Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced two inaugural Mediterranean sailings onboard its new ship Norwegian Aura for May 2027, ahead of its anticipated early delivery.
The new voyages are now on sale and will give passengers the first opportunity to sail onboard the line’s latest ship, which is NCL’s largest to date.
The first sailing is a 10-day cruise departing Trieste, Italy, on 2 May 2027 and ending in Athens, Greece. It will call at Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia, Bar in Montenegro, and Corfu, Santorini and Mykonos in Greece.
A nine-day sailing will then depart Athens on 12 May and finish in Trieste. Ports of call include Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini and Corfu in Greece, Bar in Montenegro, and Split and Zadar in Croatia.
Following the two inaugural sailings, Norwegian Aura will operate a seven-day Mediterranean cruise from Trieste to Barcelona on 21 May, calling at Valletta, Malta, and Salerno and Rome in Italy.
The ship will then cross the Atlantic to Miami on a 13-day voyage before beginning seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises in June 2027. In winter 2027/28, it is scheduled to operate seven-day Western Caribbean itineraries.
NCL Vice President for the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa Gary Anslow said the ship’s early delivery would allow the cruise line to welcome guests aboard sooner than expected.
He added: “As our largest and most innovative ship yet, Norwegian Aura was designed to bring families and travellers of every generation together, with more freedom, choice and ways to enjoy their ideal holiday 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 will be nearly 1,130ft long, making it 10% larger than sister ships Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.
On board, it will feature Ocean Heights, an outdoor activities complex spanning decks 18 to 21, with waterslides, a ropes course, an obstacle course and family areas. The ship will also have NCL’s largest pool deck and Vibe Beach Club to date.
New dining and wellness offerings include Tamara, the cruise line’s first speciality Indian restaurant, entertainment will include Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston.
Passengers booking either of the two new Mediterranean voyages between 13 and 26 October 2026 can also take advantage of NCL’s Flash Sale. Customers booking a balcony cabin or above can add the Free at Sea package at half price, with benefits including premium drinks, speciality dining, shore excursion discounts and Wi-Fi.
