Norwegian Cruise Line announced Jan. 15, 2026, that its next newbuild will be named Norwegian Aura, with revenue sailings scheduled to begin in 2027. Bookings for the ship’s future sailings opened concurrent with the announcement.
Norwegian Aura will become the third ship in the line’s Prima Plus class, joining Norwegian Aqua, which entered service in 2025, and Norwegian Luna, set to debut later this year. At approximately 168,000 gross tons, Aura will be about 10 percent larger than its sister ships and will accommodate up to 3,840 guests at double occupancy.
The ship’s size positions it below the industry’s largest vessels while allowing Norwegian to expand onboard venues and open-deck attractions. Norwegian Escape, launched in 2015, remains the brand’s highest-capacity ship at 4,218 guests, while Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class continues to lead the industry in passenger capacity.
A key differentiator aboard Norwegian Aura will be Ocean Heights, a new multi-level outdoor activity complex spanning decks 18 through 21. The venue replaces the Aqua Coaster attraction found on Norwegian Aqua and planned for Norwegian Luna. Ocean Heights will feature multiple high-capacity attractions, including the Eclipse Racers dueling mat racer waterslide, Aura Free Fall with a trapdoor-style drop and 250-foot slide, The Wave lotus waterslide, an 82-foot ropes course, a 25-foot rock climbing wall, and the Aura Midway with carnival-style games. The Drop, a ten-story dry slide connecting decks 18 and 8, will return from earlier Prima-class ships.
Norwegian said Aura will feature the largest pool deck in its fleet, expanding the space by 20 percent compared with its sister ships. The enlarged area will include increased seating and a larger LED screen to support outdoor programming and entertainment. The Vibe Beach Club adults-only area will also be expanded by 15 percent, adding seating and additional infinity hot tubs.
Deployment plans call for Norwegian Aura to enter service in May 2027 with an inaugural sailing from Trieste, Italy, to Barcelona, Spain. The ship will then operate a transatlantic crossing to Miami, where it will be homeported for the summer season.
Beginning in June 2027, Norwegian Aura will operate seven-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries, including calls at Norwegian’s recently upgraded private island, Great Stirrup Cay. In October, the vessel will reposition to the Western Caribbean for seven-night itineraries featuring calls at Harvest Caye, the line’s private destination in Belize.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s continued expansion of the Prima Plus class reflects a strategic focus on mid-sized ships that prioritize guest experience and venue space over maximum passenger counts. The company has made significant investments in Great Stirrup Cay, with additional enhancements scheduled to be completed ahead of Norwegian Aura’s inaugural Caribbean season.
