By
Rebecca Gibson |
Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet officially christened Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) new Norwegian Aqua during a ceremony at the line’s terminal in PortMiami, Florida, on 13 April 2025.
Built by Fincantieri at its yard in Marghera, Italy, the 3,571-guest Norwegian Aqua is NCL’s first Prima Plus-class ship and offers several experiences that debuted on the Prima-class ships, as well as new additions. Innovations will include a three-storey hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide; a Glow Court sports complex with an interactive LED floor; NCL’s most expansive Ocean Boulevard; an expanded adults-only Vibe Beach Club; and upgraded accommodation and the brand’s first three-bedroom Duplex Haven Suites. The ship also offers multiple new food and beverage venues and experiences.
Read more: Norwegian Cruise Line reveals new culinary experiences for Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Aqua was inaugurated by Stonestreet, who followed maritime tradition by smashing a bottle of champagne against its hull to bring good luck to all future voyages. The ceremony was attended by more than 2,000 guests and included a preview of NCL’s new in-house production of ‘Revolution: A Celebration of Prince’, the first theatrical concert experience paying homage to multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, musician and actor Prince.
“As a new cruiser who has a deep passion for travel, it is absolutely spectacular to see the amazing features and experiences that travellers and their families can enjoy aboard Norwegian Aqua, including the world’s first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster!” said Stonestreet. “The team at Norwegian Cruise Line, onboard and ashore, are the very best of the best, and I am honoured to serve as the godfather of the beautiful Norwegian Aqua.”
Eric Stonestreet (third from right) celebrates the bottle smash on stage at the ceremony
During the ceremony, NCL’s president David J. Herrera also shared insights into the brand’s planned upgrades for Great Stirrup Cay, which include a new multi-ship pier, a welcome centre, a tram, and an expansive area with an oversized heated pool, a zone with water features for children and a swim-up bar. Other upgrades will include the new adults-only Vibe Beach Club, an outdoor lounge with private cabanas; Horizon Park, a family-oriented recreational area that debuted on Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Breakaway; and a relaxation area with hammocks and Tiki-inspired amenities and experiences.
“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 Herrera. “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.”
The new relaxation area at Great Stirrup Cay will have an oversized heated pool, a splash zone for children and a swim-up bar
Norwegian Aqua will now sail seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, until August 2025, calling at Great Stirrup Cay, among other destinations. In August, the ship will reposition to New York City to offer five and seven-day voyages to Bermuda, before returning to Miami for a season of seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises between October 2025 and April 2026.
Read more: What’s in store for Norwegian Aqua’s maiden season?