Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, has officially arrived at her new home in PortMiami, for her first winter season in the Caribbean. After her inauguration, she spent time sailing to Bermuda from New York City, but now calls Miami home through April 2026, offering seven-day roundtrip cruises to places like Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), Tortola (British Virgin Islands), and, of course, a visit to Great Stirrup Cay, which is getting a massive glow-up of its own.
Great Stirrup Cay’s Big Makeover
By late 2025, Norwegian’s private island will debut an all-new 28,000-square-foot heated pool complete with swim-up bars, a kids’ splash area, and a brand-new pier to make getting ashore easier than ever – no more tendering! Then in Summer 2026, guests can look forward to the debut of the Great Tides Waterpark, a nearly six-acre aquatic playground that is set to be one of the largest private-island waterparks.
After wrapping up her current season, Norwegian Aqua will return to Miami from October 2026 through April 2027 to continue sailing both Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.
Norwegian Cruise Line Announces Major Overhaul for Great Stirrup Cay
About Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Aqua is the newest and biggest ship in NCL’s Prima Class, offering 10% more space and capacity than her sister ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva.
The ship’s biggest attraction is the Aqua Slidecoaster – the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide. Spanning three decks, it takes riders through twists, turns, and drops in two completely different courses.
Then there’s the Glow Court, an interactive digital sports complex with an LED floor that transforms from a game zone by day to a nightclub by night. For family-friendly fun, the Aqua Game Zone delivers all the arcade classics – think Ms. Pac-Man, Mario Brothers, and even Duck Pin Bowling along with some virtual reality adventures.
If you’re looking for more, The Drop is a 10-story dry slide, while The Stadium is an outdoor activity zone for games and challenges. And if you’d rather just chill, Vibe Beach Club offers an adults-only space with loungers, cabanas, and ocean views.
Dining, Drinks, and Entertainment
Aqua has 17 restaurants and 18 bars and lounges onboard. Whether it’s sushi, steak, or street tacos, there’s something for everyone.
For entertainment, Norwegian Aqua brings new mainstage productions like “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince,” honoring the late icon’s greatest hits, and “Elements: The World Expanded,” a show that combines acrobatics, magic, and special effects inspired by the four elements – earth, wind, fire, and water. There’s also the crowd-favorite “The Price is Right LIVE,” where guests can spin, bid, and play for real prizes.