Norwegian Aura

The 2027-built Norwegian Aura cruise ship is NCL's largest (172000 GT tons), and one of the six PRIMA PLUS class units constructed in Italy by Fincantieri (Marghera Yard/Venice). Of the same design (Aura's sistership) is TBN6 (2028). From the NCL PRIMA series are the 142500 GT-ton sisterships Prima (2022) and Viva (2023), and the 156300 GT-ton sisterships Aqua (2025) and Luna (2026).

The vessel (IMO number 9862580) will be Bahamas-flagged (MMSI tba) and registered in Nassau.

NCL's previous BREAKAWAY PLUS-Class boats were all built by Meyer Werft Germany (in Papenburg).

Norwegian Aura's hull art was developed by Rosie Woods, famous for her street art, murals and canvases. The artwork is an interpretation of the celestial light interacting with the sea.

History - construction and ownership

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a subsidiary company of the shipping corporation Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH). NCL was founded in 1966, headquartered in Miami (Florida USA) and publicly traded (NASDAQ) company listed on NYSE (NYC). NCLH's major shareholders are the corporations Apollo Global Management (American), Genting Group (Malaysian) and TPG Capital (American).

In 2017, the brand NCL had a worldwide cruise market share 8,7% (passengers) and 8,4% (revenue).

NCLH (shipowner) owns the brands NCL, Oceania, and RSSC-Regent.

Decks and Cabins

Norwegian Aura staterooms (1976 total) are in 7 types - The Haven Suites (123x total), Suites, Club Balcony Suites (Mini-Suites), Balcony-Oceanview- Interior staterooms, and Studios (single-occupancy cabins / no single supplement is required).

The NCL PRIMA PLUS design boasts 19x Suite categories (including the fleet's first 3-bedroom Duplex Suites) and the NCL's biggest-ever Inside-, Oceanview- and Balcony staterooms.

The ship also has handicapped staterooms (ADA-certified, wheelchair-accessible cabins).

The smallest category is T1-Studio (95 ft2 / 9 m2). Studio passengers have exclusive access to the Studio Lounge. Additionally, NCL Aura ship introduces three new single-occupancy cabin categories (Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview, and Solo Balcony) that can be booked at fares lower than the double occupancy cabins.

Inside cabins are sized 160-255 ft2 (15-24 m2). Oceanview cabins have a Large Round Window and in types Standard (185 ft2 / 17 m2), Large (235 ft2 / 22 m2) and Family (235-370 ft2 / 22-34 m2). Balcony cabins vary in sizes between 230-270-360 ft2 (21-25-34 m2), with step-out balconies sized between 45-70-100 ft2 (4-7-9 m2).

Among the largest accommodations are also NCL's first "The Haven Three-Bedroom Duplex Suite" (category H8). Designed by Piero Lissoni, these two-floor apartments feature three bedrooms, King-size double beds, floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows and large terraces/private sundecks.

The boat has 20 decks, of which 16 are passenger-accessible and 9 with cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

NCL's PRIMA-class ship design features more and larger public spaces (both indoor and outdoor), smaller passenger capacity (in comparison to the preceding designs/BREAKAWAY and BREAKAWAY PLUS), new dining and entertainment options, a total of 35x dining venues and bars/lounges (including 7x fleet-first food venues), higher service levels.

The Waterfront (outdoor Promenade deck space found on other NCL vessels) was reimagined by doubling the space on Ocean Boulevard. The 360-degree Promenade complex completely wraps around the entire deck 8, offering unobstructed seaviews and housing multiple spaces. The Ocean Boulevard features two large infinity pools, Oceanwalk (glass-bottomed bridges), Indulge Food Hall (an open-air marketplace), and dedicated zones for children and teens, including the Little Explorers' Cove (a playground for kids 2 to 6), the Adventure Alley (a playground for kids 6 to 10), and the Teen Hangout (teenagers-exclusive space).

Penrose Atrium is NCL's first 3-level atrium (spanning decks 6-7-8). The glass-walled Atrium is marked by scenic sea views, futuristic architecture, a 3-ton crystal chandelier (custom-built by Lasvit / Czechia, constellations-themed), a full-height wall artwork (resembling a topographic map), retail shops and bars on each level (including Starbucks Coffee Shop, Whiskey Bar, Penrose Bar, Aura Casino).

