Norwegian Cruise Line and Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet Welcome Norwegian Aqua to Fleet

Norwegian Cruise Line officially welcomed its newest ship, Norwegian Aqua to the fleet, in an understated ceremony full of humor and heart at the line’s PortMiami terminal. Featuring ship godfather, actor and two-time Emmy Award-winner Eric Stonestreet, the ceremony also included a sneak peek at the line’s newest in-house production, “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince.”

“She’s beautiful,” said David Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, calling Norwegian Aqua the “belle of the ball.”

“She’s a big one: over 150,000 gross tons. More than a thousand feet long. Nearly 2,000 cabins, 17 restaurants, 18 bars, and 1,700 amazing crew.”

Herrera spent much of his speech talking about what sets Norwegian Aqua apart from its sister ships – the Aqua Slidecoaster, Glow Court, and all new Sukhothai restaurant, among other features.

“So why did we create all these awesome experiences in addition to the rich and full lineup of amenities and offerings already available in the Prima class,” he asked. “Two reasons. We listened to our guests and we’re on a mission to provide more.”

Norwegian’s focus on “more” is an evolution of the company’s longstanding concept of freestyle cruising.

“It’s in our DNA, it’s what we do. It’s who we are at NCL. We provide our guests the freedom and flexibility to create their own best vacation by offering them so much more to do.”

The ship’s godfather, Eric Stonestreet, a two-time Emmy Award winning actor best known for his role in “Modern Family,” referred to NCL’s style of cruising as bringing joy to the world.

“In joining the NCL family, honestly, it feels like it was written in the stars. There’s so much alignment between this brand and who I am,” Stonestreet said. “Ever since I was a little kid, my mom will tell you I’ve loved bringing joy to others as best I can. I love bringing joy to others just like NCL does for guests around the world.”

He added that he hopes his new-found enthusiasm for cruising spreads to other first-time cruisers.

“I get to bring my honest joy of cruising to people around the world. And I hope people are inspired to jump on a ship as happily as I am.”

Other highlights of the one-hour ceremony included a special callout to travel advisors, who Herrera called a “critical part of the NCL story,” and a sailor’s blessing by Norwegian Aqua’s master, Captain Robert Lundberg.

“Norwegian Aqua,” Captain Lundberg said. “May your passengers and crew always be safe. May you always have a hand’s width of water below your keel. May your voyages be filled with adventure, discovery, and success. Here’s to fair winds and following seas.”

The 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 its three-night inaugural voyage, Norwegian Aqua will move to Port Canaveral for a season of seven-day Eastern Caribbean sailings through August 2025. From August 2025 to October 2025, Aqua 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 and April 2026.