NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled Norwegian Aura, the largest vessel ever ordered for its fleet, and has opened bookings for the ship ahead of its planned entry into service in 2027. The newbuild is scheduled to debut in Europe in late May 2027 before beginning operations from Miami in June of that year.
At approximately 1,130 feet in length and 169,000 gross tons, Norwegian Aura will become the longest and highest-capacity ship operated by the brand. Designed to accommodate 3,840 guests at double occupancy, the vessel will be around 10% larger than Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. The ship’s design emphasizes multi-generational cruising, combining new venues with updated versions of established Norwegian Cruise Line features. Central to the layout is Ocean Heights, a newly conceived open-air activity zone intended to function as a family-focused recreation area during the day and transition to a more relaxed social environment in the evening.
Following entry into service, Norwegian Aura will operate 7-night Caribbean itineraries, each including a call either at Harvest Caye in Belize or at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay has undergone phased enhancements, with new guest areas introduced from late 2025 and further expansion planned for 2026. These developments are intended to be fully in place ahead of Norwegian Aura’s Caribbean deployment and include additional pool facilities, adults-only zones, and a large-scale waterpark with multiple slides and new shore-based activities.
Norwegian Cruise Line management has positioned Norwegian Aura as a further evolution of the brand’s fleet, describing the ship as a platform designed to bring together families and groups through a balance of scale, flexibility, and onboard choice. The vessel is intended to support Norwegian Cruise Line’s emphasis on allowing guests to customize their vacation experience, both in terms of onboard activities and itinerary options.
Construction of Norwegian Aura is underway at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. Interior design across the vessel is being delivered by a range of international firms, including AD Associates, Piero Lissoni, Rockwell Group, SMC Design, and Studio Dado, reflecting a multi-studio approach to public spaces, accommodations, and premium areas.
Among the ship’s defining features is Ocean Heights, which will span decks 18 through 21 and combine water attractions, adventure elements, and leisure spaces. The area will include multiple waterslides, a ropes course, climbing wall, mini golf, and amusement-style games, supported by food and beverage outlets and private cabanas. The space is designed to adapt visually and functionally between daytime and evening use through lighting and projection systems.
Another key outdoor venue is Ocean Boulevard, the wraparound promenade introduced with the Prima Class. On Norwegian Aura, this space has been expanded compared with earlier ships and will incorporate additional seating, hot tubs, water-level relaxation zones, and dedicated areas for children and teenagers. Purpose-built spaces for younger guests, children, and teens are distributed along the promenade, while relaxation-focused zones are positioned to take advantage of uninterrupted sea views.
Pool and sundeck areas aboard Norwegian Aura will be significantly larger than those on previous Norwegian Cruise Line vessels, with expanded seating, additional hot tubs, and enhanced entertainment screens. Upper decks will also include a dedicated children’s aqua park, family-oriented waterslides, and outdoor recreation areas such as lawn games and seating spaces. The adults-only Vibe Beach Club will also be enlarged, offering additional lounge capacity, infinity hot tubs, and dedicated bar service.
The ship will feature a total of 1,976 staterooms, ranging from studio accommodations to large suites. Within this total, 159 suites will form The Haven by Norwegian, the brand’s private, keycard-access luxury enclave. The Haven aboard Norwegian Aura will include a greater number of suites than on previous Prima Class ships, along with a private sundeck, infinity pool, hot tubs, spa-style facilities, dedicated dining venues, and exclusive lounge spaces. Guests staying in The Haven will have access to personalized services, including dedicated concierge and butler support, as well as priority access throughout the ship.
In keeping with Norwegian Cruise Line tradition, Norwegian Aura will feature distinctive hull artwork. The design has been commissioned from artist Rosie Woods, whose work focuses on light, motion, and fluid forms. The hull art draws on themes of celestial light and bioluminescence, offering a contemporary visual interpretation of light interacting with the sea.
Before beginning operations from Miami, Norwegian Aura is scheduled to operate a 7-night Mediterranean voyage in May 2027, sailing from Trieste to Barcelona with calls at ports in Malta and Italy. Following a transatlantic crossing, the ship will enter Caribbean service from Miami. From June through October 2027, the vessel will operate Eastern Caribbean itineraries, followed by Western Caribbean cruises during the winter 2027–28 season, calling at destinations in the Bahamas, Mexico, Honduras, and Belize, including Norwegian Cruise Line’s private destinations.