
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