April 15, 2025 | Press Release

Global cruise innovator Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has officially christened its newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, in a vibrant ceremony at PortMiami, while also announcing major enhancements to its private island in the Bahamas — Great Stirrup Cay. These developments come at a time when more Indian travellers are exploring cruise holidays to the Caribbean and the Americas, especially as multi-generational family vacations and long-haul cruising become increasingly popular among affluent Indian families.

The christening ceremony saw two-time Emmy® Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet — best known for his role in Modern Family — take on the ceremonial role of Godfather to Norwegian Aqua. The event also showcased Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, a new onboard theatrical concert, reaffirming NCL’s commitment to offering unique, entertainment-led cruise experiences.

What’s in it for Indian Cruise Travellers?
With a growing number of Indian cruisers seeking immersive and family-friendly cruise experiences, the Norwegian Aqua introduces features that cater to all age groups — including the world’s first hybrid roller coaster and waterslide at sea, called the Aqua Slidecoaster. This aligns with the rising trend of Indian families prioritising entertainment and all-inclusive offerings in their cruise vacations.

New Enhancements at Great Stirrup Cay
Indian guests sailing on Caribbean itineraries aboard Norwegian Aqua or other NCL ships can look forward to a reinvented beach day at Great Stirrup Cay, one of the most loved private islands in the Bahamas. Slated to debut in late 2025, the island upgrades include:

– A new heated pool area complete with a swim-up bar and a kids’ splash zone, ideal for families looking to extend their open bar and family fun off the ship.
– A welcome center and tram service for seamless movement across the island.
– Vibe Beach Club, an exclusive adults-only area with cabanas and premium service.
– Horizon Park, a lawn-style recreational zone perfect for group gatherings and relaxed play.
– Tiki-style relaxation areas with hammocks and beachy vibes.
This expansion is set to enhance the overall cruise experience for Indian travellers seeking tropical, sun-soaked getaways with a balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

Why Indian Agents Should Keep an Eye on Norwegian Aqua
The ship will homeport at Port Canaveral (Florida) through August 2025, offering 7-day sailings to popular Caribbean destinations such as St. Thomas, Tortola, and Puerto Plata — routes increasingly favoured by Indian cruise groups. Later in 2025, it will offer sailings from New York to Bermuda, before returning to Miami for winter cruises through April 2026.

With NCL’s new More At Sea™ program, Indian travellers also benefit from over 75% savings on cruise inclusions like unlimited premium open bar, specialty dining, high-speed Wi-Fi, and shore excursion credits. Additionally, free airfare for the second guest and kids sail free offers are particularly attractive to Indian families and groups planning long-haul cruise vacations.

A Strategic Moment for Cruise Sellers in India
With Norwegian Cruise Line actively growing its appeal among new-to-cruise markets and enhancing shore experiences, Indian travel agents and cruise sellers have a compelling new product to pitch — especially for FITs, family groups, and luxury cruise clients seeking unique sailings beyond the Mediterranean and Alaska.

As more Indian travellers look to combine the U.S. with Caribbean cruising in a single trip, Norwegian Aqua stands out as a high-value, entertainment-packed option for winter 2025 and early 2026.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Indian Cruise Connoisseurs (@indian_cruise_connoisseurs)