Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils Norwegian Aqua and Exciting Enhancements to Great Stirrup Cay

On April 13, 2025, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) celebrated the christening of its newest ship, the Norwegian Aqua, at PortMiami, Florida. Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet served as the ship’s godfather, performing the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony to wish good fortune upon the vessel and its future passengers.

During the event, NCL President David J. Herrera announced exciting updates for Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas. These enhancements, set for completion by late 2025, will transform the island experience with several new offerings:

• A heated 28,000-square-foot pool complete with swim-up bars, a children’s splash zone, and surrounding cabanas.
• A new welcome center to improve guest reception.
• An island-wide tram system for simplified navigation.
• The Vibe Beach Club, an adults-only area featuring private cabanas.
• Horizon Park, a recreational space for lawn games and shaded relaxation areas.

These improvements aim to elevate the guest experience while accommodating the increasing number of visitors.

The Norwegian Aqua is set to begin its maiden 7-day Eastern Caribbean voyages from Port Canaveral, Florida, visiting destinations such as Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, and Great Stirrup Cay. Later this year, the ship will also offer roundtrip sailings from New York City to Bermuda, specifically the Royal Naval Dockyard in King’s Wharf, before returning to Miami for additional Caribbean itineraries.

The christening event also featured a lively performance titled “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince,” providing entertainment for the attendees. These initiatives highlight NCL’s dedication to enhancing its offerings and delivering diverse experiences for its guests.

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