Norwegian Aura Explained: What We Know So Far About Norwegian Cruise Line’s Next New Cruise Ship
Norwegian Aura Rendering © Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Aura was quietly unveiled as the next new cruise ship from Norwegian Cruise Line, and early details suggest it could become one of the most important ship launches in the company’s history. While Norwegian has not yet released full onboard details yet, bookings are available to purchase now for sailings launching May 2027. Norwegian Aura will be the newest Prima Plus class ship, following Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.
Images shared within the cruise community appear to show a promotional render labeled Norwegian Aura and describe the vessel as Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest and longest ship. The same material references a Spring 2027 debut, which was confirmed when Norwegian Cruise Line opened the ship for booking at midnight on January 15th, 2026.
Norwegian Aura: The Largest and Longest NCL Ship
One of the biggest points of speculation around Norwegian Aura is its size. Early promotional materials refer to it as Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest and longest ship. If accurate, this would place Aura above the Breakaway Plus class ships such as Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Joy.
For context, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva launched as smaller ships with more space per guest, while Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna expanded the design by roughly ten percent as part of the Prima Plus class. Norwegian Cruise line is advertising the tonnage of the new ship as 172,000 GRT, making Norwegian Aura roughly twenty percent larger than the original Prima class.
If Norwegian Aura does reach that scale, it would likely feature larger public areas, expanded pool decks, additional outdoor space, and reworked layouts designed to reduce crowding. Crowd flow and limited pool space have been common discussion points on earlier Prima class ships, so Aura may represent Norwegian Cruise Line’s response to that feedback.
Ocean Heights and New Top Deck Attractions
One of the most exciting rumored features aboard Norwegian Aura is a massive top deck attraction called Ocean Heights. According to early information, Ocean Heights will combine a ropes course with zip rails, three waterslides, a rock wall, an interactive mini golf course, and additional experiences that have not yet been revealed. Norwegian Cruise Line is reportedly branding Ocean Heights as one of the largest amusement complexes at sea, signaling a major focus on outdoor activity and family friendly entertainment.
Norwegian Aura Ocean Heights © Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Aura Deck Plans
Several layout changes have already been identified when comparing Norwegian Aura to the existing Prima Plus class ships.
On Deck 7, the atrium area appears to feature more open space around guest services desks. Syd Norman’s Pour House is rumored to be slightly smaller than on Aqua and Luna.
Deck 8 shows notable changes, including Little Explorers Cay located forward outdoors. La Terrazza on the waterfront appears to be replaced by Adventure Alley and The Hangout, which may function as a new kids focused area. The Local Bar and Grill does not appear to be expanded.
Deck 9 has a slightly different aft shape compared to Aqua and Luna, suggesting subtle changes to exterior design.
Deck 16 reportedly features a slightly larger fitness center, while the Haven sundeck on this level may be smaller.
Deck 17 shows three hot tubs near the pool instead of two. A slide structure appears to extend down to this deck similar to Norwegian Prima, which on renderings appear to be a set of dry slides. Vibe Beach Club space will be replaced by additional staterooms, while the Haven sundeck is larger on this level.
Deck 18 is expected to include The Party Slide, Aura Midway (Part of the Ocean Heights complex) instead of the Aqua Slidecoaster, and Vibe Beach Club, which is located one deck higher than previous ships in the class.
Deck 19 is rumored to feature Horizon Park, the Infinity Loop Slide, and a ropes course with cabanas in place of mini golf.
Deck 20 appears to be a larger overall space, with no Glow Court. Mini golf and the rock wall are expected to be located here as part of the Ocean Heights complex.
Shown below are Decks 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20.
Norwegian Aura Decks © Norwegian Cruise Line & © Freestyle Travelers
Norwegian Aura Decks © Norwegian Cruise Line & © Freestyle Travelers
Norwegian Aura Decks © Norwegian Cruise Line & © Freestyle Travelers
Norwegian Aura Itineraries
According to current availability, Norwegian Aura is scheduled to debut with a seven day Mediterranean cruise beginning on May 21, 2027. Following this inaugural sailing, the ship is expected to 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.
Norwegian Aura Main Pool © Norwegian Cruise Line
What comes next for Norwegian Aura
Until Norwegian Cruise Line makes an official announcement, all details surrounding Norwegian Aura remain subject to change. However, the combination of trademark filings, current renders, bookable itinerary information, and previous ship class buildouts strongly suggests that Norwegian Aura will be a major new cruise ship launch for 2027.
For travelers searching for information on Norwegian Aura, Norwegian Cruise Line new ships, and future Prima Plus class vessels, Aura is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cruise ships in recent years. With Ocean Heights, redesigned deck layouts, and an ambitious launch schedule, Norwegian Aura could represent the next step in Norwegian Cruise Line’s evolution. Full details are expected soon, and we will update this article as we receive them.
Can’t wait for Norwegian Aura to launch? Watch our ship tour of the Norwegian Aqua now!
