Norwegian Cruise Line has officially announced the name of the next ship in its Prima Plus class, confirming Norwegian Aura as the newest and largest vessel ever to join the fleet.
The reveal comes just weeks before the inaugural sailing of Norwegian Luna, underscoring the cruise line’s rapid expansion at the upper end of its fleet.
Bookings are now open for Norwegian Aura’s debut seasons, with the ship scheduled to enter service in 2027 and operate a mix of Mediterranean, transatlantic and Caribbean itineraries.
Debut Voyages And Early Itineraries
Norwegian Aura will begin her service with a single seven-night Mediterranean voyage, sailing from Trieste to Barcelona on 21st May 2027. The inaugural itinerary includes calls at Malta, Salerno and Rome, offering guests a blend of historic cities and classic Mediterranean cruising.
Following this first sailing, the ship will reposition to North America on a 14-night transatlantic crossing. That voyage will include port calls at Motril, Cadiz and Gibraltar before Norwegian Aura continues across the Atlantic to Florida.
Once based in Miami, the newbuild will operate a series of seven-night Caribbean cruises. These itineraries will rotate between Eastern and Western Caribbean routes, with destinations including Puerto Plata, St Thomas, Tortola, Roatan, Costa Maya and Cozumel.
Eastern Caribbean sailings will feature visits to Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, where guests will have access to new enhancements such as the Great Tides Waterpark. Western Caribbean itineraries will include a call at Harvest Caye, the line’s private destination in Belize.
Largest Ship In The Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet
Currently under construction at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, Norwegian Aura will measure close to 1,130 feet in length and weigh approximately 169,000 gross tons.
That makes her around 10 percent larger than Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, and slightly bigger than the Breakaway Plus class ships that currently hold the size record within the fleet.
“We are proud to introduce the newest, and largest, addition to our fleet, Norwegian Aura,”
Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
The ship will feature 1,976 staterooms, including 159 located within The Haven, Norwegian Cruise Line’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept. Overall, Norwegian Aura will offer around 30 percent more suites than earlier Prima class ships, giving her the highest suite count of any vessel in the company’s history.
Norwegian Aura will also debut a new hull design created by international artist Rosie Woods. The artwork uses a palette of purple, pink, blue and teal, drawing inspiration from aurora lights, ocean bioluminescence and the way 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.
What To Expect On Board
Norwegian Cruise Line says Norwegian Aura has been designed with multi-generational cruising in mind, with a strong focus on shared experiences and large-scale outdoor spaces.
“Norwegian Aura represents the evolution of Norwegian Cruise Line and the celebration of bringing together families, friends and travelers from around the world,” Sommer said. “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.”
One of the ship’s headline features will be the Ocean Heights complex, spanning Decks 18 to 21. This expansive area will include five waterslides, such as the duelling Eclipse Racers and the Aura Free Fall, a 250-foot drop slide. The Wave will allow up to four guests to ride together.
Other outdoor attractions will include The Drop, a dry slide extending down 10 decks, a top-deck ropes course, a rock climbing wall, midway-style games, and a nine-hole miniature golf course.
Lower down, guests will be able to stroll along Ocean Boulevard on Deck 8, passing Infinity Beach, water loungers, wading pools and family play areas such as Adventure Alley and Little Explorer’s Cove.
Adults seeking a quieter atmosphere will have access to the Vibe Beach Club, an adults-only retreat that will be around 15 percent larger than on Norwegian Aura’s sister ships. The area will feature expanded seating, additional sun loungers, a private bar and a waterfall element.
Further details on dining venues, entertainment offerings and additional onboard features are expected to be released closer to the ship’s debut, as anticipation continues to build for Norwegian Cruise Line’s next flagship.
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