MIAMI, Florida – 09 October 2026 – Norwegian Cruise Line® has opened bookings for two new inaugural Mediterranean voyages aboard Norwegian Aura™, following the ship’s anticipated early delivery.
The newly added sailings will give guests their first opportunity to travel aboard NCL’s newest and largest ship, beginning on 2 May 2027, before Norwegian Aura continues with its previously scheduled Mediterranean and Caribbean programme.
First Sailing Departs Trieste on 2 May
The first new voyage is a 10-day sailing from Trieste, Italy, to Athens (Piraeus), Greece, departing on 2 May 2027. The itinerary includes Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia; Bar, Montenegro; and Corfu, Santorini and Mykonos in Greece.
A second nine-day voyage will depart Athens (Piraeus) for Trieste on 12 May. Calls include Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini and Corfu in Greece; Bar in Montenegro; and Split and Zadar in Croatia.
The two sailings have been added following Norwegian Aura’s anticipated early delivery and will now form the beginning of the ship’s inaugural season.
The early delivery of Norwegian Aura allows us to welcome guests aboard sooner than expected and begin creating unforgettable vacation experiences earlier than planned,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “As our largest and most innovative ship yet, Norwegian Aura was designed to bring families and travelers of every generation together, with more freedom, choice and ways to enjoy their ideal vacation so no one has to compromise on their experience. We’re thrilled to open these inaugural Mediterranean sailings and look forward to welcoming our first guests aboard and introducing them to the ship’s new entertainment, dining, wellness and innovative family-friendly experiences.
Norwegian Aura Becomes NCL’s Largest Ship
Norwegian Aura will measure nearly 1,130 feet in length and approximately 170,000 gross tons, making it NCL’s largest and longest ship to date.
The vessel will be 10% larger than Norwegian Aqua® and Norwegian Luna® and will introduce Ocean Heights™, an outdoor activities complex spanning decks 18 through 21.
Features will include Eclipse Racers, NCL’s first duelling mat racer waterslides; Aura Free Fall, a drop-in body waterslide; an 82-foot Aura Ropes Course; the Moon Climber obstacle course; and Aura Midway, featuring carnival-style games.
Dedicated areas for children, teenagers and families are also planned, alongside NCL’s largest pool deck and largest Vibe Beach Club to date.
Entertainment and Dining Line-Up Expands
Guests on the inaugural voyages will also be among the first to experience Norwegian Aura’s new entertainment programme.
The line-up includes Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston, developed in partnership with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, alongside ILLUMINOX: Infinite Wonder Unboxed™, The Vinyl Republic™, Aura FIRST NIGHT™ and Latin LIVE!™.
New dining concepts will include Tamara, NCL’s first speciality Indian restaurant, and The Panorama Room, an immersive complimentary dining venue.
The ship will also introduce an expanded wellness offering at Mandara Spa. NCL describes the facility as featuring the cruise industry’s most expansive Thermal Suite, together with the first-at-sea Sensory Rain Pool.
Mediterranean Programme Followed by Miami Deployment
After the two newly added voyages, Norwegian Aura will operate a seven-day Mediterranean sailing from Trieste to Barcelona (Tarragona) on 21 May 2027, calling at Valletta, Salerno and Rome (Civitavecchia). The ship will then sail a 13-day transatlantic voyage from Barcelona to Miami before beginning seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises from Miami from June through October 2027. Those itineraries will call at Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island destination in the Bahamas.
During winter 2027/28, Norwegian Aura will operate seven-day Western Caribbean voyages calling at Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Harvest Caye.
Bookings for the two newly added Mediterranean sailings are now open.
Source: Official announcement by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings on 09 October 2026, Miami.
