Norwegian Aura

    Norwegian Cruise Line

    Norwegian Aura

    Norwegian Getaway

    Norwegian Cruise Line

    Norwegian Getaway

    vs

    Ship Comparison

    Norwegian Aura vs Norwegian Getaway

    Norwegian Aura offers cutting-edge family thrills and an expanded luxury Haven, while Norwegian Getaway delivers a vibrant, Miami-themed experience with diverse dining and lively entertainment.

    The verdict

    Norwegian Aura, launching in 2027, is poised to redefine NCL's Prima Plus class with its focus on innovative outdoor activities and a significantly enlarged 'The Haven' complex. It's designed for guests seeking the very latest in cruise ship entertainment and a fresh, modern ambiance. Norwegian Getaway, refurbished in 2024, is a well-established Breakaway-class vessel that brings a lively, social atmosphere inspired by Miami's South Beach, offering a broad spectrum of dining and entertainment that caters to a wide audience. Choosing between them comes down to whether you prioritize the newest innovations and expanded luxury or a proven, vibrant experience with a distinct thematic flair.

    Choose Norwegian Aura if…

    Norwegian Aura is ideal for families with active children and teens who crave the newest, most exhilarating onboard experiences, as well as luxury seekers looking for an expansive, private retreat within a large ship. Those who appreciate cutting-edge design and a fresh cruise environment will find it particularly appealing.

    Best for

    • Families seeking the newest and most thrilling water slides and adventure parks at sea.
    • Luxury travelers desiring an expansive and exclusive 'ship-within-a-ship' experience in The Haven.
    • Guests who prioritize modern design, innovative features, and a fresh, contemporary cruise atmosphere.
    • Those who enjoy abundant outdoor spaces and activities that connect them with the ocean.

    Avoid if

    • You prefer an established ship with fully proven operational features and entertainment.
    • You seek absolute quiet and solitude in all public outdoor areas, as lively zones are prominent.
    • You are highly budget-conscious, as the enhanced luxury and new features may come at a premium.
    • You prefer smaller, more intimate cruise experiences over large, activity-packed vessels.

    Choose Norwegian Getaway if…

    Norwegian Getaway suits travelers who enjoy a lively, social atmosphere with a distinct Miami theme, offering a wide variety of dining options and vibrant nightlife. It's also a strong contender for active families and couples who appreciate a robust selection of entertainment and outdoor activities on a recently refreshed ship.

    Best for

    • Travelers who enjoy a vibrant, social atmosphere with a distinct Miami theme.
    • Foodies looking for a wide array of diverse dining options, both complimentary and specialty.
    • Guests seeking lively nightlife, live music, comedy, and themed dance parties.
    • Active families and adventurers who appreciate a large sports complex and multiple waterslides.

    Avoid if

    • You are highly sensitive to smoke, which can sometimes drift from the casino to adjacent areas.
    • You prefer a guaranteed consistent dining quality across all venues, as it can vary.
    • You desire a quiet, dedicated jogging track, as Getaway's is in a high-traffic area.
    • You prefer kids' clubs with outdoor access, as Splash Academy is entirely enclosed.

    Overall Vibe

    Norwegian Aura

    Norwegian Aura, setting sail in 2027, embodies the next generation of cruising as Norwegian Cruise Line's largest and longest Prima Plus class ship. With 17 decks, its design prioritizes open-air spaces and a seamless flow from high-energy thrills to tranquil relaxation. The overall atmosphere promises modernity and innovation, featuring first-in-fleet attractions and an emphasis on connecting guests with the sea. It's being built to offer a fresh, contemporary experience, appealing to those who seek the very latest in ship design and onboard offerings.

