2 weeks Ago By Richard Tribou
MIAMI — Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship Norwegian Aqua may be coming to Port Canaveral at the end of the month, but it slid into Miami for a christening event Sunday.Two-time Emmy winner Eric Stonestreet of “Modern Family” fame had never cruised before, but he took on the role of godfather for the new ship.“I’ve had two fast yeses in my career,” he said from Norwegian’s terminal at PortMiami with the new ship docked alongside.
“One was when Weird Al Yankovic asked me to be in a music video. I said, ‘Yes, I’ll do that.’ And the second was when I got this email to ask if I wanted to be a godparent of a cruise ship.
I said, ‘What in the world does that mean, but yes.'”Most cruise lines have a traditional godmother, but NCL has had had godfathers before, including musicians Luis Fonsi and Pitbull.“I love when they call me godfather,” he said.
“I said, ‘Hey, I need a ring.’ I want a ring — just to walk around, in case people want to kiss my ring. That’s all I’m saying.
”Norwegian Aqua godfather and actor Eric Stonestreet speaks ahead of the ship’s christening ceremony while it was docked at PortMiami on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)He’s embraced the role by actually sailing on the brand, something that celebrity godmothers and fathers don’t always do.“I think one of the exciting things that (NCL President David Herrera) and the team saw in me is that I’ve never cruised before, and so I get to bring my honest joy of cruising to people all around the world,” he said.
“And I hope people are inspired to jump on a ship as happily as I am.”After NCL wheeled out the Stanley Cup on stage (NCL is a sponsor of the NFL), Stonestreet said the traditional christening words and was able to push a symbolic button while a massive bottle of champagne smashed against the hull of the ship.“Without further ado, and I love the word ‘ado,’ I hereby name this ship Norwegian Aqua.
May God bless her and all who sail upon her.” he said.Norwegian Aqua is docked at PortMiami for its christening ceremony on April 13, 2025.
(Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)Norwegian Aqua seen docked in PortMiami for its christening ceremony on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)Norwegian Aqua seen with the Miami skyline in the background as the ship was docked at PortMiami for its christening ceremony on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)Norwegian Aqua is docked alongside Norwegian Cruise Line's terminal at PortMiami ahead of the ship's christening ceremony on Sunday, April 13, 2025.
(Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)Norwegian Aqua sails into PortMiami ahead of its April 13 christening ceremony. (Courtesy/NCL)Norwegian Aqua sails into PortMiami ahead of its April 13 christening ceremony. (Courtesy/NCL)Norwegian Aqua sails into PortMiami ahead of its April 13 christening ceremony.
(Courtesy/NCL)Norwegian Aqua seen docked with Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas in the background at PortMiami for Aqua's christening ceremony on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)Norwegian Aqua is docked alongside Norwegian Cruise Line's terminal at PortMiami ahead of the ship's christening ceremony on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)The top deck of the new Norwegian Aqua cruise ship features the Aqua Slidecoaster, which is part roller coaster, part water slide, seen here while the ship was docked at PortMiami ahead of its christening ceremony on Sunday, April 13, 2025.
(Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)An aerial shot of Norwegian Aqua, the first in the Prima Plus class for Norwegian Cruise Line. (Courtesy/NCL)Norwegian Aqua godfather and actor Eric Stonestreet speaks ahead of the ship's christening ceremony while it was docked at PortMiami on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)Norwegian Aqua godfather and actor Eric Stonestreet appears on stage with Norwegian Cruise Line President David Herrera ahead of the ship's christening ceremony while it was docked at PortMiami on Sunday, April 13, 2025.
(Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)Show Caption1 of 13Norwegian Aqua is docked at PortMiami for its christening ceremony on April 13, 2025. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)ExpandThe new Prima Plus class ship is the first of four coming to NCL through 2028, and a bigger sister ship to the 2022’s Norwegian Prima and 2023’s Viva. Similar to Prima’s debut, NCL chose to give Port Canaveral first dibs for regular service as it is slated to begin seven-night sailings of Eastern Caribbean itineraries starting April 26 and running through August.
Then it will migrate to New York, but will make its way back to Florida, although shifting to Miami from October 2025-April 2026.About 2,000 guests were on hand for the event, which featured a taste of the prime entertainment on the ship, “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince.” The ship will also feature an updated acrobatic and magic show, “Elements: The World Expanded.
”The plus-size ship is 10% larger than Prima and Viva at 1,056 feet long, 156,300 gross tons and a 3,571-passenger capacity based on double occupancy.The biggest change for the ship is that is has no go-kart track. Instead, the line has invested in the Aqua Slidecoaster, what it calls the first hybrid roller coaster and water slide at sea.
Also new to the ship is a Glow Court, which is a digital sports complex that will shift into a nightclub in the evenings.For dining, the line has installed its first specialty Thai restaurant, a new wine bar concept and the addition of a plant-based venue in its popular food hall..
