Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet christens Norwegian Aqua at PortMiami

Actor Eric Stonestreet, well known for portraying Cameron Tucker on Modern Family, officially christened Norwegian Aqua at PortMiami yesterday during a festive naming ceremony event that also featured the Stanley Cup and a first look at a new show celebrating the life and music of Prince.

The Emmy Award-winning actor took to the stage to explain that taking on the role of godfather was an easy decision.

“I’ve had two fast yesses in my career. One was when Weird Al Yankovic asked me to be in a music video. I said ‘yes, I’ll do that.’ And the second one was when I got this email asking if I wanted to be the godparent of a cruise ship. I said, ‘what in the world does that mean?! But yes, I want to do that!’”

Stonestreet, who also serves as a brand ambassador for NCL, said cruising was unfamiliar territory to him but now he gets to be part of the journey of helping others discover cruising.

“I think one of the exciting things that David [Herrera] and the team saw in me is that I’d never cruised before so 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,” he shared.

Both NCL president David Herrera and senior vice president of sales for North America John Chernesky took the time during the naming ceremony to thank and praise the travel trade.

“You’re a critical part of the NCL story and we share every aspect of our success with you. You’re an important part of the team and we thank you for everything,” Herrera noted.

“First and foremost, for our travel agency partners, thank you. It’s a partnership that makes us who we are,” Chernesky shared.

During the event, the crowd got a first look at “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince,” an immersive show celebrating the Oscar winning and seven-time Grammy Award winning artist. Multiple performers take on the role of Prince to showcase his duality and guests can choose to view the show from theatre seats or stand on the dance floor as if they were attending a concert.

A highlight reel of some of the ship’s new features were showcased in a humorous montage depicting Herrera on a mission to test out what sets Aqua apart from the previous ships in the Prima class. Some of the new features include Sukhothai, a new speciality Thai restaurant offering and Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea.

“It’s so much more than you’d expect for free on a cruise ship. It’s so much more than just a waterslide,” Herrera said.

Herrera also used the spotlight to announce major expansion plans set for Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas.

“We are finally building a pier,” he said to a round of applause. “And it’s about time!”

In addition to a multi-ship pier so guests no longer have to tender to shore, new spaces will include a heated pool and a family fun zone. The island will feature a new Vibe Beach Club, the adults-only outdoor lounge with private cabanas, loungers and other upgraded amenities. There will also be a new tram to make it easier for clients to get around.

“It’s going to be fantastic,” he said. “This island is being expanded and upgraded for our guests of all ages to enjoy their very best vacation, giving them the freedom and flexibility to do more. This is who we are. There’s so much to be excited about.”