Norwegian Aura to Feature Specialty Indian Restaurant, Largest Spa Thermal Suite at Sea

Norwegian Aura will be filled with new and returning dining options for passengers when she debuts in May 2027, not to mention the most expansive spa thermal suite in the entire cruise industry!

Norwegian Aura is Norwegian Cruise Line’s upcoming Prima Plus class ship, which follows Norwegian Aqua (2025) and Norwegian Luna (2026) in this class. The Prima Plus class builds on the slightly smaller Prima class, which consists of Norwegian Prima (2022) and Norwegian Viva (2023).

New and Returning Dining Options

Tamara

Norwegian Aura‘s culinary program includes 22 food and beverage options. Making its debut aboard Aura, Tamara will become NCL’s first specialty restaurant dedicated to Indian cuisine.

Inspired by the popularity of the Indian offerings at Indulge Food Hall on the other Prima class ships, the new venue elevates those flavors into a dedicated dining experience. Tamara will offer authentic regional dishes in a sophisticated setting inspired by the architecture of North Indian temples and courtyards. Located on deck 8, Tamara’s design incorporates warm earth tones, intricate detailing, and an open-view kitchen anchored by tandoor ovens.

Dishes will include Short-Rib Dosa, a crisp rice-lentil crepe with tomato sambar, fenugreek, and coconut chutney; Lamb Biryani, with basmati rice, warm spices and caramelized onions; and a Green Papaya Salad, tossed table-side with pomegranate, tamarind, peanuts, jaggery, and chili.

Main Dining

Also new to Norwegian Aura is The Panorama Room, a reimagined complimentary dining experience that transforms traditional main dining through expansive LED displays, multi-channel audio, synchronized lighting, and dynamic visuals that evolve throughout the day and evening. Together, this technology transports diners through ever-changing landscapes, artwork, and scenic environments as they dine.

Additionally, Hudson’s, the signature main dining room known for its ocean views, will debut an elevated new design.

Newly-Designed Favorites

Beyond new concepts, the restaurants aboard Aura have been reconfigured for more comfort, easier access between venues, and to create additional seating in some of the most popular restaurants.

• Le Bistro, the French restaurant, features a new design with uninterrupted ocean views
• Sukhothai, the Thai venue, showcases a refreshed design that celebrates the culture, craftsmanship, and flavors of Thailand
• Palomar, the Mediterranean restaurant, and Onda by Scarpetta, an Italian venue, will be located on deck 8, benefitting from expanded seating and a new aesthetic
• Cagney’s Steakhouse will also be redesigned, pairing rich and dark colors with the classic atmosphere of a modern steakhouse
• Hasuki hibachi and Nama sushi will return with new décor and a lighter color palette
• The Surfside Café buffet will be expanded to both sides of the ship
• Indulge Food Hall will return with nine globally-inspired stations, with included Mexican favorites inspired by Los Lobos, a new Middle Eastern concept, and returning favorites including Q Texas Smokehouse, Planterie, and Nudls
• The Local Bar & Grill also returns with an additional complimentary dining option featuring classic pub fare nearly all day

Guests staying at The Haven, NCL’s keycard-access luxury complex, will enjoy a newly-designed The Haven Bar and Lounge and The Haven Restaurant. Studio DADO, longtime partners of NCL, designed the private lounge, restaurant, and outdoor deck to emulate a tranquil oasis that immerses guests into the world’s natural beauty with earth tones, a lush canopy of trees, and delicate finishes.

Mandara Spa Thermal Suite

Spanning two decks, the Mandara Spa features spaces and experiences inspired by forest canopies, cave-like retreats, cascading waterfalls, and the rhythms of nature.

At the heart of the experience is the cruise industry’s most expansive thermal suite, offering 15 wellness amenities including 11 new experiences built around the principles of contrast therapy. Passengers can move between warm and cool spaces, water features, and quiet lounges to create their own relaxation routine.

Among the signature experiences is the first-of-its-kind at sea Sensory Rain Pool. This 360-degree experience transforms from calm waters to a tropical rainfall and eventually a dramatic thunderstorm, complete with simulated lightning effects and the sounds of rolling thunder.

Supporting the thermal suite’s contrast therapy journey are several new water and thermal offerings, including:

• A Blue Glow Suite, a gentle blue light experience to encourage relaxation and support post-travel recovery
• A dedicated Foot Spa to soothe and refresh tired feet and muscles
• The Waterfall Experience where guests can unwind as water cascades over their head and shoulders
• A Snow Cave with rugged, rock-like walls layered with fresh powder white snow
• A Reflection Pool with panoramic sea views
• Guided Hot and Cold Plunge experiences

Other dedicated spaces throughout the thermal suite include a salt room, meditation lounge, aromatic steam room, Finnish sauna, charcoal sauna, and zen lounge.

Adventure and Family Fun

Norwegian Aura will also feature Ocean Heights, a hub for fun, action, and relaxation for the entire family. Adventure-seekers will enjoy six slides, the 82-foot Aura Ropes Course, a multi-level obstacle course called Moon Climber, and Aura Midway featuring carnival-style games and a nine-hole mini golf course.

Those looking to slow down can relax at NCL’s first-ever overhanging cabanas overlooking Vibe Beach Club, as well as a dedicated bar.

Norwegian Aura will debut with a seven-night Mediterranean cruise on May 21, 2027 before heading across the Atlantic on a 13-night transatlantic cruise. In summer 2027 and summer 2028, Norwegian Aura will operate seven-night eastern Caribbean cruises. In winter 2027/2028, the ship will sail seven-night western Caribbean voyages.