A sense of excitement swells in my stomach, reminiscent of the anticipatory rush before a rollercoaster plunge. However, I am not at an amusement park; I’m gliding upward on the Aqua Slidecoaster, gripping an inflatable raft as we soar to a height of 20 decks over the Atlantic Ocean.

This ride promises excitement, and it does not disappoint — albeit not in the way I had anticipated. Instead of a steep drop, I am gently propelled into a delightful, splash-infused waterslide. Laughing and soaked, I surface moments later, eager to take on the ride again.

The Aqua Slidecoaster offers an exhilarating experience — and, unlike many onboard activities, it is free. Every facet of the Norwegian Aqua exudes exhilaration. Designed for sun-soaked vacations, the ship features itineraries lasting up to 12 nights across the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda. I embarked on a round trip from Miami, Florida, with a stop at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s exclusive island in the Bahamas. The ship is filled with thrilling rides, sun-warmed infinity pools, Broadway-style performances, lively bars, and exquisite dining options.

The Aqua is the inaugural vessel in Norwegian’s Prima Plus Class and stands as their largest ship ever. Stretching 1,056 feet, it surpasses its predecessors, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, and accommodates up to 3,571 guests. I expected a massive, bustling ship, but Aqua feels more like a refined boutique resort than a crowded metropolis, boasting sleek designs and ample space.

This ship is crafted for entertainment. Glow Court, an immersive area with illuminated walls and floors, truly feels like entering a video game. One moment, I am shooting hoops to prevent a virtual volcano from erupting, and the next, I’m kicking balls into a honeycomb wall, watching tiles burst to victory. I am also dodging laser beams and tapping glowing squares in a digital obstacle course. At night, this space changes into a vibrant neon lounge. Nearby, you can enjoy pickleball, a 12-hole mini-golf course, beer pong, and a lively bar with interactive darts.

The Game Zone is an exhilarating destination (£132 per person for a week-long pass). The arcade hall brings back nostalgic vibes with retro favorites like Donkey Kong and Ms. Pac-Man, plus pinball machines, mini bowling, and virtual reality experiences. Positioned adjacent to the Observatory Lounge, adults can sip cocktails while kids indulge in gaming fun just steps away. I joined friends for dance-offs, raced V8 motorcars, and took a virtual reality rollercoaster ride through a zombie-infested city. The visuals may have been simple, but the thrills were genuine.

Down the outside of the ship, The Drop sends riders on a spiraling ten-deck plunge, landing me giggling and slightly dazed at the Local Bar & Grill. “The quickest route to lunch,” one guest joked. It’s true, but my stomach was left behind during the four seconds of sheer exhilaration before the ride.

Luckily, there’s no need for dramatic slides to enjoy remarkable food. Aqua hosts 15 dining venues, including nine specialty restaurants. I dined at Sukhothai (£38 supplement), a vibrant new Thai restaurant that excels in delivering authentic flavors — salty, sour, sweet, and spicy. I relished plump salt and pepper prawns, a zesty green papaya salad, and delectable pad Thai. The rich duck curry was a standout, bursting with flavor and heat to match adventurous palates.

Hudson’s, the main dining area included in the cruise fare, impresses with its stunning chandeliers and expansive sea views from floor-to-ceiling windows. The varied menu offers everything from seared scallops to spaghetti pomodoro. The Local Bar & Grill became my favorite breakfast spot, providing a classic English breakfast alongside proper espresso in a relaxed atmosphere. Late-night, it shifts focus to burgers and beers. The Indulge Food Hall features global fast bites ordered via a menu board, showcasing delicious tostadas, smoky Texas barbecue, fragrant korma, bang bang noodles, and salads from a new plant-based stall called Planterie.

At the core of the ship is the Penrose Atrium, an elegant, multi-level space adorned with glass that saturates the area with natural light and breathtaking ocean views. It’s the perfect spot for gazing at the horizon while sipping a drink from the Penrose Bar, one of several lounges throughout the ship. On deck six is the Whisky Bar, bustling at most times with an exceptional negroni, while the more tranquil Swirl Wine Bar boasts an impressive wine selection.

As evening descends, Aqua comes alive with spectacular shows. The headline performance, Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, features vibrant funk and talented vocalists, accompanied by a dynamic band and dancers. I found myself dancing in front of the stage, reminiscent of my experience at my first Prince concert in 1994. Rumours, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac’s legendary album, is another highlight — intimate and captivating, intertwining music with the band’s dramatic history. A late-night comedy show, Improv at Sea, provided plenty of laughs, with American stand-up performers delivering sharp one-liners.

For relaxation amidst all this excitement, the Mandara Spa offers an encompassing retreat. A day pass to the Thermal Suite (£75) grants access to rejuvenating experiences, including the wet and dry saunas, a menthol-infused steam room, and unique treatments in rooms lined with pink salt, clay, or detoxifying charcoal. Infinity Beach provides another serene escape, where I rested on an overwater daybed, indulging in the serene views. On deck 17, the main pool area is more energetic, featuring sun loungers and a lively atmosphere. The Vibe Beach Club elevates the experience with infinity hot tubs, cabanas, shaded loungers, and ambient music from DJs (£202 for a week-long pass).

I was accommodated in a Deluxe Balcony room, one of 1,037 in that category. The spacious layout features smart storage solutions, a generous bathroom, and a contemporary aesthetic. Solo travelers will find thoughtful accommodations in the 73 Studio Cabins, which include a dedicated lounge. The Haven, Norwegian’s exclusive area, offers an elevated experience with personalized services like a restaurant, infinity pool, butler service, concierge, and private lift access. Comprising 127 suites, it boasts Norwegian’s largest suite collection, including the unique two-story, three-bedroom duplex suites, making it ideal for families and multigenerational travelers.

During our single beach day at Great Stirrup Cay, the options for relaxation were plentiful, much like the cruise itself. Some guests snorkeled alongside vibrant fish, while others paddled through crystalline waters or zoomed across the shoreline on zip lines. Norwegian has grand plans for the island, including a new pool, upgraded cabanas, and a pier for easier shore access; currently, the ship anchors offshore, and guests are transferred by tenders. Yet, for me, it felt near idyllic, with soft sand underfoot, swaying palms, and a serene atmosphere. I concluded the day at Silver Cove, the island’s luxurious sanctuary featuring private villas, a Moët & Chandon bar, and a spa, all available for an additional cost, complemented by a tranquil infinity pool. Sitting on a scoop of white sand, I looked out over the endless blue sea and embraced the moment.