Norwegian Cruise Line® Marks Major Construction Milestone with the Float Out of Norwegian Aura™

Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL) has marked a major construction milestone with the float out of Norwegian Aura™, its largest ship to date, at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard in Italy.

Key Highlights
- Debut: May 2027
- Size: Nearly 1,130 feet long, ~170,000 gross tons, 10% larger than Norwegian Aqua® and Norwegian Luna™
- Capacity: 1,970 staterooms, ~3,880 guests (double occupancy)
- Ceremonial Tradition: Two coins welded into the hull during the float out, symbolizing good fortune and safe passage.

Onboard Features
- Ocean Heights™ Activity Complex:
- Eclipse Racers (first dueling waterslides)
- Aura Free Fall (drop-in body slide)
- The Wave (pendulum-style raft slide for up to 4 guests)
- 82-foot ropes course, 25-foot rock-climbing wall, carnival-style games
- Expanded Pool Deck: 20% larger, with more seating, hot tubs, lounge areas, and a Kids’ Aqua Park.
- Ocean Boulevard: Extended by 11%, wrapping around deck eight with new social spaces.
- Family Hubs: Adventure Alley (ages 6–10), Little Explorer’s Cove, and a Teen Hangout.
- Adults-only Retreat: Vibe Beach Club.

Itineraries
- Maiden Voyage: May 21, 2027 — 7-day Mediterranean cruise from Trieste, Italy, calling at ports in Italy and Malta.
- Transatlantic Crossing: 14-day voyage to the U.S.
- Homeport: Miami (from June 10, 2027) with 7-day Eastern & Western Caribbean itineraries through March 2028.
- Private Island Enhancements: Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas) upgraded with a multi-ship pier, lagoon pool, waterpark, tram service, and exclusive adults-only Vibe Shore Club.

Leadership Voices
- Marc Kazlauskas (President, NCL): Norwegian Aura builds on the Prima Class legacy, designed for multi-generational experiences with expansive outdoor spaces.
- Luigi Matarazzo (GM, Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division): The float out reflects the strength of NCL–Fincantieri’s partnership and innovation in redefining onboard experiences.

This milestone positions Norwegian Aura as a next-generation flagship for NCL, blending high-energy fun, family-friendly design, and elevated luxury for Caribbean and Mediterranean cruising.