Norwegian Cruise Line just opened bookings for its largest ship to date. Norwegian Aura will homeport in Miami starting June 2027, following a European debut that spring. At nearly 1,130 feet long, she’s about 10% bigger than 2025’s Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.

That extra size clearly went somewhere fun. Aura will carry 3,840 lower berths across 1,976 staterooms, ranging from cozy studios to full suites. The ship represents Norwegian’s biggest Prima-Plus class vessel yet.

The showstopper: Ocean Heights

Spanning decks 18 through 21, Ocean Heights is Norwegian’s most ambitious top-deck complex ever. It features five waterslides, more than any other ship in the fleet. That includes Eclipse Racers, a first-of-its-kind dueling mat racer slide.

There’s also Aura Free Fall, a straight-down drop slide not for the faint of heart. The Wave brings a lotus-style slide experience, while The Drop offers a ten-deck dry slide for thrill-seekers. An 82-foot ropes course and 25-foot rock climbing wall round out the adrenaline options.

Plenty for the less daring, too

Not every guest wants to freefall down a slide, and Norwegian clearly planned for that. Ocean Heights also includes carnival-style games, a mini-golf course, and a dedicated bar. The pool deck itself is 20% larger than on Aqua and Luna, with more seating and an infinity hot tub.

Suite lovers get a serious upgrade, too. The Haven by Norwegian includes 159 staterooms, a 30% jump in suites compared to previous Prima-class ships. It’s the most Haven suites Norwegian has ever offered on a single vessel.

What this means for your next Caribbean cruise

Once homeported in Miami, Aura will sail seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries through October. Winter months shift to seven-day Western Caribbean routes instead. That gives American cruisers year-round access to Norwegian’s newest flagship.

Bookings are open now, well ahead of the 2027 launch. If waterslides and suite upgrades matter to your next vacation, this ship is worth watching closely.