    Norwegian Getaway

    Norwegian Getaway, launched in 2014 and most recently refurbished in 2024, carries a distinctive Miami-themed vibe, reflected in its hull art and many public spaces. This 146,600-ton Breakaway-class ship, spanning 18 decks, offers a lively and social environment. It balances action-packed activities with relaxed outdoor areas like The Waterfront, providing a well-rounded experience. The recent refurbishment ensures that while it’s an established ship, it maintains a fresh and inviting feel, appealing to guests who enjoy a vibrant, resort-style cruise.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Norwegian Aura

    Norwegian Aura is designed for a high-energy, family-friendly crowd, accommodating up to 3,835 guests. The atmosphere is expected to be bustling and activity-rich, particularly around the innovative Ocean Heights complex and the expansive pool decks. Despite its size, the ship thoughtfully includes dedicated adult-only retreats like the Vibe Beach Club and the exclusive 'The Haven' complex, offering quieter enclaves for those seeking serenity. With a crew of 1,400, the ship aims to provide attentive service even amidst the lively pace, catering to diverse preferences.

    Norwegian Getaway

    Norwegian Getaway fosters a lively and social atmosphere, appealing to a diverse mix of 3,969 guests, including couples, families, and friends. The ship’s Miami-inspired flair creates a vibrant backdrop for interaction and celebration, particularly in areas like The Waterfront and Spice H2O. With 1,640 crew members, the service aims to be responsive to a busy environment, ensuring guests feel well-cared for. While energetic, there are also adults-only spaces like the Vibe Beach Club for those desiring a more relaxed, yet still social, experience away from the main family zones.

    Dining

    Norwegian Aura

    Norwegian Aura will introduce new specialty dining experiences, including Sukhothai for Thai cuisine, and an expanded Food Hall featuring a dedicated 'Planterie' for plant-based options. Guests can also look forward to NCL favorites like Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro for French fare, and Onda by Scarpetta for Italian-influenced dishes. While specific complimentary main dining room names aren't detailed, the focus is on a diverse culinary journey, with innovative choices to complement the classic offerings, ensuring fresh and varied meals throughout the cruise.

    Norwegian Getaway

    Norwegian Getaway offers an extensive array of 20 dining options, catering to various palates. Complimentary choices include the main dining rooms Savor, Taste, and The Manhattan Room, alongside the Garden Café buffet, O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill for comfort food, Shanghai's Noodle Bar, and the American Diner. Specialty restaurants, available for an additional cost, span from Cagney's Steakhouse and Le Bistro to La Cucina, Ocean Blue, Teppanyaki, Moderno Churrascaria, Wasabi, and The Raw Bar. The ship also features Starbucks, The Bake Shop, and Dolce Gelato for casual treats, providing a comprehensive culinary landscape.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Norwegian Aura

    Norwegian Aura is set to be a hub of thrilling entertainment, featuring the first-in-fleet Ocean Heights complex, a multi-level activity zone with waterslides like Eclipse Racers and Aura Free Fall, plus a ropes course and rock climbing wall. Families will appreciate the Kids Aqua Park, Little Explorer's Cove, Adventure Alley, and Teen Hangout. For adults, the expanded Vibe Beach Club offers a sophisticated retreat, while the Ocean Boulevard provides an open-air promenade with various venues. The ship is designed for active engagement and immersive experiences, transforming from day to night with dynamic lighting.

    Norwegian Getaway

    Norwegian Getaway boasts a diverse entertainment lineup, from the high-energy Aqua Park with five waterslides including Free Fall and The Whip, to the expansive Sports Complex featuring a ropes course and basketball court. Nightlife is vibrant with over a dozen bars, including the unique Skyy® Vodka Ice Bar and the lively Syd Norman’s Pour House for live rock performances. Guests can enjoy comedy at Headliners Comedy Club, dueling pianos at Howl at the Moon, or dance the night away at Bliss Ultra Lounge and Spice H2O, which also hosts themed parties. The Getaway Theatre presents a variety of shows, ensuring options for every evening.

