Norwegian Cruise Line celebrated the official christening of the new Norwegian Aqua in Miami and unveiled its plans to reinvent Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's idyllic private island in the Bahamas, with new experiences debuting in the fourth quarter of 2025, including a large pool area with a signature bar, a children's water play area, and much more.
With a history of offering guests variety, freedom, and flexibility to design their best vacations, the company also confirmed that it will reveal additional plans in the future, highlighting how NCL will offer MORE relaxation, MORE family activities, and MORE ways to enjoy the island with dedicated areas for guests of all ages.
The christening ceremony took place at NCL's LEED® Gold-certified terminal in the Port of Miami and included a special appearance by Norwegian Aqua's godfather and two-time Emmy® Award-winning actor, Eric Stonestreet. The event also featured spectacular surprises and exciting news about NCL's private Bahamas destination, Great Stirrup Cay.
To kick off the ceremony, the more than 2,000 attendees enjoyed a preview of the company's new original production, "Revolution: A Celebration of Prince," the world's first theatrical concert honoring multi-Grammy Award-nominated and winner Prince.
NCL President David J. Herrera followed up with a surprise reveal about something big coming to Great Stirrup Cay. Herrera unveiled the company's plans to expand offerings on its private island, one of NCL's most highly rated ports by guests, with new experiences that will provide more activities and more fun for everyone. Later this year, along with the completion of a new multi-ship pier, visitors will be able to enjoy an expansive sunbathing area with a large heated pool.
This new family attraction on the island will feature a water play area for children, with fountains and fun structures, as well as a swim-up bar for adults who want to continue enjoying the unlimited open bar package even off the boat.
In addition, with the opening of the new pier, guests will be welcomed by an interactive welcome center and a new tram service that will allow them to explore the island comfortably and quickly. Development plans also include bringing some of the most popular onboard experiences ashore.
The island will feature a new Vibe Beach Club, an exclusive adults-only open-air lounge with private cabanas, sun loungers, and other enhanced amenities, as well as Horizon Park, a recreational area inspired by Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Breakaway, offering outdoor games and a space for the whole family to gather. To maintain the authentic Bahamian beach vibe, a new relaxation area with gently swaying hammocks, perfect for a nap, will be added, along with other tiki-themed amenities and experiences to be revealed later.
“This is a very special moment for everyone at NCL: we are welcoming an incredible new ship to our fleet with the christening of the stunning and action-packed Norwegian Aqua, and we are doing so alongside its 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 announcing that Great Stirrup Cay is getting even bigger with MORE things to do! Later this year, we’ll be launching new experiences for our guests to enjoy even more on this incredible private island. And now, with our newest ship, the Norwegian Aqua, beginning its voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, it’s the perfect time to plan your next vacation in the sun.”
The ceremony continued with remarks from the Captain of the Norwegian Aqua, Robert Lundberg; Pastor Pete Pera of Rise Community Church, who gave the official blessing of the ship, wishing safe voyages for all on board; and John Chernesky, NCL's Senior Vice President of North American Sales, who introduced actor Eric Stonestreet, godfather of the Norwegian Aqua.
The event concluded with the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony. Following its maiden voyage after its christening, the Norwegian Aqua will arrive in Port Canaveral, Florida, for a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise season through August 2025, with stops 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 through October 2025, it will sail a series of five- and seven-day trips to Bermuda from New York City before returning to Miami for a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise season from October 2025 through April 2026, again including Great Stirrup Cay.
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