Norwegian Aqua - Our Onboard Experience On NCL's Newest Ship

I recently had an opportunity to cruise on Norwegian Aqua on one of her first sailings from PortMiami and wanted to share my personal experience. New Miami Terminal Even though Norwegian Aqua will not be sailing regularly from PortMiami, I wanted to share my experience with the new terminal. Norwegian Cruise Line’s terminal B at PortMiami is very stylish, but not as accessible by vehicle as Royal Caribbean’s Terminal A or MSC Cruises Terminal AA. Wether you enter PortMiami by the bridge or tunnel, you’ll end up at the same point for baggage drop off and parking for Norwegian Cruise Line. The biggest difference with accessing these areas compared to Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises is that you need to make a turn, where the other two new terminals have a straight drive in design to keep traffic flowing. Once inside the terminal itself, the space is large with plenty of check-in counters, seating and restrooms. Norwegian Aqua - PortMiami Terminal B Norwegian Aqua - PortMiami Terminal B Norwegian Aqua - PortMiami Terminal B Dining For those interested in strictly included dining options, Norwegian Aqua is a little limited in choice as compared to other cruise ships. The two main dining rooms offered good ambiance, friendly efficient service and quality selections from the menu. You can choose from either The Commodore Room or Hudson’s, with the latter being my favorite. On my 4 night cruise, I had one breakfast and two dinners from the main dining room. On Deck 17 aft, you’ll find the Surfside Cafe, which is the buffet onboard Norwegian Aqua. I found choice to be limited and it’s location right off the main pool area meant slippery floors and major congestion, especially on sea days. There is also the Surfside Grill located all the way to the back with options like hamburgers, fries and other offerings that was open longer hours. Found on almost all NCL ships is The Local Bar & Grill. This bar area of this included option is open 24 hours with selections like chicken wings, burgers, sandwiches are other bar bites. There is also the restaurant area opposite the bar, that has more options, including breakfast served inside or al fresco along Ocean Boulevard. My absolute favorite included dining venue was Indulge Food Hall. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the concept features international food stations from India, Spain and Asia plus bbq, salads, desserts and more. Ordering from any station is easy from the many self serve tablets at each table. Service was always quick and the food was excellent. Personally, I would have liked to see a stand alone pizza option outside of the buffet and maybe one or two other spots. Norwegian Aqua - Hudson's Restaurant Norwegian Aqua - Hudson's Restaurant Norwegian Aqua - Indulge Food Hall Norwegian was one of the pioneers in offering specialty dining options onboard cruise ships and onboard Aqua there are several to choose from. From guest favorites like Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro, Los Lobos and Onda by Scarpetta to newer choices Sukhotai, Nama Sushi and Palomar, you’ll definitely find something to delight your tastebuds. Norwegian Aqua - Teppanyaki Norwegian Aqua - Le Bistro Norwegian Aqua - Onda by Scarpetta Entertainment Don’t miss any of the shows onboard Norwegian Aqua. Start off your night with live music in several spots around the ship, laugh till you drop at the Improv Comedy Club, grab a drink and sing-a-long at Syd Norman’s Pour House, with some tributes to the 80s, and a great duet performing music from the Bee Gees and Abba. You’ll also find amazing orignal shows in the Aqua Theater that will keep you wanting more. But be prepared to arrive as early as one hour before showtime. The Aqua Theater is not that large and many shows will be completely full closer to start times. Norwegian Aqua - Improv Comedy Club Norwegian Aqua - Syd Norman's Pour House Norwegian Aqua - Syd Norman's Pour House Norwegian Aqua - Aqua Theater Norwegian Aqua - Aqua Theater Amenities Norwegian Aqua has