How the Norwegian Aura is Different
Norwegian Cruise Line has released details of their fifth Prima Class cruise ship, Norwegian Aura, which will debut in 2027. This ship is an evolution of the Prima Class design with a larger footprint and brand-new attractions. Let’s take a look at what’s new and what’s not coming back on Norwegian Aura.
Norwegian Aura is Their Biggest Ship Yet
Norwegian Aura will be the cruise line’s biggest ship yet. It’ll be 10% larger than its sister ships, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, and 20% bigger than the original Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. The ship will be 172,000 gross tons and carry 3,952 guests.
The Aura will be Norwegian’s biggest ship, but not by much. It’s just 3% larger than Norwegian’s current largest ships, the Breakaway Plus class vessels (Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Joy). However, it holds 1% fewer guests than the Breakaway Plus class.
| Norwegian Encore | Norwegian Prima | Norwegian Aqua | Norwegian Aura | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Breakaway Plus | Prima | Prima Plus | Prima Plus +? |
| Gross Tonnage | 167,800 | 143,535 | 156,300 | 172,000 |
| Length | 1,094 | 965 | 1,056 | 1,130 |
| Guests | 3,998 | 3,099 | 3,571 | 3,952 |
| Space Ratio | 42.0 | 46.3 | 43.8 | 43.5 |
Still, Norwegian Aura would not really be considered a mega ship. Even with the increase in size, it’ll be about 30% smaller than the largest class of cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class.
What’s Different on Norwegian Aura?
Norwegian Aura takes the Prima design and expands it, using the extra space to enhance existing areas and add completely new attractions while removing a few others.
Enhanced Kid Zones
The first two ships in the Prima Class, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, were not very kid friendly, with limited space dedicated to younger guests. While Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna improved that somewhat, the design of Norwegian Aura adds more kid spaces without feeling like a floating theme park.
In the space known as La Terrazza on Deck 8 of Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Luna, and Norwegian Aqua, there will be new kids areas.
On the port side, Adventure Alley is for kids ages 6 through 10 and offers climbing tunnels and crawl spaces in a dry play structure with beautiful sea views.
On the starboard side is a new Teen Hangout, with hammocks and areas for teens to gather outside.
At the front of Deck 8 is a new area called Little Explorer’s Cove. This dry playground offers a playhouse and two small slides for kids ages 2 to 6. On other ships, this area was not accessible to guests.
In addition, the kids’ splash area has been completely redesigned. While the splash areas on previous ships felt sparse and overly artsy, this version includes more interactive water features designed to better appeal to kids.
Larger Pool Area
One of the biggest complaints about the Prima Class has been the lack of pool deck space. To address that issue, Norwegian has increased the pool deck size by 20% compared to Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. It will be the largest pool deck in the fleet and will receive an additional hot tub, bringing the total to three. The area also gets a larger LED screen for better viewing while on the pool deck.
The pool area will still have the main pool bar, but it’ll also get a new bar and lounge area on the next deck up (where the racetrack would have been on Prima).
No Slide Coaster, Race Track, or Glow Court
The first two Prima Class ships feature a race track, while the third and fourth ships introduced the AquaCoaster and Glow Court. None of those attractions will return on Norwegian Aura.
Instead, Norwegian opted for new and different top-deck attractions that are in the new Ocean Heights area. This 3-deck complex is the place to go for fun on a sea day.
Aura Ropes Course
One of the new attractions on Norwegian Aura will be a ropes course located on Deck 19. It’s the first time Norwegian has added a ropes course to a cruise ship since Norwegian Getaway. The 82-foot course will challenge guests with obstacles while providing sweeping ocean views.
Rock Wall
Guests can test their strength and bravery on a 25-foot climbing wall on Deck 19. While Royal Caribbean is well known for climbing walls on its ships, Norwegian has previously featured them on Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, and Norwegian Pearl. Norwegian Aura will be the first new build in some time to include one.
Aqua Midway
Aqua Midway takes the place of The Stadium on the other Prima Class ships. This area will feature carnival-style games.
Water Slides
Norwegian Aura will feature several water slides, ranging from high-thrill options to more family-friendly rides.
Eclipse Racers are Norwegian’s first dueling mat racer water slides, with more than 400 feet of racing tube.
Aura Free Fall is a waterslide where the floor drops out beneath riders before sending them through 250 feet of twists and turns.
