Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) celebrated the christening of the new Norwegian Aqua in Miami and unveiled significant upgrades to Great Stirrup Cay, the brand’s private island in the Bahamas. The new developments on the island are scheduled to debut in late 2025 and include family-friendly amenities, enhanced transportation options and expanded adult-only areas—creating a more enriching experience for cruisers.
New at Great Stirrup Cay
Coinciding with the completion of a new multi-ship pier, the enhanced island will feature a large, heated pool, a splash zone with interactive water features for kids and a swim-up bar—giving guests the chance to extend their all-inclusive experience ashore.
Advisors should note that a new arrival center will soon welcome guests visiting Great Stirrup Cay and will have access to a convenient tram service to navigate the island. The updated experience will include a new Vibe Beach Club—an adults-only enclave with private cabanas, upgraded loungers and premium amenities—as well as Horizon Park, a recreational area that recently launched aboard Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Breakaway, offering lawn games and a relaxed gathering space for families.
New additions also include a dedicated relaxation zone complete with swaying hammocks and tiki-inspired elements, continuing the laid-back Bahamian ambiance that cruisers expect from a private island retreat. Herrera emphasized that these changes represent just the beginning of what NCL has in store for Great Stirrup Cay, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to delivering “More of what guests love.”
“It is a very special time for all of us at NCL—we are welcoming an incredible new ship into our fleet with the christening of the stunning and action-packed Norwegian Aqua,” NCL President David J. Herrera. “And now with her entering the market with voyages to the Caribbean and Bahamas, it’s the perfect time to start planning your clients’ next warm-weather vacation. At the same time, we’re unveiling a new chapter for Great Stirrup Cay, with more to do for every type of traveler.”
Eric Stonestreet, Godfather of NCL Aqua
Held at PortMiami, the christening ceremony featured a special appearance by Norwegian Aqua’s godfather, two-time Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet. More than 2,000 guests attended the event, which opened with a high-energy performance of Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, NCL’s latest in-house production and the world’s first theatrical concert experience honoring the legendary artist.
“As a new cruiser who has a deep passion for travel, it’s absolutely spectacular to see the amazing features guests can enjoy aboard Norwegian Aqua, including the world’s first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide—the Aqua Slidecoaster,” said Stonestreet. “I’m honored to be the ship’s godfather and look forward to making unforgettable memories with my own family on board.”
The event concluded with the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle across the hull of Norwegian Aqua, symbolizing good luck for the ship and all who sail on her.
Caribbean Itineraries
Following its christening voyage, Norwegian Aqua will reposition to Port Canaveral for a series of 7-day Eastern Caribbean sailings through August 2025, with calls to Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay. From August through October 2025, she will sail 5- and 7-day voyages to Bermuda from New York City before returning to Miami in October 2025 for another season of Caribbean itineraries through April 2026.
For more information, visit ncl.com.
