Tag Archives: Italy

Norwegian Luna Opens Doors to First Guests in Rome

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Norwegian Luna Opens Doors to First Guests in Rome

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Norwegian Luna, welcomed her first guests in Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

The ship is scheduled to make her U.S. debut in Miami on March 23, 2026, followed by a christening ceremony on March 27.

Following Fincantieri’s delivery of the vessel to Norwegian last week, the company shared new images of the ship, featuring what it calls a bold and modern design, in a press release.

“Norwegian Luna is an absolutely beautiful ship and the true definition of what it means to cruise with NCL,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“After getting a first look at the ship, I am so excited for guests to enjoy the wide-open, outdoor spaces bringing them closer to the sea, the intimate yet thoughtful areas to retreat to and the electrifying entertainment and mouth watering cuisine,”

In addition to the Aqua Slide coaster, which was recently named the “Best Water Park Ride/Attraction,” the Luna will feature Luna Midway, an amusement park-style outdoor area featuring carnival-inspired games.

There will also be Moon Climber, a multi-level obstacle course designed for kids and adults; and Horizon Park, a complimentary recreational area featuring lawn-style games, all located across the ship’s top decks.

Guests looking for relaxation can visit the two-story Mandara Spa with its of saunas, treatment rooms and an expansive Thermal Suite with 180-degree views of the ocean.

In the entertainment section there’s the “Elton: A Celebration of Elton John” a concert-style experience honoring the music of Sir Elton John, and “HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder,” a multimedia production blending cirque-style acrobatics and contemporary dance.

After reaching Miami, the Norwegian Luna will sail her inaugural season to the Caribbean, before debuting in New York City on April 6, 2027.

Viking Orders Expedition Ships, More Ocean Ship Options

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Viking Orders Expedition Ships, More Ocean Ship Options

Viking is continuing its growth track as the company announced it had entered into a deal to build two expedition ships for delivery in 2030 and 2031.

The two expedition ships will join the current Viking expedition fleet, the 378-guest Polaris and Octantis. The new ships will be sister vessels and be built in Italy.

At the same time, the company said it had entered into option agreements for two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2034, with an exercise date of July 30, 2028.

Viking Newbuild Orderbook:

  • Viking Mira: 54,300 tons, Built in 2026, 998 passengers.
  • Viking Libra: 54,300 tons, Built in 2026, 998 passengers.
  • Viking Astrea: 54,300 tons, Built in 2027, 998 passengers.
  • Viking Lyra: 54,300 tons, Built in 2028, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2028, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2029, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2030, 998 passengers.
  • New Expedition Ship Order: TBD, Built in 2030; TBD passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2030, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2031, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2031, 998 passengers.
  • New Expedition Ship Order: TBD, Built in 2031; TBD passengers.

Viking Newbuild Options:

  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2032, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2032, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2033, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2033, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2034, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2034, 998 passengers.

A Look at the Maiden Season of the Norwegian Aura

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A Look at the Maiden Season of the Norwegian Aura

Set to become the largest ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, the Norwegian Aura will offer cruises in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean starting in mid-2027.

Cruise Industry News takes a closer look at the inaugural deployment of the new vessel, which is currently being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.

Inaugural Cruise in the Mediterranean
Dates: May 21, 2027
Length: 7 nights
Homeports: Trieste (Italy) to Barcelona (Spain)
Itinerary: Valletta (Malta); Salerno and Civitavecchia (Italy)

The Norwegian Aura will make its debut in the Mediterranean as part of a seven-night cruise departing from the Italian port of Trieste.

Sailing to Barcelona, the open-jaw itinerary features visits to destinations in Italy, Spain and Malta, such as Valletta, Salerno and Civitavecchia.

First Trans-Atlantic Crossing
Date: May 28, 2027
Length: 13 nights
Homeports: Barcelona (Spain) to Miami (United States)
Itinerary: Gibraltar (United Kingdom); Motril and Cádiz (Spain)

Following its inaugural cruise in the Mediterranean, the Norwegian Aura kicks off a trans-Atlantic cruise to Miami.

The 13-night cruise sails to three ports before crossing the Atlantic: Cádiz, Motril and Gibraltar. The itinerary also includes eight days of cruising.

U.S. Debut
Date: June 14, 2027
Length: 5 nights
Homeport: Miami (United States)
Itinerary: Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic); and Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas)

For its U.S. debut, the Prima Plus-class ship offers a short cruise to the Bahamas and the Caribbean sailing from PortMiami.

In addition to a day at sea, the five-night itinerary features visits to Puerto Plata and Norwegian’s private island destination of Great Stirrup Cay.

Eastern Caribbean
Date: Weekly departures starting on June 19, 2027
Length: 8 nights
Homeport: Miami (United States)
Itinerary: Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic); St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands); Tortola (British Virgin Islands); Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas)

After its first short cruise, the Norwegian Aura kicks off a series of regular seven-night cruises to the Eastern Caribbean for the summer of 2027.

Sailing from PortMiami every Saturday, the ship offers an itinerary that features visits to Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola and Great Stirrup Cay.

Western Caribbean
Date: Weekly departures starting on October 30, 2027
Length: 7 nights
Homeport: Miami (United States)
Itinerary: Roatán (Honduras); Harvest Caye (Belize); Costa Maya and Cozumel (Mexico)

The new ship will move to the Western Caribbean for the 2027-28 season, offering weeklong cruises to the region starting in late October.

Also sailing from Miami, the itineraries include visits to Honduras, Belize and Mexico with planned stops at Roatán, Harvest Caye, Costa Maya and Cozumel.