Norwegian Cruise Line's biggest ship yet floats for first time
Just a few weeks after launching new ship Norwegian Luna, Norwegian Cruise Line is marking a major milestone in the construction of its next new ship, Norwegian Aura. Currently being built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, Norwegian Aura will set sail in May 2027 in Europe before beginning seven-day Caribbean cruises from Miami in June 2027.
At 10% larger than Norwegian Luna and its sister ship Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Aura will be the largest in the Norwegian fleet at nearly 1,130 feet long and approximately 170,000 gross tons. Across 1,970 staterooms, the new ship will accommodate about 3,880 passengers at double occupancy.
On April 16, Norwegian and Fincantieri celebrated Norwegian Aura's float out - a key step in a ship's construction - at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
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Norwegian Aura floats out, moves on to next phase of construction
Norwegian Aura's float out commemorated the first time the ship touched water, an important milestone that marks the completion of the ship's external hull construction. Now, the ship moves into its next phase of construction focusing on interior development in preparation for its spring 2027 debut.
As Norwegian and Fincantieri celebrated the vessel's float out, two ceremonial coins were welded into Norwegian Aura's hull during a traditional coin ceremony, which honors maritime tradition and symbolizes good fortune and safe passage for the ship, its crew, and future passengers.
Related: 3 things you may not notice aboard the Norwegian Luna
"Norwegian Aura's float out is a proud and meaningful moment for our entire team," Norwegian Cruise Line President Marc Kazlauskas said in a press release. "She builds on the legacy of our award-winning Prima Class while taking our commitment to thoughtfully designed guest‑first experiences even further."
With Norwegian Aura, the cruise line is leveling up its onboard experience with multi-generational families in mind with innovations and enhancements designed to create flexible ways for passengers of every generation to enjoy time together or apart.
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Ocean Heights will anchor Norwegian Aura's onboard experience
An all-new open-air activities complex, Ocean Heights, will bring families together with a variety of activities like family waterslides, mini golf, and carnival-style games, and plenty of space to relax and socialize. Inside Ocean Heights, Norwegian Aura will feature the most slides of any Norwegian cruise ship, including a pendulum-style raft slide designed to accommodate up to four people.
Spanning three decks, the activity zone will also include an 82-foot ropes course and a 25-foot rock-climbing wall. At night, Ocean Heights will take on a more relaxed, social atmosphere that glows with immersive lighting and LED projections.
As the biggest Norwegian cruise ship yet, Norwegian Aura will boast an expanded pool deck that's more than 20% larger than those on Aqua and Luna with additional seating, an extra hot tub, open lounge areas, and a nearby Kids' Aqua Park. Additionally, Ocean Boulevard, which wraps around the ship's hull on deck eight, will be enhanced and extended with new hot tubs, seating, and social spaces.
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Kids will find their own dedicated spaces at Adventure Alley for kids aged six to 10, Little Explorer's Cove for the youngest cruisers, and a purpose‑built Teen Hangout. Adults looking for their own exclusive retreat will be able to upgrade their experience by purchasing passes for Vibe Beach Club, Norwegian's adults-only sundeck.
"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," Kazlauskas said. "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."
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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 6:56 PM.