Norwegian Is Rethinking Dining, Bars, and Spa on Norwegian Aura
Norwegian Aura is still nine months away from its first sailing, but we already know quite a bit about what will become the largest ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet. The fifth Prima Class ship will be about 10% larger than Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, and roughly 20% larger than the original Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva.
Today, Norwegian revealed even more about the ship, including new details on its restaurants, bars, and spa. And from what we’re seeing, it looks like the cruise line has learned some lessons from the earlier Prima Class ships and is putting all that extra space to good use.
A Full-Size Buffet Finally
One of the biggest criticisms of the Prima Class is that the ships have some of the most undersized buffets in the fleet, and you can feel it when sailing. On the previous 4 ships, the buffet is on the pool deck and takes up only the port side of the ship, while the other side is used for two specialty restaurants. While the two specialty dining areas can be used for seating for breakfast and lunch, it doesn’t fix the problem. It’s even more egregious when you look at the design of Palomar on Norwegian Prima. It was designed to be a buffet but later switched to specialty dining.
On Norwegian Aura, they finally fix that. Surfside Cafe will now take up both sides of the ship on Deck 17.
Le Bistro Moves to the Penrose Atrium
The specialty French restaurant, Le Bistro, will move to the second level of the Penrose Atrium, where Starbucks is located on the previous Prima Class ships. The new space will take advantage of the beautiful glass windows along the Penrose Atrium and will sport a deep navy color palette. The large hanging chandeliers have been replaced with simpler models, which is not surprising, as the chandeliers were among the extravagant, needless expenses that leadership was criticized for by the Elliott Group.
Starbucks will move across the way on the same level.
Sukhothai Moves to Le Bistro Location
With Le Bistro in a new location, Sukhothai moves from the pool deck level to Deck 7 across from Hudson’s (formerly Le Bistro on Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna). The new location gives the space a whole new feel since it loses the panoramic windows above. Instead, Sukhothai on Norwegian Aura has a darker and moodier tone with lots of muted greens and purples and accent lighting.
Commodore Room Becomes The Panorama Room
The Commodore Room has always been a bit overlooked when it comes to included dining. As one of the two main dining options onboard Prima Class ships, it’s always been overshadowed by the exceptional design of Hudson’s. The Commodore Room always felt like more of an afterthought in terms of design and actual execution.
On Norwegian Aura, it’ll be reimagined as The Panorama Room. The space has expansive LED displays, multi-channel audio, and synchronized lighting that will transform the space as guests dine. While no rendering was provided, it will help make the space more dynamic since it can’t feature the panoramic windows of Hudson’s, and the porthole windows can only let in so much light.
Palomar Takes Onda’s Location, Which Moves Central
Palomar has been a very popular Mediterranean specialty restaurant since it first debuted on Norwegian Prima. Now, because the buffet is being expanded, it’s moving down to Deck 8 where Onda by Scarpetta used to be.
Onda by Scarpetta, a specialty Italian concept that has beautiful architecture on the other ships, will stay on Deck 8 but move to an internal location used for retail on other ships. The new location will allow additional seating, according to Norwegian, along with a whole new design aesthetic.
New Indian Concept Replaces Los Lobos
Norwegian Aura will see the debut of its first specialty Indian restaurant for dinner, Tamara. Norwegian said the concept came about because of the popularity of the Indian food stalls in the Indulge Food Hall. The new restaurant will have an open-view kitchen that highlights the tandoor ovens that will be used in many of the dishes. You’ll be able to sample dishes like Short-Rib Dosa, Lamb Biryani, and Green Papaya Salad with pomegranate, tamarind, peanuts, jaggery, and chili.
It takes over the space used by Los Lobos on previous ships. Los Lobos will no longer be a specialty restaurant but one of the food hall concepts in Indulge (similar to how Q is a restaurant on other ships, but a food hall stall on Prima Class).
Expanded Spa with New Features
The popular Mandara Spa will return with its two-story design on Norwegian Aura, but it will feature several new experiences.
The Thermal Suite will have 15 wellness amenities, including 11 new experiences. Norwegian said they’re all built around “contrast therapy,” where guests will move between warm and cool spaces, water features, and quiet loungers.
The Sensory Rain Pool will be a first of its kind at sea. The 360-degree experience starts with calm water, which can then transform into a tropical rainstorm or tropical rainfall using lighting and sound effects.
The Blue Glow Suite will help guests relax with a gentle blue light experience designed to encourage relaxation and promote energy. The spa will also have a new dedicated Foot Spa, Snow Cave, and Reflection Pool. It’ll also feature a “Waterfall Experience,” where you can let the water pour over you.
Returning experiences will include the Salt Room, Meditation Lounge, Aromatic Steam Room, Finnish Sauna, Charcoal Sauna, and Zen Lounge.
Belvedere Bar Swaps Places
Norwegian seems to have struggled to find a location for the Belvedere Bar on its Prima Class ships. On the first two, it was on Deck 6 next to the Commodore Room. On Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, it was moved to the upper level of the Penrose Atrium on Deck 8.
The Belvedere Bar will return on Norwegian Aura, but it will move to the opposite side of the ship on Deck 8, swapping places with a retail space.
Larger Penrose Bar & Atrium
The Penrose Bar & Atrium has always been undersized for use as a main atrium bar. On Norwegian Aura, they’re doubling the available seating. They’re also adding a dedicated stage for daily entertainment.
Goodbye Syd Norman’s
Based on the deck plans on Norwegian’s site, it looks like Syd Norman’s may not be on the ship. The space on Deck 7 is now called Off Key. Norwegian hasn’t released any more information about this venue yet, although entertainment is typically a separate announcement.
Areas with Refreshed Designs
With Norwegian Aura, Norwegian is giving all the spaces a bit of a refresh. The following locations will remain in the same place but have an updated look and design.
Cagney’s
Nama
Metropolitan
The Local
Swirl Wine Bar
Hasuki
Whiskey Bar
Indulge Food Hall
New Top Deck Attractions
As we reported previously, Norwegian Aura will also have a completely redesigned top deck experience. With a new adventure park, a relocated Vibe Beach Club, and upgraded pool options, Norwegian Aura has evolved significantly from the first ships in the class.
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