Norwegian Aqua Review: Spa, Food, Balcony Room

Norwegian Aqua Cruise Review: Spa Experience, Dining, and Balcony Stateroom

I’m back from a relaxing 5-day Bahamas cruise on the Norwegian Aqua—but honestly, we barely left the ship. This trip was all about unwinding in the spa. It was our first time sailing on the Norwegian Aqua, and I had promised I’d share a full review.

My First Impressions of Norwegian Aqua

The ship is about a year old, and it truly shows. Everything feels modern, beautiful, and thoughtfully designed. Even with around 3,800 passengers onboard, it never felt crowded. Service was consistently attentive, and we never experienced long waits or overcrowded spaces—something that can make or break a cruise.

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photo from their website

Balcony Stateroom Review

We chose a balcony stateroom and opted for a “guarantee” rate, meaning we let the cruise line assign our room. We ended up with a standard balcony cabin (about 210 sq. ft.), and it worked out perfectly.

The room included:

• A comfortable king/queen bed
• A small sofa
• Plenty of built-in storage
• A surprisingly efficient closet layout for two people

Everything felt well-designed and functional and felt roomy.

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Bathroom

The bathroom was slightly larger than what we’ve experienced on Celebrity Cruises ships, which was a pleasant surprise. It was comfortable, clean, and easy to navigate—important on a cruise.

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Beautiful Hudson Dining room photo from the Norwegian website

Dining on Norwegian Aqua

Main Dining Rooms

There are two main dining rooms, but we gravitated toward the Hudson Dining Room for both breakfast and dinner. It’s absolutely stunning—floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking the ocean, with modern chandeliers that give the space a bright, elegant, almost ballroom-like feel.

The service was excellent—attentive, efficient, and warm.

Food-wise, it was good and there were plenty of options, however, I did notice something missing which didn't affect me as a vegan:

Unlike other cruise lines that we have been on, there were no offerings such as steak, lamb chops, salmon, or lobster. Those are typically included in the dining room on Celebrity ships. Here you had to pay extra for pricier choices. Between starting at $20 + tax and tip.

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My Husband’s Meals

My husband tried a variety of dishes from the dinner menu. There were 5 simple entree choices each night- perfectly adequate. He found the nightly rolls in the bread basket really good.

My husband tried:

• A chicken entree with risotto one night
• Brisket (his least favorite of the 4 meals - it was fatty and not flavored the way he likes)
• Eggplant parmigiana with spaghetti another night
• A pasta dish that we could not remember.

 The standout? The chicken risotto that he genuinely loved.

Meals always began with a soup, individual small salad, and or an appetizers- all were fine but not memorable.

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Vegetarian & Vegan Dining Experience

I typically follow a vegan, gluten-free diet, but when traveling, I often add dairy to make things easier and also to get enough protien.

While the ship offered accommodations for dietary needs such as mine, and were very serious about being sure those with allergies were safe and well taken care of, the choices felt somewhat limited. I could pre-order meals, but it was restricted to modifying items already on the menu which for vegetarians was usually pasta whether Italian or Asian noodles. 

My adapted vegetarian gluten free meals in the main dining room: 

•  baked ziti and steamed veggies on the side
•  Pad Thai 
•  Eggplant parmigiana with pasta 
•  Baked ziti again 

The salads were small, and the only vegetarian appetizer I could eat every night was a slice of bruschetta (served to me on gluten-free bread). I enjoyed it. 

In short: I ate a lot of carbs. I would have liked more beans and legume choices in the main dining room such as chick peas, lentils, etc. That said, dining in such a beautiful setting made the experience enjoyable overall. 

There were other restaurants, such as Indulge,  with better vegetarian choices for me such as guacamole, lentil soups, vegetable bowls with grains and beans, sweet potatoes, Indian Dahls, tofu or tempeh dishes,  but we liked the ambiance of the main dining room and ate in Indulge for lunch. 

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Buffet & Casual Dining Options Lunch and Dinner

After dinner in the main dining room, we often headed to yet another choice- the dinner buffet.  There we were able to build our own large salads from the plentiful salad bar—I just needed more fresh, plant-based food than I could get at the Hudson dinner venue. 

The buffet was perfect for young families with children. Everyone could pick what they liked and in their own time frame. But for us, the dining room was a true leisurely beautiful dining experience.

Another Choice: Indulge Food Hall

Our favorite lunch spot was Indulge, a food hall concept with multiple global stations: It also had another menu for dinner and Many liked it for dinner too. 

• Indian
• Mexican
• Plant-based
• Noodle bar
• BBQ
• a few others that I didn't eat at

Each station offered a few entrees, soups, and appetizers. You ordered digitally, and everything is brought to your table by a server. 

