Tourexpi
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global
cruise travel, celebrated the official christening of the all-new Norwegian Aqua in Miami and unveiled its
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 zone and
so much MORE. With a history of delivering guests variety of choice and freedom
and flexibility to design their very best vacation, the Company also confirmed
additional plans to be revealed in the future highlighting how NCL will deliver
MORE relaxation, MORE family activities and MORE ways to vacation on the island
with dedicated areas for guests of all ages.
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 Caribbean and the Bahamas, now is the
perfect time to start planning your next warm-weather vacation."
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 Eastern Caribbean sailings through August
2025 with calls to 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 through October 2025, she will sail a series of five and seven-day warm-weather voyages to Bermuda from New
York City before returning to Miami for a season of seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises between October
2025 through April 2026, calling again to Great Stirrup Cay.
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 $50 shore excursion credits at every
port of call. More At Sea delivers guests an incredible value with savings of
over 75%. The package also includes free airfare for the second guest and kids
sail free on select sailings. For more details on NCL's new More At Sea
offering, visit www.ncl.com/cruise-deals/more-at-sea.
Image
Credit: © NCL
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