*Norwegian Aura Rendering © Norwegian Cruise Line*

Norwegian Aura has now been revealed as the next new cruise ship from Norwegian Cruise Line, and early information indicates it will be one of the most significant NCL newbuilds in recent years. While Norwegian Cruise Line has not released full onboard details, bookings are already open for sailings beginning in May 2027. Norwegian Aura will join the Prima Plus class as the newest ship in the series, following Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.

Promotional images circulating within the cruise community show a render labeled Norwegian Aura and identify the ship as Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest and longest vessel. These materials point to a Spring 2027 debut, which was confirmed when Norwegian Cruise Line opened bookings for the ship shortly after midnight on January 15, 2026.

Norwegian Aura and Ship Size Details

One of the most discussed aspects of Norwegian Aura is its size. Early promotional material refers to the ship as the largest and longest in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. If accurate, Norwegian Aura would surpass the Breakaway Plus class ships, including Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Joy.

By comparison, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva launched as smaller ships designed to offer more space per guest. Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna expanded that design by roughly ten percent as part of the Prima Plus class. Norwegian Cruise Line is advertising Norwegian Aura at approximately 172,000 gross registered tons, which places it close to twenty percent larger than the original Prima class ships.

At this scale, Norwegian Aura is expected to feature expanded public spaces, larger pool areas, increased outdoor deck space, and layout adjustments intended to improve guest flow. Crowd management and limited pool space have been common points of feedback on earlier Prima class ships, and Aura may reflect Norwegian Cruise Line’s response to those concerns.

Ocean Heights and Top Deck Attractions

*Norwegian Aura Ocean Heights © Norwegian Cruise Line*

One of the most notable additions to Norwegian Aura is a new top deck area called Ocean Heights. Based on early information, Ocean Heights will combine a ropes course with zip rails, three waterslides, a rock wall, an interactive mini golf course, and additional attractions that have not yet been revealed. Norwegian Cruise Line is promoting Ocean Heights as one of the largest amusement complexes at sea, highlighting a strong focus on outdoor activities and family friendly entertainment.

Norwegian Aura Deck Plans and Layout Changes

Several differences have been identified when comparing Norwegian Aura to the existing Prima Plus class ships, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.

On Deck 7, the atrium area appears to have more open space around the guest services desks. Syd Norman’s Pour House is expected to be slightly smaller than on Aqua and Luna.
Deck 8 includes Little Explorers Cay located forward in an outdoor area. La Terrazza on the waterfront has been replaced by Adventure Alley and The Hangout, which may serve as a new kids focused space. The Local Bar and Grill does not appear to have been expanded.
Deck 9 features a slightly revised aft shape, suggesting small changes to the ship’s exterior profile.
Deck 16 is expected to include a slightly larger fitness center, while the Haven sundeck on this level appears to be smaller.
Deck 17 will feature three hot tubs near the main pool instead of two. Renderings show a slide structure extending down to this deck similar to Norwegian Prima, with indications that these may be dry slides. The Vibe Beach Club space has been replaced by additional staterooms, while the Haven sundeck is larger on this level.
Deck 18 is set to include The Party Slide, Aura Midway as part of the Ocean Heights complex instead of the Aqua Slidecoaster, and Vibe Beach Club, which has been relocated one deck higher than on previous ships in the class.
Deck 19 is expected to feature Horizon Park, the Infinity Loop Slide, and a ropes course with cabanas replacing the mini golf area found on earlier ships.
Deck 20 appears to be a larger overall space and does not include a Glow Court. Mini golf and the rock wall are expected to be located here as part of the Ocean Heights area.

*Norwegian Aura Decks © Norwegian Cruise Line & © Freestyle Travelers*

Norwegian Aura Itineraries and Launch Plans

Current booking information shows Norwegian Aura scheduled to debut with a seven day Mediterranean cruise beginning on May 21, 2027. Following the inaugural sailing, the ship will operate a thirteen night transatlantic cruise from Barcelona to Miami. After arriving in Florida, Norwegian Aura is expected to begin sailing Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Miami starting in June 2027.

What to Expect Next From Norwegian Aura

*Norwegian Aura Main Pool © Norwegian Cruise Line*

Until Norwegian Cruise Line releases a full official announcement, details about Norwegian Aura remain subject to change. However, the combination of trademark filings, promotional renders, bookable itineraries, and established Prima Plus class development strongly indicates that Norwegian Aura will be a major Norwegian Cruise Line new ship for 2027.

For travelers researching Norwegian Aura, Norwegian Cruise Line new ships, and upcoming NCL newbuild projects, Aura is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated cruise ships in the fleet. With Ocean Heights, revised deck layouts, and an ambitious launch schedule, Norwegian Aura may represent the next phase in Norwegian Cruise Line’s ongoing ship development. Additional information is expected to be released in the coming months, and updates will continue as more details become available.

Can’t wait for Norwegian Aura to launch? Watch our ship tour of Norwegian Aqua now!

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