NORWEGIAN Cruise Lines have long been trailblazers of the seas.
When NCL introduced Freestyle Cruising at the turn of the millennium, it changed the way we holiday at sea.
Cruises became less about sticking to rigid dining schedules and entertainment plans, and more about doing what you want, when you want.
Now, the cruise line are once again raising the bar – with its new Prima Class ships offering more options onboard than ever.
The launch of Norwegian Prima, Viva, and Aqua saw new, upscale dining options and significantly larger outdoor decks.
Now, it’s the turn of Norwegian Luna to make her appearance, as she sets sail from April 2026 — and we got an early look at what it’s like on board.
The new ship will sail across Mexico and the Caribbean, to destinations like the Dominican Republic’s Puerto Plata, as well as Great Stirrup Cay – a private island paradise in the Bahamas.
The private island is home to a sprawling pool with swim-up bars, plenty of loungers and cabanas, as well as an adults-only retreat with a private beach and bar.
Plus, the Great Tides Waterpark is set to open on the island in summer 2026, with a whopping 19 water slides and a 9,000 square-foot splash zone for families.
Other holiday hotspots across the ship’s itineraries include Bermuda, the Bahamas and Saint Thomas – home to Magens Bay, rated among the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Sailing the Norwegian Luna is a once-in-a-blue-moon cruising experience.
With an aqua coaster, obstacle courses, a free-fall slide and glowing LED sports courts, this cruise ship feels more like a giant playground.
Even the mini golf, Tee Time, is jazzed up to the max with a futuristic neon course. In fact, it’s the first interactive and tech-immersive mini golf at sea.
Meanwhile, the Glow Court makes getting in your onboard exercise more exciting.
The floor is illuminated by LEDs, transforming into a range of sports courts and interactive games.
These courts even turn into a disco lounge at night, transforming the sports floor into a party with a view.
Perhaps the most exciting activity, however, is the Aqua Slidecoaster.
This hybrid between a water slide and a roller coaster sends teams of two down a thrill ride with a splash, reaching speeds of up to 31 miles per hour!
And don’t worry about bringing your towel – this ship has a walk-in drying machine for you to step into afterwards.
Just in case you’re itching for yet another adrenaline rush, The Drop is a slide just as thrilling as the name makes it sound.
The Drop is the world’s first free fall slide at sea, spiralling down a jaw-dropping ten stories.
Alternatively, if you have younger children (or kids who prefer something more chilled) there’s plenty of other options.
The Splash Academy is a kids club with sports, artsy activities, and supervised group sitting available in the evenings.
There’s also a complimentary dedicated space with activities for teens, The Entourage, as well as a parent and toddler play programme, Guppies.
Plus Mum and Dad aren’t forgotten about either, with a huge fitness centre, your pick of 14 bars and lounges, and a world-class spa.
The Mandara Spa is massive, boasting a two-story waterfall, multiple saunas, a thermal suite and more – all under the relaxing glow of midnight-blue lighting.
And if you really want to splash out, the adults-only private Vibe Beach Club has its own fully-stocked bar, waterfall and infinity hot tubs.
There are of course multiple swimming pools to take a dip in, too.
The spacious main pool is surrounded by plenty of stylish sun loungers, with two hot tubs and a kids’ splash park nearby.
Or take a dip in one of two infinity pools, both of which are surrounded by comfy daybeds to sprawl out on and soak up the Caribbean sun.
What makes Norwegian’s Prima Class ships stand out is the sheer amount of outdoor space there is to explore.
The Oceanwalk glass bridge lets you see the waves crash beneath your feet as you walk, whilst outdoor dining at restaurants like Los Lobos come with a side of sea views.
When it comes to food, there’s plenty of restaurants to choose from – six of which are complimentary.
The Local Bar & Grill is a cosy option offering pub classics and pints, whilst the Indulge Food Hall lets you order anything from Chinese dishes to tapas to your table via a handy iPad.
Rooms range from the simple Studio, ideal for solo travellers, to ‘The Haven’ – home to luxurious suites and cabins that come with their own 24-hour butler.
You don’t have to pay a premium to feel pampered, though, as all rooms come with comfy, spacious beds, as well as round-the-clock room service.
The Sun’s Head of Travel, Lisa Minot, recently set sail on the Norwegian Luna. She said:
“I was the first UK journalist onboard Norwegian Luna as it set sail on its first transatlantic crossing to its new home port in Miami and loved the laid back luxury of this stunning ship.
“Its celestial theme comes across in beautiful spaces – including the multi-deck Penrose atrium – that shimmer and shine with a sophisticated, luxe look.
“While there’s even more space on the top decks surrounding the main pool, what I love about NCL’s Prima class ships are the many places to sunbathe on deck eight, alongside infinity pools and oodles of comfy loungers and cabanas.
“Families will love the huge range of innovative, high-tech attractions from the thrilling hybrid water rollercoaster, Aqua Slidecoaster, to The Drop – the world’s first free-fall slide at sea spiraling you down ten decks.
“The all-new Luna Midway is an outdoor amusement-style park with carnival inspired games and also debuting is the Moon Climber multi-level rope obstacle course.
“The whole family can do battle in the neon Glow Court where sports and social combine as cruisers compete in games across a high-tech LED floor – and the grownups can continue to enjoy the fun after dark when it transforms into a late night club.
“But Luna also scores highly for the incredible amount of choice when it comes to food and drink.
“There are 17 dining options and 18 bars and lounges across the ship, with a highlight for me being the included in your fare Indulge Food Hall, where you order from tablets from nine stations serving up everything from noodles and tapas to barbecue favourites and Indian curries.
“For those looking to splash out, there are plenty of speciality restaurants at an extra cost – I loved the freshest, tastiest sushi options in Nama and the Thai dishes with a twist in Sukhothai.
“For sunset sips, head to the Soleil Bar for stunning sea views and for sophisticated cocktails, the Belvedere Bar is a must”.
Sailing on the Norwegian Luna starts from £324pp for a 2-day cruise to the private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.
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