Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announces that bookings are now open for two inaugural Mediterranean cruises aboard Norwegian Aura, the newest and largest ship in its fleet. Thanks to the vessel’s anticipated early delivery, guests will be able to step on board for the first time as early as May 2, 2027, embarking on two itineraries exploring some of the Mediterranean’s most captivating destinations.
The inaugural Mediterranean program for Norwegian Aura will feature two itineraries. The first, a 10-day voyage, will depart from Trieste on May 2, 2027, and sail to Athens (Piraeus). The second will depart from the Greek port on May 12, arriving in Trieste after nine days at sea.
The first cruise will include calls in Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia; Bar, Montenegro; and the Greek islands of Corfu, Santorini, and Mykonos. The second itinerary will visit Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, and Corfu in Greece, as well as Bar in Montenegro and Split and Zadar in Croatia. Both voyages will give guests the opportunity to be among the first to experience Norwegian Aura while exploring some of the Mediterranean’s most appealing destinations during the ship’s inaugural season.
Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, highlighted how Norwegian Aura’s early delivery will allow the company to welcome guests on board sooner than expected and introduce a new range of holiday experiences. Set to become the largest and most innovative ship in the fleet, Norwegian Aura has been designed to meet the needs of families and travelers of all generations, offering a wider variety of activities and amenities to personalize each stay. Kazlauskas also emphasized the company’s excitement about opening bookings for the ship’s inaugural Mediterranean cruises, which will give the first guests the chance to discover its new entertainment, dining, and wellness offerings, alongside experiences designed with families in mind.
At approximately 344 meters long and with a gross tonnage of 170,000, Norwegian Aura will be the largest and longest ship ever built for Norwegian Cruise Line, with dimensions approximately 10% greater than those of Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. One of the main highlights on board will be Ocean Heights, a new outdoor activity area spanning decks 18 through 21 and designed to offer fun and excitement for guests of all ages.
The space will bring together attractions for those seeking adventure and adrenaline, starting with Eclipse Racers, the company’s first dual-lane competitive waterslides, and Aura Free Fall, a free-fall waterslide. The offering will also include the Aura Ropes Course, an approximately 25-meter-long ropes course suspended above the deck; the Moon Climber obstacle course; and Aura Midway, an area featuring carnival-style games, alongside dedicated spaces for children, teenagers, and families. Further highlights will include NCL’s largest-ever pool deck and its largest Vibe Beach Club.
Entertainment will also play a central role in the onboard experience. Guests will be able to enjoy a brand-new program featuring Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston, created in collaboration with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, along with ILLUMINOX: Infinite Wonder Unboxed™, The Vinyl Republic™, Aura FIRST NIGHT™, and Latin LIVE!™. The program is designed to enrich days and evenings at sea with a diverse range of shows and experiences.
New offerings are also planned for dining and wellness. Norwegian Aura will feature Tamara, the first Indian specialty restaurant in the NCL fleet, and The Panorama Room, a complimentary dining venue offering an immersive experience. Wellness will receive particular attention, with what the company describes as its most comprehensive wellness offering to date. Highlights will include NCL’s largest-ever Thermal Suite and the Sensory Rain Pool, a sensory pool featuring water effects inside Mandara Spa, which the company presents as the first of its kind at sea.
Following its two inaugural Mediterranean cruises, Norwegian Aura will operate an additional seven-day voyage from Trieste to Barcelona, departing on May 21, 2027, with calls in Valletta, Malta; Salerno, Italy; and Rome (Civitavecchia). The ship will then embark on a 13-day transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to Miami before beginning its seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises from Miami, running from June through October 2027. These itineraries will include calls in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas, home to the brand-new Great Tides Waterpark. In winter 2027–2028, Norwegian Aura will offer seven-day Western Caribbean cruises, calling at Roatán in Honduras’ Bay Islands; Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico; and Harvest Caye, NCL’s resort-style destination in Belize.
To mark the opening of bookings, Norwegian Cruise Line is offering its Fall Flash Sale, featuring 50% off all cruises and up to $750 in onboard credit per stateroom for guests booking a balcony stateroom or a higher-category accommodation. The offer can be combined with the Free at Sea™ package, which includes unlimited open bar, meals at specialty restaurants, shore excursion credits, and Wi-Fi access.
Giorgia Lombardo
