Norwegian Cruise Line has officially unveiled its newest ship, the Norwegian Aura, marking a major step forward for the brand’s future fleet. The ship is now open for bookings and is scheduled to begin sailing in June 2027.
Set to debut in Europe in late May 2027, Norwegian Aura will cross the Atlantic before settling into its new homeport in Miami. From there, the ship will offer a series of week-long cruises to popular Caribbean destinations.
At nearly 1,130 feet long and weighing 169,000 gross tons, Norwegian Aura will become the largest vessel ever built for the cruise line. The ship will carry 3,840 guests at double occupancy, making it around 10 percent larger than its recent predecessors.
Harry Sommer said the ship represents the next evolution of the Norwegian brand. He emphasized that the focus remains on flexibility, freedom and creating meaningful moments for guests at sea.
The ship is designed to bring families, couples and groups together while still offering space to unwind. From entertainment to dining and outdoor areas, the goal is to let guests enjoy their vacation their own way.
One of the biggest highlights onboard Norwegian Aura is Ocean Heights, a massive activity zone spanning decks 18 through 21. The space is designed to shift from daytime fun to nighttime energy using lighting and LED effects.
Ocean Heights will feature more waterslides than any Norwegian ship before it. Among them are the brand’s first dueling mat racer slides, stretching more than 400 feet for side-by-side competition.
Adventure continues with an 82-foot ropes course offering sweeping ocean views from the top decks. Guests will also find a rock-climbing wall, outdoor games area, mini-golf course and shaded cabanas overlooking Vibe Beach Club.
The move also builds on Norwegian Cruise Line’s broader expansion strategy in the Caribbean, including its growing focus on Puerto Rico as a key homeport for multiple ships.
Another standout area is Ocean Boulevard, the wraparound outdoor promenade found on all Prima Class ships. On Norwegian Aura, the space is expanded by 11 percent, creating more room to walk, relax and enjoy the sea.
The ship will also feature the largest pool deck in the fleet, over 20 percent larger than similar ships in the class. Families, sunseekers and poolside loungers will all have more space to spread out.
Norwegian Aura will offer 1,976 staterooms, ranging from solo studios to luxury suites. The Haven by Norwegian will include 159 keycard-only suites, with 30 percent more suites than earlier Prima Class ships.
With its size, new attractions and expanded outdoor areas, Norwegian Aura is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about cruise launches of 2027.