Introduced on Norwegian Aura, OCEAN HEIGHTS is a 4-deck, open-air complex/activity zone. The 4-deck complex (decks 18-19-20-21) serves as a family-focused recreation area during the day and as a relaxed social environment in the evening. The complex features five slides, including the Eclipse Racers (length 400 ft/122 m, NCL’s first duelling mat racing slides), the drop-slide Aura Free Fall with several twists and turns (length 250 ft/76 m), the raft slide The Wave, and the 10-deck dryslide The Drop (from deck 18 to down to deck 8).

Other new facilities are the Aura Ropes Course (height 82 ft/25 m), the Rock Climbing Wall (height 25 ft/8 m), and the Aura Midway (an amusement park-themed outdoor area with carnival-type games).

Follows the complete list of Norwegian Aura restaurants and food bars.

• The Commodore Room and Hudson's (Main Dining Room, fine dining, complimentary). Both MDRs (Hudson's Room, The Commodore Room) are with revamped fixed menus that offer a sampling of various international dishes, fully vegetarian and vegan options, as well as build-your-own-pasta (24 combinations/custom-made dishes can be requested by selecting the Italian pasta, sauce, topping) plus Specialties menu (you can select/sample a dish from one of the specialty restaurants).
• "Los Lobos Cantina" is new for NCL dining concept. Los Lobos is a la carte-priced restaurant that has both indoor and outdoor seating and offers traditional Mexican cuisine specialties. The menu includes tableside-made guacamole, fresh-baked corn tortillas, Tacos Al Pastor (with marinated pork, similar to doner kebabs/gyros), Chicken Enchiladas de Mole, handcrafted cocktails.
• "Onda by Scarpetta" is an Italian specialty restaurant (reservations-only, cover charge, kids charged a full cover) with both indoor and outdoor seating. The Onda restaurant is open between 5:30-9:30 pm and has large tables. The liner's Italian dining experience is marked by a casual atmosphere and large portions (perfect for family dinners) and traditional fine Italian wines and gourmet cuisine specialties - including oven-baked pizzas, homemade daily pasta, top-quality seafood, classic salads, freshly-baked bread, gourmet desserts (including gelato ice cream). Onda by Scarpetta features an outdoor terrace (Waterfront seating area).
• "Coco's" (patisserie shop) serves artisan sweet treats.
• "Seaside Rotisserie" offers a variety of grilled and spit-roasted meat dishes.
• "Nudls" is a food bar offering noodle dishes and global street food.
• "Tamara" serves classic Indian dishes along with multiple vegetarian options.
• "Tapas Food Truck" offers Spanish-inspired street food.
• "Q Texas Smokehouse" offers Southern USA comfort food and barbecue dishes.
• "The Local Bar & Grill" provides a beach club experience and serves classic American cuisine and premium cocktails.
• "Garden Kitchen" offers customized salads with 12+ ingredients to choose from.
• "The Concourse" is an outdoor sculpture garden (located midship-starboard) featuring an art wall designed by David Harber (who specializes in outdoor sculptures, sundials and water features) and 6x "Instagrammable/selfie" installations by Alexander Krivosheiw and David Harber, both specializing in bronze and aluminum sculptures. The cruise ship's 7x sculptures are valued at USD 2+ million (~EUR 1,7M).
• "La Terraza" is an open-air Promenade lounge featuring a quaint retreat with forward-facing sea views.
• "Infinity Beach" (sundeck) has 2 infinity swimming pools (at the edge of the deck / aft-midship) and two Oceanwalks (glass-bottom bridges/midship) - a first feature for the NCL brand.
• Palomar (specialty Mediterranean seafood restaurant)
• Hasuki (specialty Japanese hibachi restaurant, decorated with original Japanese artworks and handcrafted pottery)
• Le Bistro (specialty French restaurant)
• Cagney's Steakhouse is a specialty dinner restaurant (open 5:30-10:30 pm) for prime steaks (Certified Angus Beef) and gourmet seafood specialties. The Cagney's restaurant is reservations-only, with a cover charge of US$30 per person and a free Kids Menu. At Cagney's, kids are charged a full cover. Additionally, the steakhouse is open for suite guests only serving Breakfast (7:30-9:30 am) and Lunch (12-1:30 pm).
• Food Republic (Asian-fusion restaurant) is an exclusive dining concept (via a partnership with the Pubbelly Restaurant Group). This specialty restaurant is open from lunch through dinner and offers international cuisine with an a-la-carte menu and an iPad ordering system.
• Observation Lounge & Bar (also has telescopes)
• Humidor Cigar Lounge (cigar shop and bar)
• The Belvedere Bar (cocktail lounge)
• Surfside Cafe and Surfside Grill offer self-serve casual food and a-la-minute items (upon request).

