[] May 1, 2024 []
St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. – Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest Prima Plus-class ship arrived at the West Indian Company dock on Tuesday, April 29th for her inaugural visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This past weekend, 3,650 guests embarked on Norwegian Aqua’s first seven-day voyage to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Fla., her initial homeport since her official debut earlier this month. The round trip cruise features calls to Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola and Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas. The new ship will feature a series of Eastern Caribbean sailings through August 2025.
Captain Ashutosh Chandra and his staff welcomed the U.S. Virgin Islands delegation for an inaugural gift exchange ceremony aboard the ship. Representatives from WICO, the 35th Legislature, The Department of Tourism, and Virgin Port Services welcomed Captain “Ash” and Aqua’s 3,650 passengers and 1,572 crew to St. Thomas.
The West Indian Company, Ltd. hosted a Welcome Ceremony for Norwegian Aqua on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 to observe the ship’s inaugural visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands. On hand were (left to right): Senator Milton E Potter, Aqua Staff Captain Emmanouil Iliopoulos, WICO CFO Charlene Turnbull, Aqua Chief Engineer Plamen Belyovski, WICO Interim President and CEO Anthony Ottley, Aqua Captain Ashutosh Chandra, U.S.V.I Department of Tourism Deputy Commissioner RoseAnn Farrington, Senator Avery L. Lewis, Senator Ray Fonseca, Rita Meyer, Virgin Port Services, and WICO Chief of Security Joseph Francis.Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest Prima Plus-class ship is 75 feet longer than Prima-class ships offering enhanced space and “more to do at sea” including the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide with a high speed powered launch that propels adventurous guests through dual slides that race across three decks.
“With momentum from the recent Seatrade Cruise Global conference where we strengthened our partnerships and market position in Caribbean cruise tourism, it is particularly meaningful to welcome this inaugural visit of the Aqua” said Anthony A. Ottley, WICO Interim President and CEO. “Norwegian is looking towards a bright future of cruise vacationing with 13 ships on order, and the Aqua and Oceania Allura debuting in 2025.”
Norwegian Aqua is the newest in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet of 20 contemporary ships sailing to nearly 350 of the world’s most desirable destinations now including St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
MEDIA NOTE: Please see Norwegian Aqua specifications below.
Built: Fincantieri Shipyard, Italy
Entered service: April 2025
Port of Registry: Nassau, Bahamas
Class: Prima Plus (NCL’s upgraded Prima Class)
Capacity: 3,571 passengers (double occupancy) / 4,224 max
Crew: 1,388
Weight: 156,300 gross tons
Length: 965 feet (321.8 meters)
Decks: 20
Speed: 25 knots
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of WICO.
Photo Suggested Caption:
The West Indian Company, Ltd. hosted a Welcome Ceremony for Norwegian Aqua on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 to observe the ship’s inaugural visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
On hand were (left to right): Senator Milton E Potter, Aqua Staff Captain Emmanouil Iliopoulos, WICO CFO Charlene Turnbull, Aqua Chief Engineer Plamen Belyovski, WICO Interim President and CEO Anthony Ottley, Aqua Captain Ashutosh Chandra, U.S.V.I Department of Tourism Deputy Commissioner RoseAnn Farrington, Senator Avery L. Lewis, Senator Ray Fonseca, Rita Meyer, Virgin Port Services, and WICO Chief of Security Joseph Francis.
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