Norwegian Aura: Everything We Know About NCL’s Largest Ship Coming in 2027

With Norwegian Luna just about two months away from its debut, Norwegian Cruise Line is already starting to look ahead to its next new ship – Norwegian Aura – which is scheduled to launch in May 2027.

The 3,840-passenger Norwegian Aura will be the brand’s longest and largest vessel in its fleet, measuring in at 1,130 feet long – 22 meters longer than Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna (which are both 22 meters longer than Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva).

An evolution of the Prima Plus Class, Norwegian Aura will feature an all-new attraction, the three-deck, open-air Ocean Heights complex that combines fun, action, and relaxation.

All New On Norwegian Aura: Ocean Heights

Spanning decks 18 to 21, Ocean Heights will boast the most waterslides of any NCL ship including Eclipse Racers, the brand’s first dueling mat racer waterslides; the Aura Free Fall drop, a drop-in body waterslide where the floor opens up below and plunges guests down 250 feet of twists and turns; the Wave pendulum-style raft ride that accommodates groups of up to four riders; and The Drop, the Prima Class’ signature dry slide that shoots guests down 10 decks.

Ocean Heights also will feature an 82-foot ropes course, a 25-foot rock climbing wall, and Aura Midway, an amusement park-style outdoor area with carnival games, a nine-hold mini golf course, and more.

For those who want a more relaxing option, Ocean Heights will also be host to the brand’s first-ever overhanging private cabanas overlooking the Vibe Beach Club.

“We are proud to introduce the newest, and largest, addition to our fleet, Norwegian Aura,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO 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.”

Returning NCL Favorites + Family-Friendly Spaces

Norwegian Aura will also feature many NCL signatures including Ocean Boulevard, which wraps around the entirety of the ship. Aboard Norwegian Aura, the area has been extended by 11% compared to Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, offering additional space, more seating, as well as debuting activities and amenities, including new hot tubs and a brand-new bar. An expanded Infinity Beach will provide the ultimate hub for relaxation with luxe day beds and wading pools, perfect for afternoon siestas.

Ocean Boulevard will also feature new, dedicated activities for children and teenagers flanked on either side of the forward end of the ship. Located port side, Adventure Alleywill be for kids aged 6 to 10 with stimulating crawl spaces and twisting tunnels in an imaginative seascape setting overlooking the ocean. On the starboard side, the Teen Hangoutwillprovide an exclusive retreat for teenagers to relax, socialize, and capture memories at the striking wave and surf photo wall. Lastly, for younger guests aged 2 to 6, Little Explorer’s Coveplayground will be situated at the bow and feature a playhouse with two slides and more.

Kids will also enjoy Norwegian Aura’s Kids Aqua Park, with splash pad and interactive water features within proximity to Ocean Heights on deck 18. Nearby will be two family-fun waterslides – the Party Slide, a wide and shallow slide perfect for families and friends to enjoy together, and the Infinity Loop, a figure-eight slide that wraps around the Party Slide.

On deck 19, guests will enjoy outdoor lawn games and seating at Horizon Park.

For those who simply enjoy the pool deck, Norwegian Aura’s will be 20% larger than the pool decks on Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, with more seating capacity, an additional infinity hot tub, a larger LED entertainment screen, and extra open lounge areas.

In keeping with the theme of everything is larger, Vibe Beach Cub will be 15% larger than those found on Aqua and Luna, with increased seating, infinity hot tubs, expanded decompressing areas, and a waterfall feature.

Norwegian Aura Accommodations

Norwegian Aura will have 1,976 staterooms ranging from studios to suites, of which 159 make up the keycard access-only complex, The Haven by Norwegian. On Aura, The Haven will include 30% more suites than previous Prima Class ships and the most in the fleet.

Norwegian Aura is currently under construction at a Fincantieri shipyard. It will debut in Europe in late May 2027 with a seven-day Mediterranean voyage from Trieste, Italy to Barcelona, then relocate via a 14-day transatlantic voyage, to Miami in June where it will offer seven-day cruises to the Caribbean through October 2027. Each of these itineraries will visit either Great Stirrup Cay or Harvest Caye. In winter 2027/28, Norwegian Aura will offer seven-day Western Caribbean voyages.