The Wave is a family raft waterslide with a lotus-inspired design that sends riders up an incline in a pendulum-style motion. Unlike the earlier Prima ships, where The Wave was a single tube, this version accommodates up to four riders and spans 300 feet.
Near the splash park, two additional water slides offer lower-thrill experiences designed for family fun. The Infinity Loop is a figure-eight slide, while the Party Slide is a wide, shallow slide aimed at younger or less thrill-seeking guests.
Horizon Park
Horizon Park is a newer space Norwegian introduced on Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Breakaway. The area is covered in artificial turf and features lawn games and loungers, creating a relaxed space to enjoy the views from one of the ship’s highest decks. Off the Horizon Park deck is Infinity Loop.
Vibe Beach Club
Vibe Beach Club moves one deck higher to Deck 18, allowing Norwegian to add 20 new Haven cabins. In its new location, the venue expands its footprint by 15% compared to the versions on Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. According to deck plans, the layout remains similar, with a dedicated bar, two infinity hot tubs, and no pool.
Cabanas
Deck 19 will also introduce Norwegian’s first-ever overhanging cabanas, which will be available for rent. Cabanas are rare on the Prima Class due to limited space. These will be located toward the back of Deck 19, somewhat removed from other activities, and should offer strong views in a quieter setting.
What’s Coming Back
Ocean Boulevard
The wraparound exterior promenade on Deck 8 is a defining feature of the Prima Class and returns on Norwegian Aura. It’ll be 11% larger, with additional seating, two infinity pools, and plenty of comfortable spots to take in the views. The renders also show a new hot tub being added to each side of the ship as well.
Ocean Walk
The glass walkway that allows guests to look down at the ocean below returns on both sides of the ship.
The Drop Dry Slide
The Drop Dry Thrill Slide returns on Norwegian Aura in a similar location to where it appears on Norwegian Aqua. It sends riders from Deck 18 down to Deck 8.
Mini-Golf
Norwegian’s interactive nine-hole mini golf course will return, relocating to Deck 20 with a new layout. As with the other Prima Class ships, a fee is likely.
The Haven Section
Like its sister ships, Norwegian Aura will feature The Haven at the aft of the ship. The ship will include 159 Haven suites, which is 30% more than previous Prima Class ships and the most in the fleet. The Haven will continue to offer dedicated guest elevators, a private lounge, a dedicated restaurant, and a sun deck with an infinity pool and hot tubs. The Haven Lounge on Aura will be designed by Studio DADO, the agency behind some of the strongest spaces on earlier Prima Class ships.
Norwegian Aura Will Debut in May 2027
The new ship will debut in May 2027. On May 21, 2027, Norwegian Aura will sail a seven-day cruise from Venice, followed by a 13-day transatlantic sailing before moving to its homeport of Miami.
More Details to Come
The current deck plans include several “to come” placeholders. Future announcements will fill in the lineup of bars, restaurants, and entertainment onboard.
My Take: A Solid Evolution of the Prima Platform
The Prima Class has been very polarizing with guests. It was a big departure from Norwegian’s popular Breakaway Class design, and there were definitely some misses in the execution. That said, I’ve sailed on Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva and had amazing times onboard, but I can also see why they’re not for everyone.
I can see how these changes will meaningfully improve the onboard experience. I really struggled to recommend the original Prima Class ships to anyone traveling with younger kids. The small kids club, disappointing splash park, and limited main pool made summer sailings with lots of families less than ideal. Norwegian Aura improves on that in a big way by giving kids more dedicated spaces, which should help ease congestion throughout the rest of the ship. At the same time, Norwegian has avoided turning the ship into a floating theme park, something many feel Royal Caribbean’s ships have become. The ship still has the high-end feel and elevated look of the rest of the class.
The larger pool area was definitely needed for Caribbean sailings, although having just one main pool may still be a sticking point for some guests.
And for travelers who don’t love very large ships, it’s worth pointing out that while Norwegian Aura is larger than its siblings, it’s not much bigger than Norwegian’s Breakaway Plus class. It’s simply not a mega ship.
There are still plenty of unanswered questions. The current deck plans include several “to come” placeholders, and future announcements will fill in the lineup of bars, restaurants, and entertainment onboard.
That said, it appears the popular Indulge Food Hall will return, which is a big win in my book. Unfortunately, it also looks like Norwegian has not found a way to address the awkward main hallway that cuts directly through the buffet to reach the pool deck from the aft of the ship.
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