Norwegian Aura has celebrated her float out in Italy, marking the first time the ship has touched water and signifying the completion of the external hull construction.
The ship’s interior development will continue progressing to the next phase ahead of her debut in the spring of 2027.
To commemorate the occasion and honour maritime tradition, two ceremonial coins were welded into Norwegian Aura’s hull during a traditional ceremony, symbolising good fortune and safe passage for the ship, her crew and future guests.
“Today’s float out of Norwegian Aura is a proud and meaningful moment for our entire team,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.
“She builds on the legacy of our award-winning Prima Class while taking our commitment to thoughtfully designed guest‑first experiences even further.”
Nearly 345 metres long, the ship is 10% larger than her predecessors and will feature more than 1,970 well-appointed staterooms accommodating approximately 3,880 guests at double occupancy.
Norwegian Aura will introduce an expanded pool deck more than 20% larger than her predecessors, featuring additional seating, an extra hot tub and open lounge areas designed for relaxed days at sea.
Adults seeking a quieter escape can retreat to the ever-popular Vibe Beach Club, the exclusive adults-only outdoor lounge.
An enhanced Ocean Boulevard, extended by 11%, will wrap around the ship’s hull on deck eight, unveiling new hot tubs, stylish seating and social spaces to unwind, connect and experience uninterrupted ocean views.
At the heart of Norwegian Aura’s onboard experience will be Ocean Heights, an all-new open-air activities complex designed as a vibrant social hub.
Guests can enjoy the most slides of any NCL ship, including Eclipse Racers, the Company’s first duelling waterslides; Aura Free Fall, a drop-in body waterslide that plunges guests down exhilarating twists and turns; and The Wave, a pendulum-style raft slide designed to accommodate up to four guests.
Nearby, guests will discover the 25-metre Aura Ropes Course, an eight-metre rock-climbing wall, and Aura Midway, which offers easy-going fun with carnival-style games. At night, the activity zone will transform into a visual spectacle with immersive lighting and LED projections for a more relaxed, social atmosphere.
Norwegian Aura will set sail on her maiden voyage on May 21, 2027, with a seven-day Mediterranean voyage departing from Trieste, Italy and calling to ports in Italy and Malta, before embarking on a 13-day transatlantic crossing to the United States.
