Norwegian Cruise Line celebrated a double milestone earlier this week with the delivery of the Norwegian Aqua and the float out of the Norwegian Luna.

According to a press release, the new Aqua was handed over by the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, on March 13, 2025.

As the vessel prepares to enter service, Norwegian completed another landmark event with the float out of the new Luna.

The float out signifies the completion of the ship’s external work and marks the first time she makes contact with water, the company explained.

The Norwegian Luna will now move to the floating dock previously occupied by the Norwegian Aqua, where it will undergo interior construction and furnishing in preparation for its maiden season in 2026.

“The Norwegian Aqua is more than just a ship—it’s a commitment to our guests that we will continue to push boundaries and deliver MORE at sea,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“From thrilling attractions like the Aqua Slidecoaster to the debut of Sukhothai, our first Thai specialty restaurant, the Norwegian Aqua is designed to create unforgettable moments for the whole family while cruising to the Caribbean, Bermuda and our private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, where we remain focused and excited about investing in the guest experience,” he continued.

“We are deeply grateful to Fincantieri for its partnership and expertise in bringing the Norwegian Aqua to life, paving the way for NCL’s continued growth and success. And with the Norwegian Luna’s float out, we’re already looking ahead to the next chapter of our fleet expansion,” Herrera said.

As the third ship in Norwegian’s Prima Class, the Norwegian Aqua is set to welcome its first paying guests later this month for a trans-Atlantic crossing to North America.

The vessel then kicks off a series of cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, departing from Miami and Port Canaveral.

“The Norwegian Aqua is a testament to the solid and enduring partnership between Norwegian Cruise Line and Fincantieri, recently reaffirmed by the historic order of the four largest ships ever built by our Group for the brand,” said Luigi Matarazzo, general manager merchant ships division of Fincantieri.

“This ship embodies our shared commitment to technological innovation and excellence, marking another milestone in a thriving cruise industry where Fincantieri continues to lead the way. We are honored to bring yet another groundbreaking vessel to life and look forward to continuing our partnership with all the exciting projects to come,” he added.