I rode the world's first roller coaster waterslide - and it was on a cruise Jo Kessel boards NCL's Norwegian Aqua for its christening voyage READ MORE: Cruiser who spent 3,000 days at sea reveals must-visit destination By JO KESSEL FOR MAILONLINE Published: 01:17 BST, 23 April 2025 | Updated: 02:00 BST, 23 April 2025 Ever had a ‘this is bonkers’ moment on your travels? Mine comes when I settle into an inflatable raft on what is the world’s first ever hybrid rollercoaster waterslide. It’s on Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest £1 billion vessel Norwegian Aqua and, as my raft reaches the launch pad, I prepare for lift-off. What transpires next is an adrenaline-thumping, nail-biting minute. I’m propelled at 31mph up a ramp, catapulted into a giant tube and spend the next 45 seconds swerving, splashing and whooshing to its end. Return to my cabin to recover? Nope, I head straight back for more. Norwegian Aqua is the cruise line’s 20th ship and I’ve joined for its three-night christening voyage, roundtrip from Miami. Every new ship has a godparent and Aqua’s is actor Eric Stonestreet from hit Netflix show Modern Family. He smashes a bottle of champers onto its hull for good luck and afterwards we set sail. Jo Kessel boards NCL's Norwegian Aqua cruise ship for its christening voyage Jo in an inflatable raft on the world’s first ever hybrid rollercoaster waterslide 'I’m propelled at 31mph up a ramp, catapulted into a giant tube and spend the next 45 seconds swerving, splashing and whooshing to its end,' says Jo While exploring 3,500-passenger Aqua’s 20 decks, it’s clear that ship and godfather share personality traits – both are fun, likeable and somewhere you want to hang out. There’s a new experience round every corner, from pickle ball and table tennis to wacky, high-tech attractions. The mini-golf has personalised, computer-linked balls – forget cheating. Then there’s the ‘Glow Court’ whose interactive games range from shooting hoops to chasing lights. It’s a blast– like Wii Sports on steroids. But the biggest sweat is built up anticipating ‘The Drop’ – a sheer, trapdoor slide that sends you freefalling ten stories. It’s an efficient way to reach deck eight from deck 18, but the thought puts me off breakfast. Eventually I pluck up the courage, step into a sci-fi capsule and wait for ‘the drop’ in eyes-closed, palm-clenched terror. Happily, it only lasts 11 seconds. Try it again? Not in a million! Norwegian Aqua is about having fun your way, so if high octane thrills don’t appeal, no problem - relaxing is also encouraged. 'Norwegian Aqua is about having fun your way, so if high octane thrills don’t appeal, no problem - relaxing is also encouraged,' says Jo 'My balcony cabin is also a welcome hangout zone, with décor in calming creams and blues and eye-catching wave-inspired artwork spanning an entire wall,' says Jo Cruise passengers look devastated as ship sets off without them after they turned up 30 minutes late - as partying holidaymakers wave goodbye In addition to poolside sun loungers there are beautifully designed seating areas around the promenade deck and my balcony cabin is also a welcome hangout zone, with décor in calming creams and blues and eye-catching wave-inspired artwork spanning an entire wall – the ship is called Aqua after all. But it’s the spa which offers the ultimate R&R. As well as thermal pools and steam rooms, there’s a unique yellow ochre clay infused sauna. Its healing properties work wonders on the skin (particularly its elasticity) and the difference afterwards is palpable. If only I had one at home. It’s rare to find a new ship that’s been this well thought through. The crew is friendly, but not in your face. Its sustainable credentials also deserve a thumbs up, with leftover croissants repurposed into syrup for Mai Tai cocktails. And shows are brilliantly crafted too. One’s a raunchy romp through Prince hits which you can watch from the mosh pit. Another’s an aerial masterpiece. In addition to poolside sun loungers there are beautifully designed seating areas around the promenade deck More of the seating areas around the ship's decking Sit at the front for the best chance to ogle the hoop acrobat’s skills…and dreamy physique! We stop once at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, the perfect opportunity to admire Aqua from afar – the slide coaster squiggles round the entire vessel and the hull is standout, decorated with colourful artwork. After a day spent swimming, sunning and feasting on barbecue grills and salads, eventually it’s time to return to the ship. Can I squeeze in one last ride? Yes Ma’am. So, I head back to the slide coaster and find myself whooping and hollering louder than ever as I’m whirled and cannonballed at lightning speed - bonkers yes, but also rather brilliant. TRAVEL FACTS Norwegian Cruise Line offers an a seven-night cruise from New York to Bermuda from £838pp, departing 27th, September 2025. Share or comment on this article: I rode the world's first roller coaster waterslide - and it was on a cruise Add comment