MIAMI — Norwegian Cruise Line has opened sales for Norwegian Aura, the largest ship ever built for the brand, marking a major expansion of its Prima Class fleet ahead of the vessel’s debut in 2027.
Currently under construction at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, Norwegian Aura will measure nearly 1,130 feet in length, weigh approximately 169,000 gross tons and accommodate 3,840 guests at double occupancy. The ship will be 10% larger than Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna and has been designed with a focus on family-focused experiences, featuring expansive outdoor spaces, kid-friendly attractions and reimagined guest favourites.
Norwegian Aura is scheduled to make its debut in Europe in late May 2027, followed by a transatlantic crossing before homeporting in Miami beginning in June 2027. From there, the ship will operate seven-day Caribbean itineraries throughout the summer and into winter 2027/28.
Rendering of Duplex Three Bedroom Suite, The Haven
“We are proud to introduce the newest, and largest, addition to our fleet, Norwegian Aura,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “Norwegian Aura represents the evolution of Norwegian Cruise Line and the celebration of bringing together families, friends and travelers from around the world. 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.”
A standout feature aboard Norwegian Aura is Ocean Heights, a first-in-the-fleet open-air activity complex spanning decks 18 to 21. Designed to transition from high-energy daytime activities to a more relaxed evening atmosphere, Ocean Heights will include five waterslides, the most on any Norwegian Cruise Line ship. Among them are Eclipse Racers, the brand’s first duelling mat racer waterslides stretching more than 400 feet, as well as Aura Free Fall, a drop-in body slide with a 250-foot descent. Additional attractions include The Wave, a pendulum-style raft slide accommodating up to four riders, and The Drop, a dry slide spanning 10 decks.
Ocean Heights will also feature an 82-foot ropes course, a rock-climbing wall, mini golf, Aura Midway with carnival-style games, overhanging private cabanas overlooking Vibe Beach Club and a dedicated bar.
Another key outdoor space is Ocean Boulevard, the Prima Class wraparound promenade on deck eight. On Norwegian Aura, Ocean Boulevard has been expanded by 11% compared to earlier ships in the class and will include additional seating, new hot tubs, a new bar and an enhanced Infinity Beach area with day beds and wading pools.
Rendering of main pool deck
Ocean Boulevard will also introduce dedicated zones for younger guests. Adventure Alley, designed for children aged six to 10, will feature crawl spaces and tunnels in a seascape-inspired setting, while the Teen Hangout offers a private space for teens to socialize. Little Explorer’s Cove, located at the bow, will cater to children aged two to six with a playhouse and slides.
Pools and sun decks across the ship have also been expanded. Norwegian Aura’s pool deck will be more than 20% larger than those on Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, offering additional seating, an extra infinity hot tub, a larger LED screen and expanded lounge areas. On the upper decks, guests will find a Kids’ Aqua Park with interactive water features, family waterslides and Horizon Park, which will host outdoor lawn games and seating.
Rendering of Ocean Heights
For adults, Vibe Beach Club will be 15% larger than on previous Prima Class ships, featuring additional seating, infinity hot tubs, daybeds, a bar and a waterfall feature.
Norwegian Aura will feature 1,976 staterooms across a range of categories, including 159 suites within The Haven by Norwegian. The Haven will offer 30% more suites than earlier Prima Class ships, along with private elevator access, a dedicated sundeck with an infinity pool, hot tubs, an outdoor sauna and cold room, as well as a private bar, lounge and restaurant. Guests staying in The Haven will also receive 24-hour butler and concierge service, priority embarkation and disembarkation and access to exclusive onboard events.
Prior to arriving in North America, Norwegian Aura will operate a seven-day Mediterranean voyage from Trieste to Barcelona on May 21, 2027, calling on Malta and Italy. Following a 14-day transatlantic crossing, the ship will begin Caribbean sailings from Miami, visiting destinations including Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola, Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye.
Rendering of bar at Ocean Heights
