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Norwegian Cruise Line's newest vessel, the Norwegian Aqua, has officially commenced its winter cruising schedule from its new homeport in Miami. This marks the beginning of a series of Caribbean and Bahamas voyages, which will include regular visits to the cruise line's exclusive private island, Great Stirrup Cay. The ship's arrival in Miami signifies a strategic move to one of the world's most renowned cruise hubs, offering travelers a fresh array of options for their tropical getaways.

Following its inaugural summer season of Bermuda sailings from New York, the Norwegian Aqua will now operate seven-day round-trip itineraries until April 2026. These voyages will take passengers to some of the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean, such as Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. A highlight of these trips will be the enhanced Great Stirrup Cay, set to unveil significant upgrades in late 2025.

Great Stirrup Cay's upcoming enhancements are designed to elevate the private island experience, catering to both families and thrill-seekers. Plans include a brand-new pier for easier access, a spacious 28,000-square-foot heated pool featuring swim-up bars, and a dedicated kids' splash zone. These additions aim to provide a more engaging and comfortable environment for all guests visiting the private retreat.

The Norwegian Aqua itself boasts impressive features, being 10% larger than its sister ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. This expanded capacity accommodates a variety of new and exciting attractions. Among them is the Aqua Slidecoaster, touted as the world's first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, offering two distinct ride courses across three decks. For evening entertainment, the ship introduces the Glow Court, an innovative LED-floor digital sports complex that transforms into a vibrant nightclub after sunset. Additionally, the redesigned Aqua Game Zone offers a blend of virtual reality adventures and classic arcade games.

For those seeking active pursuits, the ship provides The Stadium, an outdoor sports complex, and The Drop, a thrilling 10-story dry slide. Socializing is made interactive at The Bull's Eye Bar, where guests can enjoy darts in a lively setting. Families will appreciate the expanded pool deck and new arcade areas, ensuring entertainment for all ages. Meanwhile, guests desiring tranquility can retreat to the adults-only Vibe Beach Club, complete with ocean-view cabanas and comfortable loungers, or indulge in treatments at the Mandara Spa and Salon, which offers a range of wellness options including saunas.

Culinary enthusiasts will find a diverse selection across the ship's 17 restaurants and 18 bars and lounges, ranging from relaxed poolside dining to elegant specialty venues. The entertainment program is equally rich, featuring "Revolution: A Celebration of Prince," an immersive show honoring the music icon, and "Elements: The World Expanded," a captivating visual spectacle. Guests can also participate in interactive shows like "The Price Is Right LIVE," ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience throughout their cruise.

The deployment of Norwegian Aqua in Miami represents a significant development for Norwegian Cruise Line, reinforcing its commitment to offering premium Caribbean voyages. With its state-of-the-art facilities, innovative attractions, and diverse itinerary options, the vessel is poised to deliver memorable vacations, further cementing Miami’s status as a premier cruise destination.