The ship Norwegian Aqua. Photo: NCL Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) celebrated a milestone moment with the official inauguration of its newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, at the Port of Miami.
The festive ceremony took place at NCL’s eco-conscious LEED Gold terminal and followed maritime tradition with a blessing of the ship before its maiden voyage. Among the highlights: the ship’s godparent, two-time Emmy Award winner Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family), was on hand to lead the celebration.
The event kicked off in grand style with a special performance of “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince”, giving over 2,000 attendees a first look at the new theatrical tribute production honoring the iconic artist.
Following the show, NCL President David J. Herrera took the stage to unveil exciting expansion plans for Great Stirrup Cay – the company’s beloved 238-acre private island in the Bahamas.
Set to open in late 2025, the upgraded island will offer an elevated experience for guests, including a spacious heated pool (1,000 m²), a vibrant children’s splash zone, a swim-up bar, and a new multi-ship docking area. Plans also include a new arrival center and on-island shuttle service.
To enhance the guest experience further, NCL will introduce popular onboard elements to shore:
Vibe Beach Club for adults, featuring private cabanas and upgraded seating
Horizon Park, a lively family space with lawn games and shared activity areas
A Caribbean-style relaxation zone with hammocks, tiki experiences, and more surprises to come
“This is a very special moment for all of us at NCL,” said Herrera. “We’re not only celebrating the launch of our spectacular new ship, Norwegian Aqua, together with godparent Eric Stonestreet, but also revealing bold plans to make Great Stirrup Cay even greater—with more fun, more relaxation, and more unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.”
Eric Stonestreet added a personal touch: “As someone who loves to travel and try new adventures, I was blown away by Norwegian Aqua—especially the amazing new hybrid roller coaster and waterslide. It’s a real honor to serve as godparent to this ship, and I look forward to making memories on board, just like our guests will.”
The ceremony concluded with the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle on the hull—a time-honored symbol of good luck and safe sailing.
Following its launch cruise, Norwegian Aqua will reposition to Port Canaveral, Florida, for a season of Eastern Caribbean sailings through August 2025, with stops in Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), Tortola (BVI), and Great Stirrup Cay. In Fall 2025, the ship will offer 5- and 7-night Bermuda cruises from New York, before returning to Miami for a new Caribbean season from October 2025 through April 2026.