Norwegian Aura is making big changes outdoors. In fact, these might be the biggest visual changes you’ll see on the ship! Welcome to part three of our Norwegian Aura series. In part one, we covered changes coming to dining onboard. And in part two, we covered changes coming to the beverage options. Part three is all about the new Norwegian Aura outdoor spaces from deck 8 to the very top of the ship!
As we’ve previously talked about, Norwegian is putting a much stronger focus on families with Aura. In fact, the entire front of the ship on Deck 8 is being completely reimagined with kids in mind.
Adventure Alley
At the front of Deck 8 on the port side, you’ll find the new Adventure Alley. It’s designed for kids ages 6 to 10. Renderings show tunnels and climbing features for burning off energy.
The Hangout
On starboard, teens get their own dedicated space called The Hangout. Norwegian describes it as a relaxed retreat where teens can grab food from “food trucks,” hang out, and take photos against a surf-themed installation.
Little Explorer’s Cay
At the very front of the ship, previously underused space becomes Little Explorer’s Cay. It’s designed for kids ages 2 to 6, giving younger children a place to play while parents supervise.
With how underutilized the forward part of Deck 8 was, we used to consider it a “secret space” to escape the crowds. So we totally get why Norwegian wants to put it to better use on Aura.
Ocean Heights
While the kids have a new spot on Deck 8 to hang, kids, and kids alike, can call Ocean Heights home. Norwegian calls this space the “Ultimate Hub for Fun.” It’s a multi-level amusement complex unlike anything on the Prima-class so far.
The Aura Ropes Course is 82 feet of vertical climbing. We haven’t seen a course like this from Norwegian since Norwegian Escape. Personally, we’re really excited to see Norwegian bring a ropes course back.
Two new water slides are coming to the front of the ship, with entrances on Decks 18 and 19.
The Deck 18 entrance leads to The Party Slide, a wide, shallow slide built for families and friends to ride together.
The Deck 19 platform leads to Infinity Loop, a figure-eight slide that loops around The Party Slide below it. Both slides exit on Deck 17.
But Norwegian isn’t done with waterslides.
The Wave, on Deck 21, is a “lotus waterslide,” a pendulum-style raft ride for up to four people. It stretches about 300 feet. This is Aura’s highest deck, and a different ride from the similarly-named slide on Prima and Viva.
Aura Free Fall is a drop-in body slide where the floor opens beneath you, sending riders down about 250 feet of twists and turns. That one’s not for us.
Eclipse Racers is Norwegian’s first-ever dueling mat racer slide, stretching over 400 feet and letting two riders race head-to-head.
Mini-Golf Returns
If you’d rather stay dry, mini-golf is back with a full redesign, now located on Deck 20, overlooking the pool deck.
The Biggest Pool Deck in the Fleet
Norwegian says Aura will have the largest pool and pool deck in the fleet, with more loungers, more lounge space, a larger LED screen, and extra space forward of the pool for lounging by day and possibly movies or parties at night.
There’s still just one main pool. But Infinity Beach on Deck 8 is expanding, keeping its two infinity pools while adding two new hot tubs. Aura is also adding another hot tub on the pool deck itself. That means Aura will have more space to lay out, more space in the pool, and three hot tubs on deck 17.
Believe it or not, there’s still more outdoor space changes to cover. Check out all 50+ changes coming to Norwegian Aura in our comprehensive look at everything that’s changing inside and out.
Vibe Beach Club Gets Bigger
If a busy pool deck isn’t your thing, Vibe Beach Club is getting about 15% bigger. It’s moving from Deck 17, aft of the buffet, to its own dedicated space on Deck 18 aft.
Norwegian is also adding cabanas on Deck 19 aft that appear to look down toward Vibe. So even a sold-out Vibe day might still leave you Vibe-adjacent.
We’d love to hear from you! What do you think about Norwegian Aura outdoor spaces? Do you think they’ve finally made a pool deck that’s big enough? And do you think there will finally be enough Vibe Beach Club passes available that it’s not always sold out on your sailing? Let us know in the comments.
Next in the series: the Haven, the completely overhauled Mandara Spa, and a few deck-plan mysteries we’re still watching. If you haven’t already, be sure to head over to our YouTube Channel where we’ll bring you through Norwegian Aura from top to bottom!