The new Norwegian Aqua arrived in Lisbon this week to welcome its first guests onboard, Norwegian Cruise Line announced in a press release.

Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the 3,571-guest vessel was delivered earlier this month, as the third ship in Norwegian’s Prima class series.

The visit to the Portuguese port is part of a showcase sailing that precede Aqua’s arrival in the United States.

According to Norwegian, the cruise from Lisbon is the first in five-part inaugural series that is set to conclude with the official christening voyage in April.

“This is a milestone moment for Norwegian Cruise Line as we set sail aboard Norwegian Aqua, a ship designed to offer our guests more – more wide-open space, more thrills, more culinary experiences, and more immersive entertainment,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“During this inaugural season, we look forward to welcoming our travel partners from around the world and to give them the exclusivity of being the first to experience our newest product and to fully understand how guests can ‘Experience More at Sea’ with us,” he added.

Before being christened at a ceremony in Miami in mid-April, the Norwegian Aqua is also set to offer a trans-Atlantic crossing from Southampton on Mar. 28, 2025.

The seven-night cruise won’t visit any ports of call and is scheduled to arrive in Boston on Apr. 4, 2025.

After additional showcase sailing in the United States, the vessel is set to be officially christened in Miami on April 13, 2025, with Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet serving as godfather.

The Norwegian Aqua then homeports in Miami and Port Canaveral as well as New York City for cruises to the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

According to Norwegian, the ship introduced a series of industry-first and brand-exclusive features designed to elevate the guest experience onboard.

One of the highlights of Aqua’s design is Aqua Slidecoaster – the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide.