Norwegian Cruise Line opened reservations on October 20, 2026, for its new ship Norwegian Bella, the sixth and final vessel in the Prima-class series. The line plans to launch seven-night round-trip sailings from the Port of Barcelona beginning in May 2028.
Ship Size, Capacity and Outdoor Features
Norwegian Bella measures approximately 1,129 feet in length and has a gross tonnage of 170,000 GT, making it the largest ship Norwegian Cruise Line has ordered. The vessel can accommodate 3,921 guests at double occupancy, tying it with Norwegian Aura as the largest ship in the fleet. The pool deck on Norwegian Bella will be at least 15% larger
than those on Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, enhancing outdoor leisure space for travelers.
Additional outdoor features include Ocean Heights, a multi-level open-air complex spanning decks 18 through 21. Norwegian Bella also offers Ocean Boulevard, a wrap-around promenade on deck 8 equipped with increased seating, hot tubs, and an outdoor bar, expanding guest access to ocean views and fresh air compared to earlier Prima-class ships.
Mediterranean Itineraries and Ports
The ship’s inaugural itineraries will feature seven-night departures from Barcelona to prominent Mediterranean destinations. Ports of call include Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome; Salerno, serving the Amalfi Coast; Livorno for access to Florence and Pisa;
Marseille, France; and Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The Port of Barcelona, which served nearly 3.7 million cruise passengers in 2024, will act as Norwegian Bella’s home port.
Travelers must arrange their own round-trip air travel to Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN), as Norwegian Cruise Line did not announce any air packages with the booking opening.
Accommodations and Design
Norwegian Bella will offer nearly 2,000 staterooms, including 159 suites within The Haven by Norwegian, an exclusive ship-within-a-ship luxury area. The Haven features private amenities such as its own pool deck, restaurant, bar, concierge, butler service, and priority boarding.
The ship’s interior design is the
work of renowned studios including AD Associates, Piero Lissoni, Rockwell Group, SMC Design, and Studio DADO. Australian contemporary artist George Rose created Norwegian Bella’s hull art, featuring vibrant botanical compositions symbolizing exploration and discovery.
Booking and Traveler Information
Bookings for Norwegian Bella are available via Norwegian Cruise Line’s official website, ncl.com. No onboard credit, early booking promotions, or deposit requirements were announced as of the opening date. Passengers are advised that American travelers will incur separate airfare costs for transatlantic flights to Barcelona.
With sailings commencing in May 2028, Norwegian Cruise Line offers an 18-month booking window, providing ample time to secure premium Haven
suites that have historically sold out early. The May departure period benefits from warm and stable Mediterranean weather before the peak summer season.
Official Statements and Industry Context
Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, described Norwegian Bella as “the culmination of our award-winning Prima Class,” emphasizing the ship’s enhanced outdoor spaces and diverse onboard experiences designed for freedom and flexibility.
Artist George Rose said her hull art for Norwegian Bella was created to capture “the sense of wonder that travel inspires,” reflecting excitement and movement through vibrant color and organic forms.
Built by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, Norwegian Bella completes the Prima-class fleet expansion
which began with the launch of Norwegian Prima in 2022 and continued with Norwegian Viva in 2023. Norwegian Bella will operate European itineraries while Norwegian Aura, its sister ship, will sail the Caribbean starting in May 2027.
Barcelona’s formal plan to reduce cruise terminal capacity starting in 2025 aims to manage overtourism and will coincide with Norwegian Bella’s inaugural season in 2028.
