Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), in partnership with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, celebrated the float out of the all-new Norwegian Aqua™, the first ship in the next-generation Prima Plus Class. The ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy, marking a significant construction milestone as the vessel touched water for the first time.
The float out signifies the completion of external work on the ship, preparing it for its debut in April 2025. In maritime tradition, two ceremonial coins were welded into the ship to symbolize good luck and safe passage. The event included a blessing by a local chaplain and a celebratory champagne breaking.
“We are excited to celebrate another milestone with our partners at Fincantieri,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “The 10% increase in space allows us to offer more beautifully designed venues for our guests.”
Norwegian Aqua, weighing 156,300 gross tons and extending 1,056 feet, will feature innovative amenities like the world’s first-ever hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, Aqua Slidecoaster, and a new digital sports complex, Glow Court. The ship will also include luxurious accommodations in The Haven by Norwegian®, with NCL’s first-ever Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites.
