From Italy to Greece Aboard Its Largest Ship: NCL Opens New Mediterranean Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line has opened bookings for two new inaugural Mediterranean sailings aboard Norwegian Aura, its upcoming largest ship, with the first voyage scheduled to depart on May 2, 2027.

The additional cruises follow the ship’s anticipated early delivery, allowing passengers to sail aboard the new vessel sooner than originally expected. The two itineraries connect Trieste, Italy, and Athens, Greece, with stops in Croatia, Montenegro and several Greek islands.

Norwegian Aura Aerial - Rendering. Photo: NCL

The first sailing is a 10-day cruise departing Trieste on May 2, 2027, and arriving in Athens (Piraeus). Stops include Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia, Bar in Montenegro, and Corfu, Santorini and Mykonos in Greece.

A nine-day voyage will depart Athens on May 12 and sail to Trieste, calling at Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini and Corfu in Greece, as well as Bar in Montenegro and Split and Zadar in Croatia.

Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said the earlier delivery would allow the company to welcome guests aboard sooner and introduce them to the ship’s entertainment, dining, wellness and family-focused facilities.

A New Ship with Family Attractions and Entertainment

Norwegian Aura - Ocean Heights - Rendering. Photo: NCL

At nearly 1,130 feet long and around 170,000 gross tons, Norwegian Aura will be approximately 10% larger than Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.

One of its main features will be Ocean Heights, an outdoor activities complex spread across decks 18 to 21. Attractions will include duelling mat-racing waterslides, a drop-in body waterslide, an 82-foot ropes course, an obstacle course and carnival-style games. The ship will also have the largest pool deck and Vibe Beach Club in the cruise line’s fleet to date.

Norwegian Aura Ocean Heights 2 Night - Rendering .Photo: NCL

The entertainment program will include Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston, developed in partnership with the singer’s estate and Primary Wave Music, alongside other shows and live music experiences.

Dining and wellness additions will include Tamara, Norwegian Cruise Line’s first specialty Indian restaurant, and The Panorama Room, a complimentary dining venue. Mandara Spa will feature an expanded Thermal Suite and a Sensory Rain Pool.

Norwegian Aura - Tamara Rendering. Photo: NCL

Norwegian Aura - Spa Heated Loungers Rendering. Photo: NCL

From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean

Following the two inaugural voyages, Norwegian Aura will operate a seven-day Mediterranean cruise departing Trieste on May 21, 2027, and sailing to Barcelona (Tarragona), with stops in Valletta, Malta, Salerno and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

The ship will then cross the Atlantic on a 13-day voyage to Miami before beginning seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises in June 2027. These itineraries will include Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.

For winter 2027/28, Norwegian Aura is scheduled to operate seven-day Western Caribbean cruises, visiting Roatan in Honduras, Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, and Harvest Caye in Belize.

Passengers booking the newly released sailings can also take advantage of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Fall Flash Sale, which advertises 50% off cruises and up to $750 in onboard credit per stateroom when booking a balcony cabin or higher category. The offer can be combined with the cruise line’s Free at Sea package, subject to the promotion’s terms.