Norwegian Aqua Departs Shipyard for First Sea Trials on the Adriatic

Bild: © Norwegian Cruise Line
The Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, near Venice, is currently building the Norwegian Aqua, a new cruise ship for the US-based Norwegian Cruise Line. On December 10, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved: the ship left the shipyard for the first time and embarked on its initial sea trials. These tests, conducted on the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas, are crucial for assessing the ship’s performance under real-world conditions.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Norwegian Aqua set sail towards Palermo, Sicily, where another Fincantieri facility is located. This site is often used for final checks and finishing touches on new ships. The specialized dry dock there allows detailed inspections and work on the ship’s hull following the sea trials. Meanwhile, interior and exterior construction continues in parallel. If all proceeds as planned, the Norwegian Aqua is expected to embark on its maiden voyage in March 2025.

During sea trials, the ship undergoes rigorous testing, far beyond what is typically encountered in regular cruise operations. This includes maneuvers like reaching maximum speed and performing a full stop from that speed. These tests ensure the vessel meets international safety and performance standards. Experts from the shipyard, cruise line, and classification society closely monitor the trials, documenting any irregularities for correction.

As the first vessel of the advanced Prima-Plus class, the Norwegian Aqua is a direct successor to the Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. At 322 meters long, with a gross tonnage of 156,300 and capacity for 3,571 guests at double occupancy, it is approximately 10 percent larger than its sister ships. The ship features more outdoor space and a high crew-to-guest ratio, promising an exceptional cruise experience.

The Norwegian Aqua is set to be officially christened on April 13, 2025, in Miami. Actor Eric Stonestreet will serve as the ship’s godparent during the naming ceremony, marking the official start of its service.