Norwegian Cruise Line has formally welcomed its newest ship, Norwegian Luna, into service following a christening ceremony in Miami on 27th March 2026, marking a key milestone for the cruise line’s expanding fleet.
The event took place at the company’s Terminal B facility, a LEED Gold-certified building often referred to as the Pearl of Miami, and drew more than 2,000 invited guests. Attendees gathered to hear speeches from company leadership and to witness the long-standing maritime tradition of a ceremonial bottle being broken across the ship’s hull.
“Today’s christening of Norwegian Luna marks an important milestone for our Company and a moment of great pride for our entire team,” said John W. Chidsey, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
A Unique Choice For Godmother
In a departure from the typical celebrity-led ceremonies often seen in the cruise industry, Norwegian Cruise Line selected internationally recognised street artist ELLE as the ship’s godmother.
Her role carried additional significance, as she also designed the vessel’s hull artwork. The piece, titled “La Luna,” presents a dreamlike interpretation of humanity’s connection to the moon, reflecting the ship’s name, which translates to “moon” in Spanish.
“Celebrating Norwegian Luna as the ship’s godmother is an incredible honor, and creating ‘La Luna’ has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career,” said ELLE.
Onboard Features And Entertainment
Constructed by Fincantieri at its shipyard in Marghera, Italy, the 156,000-gross ton Norwegian Luna represents the latest evolution of the line’s Prima Plus class, following the debut of Norwegian Aqua in 2025.
“Norwegian Luna represents the evolution of NCL – a brand built on freedom, flexibility and delivering experiences that resonate with every type of traveler,” said Marc Kazlauskas, President of Norwegian Cruise Line.
Among the ship’s headline attractions is the Aqua Slidecoaster, billed as the longest and fastest dual slides at sea, offering two distinct ride experiences.
Family-focused entertainment is further expanded with the introduction of Luna Midway, which combines carnival-style games with interactive attractions such as the Moon Climber obstacle course and Horizon Park, an outdoor space designed for lawn-style activities.
Dining options are extensive, with 17 venues serving 15 different types of cuisine, while entertainment includes productions such as “Elton: A Celebration of Elton John” and “HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder,” blending acrobatics, multimedia and contemporary performance.
Additional late-night entertainment has also been introduced, including new programming at The Improv at Sea and an original show titled “LunaTique.”
Early Sailings And Deployment Plans
Although officially christened at the end of March, Norwegian Luna had already begun operations earlier in the month. Following delivery, the ship sailed from Europe to Miami on a transatlantic voyage, welcoming its first passengers in Rome on 10th March and Barcelona on 12th March.
The vessel has since completed a short Bahamas itinerary, departing Miami on 23rd March for a four-night cruise that included calls to Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay.
Its first official voyage after the christening ceremony is scheduled for 1st April 2026, with a three-night sailing to Great Stirrup Cay.
Looking ahead, Norwegian Luna will primarily operate seven-night Caribbean itineraries from Miami. In April 2027, the ship is set to reposition to New York, where it will begin offering seven-night cruises to Bermuda as part of its longer-term deployment.
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