Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed the name and first details of its fifth Prima Class newbuild, announcing that the ship will be called Norwegian Aura and will become the largest vessel in the NCL fleet when it enters service in 2027. Bookings are now open, with the first sailings scheduled to begin in May 2027.

Ocean Heights to headline top-deck attractions

The company says Norwegian Aura will introduce Ocean Heights, a new open-air activity complex designed for multi-generational families. NCL describes the area as featuring the most slides of any NCL ship, along with a ropes course, overhanging/covered cabanas, and additional outdoor attractions.

NCL also positioned the ship as an evolution of its newer fleet, continuing the brand’s approach of adding variations across sister ships. Earlier Prima Class vessels introduced standout features such as a go-kart track (Prima and Viva) and an aqua slide coaster on newer ships like Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, while Aura’s top-deck concept shifts toward a more traditional water-park-and-adventure layout anchored by Ocean Heights.

Bigger than its predecessors

In its announcement, NCL said Norwegian Aura will be nearly 1,130 feet long and around 168,000 gross tons, carrying 3,840 guests at double occupancy—about 10% larger than Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.

Debut in Europe, then homeport in Miami

Norwegian Aura is set to debut in Europe in late May 2027, followed by a transatlantic sailing to the U.S. The ship will then homeport in Miami beginning in June 2027, operating primarily seven-day Caribbean cruises. NCL said Caribbean itineraries will include calls at Great Stirrup Cay, its private island in the Bahamas, and on some sailings Harvest Caye in Belize