Norwegian Aqua Christening Celebration
MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 13: (L-R) Captain Robert Lundberg, Harry Sommer, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, Stella David, Chairperson, Board of Directors for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Eric Stonestreet, two-time Emmy® Award Winner and godfather to the new Norwegian Aqua, David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line® and Allison Hueman Norwegian Aqua Hull Artist attend the Norwegian Cruise Line® Officially Christens Norwegian Aqua™ In Miami And Reveals Expansion Plans For Great Stirrup Cay, The Brand’s Private Island Destination on April 13, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for Norwegian Cruise Line)
(IN SHORT) Norwegian Cruise Line christened its newest vessel, Norwegian Aqua, in a celebratory ceremony at PortMiami led by godfather Eric Stonestreet. Alongside the christening, NCL revealed plans to significantly expand and enhance Great Stirrup Cay, its private island in the Bahamas. The upgrades, set to open in late 2025, will include a new heated pool with a kids splash zone, a swim-up bar, a multi-ship pier, a tram system, and expanded adult and family activity zones. Norwegian Aqua will sail to the Caribbean and Bermuda throughout 2025 and 2026, while guests can take advantage of NCL’s new More At Sea™ perks program for greater value on board and ashore.
(PRESS RELEASE) MIAMI, 2025-Apr-15 — /Travel PR News/ — Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has officially welcomed Norwegian Aqua into its fleet with a lively christening ceremony at PortMiami, led by Emmy® Award-winning actor and ship godfather Eric Stonestreet. During the event, NCL also announced an exciting expansion of its private Bahamian island, Great Stirrup Cay, set to debut in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The maritime celebration, held at NCL’s LEED® Gold Certified terminal, featured electrifying performances and a sneak peek at the Company’s next chapter in guest experiences. Kicking off with a powerful preview of “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince,” the world’s first theatrical concert experience honoring the late music legend, the event highlighted NCL’s dedication to innovation both onboard and ashore.
NCL President David J. Herrera unveiled plans for Great Stirrup Cay to include an expansive heated pool, a splash zone for children, and a swim-up bar—all designed to bring MORE family-friendly fun and laid-back luxury to the island. These upgrades align with the simultaneous debut of a new multi-ship pier and a convenient tram system for easy access around the island. Further enhancements include a new Vibe Beach Club for adults, Horizon Park with lawn games for all ages, and Tiki-inspired relaxation spaces complete with hammocks and coastal charm.
Norwegian Aqua in Miami 2
Herrera emphasized this reimagining as just the beginning, with more additions on the horizon to enhance every guest’s tropical escape.
Eric Stonestreet, serving as Norwegian Aqua’s godfather, expressed his excitement about the ship’s groundbreaking features—including the world’s first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster. He praised NCL’s dedication to creating unforgettable family experiences and shared his enthusiasm about joining the NCL family.
The christening ceremony culminated with Stonestreet breaking a ceremonial bottle across the ship’s hull, a tradition symbolizing good fortune and safe voyages.
Following the ceremony, Norwegian Aqua will sail from Port Canaveral, offering seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries through August 2025. It will then head to New York City for a Bermuda cruise season before returning to Miami in October for more Caribbean adventures.
To enhance the cruise experience, NCL’s new More At Sea™ program offers guests exceptional value with unlimited open bar, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, shore excursion credits, and additional perks including free airfare for a second guest and kids sail free on select sailings.
Visit www.ncl.com for more details, itineraries, or to book a vacation.
Media Relations Contacts
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EMEA: press-emea@ncl.com
APAC: press-apac@ncl.com
SOURCE: Norwegian Cruise Line
