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Norwegian Cruise Line is betting big on its next-generation fleet with the opening of bookings for Norwegian Aura, the company’s largest ship to date and its most ambitious design yet. Set to debut in 2027, the new vessel promises bigger outdoor spaces, more onboard attractions and expanded itineraries across the Mediterranean and Caribbean, marking a major milestone for the cruise line as it looks to redefine what a modern megaship can offer.
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How and when to book the Norwegian Aura
Norwegian Cruise Line has officially opened sales for Norwegian Aura, with the first departure scheduled for May 2027. Bookings are available now through the cruise line’s website and authorized travel partners, giving early planners the chance to reserve staterooms, suites and The Haven accommodations well ahead of launch. The ship will spend her inaugural weeks sailing in Europe before making her way to the U.S., so travelers hoping to be part of the maiden season in the Mediterranean will need to plan early. A full Caribbean deployment from Miami begins in June 2027, when Aura becomes a regular presence in the line’s warm-weather lineup.
Where the Norwegian Aura sails
Norwegian Aura’s maiden season begins with a seven-day Mediterranean cruise from Trieste, Italy, to Barcelona, with port calls that include Valletta, Malta and Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome. After completing a 14-day transatlantic crossing, the ship will arrive in Miami to launch her Caribbean schedule. From there, Aura will operate seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries to Puerto Plata, St. Thomas and Tortola, along with Norwegian’s private Bahamian island, Great Stirrup Cay. Later in the year, the ship will expand into Western Caribbean routes, stopping in Roatán, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Harvest Caye in Belize, giving passengers a mix of classic island ports and newer resort-style destinations.
What to expect on Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay
Yes, Norwegian has its own private island available for its travelers. Among the offerings on Great Stirrup Cay are the Great Life Lagoon, boasting swim-up bars and a dedicated kids’ area, as well as the adults-only Vibe Shore Club. This year will see the launch of the nearly 6-acre Great Tides Waterpark, which will include 19 waterslides, cliffside jumps and a dynamic river.
What to expect on board the Norwegian Aura
At roughly 1,130 feet long and 168,000 gross tons, Norwegian Aura is the largest ship in the company’s history and the latest evolution of its Prima-class design. The ship’s signature space is Ocean Heights, a multi-deck open-air activity zone packed with waterslides, ropes courses, rock walls and game areas that transform from daytime adventure park to nighttime social hub.
The Ocean Boulevard promenade wraps around the vessel with expanded outdoor lounges, hot tubs and dedicated family zones, while the main pool decks are more than 20 percent larger than on earlier ships. Adults can retreat to an enlarged Vibe Beach Club, designed for quiet relaxation away from the main crowds.
Accommodations range from standard staterooms to the upscale Haven enclave, which offers private dining, sundeck access and concierge service. Across the ship, expect a mix of casual and fine dining venues, large-scale entertainment spaces and panoramic design touches aimed at maximizing ocean views.
With her size, itinerary range and emphasis on open-air living, Norwegian Aura is already positioned as both a floating resort and a destination in her own right once service launches in 2027.