You read it here first! Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced the latest addition to its fleet: the all-new Norwegian Luna, at an exclusive media and partners dinner in Venice, Italy.

• This state-of-the-art vessel is set to debut in March 2026, offering seven-day Caribbean voyages from Miami, the cruise capital of the world.
• A sister ship to the forthcoming Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Luna promises a fresh and exciting experience for guests.
• The ship will combine cutting-edge technology with luxurious accommodations and a plethora of onboard activities.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

The Sandton Times joined media and NCL partners from around the globe at an exclusive dinner in Venice, Italy ahead of a behind-the-scenes tour of the Norwegian Aqua under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard.

This Prima Plus Class ship is slightly larger than its predecessors, boasting a 10% increase in size and capacity compared to Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. With a length of 1056 feet and a gross tonnage of 156’300, Norwegian Luna can accommodate approximately 3550 guests at double occupancy, ensuring plenty of space.

The ship’s visually striking hull art is designed by ELLE, a renowned street artist with collaborations with major brands like Nike, Reebok, and Ralph Lauren. Titled La Luna, the artwork explores humanity’s connection with the moon and the ocean’s tides, symbolizing the ebb and flow of life. For ELLE, this collaboration is especially meaningful.

The celestial design will serve as a beacon of exploration and wonder, setting the tone for the unforgettable experiences that await aboard Norwegian Luna. With construction well underway, NCL’s Norwegian Luna will be crafted to enhance every phase of the vacation experience. Whether basking in the sun on the wide-open Infinity Beach or enjoying a moonlit stroll on Ocean Boulevard, the ship’s design is meant to encourage relaxation and adventure. The innovative Aqua Slidecoaster—a hybrid waterslide and rollercoaster that will debut on Norwegian Aqua—offers exhilarating thrills for adventure seekers, while the ship’s Oceanview and Balcony Staterooms provide the perfect retreat when it’s time to unwind.

Beginning its inaugural season in the Caribbean, Norwegian Luna will offer two distinct western itineraries. Guests can explore Roatan Island in Honduras, the stunning shores of Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, and the tropical paradise of Harvest Caye in Belize, a resort-style destination owned by NCL. Later in the season, the ship will embark on seven-day voyages to the Eastern Caribbean, with stops in Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Tortola (British Virgin Islands), St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas. By late 2025, a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay will allow for even more convenient access to this private island experience.

For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, Norwegian Luna will offer the Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites, a new addition to The Haven by Norwegian experience. These expansive, two-story suites will include separate living and dining areas, three bathrooms, a balcony, and three bedrooms—perfect for families or groups looking for extra space and privacy. Haven guests will also enjoy 24-hour butler service, a dedicated concierge team, and access to exclusive amenities like a private sundeck, infinity pool, outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room, and a bar serving rare spirits.

For those looking for adventure, the ship’s Glow Court will transform from a digital sports complex by day to a nightclub by night, offering interactive activities and dance parties for guests of all ages. For guests seeking more laid-back entertainment, The Stadium will provide complimentary activities in an outdoor setting, while The Drop, NCL’s signature 10-story free-fall slide, will get your heart racing as you plunge down the side of the ship. Meanwhile, adults will be able to relax in style at the Vibe Beach Club, an adults-only lounge offering open-air sunbathing and ocean views.

The culinary and nightlife experiences aboard Norwegian Luna are also designed to impress. The ship will feature the debut of Sukhothai, a Thai specialty restaurant offering an eclectic menu of traditional and creative dishes. Guests will also be able to indulge in global flavours at the Indulge Food Hall, with ten unique eateries including the plant-based Planterie. Signature venues like Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro, and Onda by Scarpetta will also make a return, ensuring guests have a wide range of dining options.

For those in the mood for a drink, Norwegian Luna will boast several standout bars and lounges. The Whiskey Bar and Belvedere Bar will offer handcrafted cocktails, while the award-winning Metropolitan Bar will serve up NCL’s renowned Sail & Sustain cocktails, which were awarded “Best Beverage Menu” at the 2024 Vibe Vista Awards.

Norwegian Luna will also offer a stellar line-up of entertainment options, including exclusive shows developed in-house by NCL’s Creative Studios. Guests can look forward to Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, a high-energy tribute show honouring the music icon, featuring his chart-topping hits like ‘Purple Rain’ and ‘Let’s Go Crazy’. Another fan-favourite production, Elements: The World Expanded, will blend acrobatics, magic, and the natural elements of earth, wind, water, and fire in a visually stunning performance.

For guests looking for a more interactive experience, The Improv at Sea comedy club will provide plenty of laughs, while the Syd Norman’s Presents: Rumours tribute show to Fleetwood Mac will get everyone singing along to classic rock anthems.

As Norwegian Luna prepares to set sail in 2026, Norwegian Luna is poised to shine as a beacon of adventure, relaxation, and entertainment on the high seas. Whether you’re seeking thrills or tranquillity, this ship has something for everyone ensuring that a ‘once in a blue moon’ experience happens more often than you’d expect.

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