NCL Luna Inaugural Cruise: First Impressions from Civitavecchia
There’s nothing quite like being among the first passengers to sail on a brand-new cruise ship — and I’ve been lucky enough to do it more than once. After experiencing the inaugural sailings of the NCL Prima and NCL Encore, I was thrilled to add the NCL Luna to that list. That unmistakable “new ship smell” — think new car, but floating — never gets old. And knowing you’re the first person to sleep in that cabin? Priceless.
The Luna set sail from Civitavecchia, the cruise port nearest to Rome, where the ship was built at the legendary Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. I flew in the afternoon before and stayed at the UNA Hotel, conveniently located right next to the train station — perfect since I was arriving and departing by train. Getting to the port itself was straightforward, though worth noting: Civitavecchia has a new pier, and the walk to where the Luna was docked is too far on foot — budget for a bus or taxi ride to the ship.
The NCL Luna is part of the new Prima Plus Class, which means it’s larger than its predecessors, and the upgrades are immediately noticeable. The main atrium lobby is the crown jewel — expansive, spanning over three decks, and designed as the true heart of the ship. You’ll find a full bar on one level, a Starbucks on another, and the whole space is framed by Guest Services and retail shops. It strikes that rare balance of lively and relaxed — exactly the kind of space you want to gather, people-watch, or just soak in the excitement of being on a new ship for the very first time.
Check-in had the usual inaugural-day wait, even in the priority line, but once things moved, I was on board within minutes — and that first breath of “new ship” air made the wait completely worth it.
A Crowd of Cruise Enthusiasts — and for Good Reason
One of the things that made this inaugural sailing extra special was the company. With over 40 NCL Ambassadors and more than 1,000 Latitudes Rewards members on board, the passenger list read like a who’s who of seasoned cruisers. To put that in perspective, a typical Norwegian cruise might have just 3 to 5 Ambassadors — so having 40+ on a single sailing says everything about how anticipated the NCL Luna’s inaugural voyage was.
Setting Sail: Civitavecchia to Barcelona
With limited ports of call on this transatlantic cruise from Rome to Miami, each stop felt meaningful. Our first stop was Barcelona, Spain, where we arrived in the evening and enjoyed an overnight stay before departing the following day — a rare and welcome luxury on a cruise itinerary.
Unfortunately, the weather had other plans. A grey, rainy day put a damper on my original goal of finally visiting the Sagrada Família, the iconic Gaudí cathedral that, after more than 140 years of construction, is nearly complete. Having visited Barcelona many times before, I made the easy call to stay on board and do what inaugural cruisers love most — explore every corner of the new ship.
A Final Port of Call: Gibraltar
After a peaceful day at sea, we arrived at our last stop before the Atlantic crossing — Gibraltar. I’d been here before, so rather than going it alone, I booked the NCL Panoramic Gibraltar & Tapas Tour, which turned out to be a lovely way to spend the morning. The excursion takes you on a scenic drive through the lower part of the city before wrapping up at a marina restaurant for a spread of Spanish tapas — a perfect pairing for the setting.
For those unfamiliar, Gibraltar is a fascinating place with a layered history unlike anywhere else in Europe. A British Overseas Territory perched on Spain’s southern coast, it’s dominated by the iconic Rock of Gibraltar — a towering 426-meter limestone ridge that’s hard to miss from the sea. First settled by the Moors in the Middle Ages and later ruled by Spain, the territory was ceded to Great Britain in 1713 and has remained British ever since.
That history is written all over the landscape. You can still see the remains of a 14th-century Moorish Castle, and the remarkable Great Siege Tunnels — originally carved into the rock in the 18th century and expanded during World War II — are a testament to just how strategically vital this small outpost has been over the centuries.
It’s a compact destination, but one packed with character, history, and yes — very good tapas.
Eight Days at Sea — Then Miami
With Gibraltar behind us, the real adventure began: eight days crossing the Atlantic Ocean, with nothing but open water, sea breezes, and plenty of time to fully settle into life on the NCL Luna. It’s the kind of stretch that transatlantic cruisers live for — no alarm clocks, no port logistics, just the rhythm of the ship and the endless horizon.
We arrived early at the Port of Miami, Florida, bringing the inaugural voyage to a close. And what a voyage it was — from the shipyards of Italy to the shores of South Florida, the NCL Luna proved itself a worthy addition to the Norwegian fleet. The Prima Plus Class upgrades, the stunning atrium, the energy of 1,000+ fellow Latitudes members — it all added up to an inaugural experience I won’t soon forget.
But the adventure didn’t stop at the dock. Before flying out the next morning, I had one more excursion lined up: the NCL Everglades Airboat Tour. There’s something wonderfully surreal about going from a transatlantic cruise straight into the wild, flat wetlands of South Florida, skimming across the water, spotting wildlife. The perfect exclamation point on an unforgettable trip.
A Note on Costs
I have started to include my costs for these trips, and I am always in a solo cabin, sometimes with no single supplemental and sometimes yes. The airline is always Business Class these days, so I am also trying to find the best deal. This year I find myself flying through the USA, some years not, because I can find better prices through Mexico City or Canada.
- Cruise fare (Oceanview cabin, solo): $2378 USD
- Airfare (Business Class for 1 way to Rome): $1383 USD
- Shore excursions (with frequent cruiser discount and only 1 excursion): $68 USD
- Total: $3829 USD
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