Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced that the two-time Emmy Award-winning actor, Eric Stonestreet, will serve as the godfather of NCL’s newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, launching in April 2025.
Eric Stonestreet is a screen actor, best known for his work on the hit television show “Modern Family.” His 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.
“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. We are honoured to have Eric as the godfather of Norwegian Aqua.”
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A rendering of Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)
On April 13, 2025, in Miami, Stonestreet will lead the time-honoured tradition of christening the vessel by breaking a champagne bottle across its bow. 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 Stonestreet.
“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. These fun-in-sun Caribbean voyages include calls to the 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.
Slidecoaster on Norwegian Aqua (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)
As the first ship in NCL’s Prima Plus Class, Norwegian Aqua will boast 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 Galaxy Pavilion and arcade offerings.
Additionally, Norwegian Aqua will be home to NCL’s first-ever Three-Bedroom Duplex suites within The Haven by Norwegian®, the line’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.