You ordered from this digital machine from any of the multiple food restaurant stations

This was a great option for variety both vegan and carnivore,  I typically at ate Indulge for lunch:

• A plant-based bowl consisting of rice, beans, cut up veggies, sweet potato slices, 
• Indian dishes- all vegetarian
• Vegetarian soup- my favorite was the lemon lentil from the plant-based station.

Lunch in Indulge from the Planterie Vegan Station

Lemon Lentil Soup with Lunch at Indulge 

Everything was so good, we definitely typically over-ordered—because everything was so good.

Some of the seating in the Indulge Hall 

The Local - Sports Bar

from Norwegian website

Another lunch or dinner option was " The Local" which was a sports bar with typical bar food and large TV screens and beer on tap.

Soft Serve

There were also self-serve ice cream stations and a full dessert area throughout the ship which my husband found hard to resist and resist. 

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Specialty Restaurants (Extra Cost)

Higher-end dining options that served filet mignon, lamb chops, steak, salmon, sushi, surf and turf, lobster—were available at specialty restaurants which were quite elegant. There were about 6 specialty restaurants.

These came at an additional cost of about $60 per person per meal, plus tax and tip, and did not include alcohol.

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Drinks

We skipped the alcohol package since my husband doesn’t drink. Instead, I bought a bottle of wine (I selected a red blend for $29) on the first night, and the staff stored it and served me a glass each evening with dinner in the diningroom room —simple, reasonable, and perfect.

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The Spa Experience (Highlight of the Trip)

The spa was, without question, the highlight of our cruise.

We purchased a 4-day thermal spa pass, which gave us access from 8 AM to 10 PM daily—and it was worth every penny.

Multi sensory shower In the spa from their Norwegian Aqua website

Spa Facilities Included:

• Beautiful locker rooms with robes, towels, and premium showers
• Eucalyptus Steam room
• Three different sauna experiences: clay, regular, and intense
• Himalayan salt room- a healing experience
• Ice room- to cool off after all the heat
• Multi-sensory showers (a 10 minute immersive experience with colorful glowing lights, alternating strong and light streams of water, cold hot experience)
• Large luxurious thermal pools with hydrotherapy jets and jacuzzis

from their Norwegian Aqua website

Quiet Room- photo from their Norwegian  website

After using the thermal areas, we’d stop at the hydration station for complimentary herbal tea, water, or fresh fruit before heading to the quiet/relaxation room to rejuvenate for an hour.

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The Quiet Restorative Room

This quiet space alone made the spa pass worth it.

Imagine:

• Soft, calming spa music
• Heated stone loungers
• Plush relaxation lounges
• Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Caribbean
• a place to relax, meditate, restore

The water was that unreal shade of blue you only see in the Caribbean—it felt peaceful, luxurious, and completely restorative.

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There was so much more to the ship: I'll cover entertainment and facilities in the next post. The review is based on my own experience . I am not being paid to review the ship.

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There were pools that lined the perimeter of the ship with lounges  that was included 

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5 Day Spa Cruise

We’re heading off on a five-day spa cruise to the Bahamas—leaving Sunday and back by Thursday—and I'm excited.

Mega Ship

We chose Norwegian Cruise Line, mainly for one very specific reason: the spa. Their newer mega ships—especially the Norwegian Aqua—have incredible thermal pools with waterfalls and massage jets in beautifully designed spa areas, as well as salt rooms, saunas, etc. that you can access all week. That’s really the heart of this trip for us… a chance to use the spa, relax, unwind, and fully enjoy those massage jets in the thermal pools.

The ship (Norwegian Aqua) itself is fairly new and has been getting solid reviews, so we thought it would be fun to try it- I'll report how it is when we get back. Taking Norwegian Lines is new for us; we usually go on Celebrity. 

No Hassle- 45 minutes to the port in the morning

Living in the Miami area makes it all so easy—no flights, no hassle, just a quick trip to the Miami port and we’re off. It also means we can take advantage of those last-minute cruise deals, which makes it even better.

Easy Fast Packing: 

I packed very simply for the 4 nights : white pants and two different tops, black dress, 1 skirt and top. For during the day I have a pair of workout pants and t-shirts, a skort and top, 2 bathing suits and cover up and of course underwear and pj - wearing my sneakers and packed flip flops and 1 pair of flats for dinner- and I'm off. All in a carry on.

I posted a plant-based simple recipe yesterday for an easy cauliflower-rice and chickpea bowl . If you missed it. click here

Looking forward to the spa, the shows, and the sit down dinners. 

See you on Thursday. 

