by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 9:00 AM ET, Thu January 15, 2026
The Norwegian Cruise Line fleet is growing.
In late May 2027, the brand will debut Norwegian Aura, the longest and largest ship in its fleet. After setting sail in Europe, Norwegian Aura will journey across the Atlantic and begin homeporting in Miami in June 2027. From there, the ship will offer seven-day cruises to the Caribbean, visiting either Harvest Caye in Belize or the newly enhanced Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.
Norwegian Aura will be almost 1,130 feet long and 169,000 gross tons and will be able to accommodate 3,840 guests at double occupancy—making the ship 10 percent larger than Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. The cruise line also plans to debut a new space about the ship: Ocean Heights, an open-air activities complex designed for families.
The vessel is being built by Fincantieri, with interior design from AD Associates, Piero Lissoni, Rockwell Group, SMC Design and Studio Dado.
“Norwegian Aura represents the evolution of Norwegian Cruise Line and the celebration of bringing together families, friends and travelers from around the world,” says Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “With brilliance and connection at her core, the ship was created to give all guests the freedom to vacation their very own way—offering the chance to exhale, connect and effortlessly escape into the moment.”
Norwegian Aura will have expanded and enhanced spaces, including a massive pool deck that’s more than 20 percent larger than those found on Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. The pool deck will have more seating capacity, an additional infinity hot tub, a larger LED entertainment screen and extra open lounge areas.
Little ones will also love Norwegian Aura's Kids Aqua Park, which will feature a splash pad and interactive water features on deck 18. Nearby, guests will find two family-friendly waterslides, the Party Slide and the Infinity Loop. On deck 19, guests can also enjoy outdoor lawn games and seating at Horizon Park.
Vibe Beach Club, the cruise line’s exclusive adults-only retreat, will be 15 percent larger than those found aboard Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, with increased seating, infinity hot tubs, expanded decompressing areas and a waterfall feature.
Norwegian Aura will have 1,976 staterooms ranging from studios to suites, including 159 that are located within the keycard access-only complex, The Haven by Norwegian. The luxury offering aboard Norwegian Aura will include 30 percent more suites than previous Prima Class ships, the most in the fleet.
Norwegian Aura will feature hull art created by international artist Rosie Woods. Her design for the vessel draws inspiration from “celestial light and bioluminescent seas, creating a modern interpretation of how light interacts with water,” according to the company.
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