Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has officially opened sales for its newest and most ambitious ship to date: Norwegian Aura. Launching in late May 2027, this record-breaking vessel will debut in Europe before heading to its permanent homeport in Miami in June 2027.
At 1,130 feet long and 169,000 gross tons, Norwegian Aura is 10% larger than its sisters, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. Designed with families in mind, the ship features Ocean Heights, a massive open-air complex that transforms from a daytime adventure hub into a glowing nighttime lounge.
Key Specifications:
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Capacity: 3,840 guests (double occupancy).
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Size: 10% larger than previous class leaders at 169,000 gross tons.
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Signature Feature: Ocean Heights, a versatile outdoor activities complex.
Island Hopping in Style The Aura will sail seven-day Caribbean itineraries, featuring stops at NCL’s premier private destinations:
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Harvest Caye, Belize: A resort-style paradise.
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Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas: Now upgraded with the Great Life Lagoon (featuring swim-up bars) and the Vibe Shore Club for adults. By 2026, the island will also boast the six-acre Great Tides Waterpark.
Harry Sommer, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd stated:
“We are proud to introduce the newest, and largest, addition to our fleet, Norwegian Aura,””Norwegian Aura represents the evolution of Norwegian Cruise Line and the celebration of bringing together families, friends and travelers from around the world. 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. We look forward to this next milestone and can’t wait for guests to experience all that Norwegian Aura has to offer.”
Ocean Heights: The New Heart of Family Adventure
Spread across decks 18 through 21, Ocean Heights is NCL’s premier activity zone, blending high-energy thrills with laid-back relaxation. This massive open-air complex evolves with the clock, using immersive LED projections and lighting to shift from a sun-soaked playground by day to a glowing social hub by night.
Record-Breaking Water Experiences
The Norwegian Aura leads the fleet with five distinct slides, offering more aquatic thrills than any other NCL ship:
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Eclipse Racers: NCL’s debut dueling mat racers. Compete head-to-head through 400 feet of illuminated, twisting tubes.
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Aura Free Fall: A high-adrenaline drop slide where the floor disappears, plunging riders through 250 feet of high-speed turns.
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The Wave: A lotus-style pendulum raft ride designed for groups of four to experience 300 feet of gravity-defying fun together.
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The Drop: The signature Prima Class dry slide returns, whisking guests down a 10-deck descent in seconds.
High-Altitude Thrills & On-Deck Games
For those who prefer to stay dry while keeping their heart rate up, Ocean Heights offers a variety of land-based attractions:
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Aura Ropes Course: Scale an 82-foot course featuring challenging obstacles and panoramic ocean views.
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Rock Climbing Wall: A 25-foot vertical challenge for climbers of all skill levels.
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Aura Midway: A nostalgic, carnival-style outdoor space packed with classic amusement park games.
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Mini Golf: A beautifully designed nine-hole course for friendly family competition.
Exclusive Relaxation
Even at the center of the action, there is space to unwind. Ocean Heights features NCL’s first overhanging private cabanas, providing a secluded vantage point over the Vibe Beach Club, complemented by a dedicated bar serving up refreshing cocktails and beverages.
Ocean Boulevard: A 360-Degree Escape for Every Age
Situated on deck eight, the signature Ocean Boulevard is NCL’s iconic outdoor promenade, wrapping entirely around the ship to keep guests connected to the sea. On Norwegian Aura, this space has been expanded by 11% compared to its sister ships, offering even more room to lounge, socialized, and soak in the views.
Elevated Relaxation & New Amenities
The expanded promenade introduces several upgrades designed for ultimate comfort:
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More Space to Unwind: Enjoy additional seating and the debut of new hot tubs and a brand-new bar.
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Infinity Beach: This relaxation hotspot has been enlarged, featuring premium daybeds and wading pools that melt into the horizon—perfect for a peaceful afternoon.
