NCL Takes Delivery of Florida-Bound Norwegian Luna Cruise Ship

The newest addition to NCL's fleet will sail Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries from Miami.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Norwegian Cruise Line has taken delivery of its newest ship, the Norwegian Luna, at a ceremony in Italy. The 156,000-gross-ton vessel is a sister ship to the Norwegian Aqua and features a variety of new attractions, including the Aqua Slidecoaster, a hybrid rollercoaster and water slide, as well as the Luna Midway outdoor amusement park area. The ship will arrive in Miami on March 23 and begin sailing three- and four-night Bahamas voyages as well as seven-night Caribbean itineraries, including visits to NCL's upgraded private island, Great Stirrup Cay.

Why it matters

The arrival of the Norwegian Luna represents the continued growth and evolution of Norwegian Cruise Line's fleet, as the company looks to offer new and innovative experiences for its passengers. The ship's unique features, such as the Aqua Slidecoaster and Luna Midway, are expected to be a major draw for cruisers, particularly families, and could help NCL maintain its competitive edge in the crowded cruise market.

The details

The Norwegian Luna is a sister ship to the Norwegian Aqua, and is part of NCL's Prima Plus class of vessels, which are 10% larger than the original Prima class. The ship measures 1,056 feet long, 156,000 gross tons, and has a passenger capacity of 3,565 based on double occupancy. It features 1,809 staterooms, 17 dining options, and 18 bars and lounges. In addition to the Aqua Slidecoaster and Luna Midway, the ship will also have a multi-level obstacle course, the Luna Game Zone interactive play space, and the Glow Court, a high-tech sports and club activity venue with an interactive LED floor. The ship's main theater will feature a show celebrating the music of Elton John, as well as a cirque-style acrobatic and contemporary dance performance.

  • The Norwegian Luna was delivered to NCL on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at a ceremony in Marghera, Italy.
  • The ship is scheduled to arrive at PortMiami on March 23, 2026.
  • The ship's christening sailing is scheduled for March 27, 2026.

The players

Norwegian Cruise Line

An American cruise line and a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., one of the largest cruise companies in the world.

Marc Kazlauskas

The president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

ELLE

A street artist based in Napa, California who designed the hull artwork for the Norwegian Luna, titled "La Luna".

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What they’re saying

“This ship represents the continued evolution of our vision and the incredible work behind an award-winning class of ships. 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.”

— Marc Kazlauskas, President, Norwegian Cruise Line (Press Release)

“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. 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.”

— ELLE (sun-sentinel.com)

What’s next

The Norwegian Luna is scheduled to arrive at PortMiami on March 23, 2026, with its christening sailing set for March 27, 2026. After that, the ship will begin sailing three- and four-night Bahamas voyages as well as seven-night Caribbean itineraries.

The takeaway

The arrival of the Norwegian Luna represents Norwegian Cruise Line's continued investment in innovative and family-friendly cruise experiences. With its unique attractions like the Aqua Slidecoaster and Luna Midway, the ship is poised to attract a wide range of cruisers and help NCL maintain its competitive edge in the industry.