Norwegian Cruise Line opened bookings on October 20, 2026, for Norwegian Bella, the sixth and final ship in its Prima class. The vessel will begin sailing seven-night round-trip Mediterranean cruises from the Port of Barcelona starting in May 2028, according to Travelers Today.
Norwegian Bella Size and Capacity
At approximately 1,129 feet in length and 170,000 gross tons, Norwegian Bella will accommodate 3,921 guests at double occupancy. This capacity matches that of Norwegian Aura, making both ships the largest in the NCL fleet. The ship is constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.
Mediterranean Itinerary and Ports
The ship’s inaugural itineraries feature seven-night cruises departing from Barcelona, Spain. Scheduled stops include
the Italian ports of Civitavecchia (serving Rome), Livorno (gateway to Florence and Pisa), and Salerno (gateway to the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii), along with Marseille, France, and Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The cruises return to Barcelona after completing the round trip.
Onboard Features and Upgrades
Norwegian Bella includes several design enhancements based on guest feedback from previous Prima-class ships. Notably, its pool deck is over 15% larger than those of Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, improving outdoor space for guests. The ship will offer 159 Haven suites, part of NCL’s luxury ship-within-a-ship concept featuring private pool decks, exclusive restaurants, dedicated concierge and butler services.
Artistic Hull Design and Traveler Considerations
The ship’s exterior hull artwork is created by Australian contemporary artist George Rose, known for her bold murals and botanical themes. Travelers interested in the Haven suites are encouraged to book early due to limited availability. Americans planning to join the Mediterranean cruises should consider separate transatlantic airfare to Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN). As of the booking opening, no detailed pricing or onboard feature packages have been published.
Official Comments and Port Context
Marc Kazlauskas, NCL President, described Norwegian Bella as “the culmination of our award-winning Prima Class,” highlighting improvements in guest experience and outdoor space. The Port of Barcelona, Europe’s busiest cruise home
port with nearly 3.7 million passengers in 2024, will serve as the ship’s home port. Changes in the port’s terminal infrastructure implemented in 2025 to address overtourism will apply to Norwegian Bella’s 2028 itineraries.
