16 Apr NORWEGIAN OFFICIALLY CHRISTENS NORWEGIAN AQUA IN MIAMI

Image by wasi1370 from Pixabay

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, celebrated the official christening of the all-new Norwegian Aqua in Miami and unveiled its plans to reimagine Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s idyllic private island in the Bahamas, with new experiences debuting in the fourth quarter of 2025, including an expansive pool area with a dedicated bar and kids splash zone and so much MORE. With a history of delivering guests variety of choice and freedom and flexibility to design their very best vacation, the Company also confirmed additional plans to be revealed in the future highlighting how NCL will deliver MORE relaxation, MORE family activities and MORE ways to vacation on the island with dedicated areas for guests of all ages.

The christening ceremony, which is rooted in maritime tradition of blessing a vessel prior to officially commencing its life at sea, took place at the Company’s LEED® Gold Certified terminal at PortMiami and included a special appearance by Norwegian Aqua godfather and two-time Emmy® Award-winning actor, Eric Stonestreet. The event also included showstopping surprises and great news about NCL’s private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay.

To kick off the ceremony, the over 2,000 guests in attendance were treated to a preview of the Company’s newest in-house production of “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince,” the world’s first-ever theatrical concert experience honoring the multi-Grammy® Award nominated and winner Prince. NCL President David J. Herrera followed the electrifying performance with a surprising reveal and tease that something great is coming to Great Stirrup Cay. Herrera unveiled the Company’s plans to expand the offerings at its private island, one of NCL’s top guest-rated ports, with new experiences that will deliver MORE to do and MORE to enjoy for guests of all ages. Opening later this year simultaneously with the multi-ship pier completion, guests can look forward to an expansive area for guests to soak up the warm Bahamian sun with an oversized heated pool. The soon-to-be hot-spot on the island will offer experiences for the whole family including a splash zone with fun water fountains and features for children, as well as a swim-up bar for guests who want to keep enjoying their unlimited open bar package off the ship.

Along with the debut of the new multi-ship pier later this year, guests will step ashore and be greeted by an engaging welcome center and a convenient new tram service that will provide an effortless way to get around the island and speed right into vacation mode. The island’s development plans also include extending guest-favorite onboard experiences to Great Stirrup Cay. The island will feature a new Vibe Beach Club, the adults-only outdoor lounge with private cabanas, loungers and other upgraded amenities, as well as Horizon Park, the all-new recreational area which recently debuted on Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Breakaway that provides lawn style games and a place to gather for the whole family. To continue the authentic beachside Bahamian vibe the island is known for, a new relaxation area will come to life with swaying hammocks perfect for an afternoon nap, as well as other Tiki-inspired amenities and experiences yet to be revealed. 

Herrera emphasized these enhancements are just the beginning and there is so much MORE NCL is reimagining to complement the island’s current offering and reaffirm the Company’s promise to deliver MORE of what guests love about cruising with NCL.

“It is a very special time for all of us at NCL – we are welcoming a new incredible ship into our fleet with the christening of the stunning and action-packed, Norwegian Aqua, and we are doing so alongside her godfather, Eric Stonestreet, who perfectly embodies the authenticity of what it means for our guests to ‘Experience More at Sea,’” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “In addition, we are unveiling that Great Stirrup Cay is getting even greater with MORE to do! Later this year we will launch new experiences for our guests to enjoy on this already incredible private island. And now with our newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, entering into the market with voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, now is the perfect time to start planning your next warm-weather vacation.”

The ceremony continued with remarks by Norwegian Aqua’s Captain, Robert Lundberg; Pastor Pete Pera of Rise Community Church who made the official blessing of the ship wishing safe travels for all who sail aboard; and John Chernesky, NCL’s Senior Vice President of North America Sales who introduced Emmy® Award-winning actor and Norwegian Aqua’s Godfather, Eric Stonestreet, to the stage.  

“As a new cruiser who has a deep passion for travel, it is absolutely spectacular to see the amazing features and experiences that travelers and their families can enjoy aboard Norwegian Aqua, including the world’s first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster!” said Eric Stonestreet, two-time Emmy® Award-winning actor. “The team at Norwegian Cruise Line, onboard and ashore, are the very best of the best, and I am honored to serve as the godfather of the beautiful Norwegian Aqua. As part of the NCL family, I can’t wait for guests to ‘Experience More at Sea’ with NCL and create unforgettable memories with their families as I look forward to doing with mine as well!”

The christening event concluded with the ceremonial bottle break across the ship’s hull, which was initiated by Stonestreet and signifies good fortune and safe travels for all who sail aboard for the life of the vessel.  

Following her christening voyage, Norwegian Aqua will arrive to Port Canaveral, Fla., for a season of seven-day Eastern Caribbean sailings through August 2025 with calls to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and the Company’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. From August 2025 through October 2025, she will sail a series of five and seven-day warm-weather voyages to Bermuda from New York City before returning to Miami for a season of seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises between October 2025 through April 2026, calling again to Great Stirrup Cay.