Norwegian Aqua: What it's like on board the world's newest cruise ship

I don't like waterslides. I don't even go on the tamest of rollercoasters. 

But in the interests of professional journalism, I am sitting in a small dinghy, about to be catapulted at 50km an hour to the top of the world's first hybrid rollercoaster waterslide…

And did I mention it's also on a cruise ship? I'm very concerned.

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Not just because I fear for the integrity of my neck from potential whiplash, but also because I'm a little worried that last night's spicy ibarra chocolate tartlet might mean I get stuck in the tube. Yes, like Willy Wonka's Augustus Gloop. 

Turns out, I needn't have worried. I was going far too fast to get wedged anywhere at all. My husband's ears are still ringing from my screaming (you can ride as a pair or alone).

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Take a look onboard Norwegian Cruise Line's brand new ship

So let's just say I'm glad I did it (you can watch the experience above)…. But never again. 

The Aqua Slidecoaster, as it's called, is one of the highlights (or lowlights, for the unadventurous) aboard the world's newest cruise ship, Norwegian Aqua. 

9Travel was invited to join the three-day inaugural sailing from Miami, Florida to Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. 

The Ship

Now, most Aussie cruisers probably don't know much about Norwegian Cruise Line, known as NCL.

It doesn't have any ships based in Australia. You have to fly across the world to cruise with them. 

Also, while NCL was founded in Norway, there's nothing actually Norwegian about it - like most cruise companies it's now based in Florida. It's very much American. 

The latest ship, Norwegian Aqua, isn't the firm's biggest, with capacity for about 3500 guests, but it is the most spectacular.

It's also one of the newest in the world (MSC's World America launched the same week but Norwegian Aqua was christened most recently). 

It feels more like a chic hotel than a cruise ship. No gaudy carpets, dingy bars or cheesy towel animals.

Instead, there are glass walls showcasing panoramic ocean views, seas of sunbeds and multiple pools, including giant infinity jacuzzis - some in an adults-only area.

It almost feels like a giant yacht club.

The Food and Drinks

There are 17, yes 17, dining options on board.

Around half cost extra, including a Thai, Sukhothai, Mediterranean-inspired at Palomar, and sushi spot, Nama.

But you're not missing out if you don't want to spend extra.

And of course, there's a buffet - Surfside Grill - where it's more a case of what options they don't have than what they do.

Our cruise seemed to have a special emphasis on local Carribean-inspired cuisine, like tasty yucca fries, Cuban black beans and jerk chicken sliders.

Another highlight was the cafe-style Indulge Food Hall.

It's made up of over half a dozen separate themed eateries (Indian, Mexican, plant-based, etc.), which you order from via one of the iPads scattered around.

You can indulge in the hefty portions with top-notch service in more traditional main dining rooms, Hudson's and Commodore, too.

But if you need your daily caffeine fix, beware:

Unless you want to lower yourself to drinking complimentary American drip coffee, the exchange rate means you're looking at $11 ($US7) for a basic flat white at the onboard Starbucks. Ouch.

The Entertainment 

The headline show on Norwegian Aqua is Revolution: A Celebration of Prince.

Now, when the cast encourages you to move closer to the front of the theatre, proceed with caution. You're not signing up for a closer seat, but a spot on the dance floor itself - this is an immersive experience.

You're just centimetres away from the talented singers and dancers who perform one of the best shows I've seen at sea (and I'm a big theatre-goer).

Indeed another production we saw, Fleetwood Mac tribute, Rumours, also proved there aren't any backing tracks or second rate musicals here.

And while the company literally pushed the boat out with the aforementioned Aqua Slidecoaster they also added a bunch of other activities for all ages.

There's a 'dry' slide, The Drop, which sends you plummeting ten decks (I skipped that one but my husband described it as "Exhilarating").

You can also shoot hoops in the LED sports area, Glow Court, knock out some mini golf, or join classes as diverse as painting to learning the moves to Michael Jackson's Thriller.

The cabins

We had a balcony cabin. As one might expect on a new ship, it was sleek and contemporary, with no naff pictures or dated pine furniture.

There was no need to turn sideways while passing each other in the cabin hallways either; indeed we've stayed in smaller hotel rooms. 

The Verdict

Norwegian Aqua feels like it has the best bits of all of the new cruise ships from the past few years.

It's innovative like Virgin Voyages, and has latest attractions for families like Royal Caribbean.

The aesthetic reminded us a little of the new Sun Princess, while it contains a touch of Celebrity flair, too.

While NCL may need to work hard to get Aussies to fly across the world to come aboard, with a lack of new ships heading Down Under, serious cruisers will definitely be salivating.

The writer travelled as a guest of NCL.