A Vegan Chickpea and Cauliflower-Rice Bowl that I Make Again and Again

If you’re looking for an easy, healthy vegan meal that comes together in minutes, this simple chickpea and cauliflower bowl may become one of your new favorites. Made with protein-rich chickpeas, cauliflower rice, fresh arugula, and a few simple seasonings, it’s a light yet satisfying plant-based meal I make again and again. Of course, it's naturally gluten-free as well.

People often ask me what I actually eat as a vegan, and I always laugh a little because I think many expect the answer to be something complicated, wierd, or unusual. The truth is, a lot of what I eat is incredibly simple—basic, wholesome foods put together in ways that are nourishing, satisfying, and delicious.

This chickpea and cauliflower rice bowl is a perfect example.

If you’re trying to add more healthy plant-based meals to your diet, chickpeas are one of the easiest places to start. They’re packed with protein, naturally filling, and have a wonderful hearty texture that makes a meal feel substantial even without meat.

One thing I personally try to avoid is relying too heavily on plant-based “substitutes” such as vegan fake meats (Impossible burger)  and fake cheeses. While they can be convenient, many are highly processed and loaded with oils, fats, and ingredients I’d rather not eat regularly. I prefer to stick with real food—vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fruit. To me, that’s where plant-based eating feels its best.

This meal is exactly that: simple whole-food ingredients coming together to create something light, healthy, and surprisingly satisfying. Sometimes eating lighter doesn’t mean deprivation—it simply means eating cleaner and simpler.

For this dish, I use cauliflower rice as the base. Sometimes I make my own, but more often than not I grab a bag of organic frozen cauliflower rice because it’s quick and convenient. It cooks up in just a few minutes and keeps the meal feeling light.

I add chickpeas—either home-cooked  (link to recipe) if I’ve planned ahead, or canned organic chickpeas when life is busy. Then I season everything simply with salt, cracked pepper, turmeric, and occasionally a small pinch of bouillon powder for added flavor.

Ingredients: 

4 cups of frozen cauliflower rice

1 can of chickpeas, washed and drained 

1-2 cups of fresh arugula 

Salt, cracked pepper, turmeric, cumin, bouillon powder if needed 

Directions: 

In a wide skillet, sauté the frozen cauliflower rice in about half a cup of water or broth for five minutes, then stir in the chickpeas and cook until everything is hot. Once done, I turn off the heat and top it with fresh arugula, which wilts ever so slightly and adds the perfect peppery bite.

We usually serve it with a cooked Stokes purple sweet potato on the side, which adds just enough sweetness to round out the meal beautifully.

It may be simple, but this is the kind of meal I truly love—clean, comforting, nourishing, and easy enough for everyday life.

Because sometimes the healthiest meals are not the fanciest ones… they’re the simple bowls you can throw together in minutes and still look forward to eating.

Links to My Other Recipes Using Cauliflower Rice 

Shitake Mushroom and Cauliflower Rice Bake (link)

Mexican Cauliflower Rice Fiesta (link)

Cauliflower Rice and Japanese Eggplant (link)

Spinach, Capers, Cauliflower Rice  (link)

My Notes:                                                      

1. This is my basic bowl - sometimes I add chopped red pepper or any other vegetable I'm in the mood for. 

2. I like to keep frozen organic vegetables in the freezer - they are always fresh and convenient such as frozen organic red and yellow pepper strips I get in Whole Foods, organic cauliflower rice or organic broccoli I get in Costco. 

Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms- With Falafel and Creamy Tahini Sauce

Have you ever tasted falafel?  It looks like a meatball, but is plant-based and made with chickpeas.

These falafel-stuffed artichoke bottoms with a creamy tahini dressing were the star appetizer of my last dinner party. 

The Tradition Behind Decorating Easter Eggs

When did the tradition of dying and decorating Easter eggs begin? 

Lent
The tradition behind decorating eggs for Easter actually started in a practical way. During Lent, many people gave up rich foods such as eggs. However, they didn’t want the eggs they had to go to waste—so they would boil and preserve the eggs instead. By the time Easter arrived and the fasting period ended, there were plenty of eggs ready to be eaten. People began decorating them to make the celebration feel a little more special and festive.

IN My Kitchen April 2026

It's the beginning of a new month, and I'm joining Sherry at Sherry's Pickings for her monthly blog share of IN MY KITCHEN where anyone can join in the fun and share what's doing in their kitchen. 

I have 2 new decorative plates for display in my kitchen and probably use them for serving at parties.  

Happy Passover 2026

Wishing my readers who celebrate Passover a joyous holiday filled with the love of family and friends. 

