Norwegian Cruise Line has canceled its scheduled first call and preview event for Norwegian Aqua in Boston, citing extreme weather conditions in the North Atlantic that impact the ship’s transatlantic crossing.
The change affects both the Boston preview event and disembarkation for guests originally set to leave the ship in Boston. Instead, guests will be left to get off the ship in New York City.
Aqua departed Southampton on Friday, March 28, and was scheduled to arrive in Boston on April 4, 2025. However, due to severe weather systems across the North Atlantic, the ship will now take a more southerly route and head straight to New York City, with arrival delayed to April 7.
Last Minute Itinerary Change
The change was announced via email on embarkation day.
A guest waiting to board Norwegian Aqua told Cruise Radio, “I am at the terminal in Southampton. NCL Aqua has modified its Inaugural Transatlantic for an additional three days due to storms. Also, embarkation was supposed to be in Boston but will now be in New York. I guess this will be filed under ‘New Ship Adventures.’”
In a letter to guests, Norwegian Cruise Line President David Herrera wrote:
“It is with deep regret that we must inform you that, due to extreme weather conditions over the Atlantic, the inaugural event aboard Norwegian Aqua on April 4, 2025, in Boston has unfortunately been canceled.”
Herrera said the safety of guests and crew is the line’s top priority, and adjusting the course was necessary for a safe crossing.
Weather in the North Atlantic
Early spring is known for unpredictable and often rough conditions in the North Atlantic, especially for transatlantic sailings.
Powerful low-pressure systems and strong headwinds are common during this time of year, which can extend crossings or force itinerary changes like this one.
Guests who were scheduled to attend the Boston preview will no longer be able to tour or experience the ship ahead of its U.S. debut.
Disembarkation for the current transatlantic voyage will now occur in New York City.
Norwegian Aqua is the first ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Plus class and is scheduled to begin service from Port Canaveral, Florida, later this month before repositioning to New York City in August.
The ship will offer seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailings with stops including St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay.
Its new features include the Aqua Slidecoaster — the first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea — and NCL’s first Three-Bedroom Duplex Suites.
You can read about our first day on Norwegian Aqua here.