Deck 8's aft-located "Indulge Food Hall" (with a Firepit) is an open-air Marketplace that houses a total of 11x eateries (with indoor-outdoor seating, 120 items in 3x different menus/breakfast, lunch, dinner), Luna Bar, Indulge Outdoor Lounge, Soleil Bar, Waves Pool Bar, a seating area serving Starbucks coffee.

Sukhothai (deck 17) is NCL's first-ever Thai specialty restaurant, whose menu lists authentic Thailand food with creative flavors, including Thai Grilled Steak Salad, Thai Cashew Chicken, Salt and Pepper Prawns. The restaurant's design (by the London-based SMC Design) blends traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics, featuring bamboo and rice paper lights, geometric-patterned floors and vibrant furniture.

Planterie (deck 8, within the Indulge Food Hall) is NCL's first plant-based eatery.

Swirl Wine Bar (deck 6, positioned between the Whiskey Bar and Hasuki) is a contemporary wine lounge offering wine-by-the-glass menu with an intimate setting. Designed by Studio Dado, the venue is themed on Arizona's Antelope Canyon, blending warm tones with cascading lines and azure accents.

Metropolitan Bar (deck 7 aft) is NCL's first "sustainable bar" serving zero-waste cocktails, "green spirits" (produced with renewable energy), 20+ biodynamic wines (organically farmed). NCL Aura ship's Metropolitan Bar also houses the "Every Wing Has a Silver Lining" - an interactive/transformative artwork by Dominic Harris Studio (London England-based studio of the 1976-born artist Dominic Harris who specializes in digital and interactive artworks). The artwork is wall-mounted, has length ~16 m (52 ft) and features the British artist's popular digital butterflies responding dynamically to passing viewers. The Studio Dado-designed venue features live music entertainment and art deco-inspired decor.

Nama (specialty Japanese sashimi and sushi bar house) was Studio Dado-redesigned and boasts Japanese manga-inspired vibrant decorations.

Both MDRs/Main Dining Rooms (aft on decks 6 and 7) are with revamped fixed menus that offer a sampling of various international dishes, fully vegetarian and vegan options, as well as build-your-own-pasta (24 combinations/custom-made dishes can be requested by selecting the Italian pasta, sauce, topping) plus Specialties menu (you can select/sample a dish from one of the specialty restaurants).

Other culinary choices on the cruise ship include "The Latin Quarter" (classic Latin food with a twist), "Just Desserts" (including pies and cakes), "Just Ice Cream".

"The Haven by Norwegian" on PRIMA-class NCL ships (designed by Piero Lissoni & Partners) spans 8 decks and groups suites, public areas, and exclusive venues, all positioned in the aft/stern section.

NCL's luxury ship-within-a-ship exclusive/keycard-access-only area has 107x Haven Suites (aft-positioned) and 2x private elevators - exclusively for Haven passengers. The aft lifts rise into The Haven's public areas and interconnect decks 6 through 18. For the first time, every public area offers sea views from floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Haven Sundeck is an exclusive sunbathing area with plenty of padded sun loungers and deckchairs and is located aft on decks 16-17.

• Deck 16's Sundeck has an infinity pool at the stern (swimming pool overlooking the ship's wake), an outdoor Spa (featuring a glass-walled Sauna Room and Cold Room), Concierge Desk, Haven Outdoor Restaurant, Haven Outdoor Lounge & Bar (offering a limited buffet for breakfast and lunch, with traditional Chinese and Western cuisine specialties).
• Deck 17's Haven Sundeck has three Jacuzzis (outdoor whirlpool hot tubs) and outdoor Showers.
• Deck 18's Haven Sundeck has an infinity pool (with a stern-facing glass wall) and a large sunbathing area with padded loungers and Showers.

24-hour butler service is provided complimentary.

The ship's wellness complex groups the facilities of the Mandara Spa and the Pulse Fitness Center.

