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Norwegian Cruise Line is making waves again with its latest and largest vessel ever!! The Norwegian Aura™ is slated to debut in 2027. If you’re thinking about booking a cruise vacation in the coming years, Aura might be on your radar.
More ships launching in 2027.
My review of Norwegian Viva – Norwegian Aura’s sister ship.
But who exactly is this ship for – and who might want to look elsewhere? Let’s break it down
Norwegian Aura is set to take centre stage as the longest and most capacious ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, measuring nearly 1,130 feet long and about 169,000 gross tons, with space for around 3,840 guests at double occupancy – roughly 10% larger than Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.
The design aims to combine thrilling action zones, expanded outdoor spaces, and flexible experiences for cruisers of all ages – whether you’re travelling as a family, with a group of friends, or as a couple.
Highlights Onboard
Ocean Heights: A Multi-Generational Hub
At the heart of Aura’s top decks is Ocean Heights™ – a sprawling open-air activity complex that spans multiple decks and blends excitement with relaxation. You’ll find:
- The most waterslides of any NCL ship, including head-to-head racers and thrilling free-fall slides.
- Ropes courses, rock climbing, mini golf and carnival-style games.
- Overhanging private cabanas overlooking the ocean.
By day it’s a high-energy adventure zone; by night it transforms into a colourful social space.
Expanded Outdoor Spaces
Aura’s Ocean Boulevard – the ship’s wraparound outdoor promenade – has been enlarged to include extra seating, hot tubs, water-level chill zones, and dedicated kid and teen areas. The pool deck will be the largest in the fleet, with more lounge space, infinity hot tubs, and a big LED entertainment screen.
For adults seeking serenity, the Vibe Beach Club is also bigger than on previous ships, offering a resort-style adults-only outdoor lounge with its own bar and infinity tubs.
Accommodations – From Cozy to High-End
Aura will feature 1,976 staterooms, ranging from studio cabins to spacious suites. A highlight is The Haven by Norwegian™, the ship’s keycard-access luxury enclave – which will include the most suites of any NCL ship, with exclusive sundeck spaces, infinity pool, hot tubs, dedicated dining areas, and 24-hour butler/concierge service.
Who Will Love Norwegian Aura?
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide if Aura’s vibe, design, and offerings line up with your cruise style:
✔️ Best for You If You’re:
• Fun-loving families & multigenerational groups – With Ocean Heights, slides, games, and plenty of outdoor space, there’s something for every age group.
• Outdoor and activity seekers — Expanded promenades, adventure zones, and sun decks give you space to play or unwind.
• Social travellers – Aura’s open-air environments and nightlife-friendly spaces are great for mingling and group fun.
• Fans of premium cruising – The Haven’s elevated accommodations make this a tempting option for travellers who want a little extra luxury.
❌ Maybe Not Ideal If You’re:
• Seeking a quiet, adults-only escape – Although adults-only spaces exist, the overall design is geared toward activity and shared experiences rather than secluded serenity.
• Budget-focused cruisers – As a brand-new flagship with premium features, fares could trend higher than older or smaller ships on similar routes.
• Minimalist travellers – If you prefer simpler, less built-up ships with fewer attractions and crowds, Aura’s size and activity options may feel overwhelming.
How does Norwegian Aura compare to Norwegian Aqua?
Norwegian Aura and Norwegian Aqua are both standout vessels from Norwegian Cruise Line, but they’re built for slightly different experiences.
Vibe & Focus: Aqua leans into a blend of family fun and contemporary luxury; Aura amplifies this with bigger venues and more suite offerings like expanded The Haven spaces.
Size & Scale: Aura is being billed as even larger than Aqua – with roughly 169,000 GT and around 3,840 guests – compared to Aqua’s ~156,300 GT and ~3,571 guests. Aura’s expanded space allows for bigger outdoor areas and amenities.
Design Evolution: While Aqua is part of NCL’s Prima Plus class with standout features like the Aqua Slidecoaster and LED Glow Court, Aura builds on that with Ocean Heights, larger promenades, and even more integrated outdoor living spaces.
How does Norwegian Aura compare to Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas?
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world, and it highlights a different approach compared to Aura:
Aura’s Edge: Aura, while smaller, emphasises open outdoor spaces, more relaxed circulation, and a balance of thrills and boutique-style relaxation, which can feel less overwhelming than the massive Icon-class ships.
Size & Capacity: Star of the Seas (Icon-class) has around 248,663 GT and carries ~5,610 passengers at double occupancy, making it significantly larger than Aura’s expected ~169,000 GT and ~3,840 guests.
Experience Style: Star of the Seas operates more like a floating city with multiple “neighbourhoods,” seven pools, enormous waterparks, and a huge variety of dining and entertainment options – ideal for families and first-time cruisers who want endless onboard activities.
How does Norwegian Aura compare to Carnivals’s Mardi Gras?
Carnival’s newest ships — like Carnival Mardi Gras® and its upcoming Excel-class sisters – also bring a very different cruising flavour:
Size & Fun-First Focus: Mardi Gras is around 183,900 GT and features big fun elements like BOLT®, the first rollercoaster at sea, plus multiple zones themed for food, drink, and family entertainment.
Onboard Atmosphere: Carnival’s design philosophy is usually activating the party vibe – lots of informal social spaces, themed zones, casual eats, and high-energy entertainment aimed at all ages.
Aura’s Alternative: Aura’s experience leans toward a slightly more elevated feel with both high-thrill features and more sophisticated relaxation spaces like dedicated adults-only areas, premium dining venues, and multipurpose outdoor promenades. Carnivals might feel more “fun-packed” and frenetic, whereas Aura balances variety with a more curated ambience.
