Sailing Aboard Norwegian Aqua: A Caribbean Adventure
Written By: Travel Advisor, Lisa Jowdy
This past August, I had the opportunity to sail on Norwegian Cruise Line’s brand-new ship, the Norwegian Aqua, for a 7-night Caribbean voyage. My family, Amel, Amel (20), and Madelynne (17), joined me for a week of sunshine, turquoise waters, and plenty of adventure.
Pre-Cruise Fun in Cape Canaveral
Before boarding, we spent the night at TownPlace Suites in Cape Canaveral. It’s a favorite of mine for pre-cruise stays because of its spacious rooms, complimentary breakfast, and proximity to the port. From here, Cocoa Beach is just a short walk away, making it easy to slip into vacation mode even before the ship sets sail.
First Impressions of Norwegian Aqua
Launched in spring 2025, the Norwegian Aqua still has that “new ship” sparkle. We stayed in an ocean view balcony cabin with plenty of storage space and one of the most spacious bathrooms I’ve ever experienced at sea.
This ship is designed with families in mind. From pools and waterslides to an arcade and mini-golf, there was never a dull moment. Maddie and I braved the Aqua SlideCoaster (so much fun!) and I even tried the Drop Slide—though it was more of a “wiggle your way out” than an adrenaline rush.
Evenings were spent enjoying shows. Our favorite was The Price is Right Live, which felt just like the TV show. We also caught a Prince tribute and a Fleetwood Mac performance. Pro tip: the Aqua Theater is small, so it’s best to line up early for a good seat.
Dining Onboard
We rotated between the main dining rooms, buffet, and Indulge Food Hall. Hudson’s was my favorite for its floor-to-ceiling views, while Indulge Food Hall was perfect for late-night bites after a show.
The buffet space, however, felt too small for the crowds, and navigating through it to get to other activities created bottlenecks. If dining is a highlight of your vacation, I’d recommend adding a specialty dining package to elevate your experience.
Exploring the Caribbean
Our itinerary took us to three beautiful islands:
🌴 Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – We hiked, climbed, and splashed through Damajagua’s Waterfalls before revving up Polaris buggies through streams and farmland. It was adventurous, challenging, and absolutely the highlight of the trip for my family.
🌊 St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands – We visited Magen’s Bay Beach and “Blackbeard’s Castle.” While it sounded promising, the excursion fell flat. Magen’s Bay was crowded, and the so-called castle was really just a tower. This one we wouldn’t recommend.
☀️ Tortola, British Virgin Islands – The Baths at Virgin Gorda never disappoint. Walking through massive granite boulders and swimming in hidden coves made for a magical day. This was my second time visiting, and it was just as breathtaking as the first.
Wrapping Up the Journey
Debarkation was smooth and efficient—we carried our own luggage off and were through customs in minutes. From there, we headed straight to Walt Disney World to extend our vacation magic for one more day.
✨ Ready to plan your own Caribbean adventure? Whether it’s sailing the newest ships or finding the perfect island escape, I’d love to help you design a vacation that fits your family’s style.
Contact Lisa today at Lisa@BeOurGuestTravelCompany.com