by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 1:45 PM ET, Thu April 16, 2026
Norwegian Cruise Line is celebrating a major construction milestone for its newest ship Norwegian Aura.
Today, the cruise line and shipbuilding partner Fincantieri floated out Norwegian Aura for the first time in Monfalcone, Italy, marking the first time the vessel touched water.
Now that the external hull is constructed, crews will turn their attention toward interior spaces ahead of Norwegian Aura’s scheduled debut in May 2027. After a transatlantic crossing, the vessel will homeport in Miami and offer seven-day voyages to the Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean.
At nearly 1,130 feet long and approximately 170,000 gross tons, the ship is 10 percent larger than predecessors Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. The vessel will feature over 1,970 well-appointed staterooms accommodating approximately 3,880 guests at double occupancy.
“She builds on the legacy of our award-winning Prima Class while taking our commitment to thoughtfully designed guest‑first experiences even further,” says Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Created in close partnership with Fincantieri, the ship is purposefully constructed to deliver an elevated, multi‑generational vacation experience, with expansive outdoor spaces like Ocean Heights that bring families and friends together for fun-filled days. “
One of the highlights of Norwegian Aura is Ocean Heights, a new open-air activities complex featuring a pair of dueling waterslides called Eclipse Racers, a drop-in body waterslide called Aura Free Fall and a pendulum-style raft slide named The Wave. Nearby, guests will find the 82-foot Aura Ropes Course, a 25-foot rock-climbing wall and Aura Midway, which offers carnival-style games.
Norwegian Aura will also introduce an expanded pool deck that’s more than 20 percent larger than her predecessors, offering additional seating, an extra hot tub, open lounge areas and a nearby Kids’ Aqua Park. The ship will also have the adults-only Vibe Beach Club, an enhanced and expanded Ocean Boulevard and new family‑friendly hubs like Adventure Alley, Little Explorer’s Cove and Teen Hangout.
“With her flexible, open‑air design, Norwegian Aura is exceptionally well suited for Caribbean itineraries, offering the perfect balance of high‑energy fun, relaxation and an effortless escape for guests of all ages,” says Kazlauskas.
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