– The Two-Time Emmy®-Award Winning Actor Will Bless the Next Cutting-Edge Vessel in the NCL Fleet at the Official Christening Ceremony in Miami on April 13, 2025 –
– Set to Debut April 2025, Norwegian Aqua Will Offer Guests More to Enjoy with First-At-Sea Experiences, Including the World’s First Hybrid Waterslide and Rollercoaster, as well as the First Clay Sauna; and the Brand’s First Thai Specialty Restaurant –
Johannesburg – Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, has announced that the two-time Emmy® Award-winning actor, Eric Stonestreet, will serve as the godfather of NCL’s newest groundbreaking ship, Norwegian Aqua, launching in April 2025.
Eric Stonestreet is a beloved screen actor, best known for his work on the hit television show “Modern Family.” His unforgettable portrayal of Cameron Tucker earned him two Primetime Emmy® Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Stonestreet has also appeared in films including “The Secret Life of Pets” and “Identity Thief,” and has previously hosted Fox’s reality competition series “Domino Masters.” Currently, he can be seen in season two of The Santa Clauses, one of Disney+’s most-streamed original series.
As a charismatic and relatable celebrity figure, Stonestreet brings joy to audiences through his humour. Similarly, NCL brings joy to its guests with the variety of elevated experiences that empower guests to have their own best vacation with more of what they love across its 19-ship fleet and the 450 destinations it visits around the world.
“We are very excited to officially welcome Eric Stonestreet to the NCL team!” said David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We had an amazing time with Eric on one of our ships, and also got to spend some time with his charming family after. Over the past couple of months, Eric has become a true friend of NCL. Eric’s authenticity, wit, charm and genuine desire to bring happiness to the masses embodies the role of godfather for Norwegian Aqua, as well as who we are and what we stand for as a company. We are honoured to have Eric as the godfather of Norwegian Aqua!”
Stonestreet will play a pivotal role in officially welcoming the beautiful new Norwegian Aqua to NCL’s fleet as the ship’s godfather. On April 13, 2025, in Miami, also known as the Cruise Capital of the World, Stonestreet will lead the time-honoured tradition of christening the vessel by breaking a champagne bottle across its bow, a classic maritime custom performed by the ship’s godparent. This act is meant to bring good fortune for the life of the vessel and all the passengers that may sail on her throughout her journeys.
“Travelling the world to meet new people and explore new places is something I love to do, and after recently experiencing what Norwegian has to offer, I can attest that Norwegian truly makes it easy to do more of what I enjoy while on vacation,” said Eric Stonestreet, two-time Emmy® Award-winning actor. “I am honoured to be named the godfather of Norwegian Aqua and to play my part in the journey of bringing this new ship to life. I am blown away by what’s in store for Norwegian Aqua and I cannot wait to take a ride on the Aqua Slidecoaster, indulge in some red curry at the all-new Sukhothai and most importantly create lifelong memories with my own family while on board this innovative new ship.”
After completing her christening voyage, Norwegian Aqua will depart on seven-day itineraries from one of the most popular cruise ports, Port Canaveral, Fla. beginning April 26, 2025. These fun-in-sun Caribbean voyages include calls to the beautiful island destinations of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas which will feature a brand-new pier in late 2025. Following the ship’s first cruise season, Norwegian Aqua will offer five and seven-day voyages to Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025, and from May 2026 to October 2026. Norwegian Aqua will return to Miami to sail five and seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from October 2025 through April 2026 and from November 2026 to March 2027.
As the first ship in NCL’s Prima Plus Class, Norwegian Aqua will boast even more elevated amenities and experiences, including the Aqua Slidecoaster, a first-of-its-kind hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide that will become the longest and fastest slide at sea. The ship will also feature a new high-tech digital sports complex, the Glow Court, brilliantly engineered for immersive play as well as the Aqua Game Zone, a reimagined version of the Company’s beloved Galaxy Pavilion and arcade offerings. Additionally, Norwegian Aqua is home to NCL’s first-ever Three-Bedroom Duplex suites within The Haven by Norwegian®, the Brand’s premium keycard-access-only-complex, with an expansive, dedicated sundeck; a serene infinity pool overlooking the ship’s stern; a private lounge and bar pouring rare spirits and vintages; and sweeping sea views available from every public space. Guests will also be able to indulge in a variety of bars and restaurants including the new upscale Thai specialty restaurant, Sukhothai; the plant-based eatery in Indulge Food Hall, Planterie; and the contemporary wine lounge, Swirl Wine Bar.
For guests planning their next cruise holiday aboard Norwegian Aqua, or any ship in NCL’s fleet for sailings beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, the Company’s all-new package, More At Sea™, offers travellers more value with an unlimited open bar featuring more premium beverage brands, more specialty dining credits and more Wi-Fi minutes with faster, high-speed internet powered by Starlink. The package also includes $50 shore excursion credits and third and fourth guests sailing free on select cruises. For more details on the Company’s cruise deals, visit www.ncl.com/cruise-deals.
For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line’s award-winning 19-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 021 200 6586 or visit www.ncl.com.
For additional images of Norwegian Aqua, visit the press kit here.
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About Norwegian Cruise Line
As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 57 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionised the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal holiday on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, its fleet of 19 contemporary ships sail to 400 of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea, but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo-traveller staterooms, club balcony suites, spa-suites and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company’s ship-within-a-ship concept. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 021 200 6586 or visit www.ncl.com For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the NCL Newsroom and follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian.
Norwegian Cruise Line is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit https://www.nclhltd.com/.
NCL Media Contact
Locally Issued By:
Celine Patterson | Big Ambitions | celine@bigambitions.co.za