• The Gym is fitted with ultra-modern equipment (treadmills, ellipticals, steppers, free weights) and features a separate Aerobics Studio (for classes/spinning, yoga, pilates, dance, cardio, fitness and strength training, TRX workouts) and a Performance Recovery Room (for group fitness classes and gym workshops using Hyperice products).
• The indoor Spa features a charcoal Sauna Room and a 2-story/2-deck cascading waterfall, as well as Salt Room, Steam Room, Ice Room, Infrared Sauna, Finnish Sauna, Experiential Showers, Vitality Pool, Flotation Salt Pool, Relaxation Lounge (fitted with 22x hot-stone loungers), 20x Treatment Rooms (for massages), Changing/Locker Rooms.

With the PRIMA-class ships, NCL also introduced new spa services, including computer-controlled acoustic and vibrational therapies (via 2x Gharieni massage beds - Welnamis, and Wellmassage5D), as well as "Ocean Spa Wave Massage" (therapeutic warm wrap using sea plants and marine algae, based on seaweed masks, aromatherapy essential oils, massages/scalp and feet), "Zero Gravity Wellness Massage" (8x tables/the body is suspended on the treatment table) and ELEMIS' "Musclease Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap" (beneficial for rheumatism, arthritis, muscle spasms, fatigue, based on essential oils/pine and rosemary) and "Cellutox Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap" (reducing cellulite and fluid retention, based on detoxifying essential oils/juniper and lemon).

The Aqua Park (3-deck-high) has 2x swimming pools, 5x multi-level waterslides (Ocean Loop), 2x racing slides (The Rush), 1x freefall dryslide (The Drop), "Tidal Wave" waterslide (fleet's first to allow innertube surfing), 4x Jacuzzies (2x infinity pools/hot tubs), poolside bar, sundeck/sunbathing area.

Norwegian Aura's pool deck is NCL's largest, which allows more open lounge areas and seating capacity, an additional infinity pool/hot tub, and a larger LED screen.

Vibe Beach Club is an adults-only relaxation area (surcharges per day apply) with cantilevered whirlpools (2x infinity spa pools/hot tubs), an outdoor pool bar, sunbathing area (with loungers and luxury chaise lounge chairs), and private cabanas.

Syd Norman's Pour House (debuted on Norwegian Breakaway in 2018) is a rock-and-roll-themed bar lounge with live band music (all-time-greatest songs).

The Headliners Comedy Club & Lounge presents the shows "The Second City" (comedy), "Howl At The Moon" (piano), "The Improv at Sea" (standup performances), and "Science of Comedy" (intellectual).

The Aura Theater & Club is a large bar lounge that spans 3 decks (6-7-8) and features a large stage (for live performances), a huge dance floor, customizable seating, a large LED moving screen lowering down from the ceiling (sized nearly half the venue's size), UHD media, surround sound, and special visual effects. In the evenings, Sensoria transforms into a Vegas-style disco nightclub with live DJ programming and high-energy music. Daily at Sensoria Theatre are held enrichment lectures, bingo, and trivia games with prizes.

• Exclusively for NCL PRIMA ships was developed the interactive (75-minute) theatrical concert "Revolution: A Celebration of Prince" (Prince Rogers Nelson/American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor/1958-2016) paying homage to the artist's greatest hits.
• "Elements: The World Expanded" is an enhanced rendition of NCL's signature production show, integrating acrobatics and magic with visuals inspired by the Four Elements comprising the known Universe (earth, air, water, and fire).
• Sensoria Theatre also houses the NCL's series of interactive game shows "LIVE on NCL", featuring grand prizes and themed "The Price is Right", "Supermarket Sweep", "Press Your Luck", "Beat the Clock".

Norwegian Aura's interactive show productions are the first at sea when the Theater Lounge transforms into a nightclub and all guests participate in the show. The shows were developed via partnership with Fremantle (fka FremantleMedia, British/London-based TV production and distribution company, subsidiary of the RTL Group/Luxembourg-based media broadcasting corporation). In 2023 NCL introduced "Beetlejuice The Musical" (90-min production) based on the Beetlejuice movie (March 1988-released fantasy-horror-comedy directed by Tim Burton). The musical show is hosted at the Theatre, along with the 2023-introduced game show "Press Your Luck LIVE".

Unlike NCL ships from the BREAKAWAY, BREAKAWAY PLUS and PRIMA series, on NCL PRIMA PLUS ships the Speedway (kart racing track on 3 levels/decks) is replaced with a dual slide (Aqua Slidecoaster) - a hybrid between a waterslide and a rollercoaster (with a magnetic drive).

NCL's Aura also has "The Rush" (2-tube/dueling dry slides) and "The Drop" (world's first freefall dry slide).

