Fincantieri Monfalcone launches Norwegian Aura

Photo: Fincantieri

Fincantieri and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) have celebrated the launch of Norwegian Aura at the Monfalcone shipyard, marking the transition to the final outfitting and interior finishing phase of the vessel which is scheduled for delivery in spring 2027.

The launch ceremony was attended by Andrea Marongiu, senior director of newbuilding project owner at NCL and Cristiano Bazzara, director of the Monfalcone shipyard.

The ceremony was also attended by students from local technical institutes and higher technical institutes (ITS), highlighting Fincantieri’s commitment to strengthening the link between education and industry. The Group collaborates with numerous high schools and ITS aademies at a national level, contributing to the development of specialized technical skills for the shipbuilding sector and supporting the career orientation and integration of young people into the workforce.

With a gross tonnage of approximately 170,000 tons and a length of 344 meters, Norwegian Aura is 10% larger than the previous Prima Plus Class vessels, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, and the first NCL ship to be built at the Monfalcone shipyard. The ship features 1,976 cabins and can accommodate approximately 3,880 guests. Distinctive project elements include a large water park with the most slides of any NCL ship, a rope course, a vertical climbing wall, and the Ocean Boulevard, NCL’s 360-degree outdoor promenade.

The construction of Norwegian Aura is part of the long-running partnership between Fincantieri and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), further strengthened by a recent order of three additional cruise ships, one for each of the company’s three brands, NCL, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, bringing the total number of vessels up to 16 with scheduled deliveries through 2037.

The Monfalcone shipyard is a center of excellence for the construction of next-generation cruise ships. As the production heart of Fincantieri in this segment, it has delivered over 40 cruise ships and continues to build increasingly advanced vessels. Approximately 6,500 people work on site, within a supply chain generating over 23,000 total jobs.