Dedicated Zones for Kids and Teens
For the first time, Ocean Boulevard features specialized outdoor hubs at the forward end of the ship, tailored specifically for younger travelers:
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Adventure Alley (Port Side): An imaginative, sea-themed play area for children aged 6 to 10, featuring tunnels and crawl spaces with a view of the waves.
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Teen Hangout (Starboard Side): A stylish, exclusive retreat where teens can relax and socialize. It includes a striking “wave and surf” photo wall, perfect for capturing vacation memories.
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Little Explorer’s Cove (The Bow): Located at the front of the ship, this dedicated playground for ages 2 to 6 features a playhouse, dual slides, and interactive elements.
Sun, Serenity, and Splashes: Elevated Pool and Sundeck Experiences
Onboard Norwegian Aura, the outdoor experience has been completely reimagined to offer more space, more comfort, and more ways to enjoy the ocean breeze. From the largest pool deck in NCL history to exclusive adult retreats, every sun-soaked corner has been upgraded.
The Fleet’s Largest Pool Deck
The heart of the ship is now bigger than ever. At 20% larger than its predecessors, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, the main pool deck offers:
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Maximum Comfort: Significantly more seating and open lounge areas.
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Enhanced Entertainment: A massive, upgraded LED screen for movies and events.
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Extra Refreshment: An additional infinity hot tub to help you soak in the views.
Family Fun on the High Decks
Located on deck 18 near the Ocean Heights complex, the top-deck action continues with dedicated spaces for families and kids:
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Kids’ Aqua Park: A vibrant splash pad featuring interactive water elements.
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The Party Slide: A wide, family-friendly slide designed for friends to ride side-by-side.
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The Infinity Loop: A thrilling figure-eight slide that twists around the Party Slide.
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Horizon Park (Deck 19): A relaxed outdoor space perfect for lawn games and lounging in the sun.
An Expanded Vibe Beach Club
For those seeking a more sophisticated escape, the adults-only Vibe Beach Club has grown by 15%. This premium retreat now offers:
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More Luxury: Increased seating capacity with extra sun loungers and plush daybeds.
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Serene Atmosphere: New infinity hot tubs, a calming waterfall feature, and expanded areas designed for total decompression.
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The Social Hub: A central bar serving up signature cocktails in an exclusive, high-end setting.
The Haven by Norwegian®: A Masterpiece of Seclusion and Luxury
For guests seeking the pinnacle of luxury, The Haven by Norwegian® on Norwegian Aura offers an elite “ship-within-a-ship” experience. This exclusive, keycard-access sanctuary features 159 suites, representing a 30% increase in suite inventory—the highest in the NCL fleet.
Sophisticated Design & Private Amenities
Renowned Italian architect Piero Lissoni has curated the suites to be a masterclass in elegance, blending high-end privacy with breathtaking ocean panoramas. To ensure a seamless experience, guests enjoy dedicated private elevator access directly to the complex.
The Haven’s private outdoor sanctuary includes:
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Panoramic Infinity Pool: A stunning pool that appears to merge with the horizon.
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Wellness Facilities: Two relaxing hot tubs alongside an outdoor sauna and a refreshing cold room.
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Refined Social Spaces: A private bar, a dedicated lounge, and The Haven Restaurant, which serves gourmet breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
An Oasis of Tranquility
Designed by the award-winning Studio DADO, the public spaces within The Haven—including the lounge and restaurant—are inspired by the serenity of the natural world. Guests are immersed in a “tranquil oasis” characterized by warm earth tones, lush botanical accents, and delicate, high-end finishes.
Unparalleled Personal Service
Luxury at The Haven extends far beyond the architecture. Guests are treated to a world-class level of service and convenience, including:
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24-Hour Assistance: Round-the-clock butler and concierge services to handle every detail.
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VIP Treatment: Priority embarkation and disembarkation at every port.
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Exclusive Access: Priority reservations for dining and entertainment, plus invitations to private onboard events.
More details on Norwegian Aura can be found at Norwegian Cruise Line’s website.
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