Norwegian Cruise Line Expands Fleet Development with Norwegian Aura Launch and Ongoing Partnership with Fincantieri

Norwegian Cruise Line Expands Fleet Development with Norwegian Aura Launch and Ongoing Partnership with Fincantieri

(IN BRIEF) Fincantieri and Norwegian Cruise Line have celebrated the launch of Norwegian Aura at the Monfalcone shipyard, marking the ship’s progression into its final construction phase ahead of delivery in spring 2027. The vessel, larger than previous Prima Plus Class ships, will feature nearly 2,000 cabins and accommodate close to 3,900 guests, with a range of onboard attractions including a water park and outdoor promenade. The project is part of a broader strategic partnership between Fincantieri and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which includes multiple future ship orders through 2037. The launch also highlights the importance of the Monfalcone shipyard as a key hub for advanced cruise ship construction and its role in supporting employment and technical skill development.

(PRESS RELEASE) TRIESTE, 17-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Fincantieri and Norwegian Cruise Line have marked a key milestone in the construction of the cruise ship Norwegian Aura with its official launch at the Monfalcone shipyard. The event signals the vessel’s transition into the final phase of outfitting and interior completion, with delivery planned for spring 2027.

The launch ceremony was attended by Andrea Marongiu, Senior Director of Newbuilding Project Owner at Norwegian Cruise Line, and Cristiano Bazzara, Director of the Monfalcone shipyard. Students from local technical institutes and higher technical education programs also participated, reflecting Fincantieri’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between industry and education and to support the development of future technical talent.

Norwegian Aura represents a significant addition to Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet. With a gross tonnage of approximately 170,000 tons and a length of 344 meters, the vessel is around 10% larger than its predecessors, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, part of the Prima Plus Class. It is also the first ship for the brand to be constructed at the Monfalcone facility.

The ship will feature 1,976 cabins and is designed to accommodate around 3,880 passengers. Among its key highlights are an expansive water park with the highest number of slides across the fleet, a rope course, a vertical climbing wall, and the Ocean Boulevard, a 360-degree outdoor promenade offering panoramic sea views and open-air experiences.

The development of Norwegian Aura is part of the long-standing partnership between Fincantieri and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.. This collaboration has recently been extended through an order for three additional vessels, one for each of the group’s brands—Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises—bringing the total number of ships under construction or on order to 16, with deliveries scheduled through 2037.

This partnership has played a central role in advancing the company’s fleet strategy, supporting the introduction of innovative ship designs and continuously improving onboard experiences, operational efficiency, and construction quality.

The Monfalcone shipyard continues to play a pivotal role in Fincantieri’s cruise ship production, having delivered more than 40 vessels to date. The site remains a center of excellence for next-generation shipbuilding, supported by ongoing infrastructure investments and a strong focus on safety and workforce well-being. Approximately 6,500 people are employed at the facility, with the broader supply chain supporting over 23,000 jobs.

Fincantieri is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups, the only player active in all high complexity marine industry sectors. The Group is a leader in the construction of cruise ships, naval and offshore vessels, and stands out for its extensive experience in the development of underwater solutions, thanks to its integrated industrial structure capable of managing and coordinating all activities related to the commercial, defense, and dual-use sectors. It holds a strong presence in key markets also thanks to the internalization of high value added, distinctive technologies; it is also a leader in sustainable innovation and in the digital transformation of the shipbuilding sector. The company is active in the field of mechatronics, electronics, and digital naval systems, as well as in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and marine interiors solutions. It also offers a wide range of after-sales services, including logistic support and fleet assistance. With over 230 years of history and more than 7,000 ships built, Fincantieri is a global player with a production network of 18 shipyards worldwide and over 24,000 employees; It maintains its know-how, expertise and management centers in Italy, where it directly employs approximately 13,000 workers and creates around 90,000 indirect jobs.

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SOURCE: FINCANTIERI