Norwegian Aura. Photo: NCL Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has opened sales for Norwegian Aura, the newest and largest ship in its fleet, marking another step in the evolution of the cruise industry and the company's vision for multi-generational family vacations.
The ship is expected to make its maiden voyage in Europe in late May 2027, after which it will move to its home port of Miami, where it will begin operating seven-night Caribbean cruises starting in June 2027.
Video: Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Aura will be approximately 1,130 feet long, have a displacement of 168,000 tons, and accommodate approximately 3,840 passengers at double occupancy. It is approximately 10% larger than previous Prima models, and has been designed to combine innovative experiences with familiar and beloved elements of the brand.
At the heart of the ship will be Ocean Heights: an open activity complex spanning several high decks, combining extreme attractions, play areas, relaxation and entertainment, with smart lighting and LED projections that allow for a transition from a family-friendly daytime atmosphere to a lively and relaxed evening atmosphere.
Norwegian Aura. Photo: NCLOcean Heights is expected to be NCL's largest and most ambitious activity complex to date. The list of attractions includes:
- A record number of water slides, more than any other ship in the company's fleet
- Two-lane competitive slides, freefall slides and group raft attractions
- High-altitude ropes course with views of the open sea
- Climbing wall, mini golf, amusement park-style play area and dedicated bar
- Private overhanging cabins with open views, a first for the NCL fleet
- Itineraries to the Caribbean and private islands
Norwegian Aura’s Caribbean cruises will include stops at one of the company’s two flagship destinations: Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas, which recently underwent a major upgrade with new pool areas, a family area and a dedicated adults-only area, and Harvest Caye in Belize, a resort-style destination.
Ahead of the start of Aura's cruises, Great Stirrup Cay is also expected to complete a large-scale water park in 2026, with dozens of slides, a dynamic river, and unique attractions on a scale never before seen on private cruise company islands.
The ship is being built at the Fincantieri shipyards in Italy, and the interior design was entrusted to world-class architecture and design firms, including Piero Lissoni, Rockwell Group, and Studio Dado, a combination that ensures a contemporary, elegant, and functional design language.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings President and CEO Harry Sommer said that the new ship represents the company's next generation: a combination of freedom, experiences, family and technology, with an emphasis on flexibility, quality and service.
With the opening of the Norwegian Aura sale, 2027 marks another pivotal year in the cruise industry, setting a new benchmark in size, experiences and innovation, especially for families and multi-generational groups.