Two-time Emmy Award-winning actor, Eric Stonestreet, will serve as the godfather of Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, launching in April 2025.
Stonestreet is best known for his portrayal of Cameron Tucker on TV show Modern Family, which earned him two Primetime Emmy® Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
“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 honored 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.”
Stonestreet has also starred 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 on Disney+.
“We are very excited to officially welcome Eric Stonestreet to the NCL team!” NCL President David J. Herrera said.
“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 honored to have Eric as the godfather of Norwegian Aqua!”
On 13 April, 2025, in Miami, Florida, 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 – the first ship in NCL’s Prima Plus Class – and all the passengers that may sail on her throughout her journeys.
After completing her christening voyage, Norwegian Aqua will depart on seven-day itineraries from one of the most popular cruise ports, Port Canaveral, Florida. beginning 26 April, 2025.
The Caribbean voyages include calls to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas, which will feature a 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 of the Prima Plus Class, Norwegian Aqua will feature elevated amenities and experiences with guests 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.
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.
The ship will also feature the Aqua Slidecoaster, a first-of-its-kind hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide that will become the longest and fastest slide at sea, 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.
For guests planning their next cruise holiday aboard Norwegian Aqua, or any ship in NCL’s fleet for sailings beginning on 1 January 2025, the Company’s all-new package, More At Sea, offers travellers more value featuring an expanded collection of upgraded premium beverage brands, more specialty dining credits and more Wi-Fi minutes with faster, high-speed internet powered by Starlink.
The package also includes a $50 shore excursion credit in each port and reduced rates for the third and fourth guests sailing. Additionally, guests can combine More At Sea with NCL’s current Black Friday sale of 50% off all cruises plus an additional $500 bonus savings.