SET SAIL
New ‘theme park at sea’ cruise ship to set sail with world’s first waterslide rollercoaster & 10-storey helter skelter
Plus, five themed cruises to check out this year
THE Norwegian Aqua cruise ship will set sail this month for the very first time.
Onboard they have everything you need to a peaceful voyage across the oceans, as well as thrilling entertainment from the world's very first hybrid roller and water coaster, plus a 10-storey slide off the side of the ship.
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The huge ship that is due to set sail for its maiden voyage in spring is 1,056 feet long and at full capacity can have 3,571 guests.
And thanks to its entertainment and attractions, it's practically a floating theme park at sea.
On the very top of this ship is the Aqua Slidecoaster which is the world's first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide.
There are two separate slides for racing down, and you can catch a glimpse of the views from the very top of the ship.
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The Glow Court is a high-tech LED sports floor engineered for immersive play like basketball and football.
The entertainment continues with mini-golf, VR games, interactive darts and retro arcade games.
Off the side of the ship is a spiral slide that drops 10 storeys – who needs the stairs when you can slip down floors in seconds?
Around the pool is an Aqua Splash Park, and onboard you'll also find two hot tubs and a luxurious infinity pool that looks over the edge.
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For live entertainment, there's a Prince tribute, a Fleetwood Mac tribute, comedy, and game shows
Kids will have the choice of various activities from sports to arts clubs and discos.
The new Caribbean island opening to cruise passengers with swim up bars and huge lagoons
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On the ship you'll find 1,760 cabins, most being staterooms, with sea views and balconies.
For anyone wanting to stay away from the busy areas of the cruise liner, there's a private area for 'Haven' customers only.
The Haven is described on their website as 'unparalleled luxury' - and while this isn't uncommon on a Norwegian ship, this one is the largest.
The Haven complex on the Norwegian Aqua has 123 suites, with the the largest three-bedroom duplex Haven suites spread across two floors.
They have separate living and dining areas, a massive balcony and alongside the three bedrooms, also have three bathrooms.
The master bedroom also has floor to ceiling windows so you can really enjoy being on the ocean.
'NEW NORWEGIAN AQUA PUSHES THE BOUNDARIES OF WHAT'S POSSIBLE ON A CRUISE'
By LISA MINOT, Head of Travel
NORWEGIAN Cruise Line has always pushed the boundaries of what is possible to fit on a cruise ship and their newest mega-ship Aqua takes that even further.
The American cruise company was the first to put a go-kart track on a ship - topping that off with a three-level race track on its Norwegian Viva and Prima ships.
Now with Aqua - the first in the cruise line’s Prima Plus ships - there’s even more for families to explore.
The ship is 10per cent larger than Viva and Prima with more open deck space, a larger pool, grander atrium and expanded restaurants.
And without the go-kart track on its other ships, Aqua now has a huge amount of extra space on Deck 17 and a seriously impressive main pool.
The sheer scale of the fun they’ve packed into the ship - from the unique water coaster ride to the crazy slides and digital sports complex with interactive LED floor - means it will no doubt be a magnet for families.
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With a Haven room, you also get access to their private sundeck, bar, restaurant and pool.
Across the entire ship you'll find 8 bars, a Starbucks, 14 restaurants as well as a gym and spa.
As for where Norwegian Aqua goes, this liner is off to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Northern Europe, Transatlantic and the Bahamas with prices starting at £741pp.
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Here are Five Fun and Themed Cruises
Sun Travel Assistant Editor Sophie Swietochwski has five themed cruises to check out this year...
The seven-night Holland America voyage is for you with Norwegian Fjords & Scotland with History Channel cruise if you like tales from World War Two, or delving into the Middle Ages.
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 certainly has style and will be feeling even more glitzy when American designer Christian Siriano steps on board for Cunard’s Southampton to New York sailing.
Jack Whitehall will have passengers in fits of giggles on board the Scarlet Lady this summer. He is headlining the Virgin Voyages Comedy Fest and will be setting sail on a six-night cruise from the UK to Spain and France in August.
Back for its fifth year, the Electric Sunsets voyage with Tui’s Marella Cruises will rock along to gigs by some favourite Nineties and Noughties musical artists. A star-studded line-up for the seven-night cruise features acts including B*Witched, The Honeyz, DJ Sash! as well as Ibiza In Symphony — a ten-piece orchestra.
Actress, TV producer and award-winning author Julie Peasgood will lead workshop sessions involving something different, from jewellery-making to creating personalised cards on Ambience that departs in September.
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