NCL's newest ship Norwegian Luna, has officially started its sea trials in the Adriatic Sea. On Sunday, the second ship Prima Plus Class vessel sailed out from Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard near Venice, beginning one of the final and most important steps before delivery.

Sea trials are designed to push the ship beyond limits of normal operations. Every major system is tested through a series of demanding maneuvers to confirm performance, safety, and reliability. Experts from the shipyard, Norwegian Cruise Line, and the classification society are on board to monitor how the vessel handles and to make any necessary adjustments while underway.

Based on its route, the Norwegian Luna appears to be heading toward Palermo, Sicily, where Fincantieri operates another major shipyard. It’s common for newbuilds to enter dry dock there in the last months before handover to complete final works such as propulsion pods, bow thrusters, or stabilizers if issues are detected during the trials.

The Norwegian Luna is scheduled to debut in March 2026, with sea trials marking one of its final major milestones. Beginning April 4, 2026, she will launch into regular service, offering week-long Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Miami.