Two major cruise ships scheduled to debut in 2027 will enter service earlier than originally planned. NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Aura is now set to begin operations on May 2nd, 19 days ahead of schedule, while RCI-Royal Caribbean International’s Hero of the Seas will launch on August 1st, 10 days earlier than planned.
To accommodate the earlier delivery, Norwegian Cruise Line has added two Mediterranean sailings aboard Norwegian Aura. The first will be a 10-day voyage departing Trieste, Italy, on May 2nd and ending in Piraeus, Greece. This will be followed by a 9-day sailing from Piraeus to Trieste. Norwegian Aura will be the third vessel in NCL’s Prima Plus class.
Royal Caribbean International has also introduced two additional departures for Hero of the Seas. The ship will begin its inaugural operations with a 7-night Bahamas and Western Caribbean itinerary on August 1st, 2027, followed by a 3-night Bahamas cruise departing on August 8th.
Hero of the Seas will become the fourth vessel in Royal Caribbean’s Icon class.