Just weeks ahead of the inaugural sailing of the upcoming Norwegian Luna, Norwegian Cruise Line has officially revealed the name and opened bookings for the next ship in the revolutionary Prima-plus class: Norwegian Aura.

The new ship will first offer a single 7-night Mediterranean sailing from Trieste to Barcelona beginning on May 21, 2027, with visits to Malta, Salerno, and Rome.

Following that inaugural cruise, she will spend the next 14-nights on her first transatlantic cruise, with visits to Motril, Cadiz, and Gibraltar before she heads across the ocean on her way to the Sunshine State.

From Miami, Norwegian Aura will offer 7-night Caribbean itineraries with visits to Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola, Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel.

On her Eastern Caribbean sailings, the new ship will spend time at Great Stirrup Cay complete with the newest updates, including the Great Tides Waterpark, while the Western Caribbean voyages will visit Harvest Caye for a relaxing, exclusive day in Belize.

Bookings are now open for the new ship’s first seasons and are sure to fill up fast with so many great experiences onboard for guests to enjoy.

Biggest Ever Ship for Norwegian Cruise Line

Built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, the new Norwegian Aura will be the longest and largest in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, measuring nearly 1,130 feet long and coming in at 169,000 gross tons.

This makes the new ship 10% larger than Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna and just slightly larger than the current largest ships in the NCL fleet, the Breakaway-plus subclass that includes Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Encore.

“We are proud to introduce the newest, and largest, addition to our fleet, Norwegian Aura,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Norwegian Aura has a total of 1,976 staterooms, including 159 in the exclusive ship-in-a-ship retreat, The Haven. In total, the ship boasts 30% more suites than other Prima class vessels and the most of any ship in the NCL fleet.

The ship’s distinctive profile is instantly recognizable, as is her stunning hull art designed by international artist Rosie Woods.

The aura-like palette of purple, pink, blue, and teal is reminiscent of aurora lights and showcases celestial light, oceanic bioluminescence, and how light interacts with water.

“I’m thrilled to partner with Norwegian Cruise Line, who has been known for showcasing beautiful, cutting-edge hull art designs. I’m so excited to see my large-scale piece of artwork come to life, sail across the seas and illuminate day and night,” said Woods.

More Onboard for Everyone

The new ship focuses on everything being bigger and better, with something for everyone.

“Norwegian Aura represents the evolution of Norwegian Cruise Line and the celebration of bringing together families, friends and travelers from around the world,” said Sommer. “With brilliance and connection at her core, the ship was created to give all guests the freedom to vacation their very own way – offering the chance to exhale, connect and effortlessly escape into the moment.”

The ship has been deliberately designed to appeal across generations, making it ideal for family vacations and togetherness.

The expansive Ocean Heights complex from Decks 18-21 will have five outstanding waterslides, including the dueling mat slides Eclipse Racers as well as the Aura Free Fall drop slide that plunges down 250 feet and The Wave where four guests can ride together.

Read Also: Norwegian Cruise Ships by Size – Biggest to Smallest

The signature dry slide of the Prima class, The Drop, will offer a waterless slide option down 10 decks, while guests who want the very best of views can tackle the Aura Ropes Course on the top deck. There will also be a rock climbing wall, a midway-style games area, a 9-hole miniature golf course, and more.

For more relaxing with a stunning connection to the ocean, guests can stroll along the Ocean Boulevard on Deck 8, passing by the wading pools and water loungers of Infinity Beach, the Adventure Alley playspace for young cruisers, and the Little Explorer’s Cove playhouse.

The exclusive Vibe Beach Club is another relaxation option reserved for adults. The space is 15% larger than on Norwegian Aura‘s sister ships and offers more seating, sun loungers, a private bar, and a unique waterfall feature for the ultimate in ocean atmosphere.

More details on dining and entertainment are sure to be revealed in the coming months as excitement for Norwegian Aura continues to grow. Stay tuned to Cruise Hive for all the latest information!

Norwegian Aura Revealed as NCL’s Largest Ship Yet, Will Homeport in Miami