The AURA Game Zone (aka Galaxy Pavilion) is an indoor complex for virtual-world and multi-player gaming, equipped with interactive video walls and virtual reality technology.

• On NCL Aura ship, the complex has 14 total attractions, including 4x new simulators and 2x Escape Rooms.
• Also new is the Topgolf Swing Suite (fleet's first golfing venue to deliver "social experiences") fitted with Topgolf's games (virtual golf courses, multi-player gaming) and powered by Full Swing Golf (the same simulation technology used by PGA Tour professionals).
• "The Bull's Eye" is a new competitive gaming experience (based on the classic darts game) featuring a video tracking system that automatically calculates each gamer's score and offers instant replays.

On Aura, NCL offers "Tee Time" (interactive mini-golfing) where gamers can play on a 9-hole Mini-Golf Course.

The list of Norwegian Aura's lounges, clubs, and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults also includes:

• Aura Theater & Club (Bar/Disco Nightclub)
• Penrose Atrium
• Penrose Bar (a morning and late-night venue serving wine, beer, cocktails, and more)
• Cruise Next, Sales Office, Shore Excursions & Guest Services Desk
• Casino (VIP & Smoking)
• Belvedere Bar is a contemporary bar & cocktail lounge serving crafted bottled cocktails
• Entourage (teen facility)
• Splash Academy (kids 3-12 yo, is a 2-story facility with Nickelodeon-themed activities, a light-up floor (interactive dancing), a resident clown at the circus school, Nintendo and PS3 consoles, kids cinema, crafts-arts activities, pirate parades), Guppies Nursery (for kids 6 months to 2 yo), Kid's Aqua Park (with a splash pool, Nickelodeon characters entertainment).
• The Stadium offers complimentary tabletop shuffleboard, subsoccer, pickleball, and beer pong
• I-Connect Internet Cafe (24-hour), Art Gallery
• Whiskey Bar
• The Gateway mini mall offers various brands and items.
• Beauty by Design & Aficionados (shop) sells top-brand cosmetics/fragrances, including IT Cosmetics, NYX, Clinique, Chanel, Lancome, and more. Guests can save up to 50% on spirits, including Aura exclusives.

The ship's other shops include Roberto Coin (jewelry), Effy Jewelry, Timeless Luxury & Fine Watches, Pandora Jewelry & Lifestyles, The Zone & Eye Style, Tech @ Sea, Perspectives Photo Studio & Gallery.

NCL fleet-first/expanded venues and amenities

AURA Game Zone is an expanded version of NCL’s Galaxy Pavilion, featuring virtual reality experiences (Space Racing, Beat Hero), retro arcade games (Pac-Man, Donkey Kong), and interactive gaming experiences. 

Glow Court is a digitally enhanced sports complex equipped with an interactive LED floor that transitions from various sporting activities (during the day) to a nightclub (in the evening).

New interactive installations include Bull’s Eye Bar (a full-service bar with interactive darts/automated scoring, 6 game modes).

Tee Time Mini-Golf Course (12-hole course) is 2,5 times bigger than on Prima and Viva ships, spreading over two decks for multi-level interactive golfing. NCL Aura ship also has a dedicated Pickleball Court.

Mandara Spa & Salon is redesigned with 2-story waterfalls, a marble grand staircase, new wellness facilities (clay sauna, thalassotherapy loungers, IV drip therapy), expanded Thermal Suite (doubled the number of heated loungers, salt pool, charcoal sauna, ice room - all with expansive ocean views). The Pulse Fitness Center is also larger and includes separate rooms dedicated to group classes - cycling, yoga, and Pilates.

Penrose Bar and the Waves Pool Bar on NCL PRIMA PLUS ships are redesigned, while The Local Bar & Grill, Hasuki Japanese, and Cagney's Steakhouse are enlarged.

Itineraries

Norwegian Aura's Maiden Voyage starts on May 21, 2027. The 7-night Mediterranean itinerary is from Trieste to Barcelona, visiting Valletta (Malta), Salerno, and Civitavecchia-Rome. Following a Transatlantic repositioning crossing, the ship will be deployed in the Caribbean and homeported in Miami (Florida USA).

From June through October 2027, NCL Aura is scheduled to operate 7-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries. For the inaugural winter season (2027-2028), the ship will operate 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries.

Each of Norwegian Aura's Caribbean itineraries includes a call at NCLH's private island resorts - either at Harvest Caye (Belize) or Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas).