NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE® OFFICIALLY CHRISTENS NORWEGIAN AQUA IN MIAMI AND REVEALS EXPANSION PLANS FOR GREAT STIRRUP CAY, THE BRAND'S PRIVATE ISLAND DESTINATION
Rhea-AI Summary
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) celebrated the christening of its newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, in Miami while announcing expansion plans for its private island, Great Stirrup Cay. The ceremony featured Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet as the ship's godfather.
The company revealed plans to enhance Great Stirrup Cay with new features debuting in Q4 2025, including an expansive heated pool area with a swim-up bar, kids splash zone, and a new Vibe Beach Club. Additional improvements include a welcome center, tram service, and Horizon Park for family activities.
Norwegian Aqua, spanning 1,056 feet and accommodating 3,571 guests, features the world's first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide (Aqua Slidecoaster), a digital sports complex, and new dining venues including Sukhothai and Planterie. The ship will operate Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral through August 2025, followed by Bermuda voyages from New York City, before returning to Miami for Eastern Caribbean cruises.
Positive
- Launch of new Norwegian Aqua cruise ship with 10% larger capacity than sister ships
- Significant expansion of Great Stirrup Cay with new revenue-generating amenities
- Introduction of More At Sea package offering premium benefits with 75% savings
- Fleet expansion to 20 ships serving 350 destinations
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, NCLH gained 0.06%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
- Emmy® Award-Winning Actor and Godfather to Norwegian Aqua, Eric Stonestreet, Officially Christens Norwegian Aqua at PortMiami -
- During the Celebration, NCL Unveils It's Bringing MORE Relaxation, MORE Family Activities and MORE Ways to Vacation on Great Stirrup Cay with New Experiences Debuting in Fourth Quarter 2025 -
Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/norwegian_cruise_line/9305953-en-norwegian-cruise-line-officially-christens-norwegian-aqua
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
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
For guests planning their next cruise vacation aboard Norwegian Aqua or any ship in NCL's fleet the Company's brand-new program, More At Sea™, provides travelers more value with unlimited open bar featuring premium beverage brands such as Casamigos Tequila, Woodford Reserve, Grey Goose Vodka and more; as well as specialty dining meals; high-speed Wi-Fi minutes; and
For b-roll and additional assets of Norwegian Aqua, please visit the press kit here.
To download high-res images and videos from Norwegian Aqua's christening activities, please click here.
For more information about the Company's award-winning fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.
About Great Stirrup Cay Today
At 238 acres featuring three pristine beaches, Great Stirrup Cay provides an incredible footprint to reimagine the guest experience on NCL's private island in the
About Norwegian Aqua
As a true testament to giving guests MORE of what they love about cruising with NCL, Norwegian Aqua perfectly combines NCL's one-of-a-kind service and timeless offerings with guest-first experiences that will make new waves at sea. She is setting new standards and delivering brand-new guest experiences with an overall 10 percent size and capacity increase from her sister ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. Spanning 1,056 feet long, 156,300 gross tons and accommodating 3,571 guests at double occupancy, the ship dons a dazzling hull art design by NCL's first-ever major female hull artist, Allison Hueman. In addition to her lively and colorful visual appeal, Norwegian Aqua will also offer more outdoor space and the highest staffing levels of any new contemporary cruise ship.
Norwegian Aqua offers the world's first hybrid roller coaster and waterside, the Aqua Slidecoaster, complete with exhilarating dual slides and a magnetic lift, as well as the Glow Court, a digital sports complex that will transform into a nightclub in the evenings, and the Aqua Game Zone featuring a selection of retro arcade games and virtual reality experiences for the whole family. Outside of the ship's unmatched experiences, Norwegian Aqua offers the most spacious accommodations in the fleet including the first-ever Three-Bedroom Duplex Suites in The Haven by Norwegian®.
With MORE to enjoy on board Norwegian Aqua, guests can look forward to industry-leading entertainment including "Revolution: A Celebration of Prince" which delivers an immersive theatrical concert experience that pays tribute to the iconic artist's greatest hits. Guests can also experience "Elements: The World Expanded," an enhanced version of NCL's top-rated show, blending acrobatics, magic, and stunning visuals inspired by the four elements. Before reveling in world-class entertainment, guests can enjoy new dining experiences aboard Norwegian Aqua including Sukhothai, NCL's first-ever Thai specialty restaurant offering a perfect combination of traditional yet elevated cuisines, and Planterie, the brand's debut plant-based eatery at Indulge Food Hall.
About Norwegian Cruise Line
As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line® has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 58 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the opportunity to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, the company invites guests to 'Experience More at Sea' by providing them with more to see, more to do, more to enjoy, and more value on their vacation. To further deliver guests with more value, NCL's 'More At Sea™' package provides added benefits and inclusions such as unlimited open bar; specialty dining credits; high-speed Wi-Fi; shore excursions credits; as well as free airfare and third and fourth guests sail free on select sailings. Its fleet of 20 contemporary ships sail to 350 of the world's most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company's private island in the
Norwegian Cruise Line is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.
View original content:SOURCE Norwegian Cruise Line
FAQ
What new features are coming to NCL's Great Stirrup Cay in Q4 2025?
What are the key features of Norwegian Aqua cruise ship?
What is Norwegian Aqua's sailing schedule for 2025-2026?
What is included in NCL's new More At Sea package?
