Norwegian Cruise Line got ahold of its newest ship at a ceremony in Italy on Thursday ahead of its transatlantic crossing to Miami.
The Norwegian Luna became the 21st ship in NCL’s fleet, a sister to the Norwegian Aqua that arrived in 2025.
The sister ships are larger versions of the Prima class of vessels known as Prima Plus, 10% bigger than 2022’s Prima and 2023’s Viva. They come in at 1,056 feet long, 156,000 gross tons and a 3,565-passenger capacity based on double occupancy.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Luna performs sea trials in the Adriatic Sea before its delivery on March 5, 2026 to the cruise line back at the Fincantieri shipyards in Marghera, Italy. (Courtesy/Fincantieri)
Luna and Aqua are still smaller than the line’s popular Breakaway Plus class ships Escape, Joy, Bliss and Encore.
Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri delivered the vessel Thursday at its shipyard in Marghera, Italy.
The ship has 1,809 staterooms, 17 dining options and 18 bars and lounges.
“This ship represents the continued evolution of our vision and the incredible work behind an award-winning class of ships,” said NCL President Marc Kazlauskas in a press release. “We are deeply appreciative of the world-class architects and designers, as well as our talented partners at Fincantieri who brought Norwegian Luna to life.”
The Aqua Slidecoaster is part roller coaster, part water slide offering a thrilling, wet option on board Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Norwegian Aqua. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)
Returning on Luna is one of the most popular rides on any NCL ship — the Aqua Slidecoaster, a hybrid rollercoaster and water slide touted as the fasted and longest such ride at sea.
It features dual slides with a magnetic lift that propels riders up quickly before venturing on one of two courses, each descending three decks on a twisting path that travels around the ship’s funnel.
Luna also will have an outdoor, amusement-park style area with carnival-inspired games called the Luna Midway. Also on board will be a multi-level obstacle course, the Luna Game Zone interactive plays space and the Glow Court, a high-tech sports and club activity venue with an interactive LED floor. It will also feature a 10-deck free-fall slide called The Drop.
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Unique to the ship is main theater show “Elton: A Celebration of Elton John” along with a multimedia performance with cirque-style acrobatics and contemporary dance called “HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder.”
Fans of The Eagles can enjoy a tribute show in the Syd Norman’s Pour House venue.
Just like all Prima Class ships, the design features a wrap-around deck anchored by the Indulge Food Hall, which is a popular, free alternative to the buffet that lets diners order from among nine global cuisines including barbecue, Indian, noodles and plant-based options.
Also on board are extra-cost options such as French restaurant Le Bistro, Thai option Sukhothai that debuted on Aqua, Cagney’s Steakhouse and Italian venue Onda by Scarpeta.
The ship’s name is well represented by its artwork, including the hull design titled “La Luna” from street artist ELLE, who is now based in Napa, California but gained fame first in New York.
The bow features a massive full moon while moonbeams, clouds, birds and signs of the Zodiac branch out across the entire length of the side of the ship.
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“When people are getting on Norwegian Luna, they’re embarking on a voyage, and I wanted the ship’s artwork to reflect this. I wanted it to be an epic voyage on the side, an adventure,” she said. “It’s been an incredible experience crafting this piece and knowing my 1,056-foot piece of artwork will sail across the seas, traveling the globe for all to see.”
The ship will arrive to PortMiami on March 23 with a christening sailing on March 27. Afterward, it’s tapped to sail three- and four-night Bahamas voyages as well as seven-night Caribbean itineraries.
Trips include visits to NCL’s upgraded Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, which recently saw the completion of a new pier so ships no longer have to tender passengers to the island. The private destination also added a massive pool and other amenities, and will in summer welcome the opening of the 19-slide Great Tides Waterpark.