Norwegian Evolves Onboard Activities for Aqua and Luna
Norwegian Cruise Line has been teasing us with information about its upcoming ships, the Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. These twin sister ships will be part of the Prima Plus class, approximately 10% larger than the Prima and Viva. We’ve already learned about new dining options, bars, and entertainment on these ships, and now we’re learning how Norwegian has evolved the onboard activities.
Galaxy Pavilion Becomes the Game Zone
On the Prima and Viva, the Galaxy Pavilion is a large interactive video arcade. This extensively themed space resembles a space station and offers a variety of VR games for teens and adults. However, Norwegian chose not to include a traditional arcade on these ships, leaving many younger kids and arcade fans feeling left out. Over the last few months, Norwegian has revamped Galaxy Pavilion on these ships to add in traditional video games as well removing things like the Top Golf Swing Simulator.
For the Aqua and Luna, Norwegian has designed the space to be multi-purpose from the start, creating a fully integrated area called the Game Zone. It will feature both traditional and VR arcade games. Expect to see games like Space Racing, Beat Hero, and retro favorites like Ms. Pac-Man and Donkey Kong.
Bull’s Eye Dart Lounge Becomes a Bar
The Prima and Viva has the Bull’s Eye Dart Lounge, a space where guests can rent out a bay and play a round of darts with up to six friends. The stations use video cameras to track the darts and keep score, while a tablet is used to run through a variety of different game options. It’s a great activity, but with no bar nearby and kid’s activities right next door, it missed the adult feel that could have made it a more frequented space.
On the Aqua and Luna, the scape evolves into a full-blown bar called Bull’s Eye Bar. While not yet indicated on the ship’s deck plans, based on the renders, the space appears to be where the Speedway Bar was located on the other Prima Class ships; on Deck 18 overlooking the Vibe Beach Club. This would give the bar prime real estate to watch sailaways.
The Bull’s Eye Bar’s dart boards will have six different games to choose from. Interactive video and scoring will take place on large monitors, similar to something you’d see at a newer Bowling Alley or Top Golf. We don’t know how many dart boards will be available.
The best part of the news is that the dart experience is now complimentary, a surprising move for Norwegian (On the Prima, it started out at $40 per hour during the launch and dropped to $5 per hour in mid-2024).
Tee Time Mini Golf is Back
Tee Time Mini Golf is a high-tech version of mini golf, featuring lights, sounds, and video screens. Each ball is equipped with a tracker, keeping score for guests and triggering dynamic effects throughout the course.
On the Aqua and Luna, the mini-golf course takes on a “Wonders of the World” theme and is 2.5 times larger than the courses on the Prima and Viva. Players will tackle 12 holes across two decks, adding a new level of adventure to this popular activity.
Norwegian has not yet disclosed what the pricing will be for Tee Time Mini Golf on the Aqua and Luna, but it costs $10 per person on the Prima and Viva.
The Stadium Gaming Area Returns With Dedicated Pickle Ball Court
One area that’s been a hit with both kids and adults is The Stadium, an outdoor gaming area perfect for spending a relaxing afternoon at sea. It’ll return on the Aqua and Luna, and you’ll find games like foosball, ping pong, shuffleboard, and more. It’s located in the same area as previous ships, on Deck 18.
While The Stadium on the Prima and Viva has a pickleball court, on the Aqua and Luna, they’re separating it out and giving it a dedicated space. This will allow for more serious games to be played by adults.
Glow Court and Drop Slide
As previously reported, the Aqua and Luna will also feature a new Glow Court and The Drop thrill slide.
The Glow Court is located at the top of the ship on Deck 20 (on the previous ships, this area was the underutilized Speedway Observation area. The space has an LED sports floor and colorful lighting to provide an energetic atmosphere for playing games with friends. At night, it can turn into a dance floor for a party under the stars.
The Drop slide is a 10-story thrill slide also found on the Prima and Viva. The floor drops out beneath you and sends you sliding down twists and turns from Deck 18 to Deck 8.
Mandara Spa Upgrades
The Mandara Spa on the Prima and Viva is stunning, featuring a two-story waterfall. For the Aqua and Luna, Norwegian is keeping the water feature but brightening the space by shifting from dark tones to more neutral colors.
The Mandara Spa will introduce a new Clay Sauna, which Norwegian describes as “an invigorating spa service that revitalizes the skin through detoxifying cleansing and gentle exfoliation, leaving the body refreshed and radiant.” The thalassotherapy pool will also feature new in-water loungers.
The Thermal Spa will offer twice as many heated loungers as the Prima and Viva, all with impressive ocean views.
Returning favorites like the charcoal sauna, ice room, salt room, and flotation salt pool will also be part of the spa experience. Guests can also book IV Drip Therapy, which provides hydration and nutrients to help them recover from their vacation.
Pulse Fitness Center
The Pulse Fitness Center remains at the front of the ship, offering panoramic views while you exercise. It will receive a sleek, modern redesign, departing from the black, industrial look of the previous ships. The center will still feature weights, machines, and a dedicated spin studio. Classes such as yoga, Pilates, cycling, and stretching will be available for an additional fee. Hopefully they’ve learned their lesson and padded the floors of this area better, as the cabins and treatment rooms below constantly complained of noise from the gym on the Prima and Viva.
Aqua and Luna Learn From the Past
It’s clear that Norwegian has taken what they’ve learned from their first Prima Class ships and evolved them for the third and fourth ships in the class. These new activities will optimize some under-used spaces on the other ships while taking advantage of the additional space on these larger ships to provide more for guests to do.
The Norwegian Aqua will debut in April 2025. It will sail seven-day cruises from Port Canaveral until August 2025 where it will move to New York City through October. Then it will move to Miami from October to April 2026.
The Norwegian Luna will debut on April 4, 2026 out of Miami where it will run seven-day sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
It’ll be interesting to see how these designs continue to evolve for the fifth and sixth Prima Class ships, which will be another 10% larger and come out in 2027 and 2028.
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