First look at new dining and wellness experiences on NCL’s largest cruise ship

An Indian speciality restaurant and a state-of-the-art spa are among the new features coming to Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) next Prima Plus class cruise ship.

The new vessel, Norwegian Aura, is currently being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and will be a sister ship to Aqua and Luna.

Launching in May 2027, it will be the largest in the fleet at 168,000 gross tonnes, with capacity for 3,840 guests.

This will provide room for a larger pool area and a three-deck “Ocean Heights” activity zone, featuring duelling mat racer waterslides that stretch more than 400 feet.

NCL is also well-known for its flexible and unique dining options.

Passengers will be able to choose from 22 places to eat and drink on board, up from 17 on its sister ships.

Here is what guests can expect on the new ship.

Culinary choice

NCL doesn’t have dining times but has lots of choice when it comes to food.

Norwegian Aura’s 22 food and beverage options will span more than 10 distinct cuisines.

This includes a new speciality restaurant dedicated to Indian cuisine called Tamara.

Inspired by the popularity of the Indian offerings introduced at the Indulge Food Halls on Aqua and Luna, the new venue offers a dedicated menu in a setting inspired by the architecture and craftsmanship of North Indian temples and courtyards.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed.

Also new to Norwegian Aura is the Panorama Room, an immersive complimentary dining experience featuring LED displays, multi-channel audio, synchronised lighting and visuals that change throughout the day.

The aim is to transport guests through ever-changing landscapes, artwork and scenic environments as they dine.

The complimentary Indulge Food Hall, where food is ordered via a tablet to the table, features nine cuisines.

NCL said its popular Surfside Cafe will also be bigger, spanning both sides of the ship for the first time.

Expanded spa

Passengers will be able to purchases passes for the Rockwell Group-designed two-deck Mandara Spa.

It features a thermal suite with 15 wellness amenities, including a sensory rain pool that transforms from calm waters to a tropical rainfall and a dramatic thunderstorm, complete with simulated lightning effects and the sounds of rolling thunder.

You can also relax in the foot spa, saunas, hot and cold plunge pools and the ice-filled snow cave.

Marc Kazlauskas, president of NCL, said: “Norwegian Aura is all about giving guests more of what they love, with spaces and experiences that make vacation feel even easier.

“Every addition has been purposefully designed to give guests more freedom, choice and opportunities to relax, recharge and enjoy their vacation their way, without compromise.”

Read more: The new cruise ships coming to Norwegian