Key Aspects:
- Norwegian Luna‘s maiden voyage has dropped Tangier but added Barcelona and Gibraltar as ports of call.
- This inaugural sailing is a transatlantic cruise that will bring the new Prima-plus ship to Miami, Florida.
- The change is due to fueling needs but will not impact the ship’s departure from Italy or her arrival in Florida.
A ship’s maiden voyage is always as special event and a much sought-after experience for cruise lovers. Certain types of voyages are even more outstanding, such as the planned first sailing for Norwegian Luna in March 2026.
Departing from Civitavecchia (Rome) on March 10, that sailing will not only be the new ship’s inaugural voyage, but also her first transatlantic cruise as she crosses from Italy to Miami.
It’s the stops in between, however, that have now been changed. Norwegian Cruise Line has reached out to booked guests to alert them that the visit to Tangier, Morocco has now been cancelled.
“We’ve made a few adjustments to your itinerary due to necessary refueling operations in Barcelona and Gibraltar, ensuring a more seamless and immersive journey from port to port,” the notification read.
It is interesting that Tangier was the only planned port stop on the 13-night itinerary, but now guests will get to enjoy two iconic European destinations instead.
Norwegian Luna will visit Barcelona overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, March 11-12, then after one day at sea, will spend Saturday, March 14 in Gibraltar.
The next eight days will all be at sea. After all, the ship must make her way 4,400 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to her south Florida homeport in Miami.
To be clear, the ship’s overall departure and arrival dates have not changed, nor is there any shift from either Civitavecchia or Miami.
This is unlike Norwegian Aqua, which had to shift course during her first transatlantic sailing earlier this year. After departing Southampton, the ship was to have arrived in Boston as her first North American destination.
Unfortunately, poor weather necessitated a change and Norwegian Aqua sailed for New York instead. The change also added three days to her crossing, but the delay was necessary to ensure smooth sailing.
As with Norwegian Luna, that transatlantic cruise was Norwegian Aqua‘s maiden voyage. She had, however, sailed some short media and travel agent previews while in Europe.
Norwegian Luna is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and was floated out in March, just two days after Norwegian Aqua was delivered.
What to Look Forward to on Norwegian Luna
The second of the Prima-plus class vessels and sister ship to Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Luna is sure to bring spectacular sailings to eager cruisers.
With a design that intimately connects guests to both the stars and the sea, the ship is beautifully colored in blues, teals, and purple tones, with a bright and airy interior and custom lunar-themed hull art.
Onboard, guests will be able to enjoy the second slidecoaster, a hybrid waterslide and roller coaster that first debuted on Norwegian Aqua. Other iconic features, including the Glow Court and the 10-story free-fall slide The Drop, will also be onboard.
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Guests won’t want to miss the 46,000-square-foot Ocean Boulevard outdoor showcase with sculptures and stunning ocean views. Don’t miss the Oceanwalk, a glass walkway bridge right over the water along either side of the ship.
The Vibe Beach Club, multiple specialty restaurants, and high-energy shows will all be part of Norwegian Luna‘s offerings, with more details to be released in the months leading up to her debut.
Once she’s home in Miami, Norwegian Luna will be offering 7-night Caribbean sailings at least through March 2027.