Greek White Bean Dip (Creamy Garlicky and Better Than Hummus)

Do you like dips? You will love the simplicity of this Greek recipe,

We had lunch the other day at a local Greek restaurant, and I fell in love with the creamy dip that the server placed on the table that she  referred to as hummus.

I'm not a big fan of hummus so I was going to skip it.I was hungry, so while I was browsing the menu, I took a taste.

I was surprised. This dip tasted very. different than hummus—lighter, creamier, and somehow even more flavorful than traditional hummus. It had a bolder garlic flavor.

A Different Hummus

Turns out, their “hummus” wasn’t regular hummus, and it was not made with chickpeas.                                     

They made it using white beans. It was creamy, garlicky, lemony, and absolutely delicious. I immediately knew I wanted to recreate this dip at home.

The waitress gave me a basic idea of what was in it, but once I got home, I went online to scout out a few more exact recipes for Greek White Bean Dip (because yes, apparently this is a thing… and I’m so glad I discovered it!).

And the best part? You don't need to go to a Greek restaurant because it’s incredibly easy to make at home.

Ingredients for Greek White Bean Dip

• white beans

• lots of fresh garlic

• lemon juice

• cracked pepper

• salt

• water (to thin it out)

• olive oil (optional)

That’s it! It's a healthy dip to serve because it's high in fiber, protein, and antioxidants which is a winner in my book. I make it low in fat, but you don't have to.

My Oil-Free Option (Or the Restaurant-Style Version)

Personally, I prefer not to add oil when I make dips at home. The restaurant version was definitely thinned with olive oil, and let me tell you—it was outstanding.

But let’s be honest… calories add up quickly and olive oil adds  calories that I prefer not to consume.

 I tried thinning my version with water instead, and I actually still liked it. It stayed creamy, smooth, and still had that bold flavor.

                                     But will you like it that way? 

If you are good with the calories, by all means add the olive oil. 

Do you like my muffin tin server? 

I thought up this idea during Covid. Everyone got their own muffin tin not to spread germs. I thought it was so cute and useful that I still make my husband his own little snack tray when he is watching TV. Works for kids too.

I love making individual appetizer trays using muffin tins - no double dipping here!!

Perfect for Parties 

This dip is perfect served with a big platter of crunchy veggies (crudité), pita, or even whole grain GF crackers. It’s creamy enough to satisfy everyone.

This is one dip you’ll want to keep in your regular entertaining rotation because it's so easy to make and a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients:

2 cups of cooked white beans, drained (canned beans work)

3 large cloves of fresh garlic, pressed

1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice

Cracked pepper and Salt

Optional: 3 tablespoons of olive oil 

Directions: 

Whiz everything together in the food processor.

What is your favorite dip? 

Don't miss my Dolce & Gabbana Exhibit Post with spectacular

 photos

Dolce & Gabbana in Miami - Spectacular Exhibit

Hold on to your seat—because I’m buzzing with excitement. I just experienced the Dolce & Gabbana: From Heart to Hands exhibit in Downtown Miami, and it was nothing short of spectacular. 

This wasn’t simply a fashion display. Yes, there were breathtaking garments, shoes, and handbags of wearable art—but each of the many rooms on multiple floors unfolded like a fully immersive world of its own to match the artistic creations. 

Every detail was layered in opulence: dramatic interiors, sweeping Italian opera and classical music, the unmistakable scent of Dolce & Gabbana fragrance drifting through the air,(although it started to bother me after a while) and artwork that far exceeded anything I imagined. Unfortunately, the rooms were crowded and my photos captured only individual items, not the entire ambiance which is hard to describe.

From the moment I stepped into the first room, I was completely mesmerized. “Gorgeous” hardly does it justice. The pieces weren’t just presented—they were integrated into their surroundings, as if each outfit belonged to the room itself. 

The combination of fashion, art, music, fragrance, and even the furnishings created a sense of grandeur that felt almost royal. The only comparison that comes close is visiting a palace—like the Royal Palace of Madrid, which we explored last April—where every detail is designed to awe.

The exhibit, From Heart to Hands, is currently on view at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Miami through June 14. Miami is the first stop in the United States, which followed the shows in Milan, Paris, and Rome. Where will it go to next?—that is to be announced. No one knows as of now.

If you are near Miami- it's a must to go see. 

If it travels to a city near you, don’t hesitate. This is more than an exhibit—it’s a full sensory experience, and one I won’t soon forget.

My photos could not even begin to capture the glory of it all!! 

What do you think of these creative pieces of work?

My notes: 

I asked one of the workers (who were trained to answer questions) how much these type of items go for. She generalized and said hundreds of thousands to millions.