    Cabins & Suites

    Norwegian Aura

    Norwegian Aura will offer 1,977 cabins, from solo studios to expansive suites. A significant highlight is 'The Haven by Norwegian,' NCL's exclusive ship-within-a-ship complex, which will feature 159 suites – 30% more than previous Prima Plus class ships. Haven guests enjoy butler and concierge service, along with access to a private sundeck and infinity pool. The suite categories range from Premier Owner's Suites to Family Villas and Penthouses, providing luxurious, spacious accommodations. Standard cabins include various Club Balcony, Balcony, Oceanview, and Inside options, many with connecting room flexibility for families.

    Norwegian Getaway

    Norwegian Getaway provides 2,012 cabins, featuring modern decor with cheerful accents. Standard cabins include Interior, Oceanview (some with picture windows), and Balcony options, many designed for families with extra bedding. Solo travelers are well-catered for with 99 sq ft Solo Studios, offering keycard access to an exclusive Studio Lounge. The ship also features a comprehensive 'The Haven' complex, with Deluxe Owner's Suites, Family Villas, and Penthouses, all offering premium amenities like butler and concierge service, private balconies, and access to The Haven Restaurant and Courtyard area. Spa Balcony and Spa Mini-Suites on Deck 14 provide tranquil decor and complimentary Thermal Spa Suite access.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Norwegian Aura

    Norwegian Aura is set to offer a refined level of service, particularly within 'The Haven,' where guests benefit from 24-hour butler and concierge services, ensuring a truly Personalized experience. Across the ship, the modern design and innovative features are complemented by a crew dedicated to facilitating a dynamic yet comfortable journey. The emphasis is on a contemporary, intuitive onboard style that integrates seamlessly with the ship's cutting-edge attractions and diverse offerings, aiming for a fresh take on NCL's Freestyle Cruising philosophy.

    Norwegian Getaway

    Norwegian Getaway operates with NCL's renowned Freestyle Cruising philosophy, offering flexibility and choice in dining and activities. The service, supported by 1,640 crew, is generally attentive and efficient, aiming to create a relaxed atmosphere. For guests in 'The Haven' suites, a heightened level of service is provided with 24-hour butler and concierge assistance, along with exclusive amenities. The overall onboard style embraces its Miami theme, creating a vibrant, social, and often energetic environment, while still providing corners for a more subdued experience, reflecting a well-established and polished approach to cruising.

    Best Itineraries

    Norwegian Aura

    As a brand-new ship launching in 2027, Norwegian Aura is expected to embark on diverse inaugural itineraries, likely focusing on popular regions. Its design, with expansive outdoor spaces and a strong emphasis on water-based activities, makes it particularly well-suited for warm-weather destinations. The ship's enrichment offerings highlight visits to Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island in The Bahamas, suggesting a strong presence in Caribbean cruises where guests can enjoy the enhanced private island experience and its new Great Tides Waterpark.

    Norwegian Getaway

    Norwegian Getaway is well-suited for a variety of itineraries, particularly those in warm climates that capitalize on its extensive outdoor spaces like The Waterfront and Aqua Park. The ship frequently sails to the Caribbean, Bermuda, and offers journeys to Canada and New England. Guests can also enjoy convenient weekend cruises through the Caribbean, perfect for shorter escapes. Its offerings, including access to NCL's private island, Great Stirrup Cay, align perfectly with destinations that encourage outdoor relaxation and activity, making it a fitting choice for sun-drenched explorations.

    What reviewers say

    Norwegian Aura

    Norwegian Aura, launching in 2027, is set to be Norwegian Cruise Line's largest and longest Prima Plus class ship, introducing new-to-brand features. It promises an abundance of thrilling activities, boasting more waterslides than any other NCL vessel, alongside expanded signature spaces.

    Norwegian Getaway

    4.5/5

    Norwegian Getaway offers an abundance of dining and entertainment options with a Miami flair. While fees add up for wow-factor experiences, the ship makes the most of outdoor spaces like the Waterfront with its South Beach vibe.

    Itineraries to compare

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    Norwegian Aura

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