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Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and U.S.-based Norwegian Cruise Line have marked a new milestone in their long-running partnership with the delivery of Norwegian Luna, the second Prima Plus-class vessel, during a ceremony at the Marghera shipyard near Venice on March 5, 2026.
Milestone Delivery Strengthens Transatlantic Shipbuilding Ties
The handover of Norwegian Luna brings Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet to 21 ships and further deepens industrial and commercial ties between the United States and Italy. Executives from both companies gathered in Marghera to mark the occasion, underscoring the strategic importance of Italy’s cruise shipbuilding sector to U.S.-based operators.
For Fincantieri, the delivery confirms its position as a leading builder of large, next-generation cruise ships, following previous constructions for Norwegian Cruise Line that include Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva and sister Prima Plus vessel Norwegian Aqua. For Norwegian Cruise Line, the partnership delivers another platform tailored to evolving guest expectations, with new entertainment concepts, expanded open-deck spaces and upgraded premium accommodations designed to support its North American source markets.
The latest milestone also comes as the wider cruise industry continues to invest in new capacity aimed at the Caribbean and European markets. Norwegian Luna’s introduction is expected to play a visible role in the recovery and growth strategies of ports on both sides of the Atlantic, from Italian shipyards and embarkation hubs to U.S. homeports welcoming the ship for its inaugural season.
Prima Plus-Class Evolution: Larger, More Experiential Design
Norwegian Luna is the second ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s enhanced Prima Plus class, an evolution of the original Prima design that debuted earlier in the decade. At around 156,000 gross tons and approximately 321 meters in length, the ship is about 10 percent larger than the first-generation Prima-class vessels Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, allowing for more outdoor areas, expanded venues and added guest-facing features.
The ship can accommodate roughly 3,550 lower berths and continues the brand’s focus on spacious layouts relative to capacity, with wide promenades, multiple infinity pools and an expansive 360-degree oceanfront walkway. The design philosophy builds on guest feedback from the earlier Prima-class ships, aiming to provide more deck space and a wider distribution of entertainment and dining options to reduce bottlenecks during peak times.
Norwegian Luna carries forward and expands concepts introduced on Norwegian Aqua, the first Prima Plus-class ship delivered in 2025. These include enhanced wellness facilities, a larger dedicated suite enclave in The Haven, and upgraded family and activity zones, positioning the class as a premium, experience-focused offering within Norwegian Cruise Line’s broader portfolio.
Headline Features: Aqua Slidecoaster and Next-Generation Entertainment
Among Norwegian Luna’s headline attractions is the Aqua Slidecoaster, described as a hybrid roller coaster and waterslide that wraps around the upper decks. The ride is designed to provide high-speed thrills while still remaining accessible to a broad range of guests, reflecting the line’s continued push to introduce distinctive, shareable experiences that stand out in a competitive cruise marketplace.
The ship also debuts a cluster of new and expanded entertainment spaces, including the Glow Court immersive sports and gaming complex, the Luna Midway outdoor carnival-inspired zone and a multi-level Moon Climber ropes and obstacle course. These venues are intended to remain active throughout the day and evening, giving guests more options beyond traditional theater shows and poolside activities.
On the accommodation side, Norwegian Luna offers an enlarged version of The Haven by Norwegian, the brand’s ship-within-a-ship luxury enclave. Positioned to maximize sea views and outdoor space, The Haven features a private infinity pool, exclusive restaurant and bar, and an expanded selection of suites, including duplex options aimed at multigenerational families and premium leisure travelers.
From Italian Shipyard to Miami Homeport
Following delivery in Marghera, Norwegian Luna is scheduled to sail a transatlantic voyage from Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, departing March 10, 2026. The 13-night journey will bring the vessel across the Atlantic with a series of sea days designed to showcase the ship’s new features to early adopters and repeat Norwegian Cruise Line guests.
The ship is expected to arrive in Miami on March 23, 2026, before an official christening ceremony at PortMiami later that week. The event will spotlight the ship as the latest addition to the city’s role as a global cruise capital, reinforcing Miami’s position as Norwegian Cruise Line’s primary U.S. homeport and headquarters market.
Once in service, Norwegian Luna will operate a year-round program of short Bahamas sailings and weeklong Caribbean itineraries. The deployment is aimed at both North American and international travelers seeking flexible vacation options, with three- and four-day escapes as well as longer voyages that include ports such as Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola and the line’s private destinations.
Economic Impact for Ports on Both Sides of the Atlantic
The introduction of Norwegian Luna is expected to deliver economic benefits in Italy, the United States and across the Caribbean region. In Italy, the construction program has supported jobs at Fincantieri’s Marghera yard and its wider supply chain, while also contributing to the country’s position as a hub for advanced maritime engineering and design.
In the United States, Miami and other ports served by Norwegian Luna stand to benefit from increased passenger movements, hotel stays and visitor spending tied to the ship’s itineraries. Local tour operators, ground transportation providers and port service companies are also likely to see incremental demand as the ship settles into regular rotations.
Caribbean destinations included in Norwegian Luna’s schedule may experience additional economic activity through shore excursions, retail sales and hospitality services catering to guests. As cruise lines continue to renew and expand their fleets, modern ships such as Norwegian Luna are viewed by many port authorities as important catalysts for repeat visitation and longer-term tourism development.