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Two mega cruise ships are set to be completed earlier than scheduled next year, giving guests a chance to climb aboard even earlier.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) new cruise ship Aura and Royal Caribbean’s Hero of the Seas have both added new itineraries for guests as the vessels are now due to be ready sooner than expected.
Norwegian Aura will enter service 19 days earlier next year on 2 May 2027 with two new inaugural Mediterranean sailings.
These include a 10-day voyage from Trieste, Italy, to Athens Greece departing on 2 May followed by a 10-day itinerary that visits Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia, Bar in Montenegro; and Corfu, Santorini and Mykonos, Greece.
Norwegian Aura will be NCL’s largest and longest ship to date at nearly 1,130 feet and approximately 170,000 gross tons.
The ship will be 10% larger than its sister ships in the Prima Plus class, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.
Read more: I sailed on the new Norwegian Luna, it was out of this world
New features include Ocean Heights, a first-in-the-fleet outdoor activities complex spanning decks 18 to 21 and Eclipse Racers, NCL’s first mat racer waterslides.
The ship is also working on an exclusive Whitney Houston tribute theatre show.
Prices for the first sailing start from £2,561 per person.
Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said: “The early delivery of Norwegian Aura allows us to welcome guests aboard sooner than expected and begin creating unforgettable vacation experiences earlier than planned.
“As our largest and most innovative ship yet, Norwegian Aura was designed to bring families and travellers of every generation together, with more freedom, choice and ways to enjoy their ideal vacation so no one has to compromise on their experience.
“We’re thrilled to open these inaugural Mediterranean sailings and look forward to welcoming our first guests aboard and introducing them to the ship’s new entertainment, dining, wellness and innovative family-friendly experiences.”
Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean’s Hero of the Seas will now launch 10 days earlier on 2 August 2027 with a seven-night Caribbean cruise. Prices start from £1,667 per person.
Launching in Miami, Hero of the Seas will be the fourth Icon class vessel in the fleet.
She will join Icon, Star and Legend of the Seas.
Like her sister ships, the vessel will feature one of the largest waterparks at sea and 28 dining spots across eight neighbourhoods, including Central Park deck and the family-focused Surfside area.
New features on Hero of the Seas will include the Orleans Parish Supper Club, the first funnel raft slide at sea, and a three-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse suite.
The ship will also feature an exclusive SpongeBob The Musical theatre show.
Read more: The best new cruise ships launching in 2027 and beyond