NCL's new cruise class lets the light shine in

The interiors of Norwegian Aqua, the 20th vessel in the fleet, mark a continuation of NCL’s long-standing partnerships with leading design studios.

Mr Anslow says, “Studio DADO in Miami led the design for staterooms and many public spaces, delivering a refined and residential feel with elegant materiality. Rockwell Group in New York crafted signature dining and entertainment venues with its characteristic attention to theatrical detail and ambience, while YSA Design offered a Nordic sensibility to the spatial design and layout, offering open plan areas that allow for people to move through freely and provide a refreshing and lighter mood.”

Mr Anslow says guests boarding the ship for the first time will feel an immediate sense of calm.

“The use of natural light is a core design philosophy,” he says. “Large windows, skylights and open areas invite the sea in at every turn. Materials like blonde woods, soft leathers, tactile textures and brushed materials create a sense of warm elegance.

He says passenger flow was also a key consideration in the decision-making process, with intuitively placed venues designed to create a natural movement between spaces and ensuring social hubs and intimate hideaways co-exist in harmony.

A big emphasis was also placed on prioritising the use of sustainably sourced materials, including responsibly harvested woods, recycled fabrics and eco-conscious flooring, which in turn were utilised to create a look inspired by nature.

“Textures are layered to evoke the natural world,” Mr Anslow explains. “Think stone, linen, sea glass and subtle metallics. Colour schemes are inspired by coastal environments, soft sand, deep blue and sun-kissed coral tones, promoting tranquillity and encouraging mindfulness.”

Design evolution continues in cabins, and Norwegian Aqua has the line’s largest-ever Haven, the exclusive ship-within-a-ship complex, which introduces NCL’s first-ever Duplex suites, each with three bedrooms and three bathrooms.

“Our staterooms on Aqua continue the Prima class promise of roomier accommodations,” says Mr Anslow. “From studios for solo travellers to the palatial Haven suites, each space is thoughtfully designed with comfort, function and serenity in mind.

“We know space matters, especially when travelling with family or on extended voyages. That’s why we’ve integrated intuitive storage innovations throughout the staterooms including under-bed storage that fits large suitcases easily, well-integrated hanging and shelving units for maximising vertical space and sliding wardrobe doors with built-in lighting.”

Lighting was also a big consideration in the living space and Mr Anslow says it was designed to support relaxation and elevate the overall aesthetic.

“Rather than harsh overheads, staterooms feature layered ambient lighting that mimics the softness of natural daylight, including backlit mirrors that offer flattering and even illumination in bathrooms and dressing areas, eco-smart controls that adjust lighting automatically for energy efficiency and recessed LED strips built into ceiling features and behind headboards.”

Moving outside, Norwegian Aqua was designed for sailing in sunny destinations, including the inaugural Caribbean season, and has more pool and deck space than any other ship in the fleet.

“One of the driving forces behind expanding the outdoor areas was the increasing popularity of warm weather cruising,” adds Mr Anslow. “As more itineraries focus on destinations in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and beyond, guests are naturally spending more time outside and Norwegian Aqua was designed to meet that demand.

“Norwegian Aqua boasts a sprawling, tiered pool area with more loungers, better visibility and more circulation space, creating a vibrant social hub without feeling overcrowded. At around 4,100 m², this expansive outdoor walkway features open-air dining, glass walkways over the ocean and lounge areas that make the most of the sea views.”

On the technical design front, the vessel’s most talked about feature is the Aqua Slidecoaster, the first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea described as a world first.

“It’s a headline-grabbing attraction that redefines onboard adventure,” says Mr Anslow. “It’s a perfect representation of our drive to continually innovate and surprise our guests.”

Summing up, Mr Anslow describes the ship as a masterclass in demonstrating how interior design can support the line’s Freestyle Cruising ethos.

“From the moment guests step on board they’re met with open, flowing spaces, flexible seating arrangements and venues that shift effortlessly from day to night use,” he says. “Rather than imposing a rigid layout, the design encourages guests to move at their own pace. Whether finding a quiet corner in the Observation Lounge, getting a drink at a lively bar or watching the sea from a sun-drenched deck, Norwegian Aqua is laid out to make choice and spontaneity feel effortless.”

Following an inaugural European voyage, Norwegian Aqua repositioned to Miami for the official christening ceremony which, in a break from the tradition of ship’s godmothers, saw award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet take the role of godfather. From now until March 2027, the ship will sail out of Miami, Port Canaveral and New York City on a variety of Bahamas, Caribbean and Bermuda itineraries.

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