Norwegian Aura to Set Sail Early: NCL Adds Two Mediterranean Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is giving travellers an earlier opportunity to experience its biggest ship yet, announcing two new inaugural Mediterranean voyages aboard Norwegian Aura, now scheduled to welcome its first guests on May 2, 2027.

The newly-announced sailings, made possible by the ship’s anticipated early delivery, are now open for booking and will take guests through some of the Mediterranean’s most popular destinations before Norwegian Aura heads across the Atlantic for its Caribbean debut.

The first voyage, a 10-day sailing departing May 2, 2027, will travel from Trieste, Italy, to Athens (Piraeus), Greece, with calls in Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia; Bar, Montenegro; and Corfu, Santorini and Mykonos, Greece.

A second, nine-day voyage departing Athens on May 12 will return to Trieste, visiting Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini and Corfu, Greece; Bar, Montenegro; and Split and Zadar, Croatia.

“The early delivery of Norwegian Aura allows us to welcome guests aboard sooner than expected and begin creating unforgettable vacation experiences earlier than planned,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, in a press release.

“As our largest and most innovative ship yet, Norwegian Aura was designed to bring families and travellers of every generation together, with more freedom, choice and ways to enjoy their ideal vacation so no one has to compromise on their experience. We’re thrilled to open these inaugural Mediterranean sailings and look forward to welcoming our first guests aboard and introducing them to the ship’s new entertainment, dining, wellness and innovative family-friendly experiences.”

Bigger Ship, Bigger Experiences

At nearly 1,130 feet long and approximately 170,000 gross tons, Norwegian Aura will become the largest and longest ship in NCL’s fleet.

The vessel will be approximately 10% larger than its sister ships, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, with a host of new attractions designed to appeal to families and multigenerational travellers.

Among the highlights is Ocean Heights, a first-in-the-fleet outdoor activities complex spanning decks 18 through 21.

The attraction will feature Eclipse Racers, NCL’s first dueling mat racer waterslides; Aura Free Fall, a drop-in body waterslide; an 82-foot ropes course; the Moon Climber obstacle course; and Aura Midway, featuring carnival-style games.

Dedicated spaces for children, teenagers and families will round out the complex.

Norwegian Aura will also introduce the cruise line’s largest pool deck and biggest Vibe Beach Club to date.

Entertainment, Dining & Wellness

Guests sailing on the inaugural Mediterranean voyages will be among the first to experience Norwegian Aura’s new entertainment lineup.

Productions will include Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston, developed in partnership with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, alongside ILLUMINOX: Infinite Wonder Unboxed, The Vinyl Republic, Aura FIRST NIGHT and Latin LIVE!

On the culinary front, the ship will debut Tamara, NCL’s first dedicated Indian specialty restaurant, as well as The Panorama Room, an immersive complimentary dining venue.

Wellness will also be a major focus, with NCL introducing what it describes as its most comprehensive wellness offering yet.

The Mandara Spa will feature the cruise industry’s most expansive Thermal Suite and a first-at-sea Sensory Rain Pool.

From the Mediterranean to Miami

Following the two newly announced inaugural sailings, Norwegian Aura will depart Trieste on May 21, 2027, for a seven-day Mediterranean voyage to Barcelona, Spain, with stops in Valletta, Malta; Salerno, Italy; and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

The ship will then embark on a 13-day transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to Miami, where it will begin a series of seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries operating from June through October 2027.

Those sailings will include calls in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas, which will feature the new Great Tides Waterpark.

For the winter 2027/28 season, Norwegian Aura will shift to seven-day Western Caribbean voyages, visiting Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, NCL’s resort-style destination in Belize.

Booking Incentives

With the two inaugural Mediterranean sailings now on sale, travel advisors have a new opportunity to position Norwegian Aura for clients interested in being among the first to experience the ship.

The itineraries may appeal particularly to families and multigenerational groups seeking a combination of Mediterranean sightseeing and onboard attractions.

NCL is also promoting its Fall Flash Sale, offering 50 per cent off cruises and up to $750 in onboard credit per stateroom when booking balcony accommodations or higher.

The promotion can be combined with NCL’s Free at Sea package, which includes unlimited open bar, specialty dining meals, shore excursion credits and Wi-Fi.