Norwegian Cruise Line officially christens Norwegian Aqua in Miami and reveals expansion plans

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the global innovator in cruise travel, today celebrated the official christening of the all-new Norwegian Aqua in Miami and unveiled 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 area and more. With a history of offering guests choice and the freedom and flexibility to design their ultimate vacation, the company also confirmed additional plans to be revealed in the future, highlighting how NCL will offer more relaxation, more family activities and more ways to vacation on the island with dedicated areas for guests of all ages.

The christening ceremony, rooted in the maritime tradition of blessing a ship before it officially begins its life at sea, took place at the company's LEED® Gold-certified terminal at PortMiami and included a special appearance by Norwegian Aqua's godfather and two-time Emmy® Award-winning actor, Eric Stonestreet. The event also included surprises and big news about NCL's private island in The Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.

To kick off the ceremony, the more than 2,000 guests in attendance were treated to a sneak preview of the Company’s new in-house production, “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince,” the world’s first theatrical concert experience honoring multi-Grammy® Award-nominated and award-winning Prince. David J. Herrera, President of NCL, followed the electrifying performance with a surprising reveal and a hint that something big is coming to Great Stirrup Cay. Herrera unveiled the Company’s plans to expand its private island, NCL’s top-rated port, with new experiences that will offer MORE to do and MORE to enjoy for guests of all ages. Later this year, concurrent with the completion of the multi-ship pier, guests will be able to enjoy an expansive area to bask in the warm Bahamian sunshine, featuring an oversized heated pool. The soon-to-be island hotspot will offer family-friendly experiences, including a splash zone with fun water features and kid-friendly elements, as well as a swim-up bar for guests who want to continue enjoying their unlimited open bar package off the ship.

Along with the debut of the new multi-vessel pier later this year, guests will disembark and be greeted by an inviting welcome center and a convenient new trolley service, providing an effortless way to get around the island and fully immerse themselves in vacation mode. Development plans for the island also include expanding guests' favorite onboard experiences to Great Stirrup Cay. The island will feature a new Vibe Beach Club, the adults-only open-air lounge with private cabanas, sun loungers, and other enhanced amenities, as well as Horizon Park, the new recreational area that recently debuted on Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Breakaway and offers lawn games and a gathering place for the whole family. Continuing the authentic Bahamian beach atmosphere for which the island is known, a new relaxation area will come to life with hammocks perfect for an afternoon nap, as well as other Tiki-inspired amenities and experiences yet to be revealed.

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

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

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

“As a new cruiser with a deep passion for travel, it is absolutely spectacular to see the incredible features and experiences travelers and their families can enjoy onboard Norwegian Aqua, including the world’s first hybrid coaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster!” said two-time Emmy® Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet. “The Norwegian Cruise Line team, both onboard and on the ground, is the best of the best, and I am honored to be the godfather of the beautiful Norwegian Aqua. As part of the NCL family, I can’t wait for guests to “Sea More” with NCL and create unforgettable memories with their families, just as I look forward to doing with mine!”

The christening ceremony concluded with the breaking of bottles on the ship's hull, initiated by Stonestreet, which signifies good fortune and safe travels for all who sail on board during the life of the cruise.

Following her maiden voyage, Norwegian Aqua will arrive in Port Canaveral, Florida, for a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise season through August 2025, with calls in 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 to October 2025, she will sail a series of five- and seven-day Bermuda voyages from New York before returning to Miami for a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise season from October 2025 to April 2026, again calling in Great Stirrup Cay.

For travelers planning their next cruise vacation aboard Norwegian Aqua or any ship in the NCL fleet, the company's new program, More At Sea™, offers travelers more value with an unlimited open bar featuring premium spirits like Casamigos Tequila, Woodford Reserve, Grey Goose Vodka, and more; as well as specialty dining; high-speed Wi-Fi minutes; and $50 USD shore excursion credits at every port of call.

Fuente: Norwegian Cruise Line.