Norwegian Cruise Line has opened bookings for Norwegian Bella, its next Prima Class ship and one of the largest vessels planned for the NCL fleet. The new ship will begin sailing seven-night round-trip Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona in May 2028, bringing the cruise line’s newest generation of onboard experiences to Europe.

Norwegian Bella will measure approximately 1,129 feet long and 170,000 gross tons and accommodate 3,921 guests at double occupancy. She will join Norwegian Aura as the largest ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet and will serve as the final ship in NCL’s Prima Class.

During her inaugural season, Norwegian Bella is scheduled to visit destinations including Rome, Florence and Salerno in Italy, Marseille in France and Palma de Mallorca in Spain.

Norwegian Bella brings the newest Prima Class features to Europe

Norwegian Bella will offer many of the same experiences planned for Norwegian Aura, which is scheduled for delivery in May 2027. While Norwegian Aura will sail in the Caribbean, Norwegian Bella will bring that generation of NCL features to Mediterranean itineraries.

Both ships are being built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. Interior design work involves AD Associates, Piero Lissoni, Rockwell Group, SMC Design and Studio Dado.

Norwegian Cruise Line President Marc Kazlauskas described Norwegian Bella as the culmination of the Prima Class, with features influenced by both earlier innovations and guest feedback. The ship combines expanded outdoor areas, family attractions and spaces designed for relaxation and socializing.

Ocean Heights will span four decks

One of Norwegian Bella’s major outdoor attractions will be Ocean Heights, a multi-level complex stretching across decks 18 through 21.

The area is designed to change character throughout the day, functioning as an outdoor activity zone during daylight hours before transitioning into a nighttime social space with lighting and LED projections.

Activities planned for Ocean Heights include Eclipse Racers, where guests can race side by side, along with the Bella Free Fall waterslide and The Wave, a pendulum-style raft slide that can carry up to four riders.

The ship will also feature The Drop, the Prima Class dry slide that descends 10 decks. Additional attractions include the Bella Ropes Course, the carnival-inspired Bella Midway, a nine-hole mini golf course and Moon Climber, a multi-level harness-free adventure course.

Ocean Boulevard adds more seating and family spaces

Ocean Boulevard will wrap around deck eight and continue one of the signature features of the Prima Class. Norwegian says Bella’s version will include more seating than the Ocean Boulevard areas aboard Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, along with hot tubs and an outdoor bar.

Infinity Beach will feature infinity pools, daybeds, hot tubs and a full-service outdoor bar.

Families will also find several age-focused areas along Ocean Boulevard. Little Explorers' Cay will include a playhouse and slides for children ages two through six, while Adventure Alley will offer children ages six through 10 crawl spaces, tunnels and ocean-inspired play areas.

Teenagers will have their own space at Surf's Bay, which NCL describes as a contemporary hangout featuring a surf wall photo installation.

A larger pool deck and more water attractions

Norwegian Bella’s pool deck will be more than 15% larger than the pool decks on Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. The expanded area will include additional space and seating, an infinity hot tub and a large LED entertainment screen.

For younger cruisers, the Kids' Aqua Park will feature a redesigned splash pad and interactive water features.

Two family-oriented waterslides will also be available. The Party Slide is a wide, shallow slide intended for families and groups to ride together, while Infinity Loop will use a figure-eight layout.

Horizon Park on deck 19 will provide additional outdoor lounging space and lawn games.

Vibe Beach Club returns for adults

Adults looking for a quieter outdoor option will have access to Vibe Beach Club, NCL’s adults-only retreat. The space will include infinity hot tubs, an oceanfront bar, relaxation areas, sun loungers and daybeds.

Nearly 2,000 staterooms and an expanded Haven

Norwegian Bella will have nearly 2,000 staterooms, ranging from inside cabins and studios to balcony accommodations designed for different types of travelers, including families and multigenerational groups.

The ship will also include 159 suites within The Haven by Norwegian, the cruise line’s keycard-access ship-within-a-ship area.

Designed by Piero Lissoni and positioned at the aft of the ship, The Haven will feature private elevators and its own sundeck with an infinity pool, two hot tubs, an outdoor sauna and a cold room. Separate family-friendly and adults-only spaces are also planned.

Haven guests will have access to a private restaurant, bar and lounge, along with 24-hour butler and concierge service and priority embarkation, disembarkation and reservations.

Norwegian Bella will feature original hull artwork

Norwegian Bella will continue NCL’s tradition of commissioning distinctive hull artwork. Australian contemporary artist George Rose is creating the ship’s original design.

Rose is known for colorful murals and botanical compositions that combine vivid color, gradients and natural forms. She said the Norwegian Bella design is intended to capture the sense of exploration and discovery associated with travel.

What Norwegian Bella means for Mediterranean cruisers

For travelers considering Europe in 2028, Norwegian Bella will bring the latest version of NCL’s Prima Class experience to a seven-night Mediterranean itinerary from Barcelona. The ship combines the outdoor attractions and family features introduced across the Prima Class with larger pool areas, expanded public spaces and new activity zones.

Bookings are now open for Norwegian Bella’s Mediterranean season beginning in May 2028.

Source: Norwegian Cruise Line