Norwegian Luna debuts new shows, a space theme and fresh attractions on Caribbean sailings from Miami.
See inside Norwegian Luna, newest ship by Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Luna offers a variety of onboard experiences, including adult-only late-night shows.
- Norwegian Luna is the cruise line’s newest ship, featuring a space and moon-inspired theme.
- New entertainment includes tribute shows to Elton John and the Eagles, plus an adults-only pop circus.
- The ship offers new upper-deck activities like an obstacle course and carnival-style games.
During “Elton: A Celebration of Elton John” on Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, an astronaut appears to defy gravity onstage.
The figure clad in a helmet and space suit – a member of the cast – spins horizontally and upside down around a pole in the center of the stage while the cast sings a rousing rendition of the British pop icon’s hit, “Rocket Man.”
The moment is a highlight of a new show aboard Norwegian Luna, packed full of dazzling costumes – from the rooster suit to his baseball uniform – powerful vocals and a complex stage setup incorporating a slew of pianos. It was also fitting for a ship designed around the moon.
Luna, the latest in Norwegian’s Prima Plus Class, takes inspiration from space – a theme that informs the design, amenities and programming. While it closely resembles sister ship Norwegian Aqua, which launched in 2025, “Elton” is just one of its new attractions.
USA TODAY was among the first to explore the ship in late March. Here’s what to know.
What’s new on Norwegian Luna?
- “A Tribute to Eagles”: Elton John isn’t the only artist Norwegian pays homage to on Luna. In a new show at the Luna Theater, the cast performs selections from the Eagles’ catalog, such as “Desperado” and “Already Gone,” sharing stories about the group between songs. The set list culminates in a thrilling take on the guitar solo from “Hotel California.”
- “LunaTique: Pop Circus”: The ship is built for multigenerational families – including some parts just for grown-ups. The 21+ show inside The Improv at Sea club incorporates circus characters, pop hits and a special cocktail menu. Racy jokes and renditions of songs like Kylie Minogue’s “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” and “Don’t Cha” made famous by The Pussycat Dolls are delivered with a wink. Shy passengers should note that the cast selects a few patrons to join them onstage and unlike Luna’s other new shows, there is a $45 per person cover charge. The fee includes drinks and a souvenir glass, which are delivered to guests’ tables.
- Upper deck activities: Some of Luna’s new activities are concentrated on its highest decks, including the Moon Climber, an obstacle course that towers over Deck 19 and Luna Midway, which offers carnival-style games for a fee that ranges per game on Deck 18 (I shot and missed at one station with a basketball hoop, but I had fun trying). Elsewhere on Deck 19, Horizon Park is located just above the Kids Aqua Park with loungers, a semi-covered patio with tables, cornhole and panoramic views.
- “HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder”: “HIKO”, another show making its debut on Luna, goes heavy on the tech and acrobatics. The production follows an original character – accompanied by an original score and a stellar band – with sci-fi inspired costumes, aerial dance and trampolines. Digital components like 3D mapping add new dimensions to their performances.
The ship also has plenty of familiar features, including some that debuted on Aqua, from the Aqua Slidecoaster, a water-slide-roller-coaster hybrid, to Thai specialty restaurant Sukhothai and plant-based eatery Planterie, located inside the Indulge Food Hall.
The look is similar to that vessel, too, but with celestial design flourishes. The hull features the 12 zodiac constellations. “And on the bow, the focal point, you’ll find the moon, which – along with the stars – has guided travelers for millennia,” said ELLE, the hull artist and Luna’s godmother, during a March 27 christening ceremony in Miami.
A star-spangled mural in shades of blue and purple adorned the wall of my cabin, and a tall silver moon sculpture stands outside on Deck 8.
How big is Norwegian Luna?
Luna can accommodate 3,565 guests at double occupancy and measures 1,056 feet long, with a gross tonnage of 154,140. Like Aqua, the vessel is 10% larger than predecessors Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva.
Mark Kansley, the line’s Chief Experience Officer, said the company also made tweaks to Luna based on lessons learned from Aqua – which he called “in essence, a new platform.”
“And with the new platform, there’s some learnings, there’s some feedback that we ourselves get as we operate the ship, and other (feedback) we hear from our guests,” he said. “… You know, ‘This is great, but perhaps this would enhance it.'”
For example, Norwegian sacrificed a handful of al fresco tables at Surfside Cafe & Grill to add a staircase between Decks 17 and 18, offering a convenient new way to get from the pool area to other activities.
Overall at Surfside, however, they removed some partitions and banquettes to add 70 more seats – a “tremendous increase” for a space of that size, Kansley said.
Where does Norwegian Luna sail?
Luna will sail Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami through April 2027, before moving to New York.
The ship’s scheduled ports include Norwegian’s Bahamas private island, Great Stirrup Cay, which is undergoing a major transformation. For example, the adults-only Vibe Shore Club – an added-cost retreat starting at $100 for a day pass, with cushy loungers, shade and private beach access – and the Great Life Lagoon that boasts two swim-up bars opened in December.
The Great Tides Waterpark, offering 19 water slides, cliff jumping and more, is slated to open this summer. “So if you want the boisterous, the high-activity, interactive experience on the island, you should be able to have it,” Kansley said. “But if you wanted … the more placid, the more sedate experience you should be able to have it.”
The company is also installing a two-ship pier at the island (a recently-added temporary pier will close in April for construction, expected to be complete by summer). Norwegian guests previously had to ride tender boats to shore, making stops there more susceptible to weather-related cancellations.
How much does Norwegian Luna cost?
Available cruises aboard Luna currently start at $412 per person based on double occupancy, including taxes, fees and port expenses, according to Norwegian’s website. Fares include accommodations, many meals on board, live entertainment and more.
This story was updated to refresh headlines.
The reporter on this story received access to this event from Norwegian Cruise Line. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].
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