Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) began accepting bookings on October 20, 2026, for Norwegian Bella, the sixth and final ship in its Prima-class series, set to start operations in May 2028. The vessel will offer seven-night round-trip cruises departing from the Port of Barcelona, Spain.
Ship Specifications and Design
Norwegian Bella measures 1,129 feet in length and registers 170,000 gross tons, matching sister ship Norwegian Aura as the largest vessels in NCL’s fleet. The ship accommodates 3,921 guests based on double occupancy. Its construction was completed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The vessel’s interiors were designed by AD Associates, Piero Lissoni, Rockwell Group, SMC Design, and
Studio DADO, while exterior hull artwork was created by Australian contemporary artist George Rose, whose career spans more than 15 years.
Itineraries from Barcelona
Norwegian Bella will sail seven-night Mediterranean itineraries departing from Barcelona. The route includes stops at seven ports: Rome (via Civitavecchia), the Amalfi Coast (via Salerno), Florence (via Livorno), Marseille in France, Palma de Mallorca in Spain, and returning to Barcelona. Barcelona’s port is the busiest cruise home port in Europe, handling nearly 3.7 million cruise passengers in 2024.
Onboard Features
The ship features a pool deck at least 15% larger than those on Norwegian Aqua and Luna, enhancing outdoor space responsiveness
to traveler feedback. On Deck 8, Ocean Boulevard promenade offers hot tubs, seating, and an outdoor bar. The multi-level, open-air Ocean Heights complex spans decks 18 to 21 and transitions from a daytime sun deck to a nighttime social hub with LED projections.
Norwegian Bella provides family amenities such as Little Explorers’ Cay for ages two to six, Adventure Alley for ages six to ten, and Surf’s Bay for teenagers. The top deck contains water attractions including Kids’ Aqua Park, The Party Slide, Infinity Loop slide, and Horizon Park for outdoor lawn games. The adults-only Vibe Beach Club includes infinity
hot tubs, an oceanfront bar, and daybeds.
There are 159 Haven suites onboard offering exclusive access to private pool decks, a restaurant, bar, concierge and 24-hour butler services, along with priority boarding and disembarkation privileges.
Booking and Traveler Information
American passengers should note that transatlantic airfare to Barcelona is not included in cruise fares and must be purchased separately. Early booking is recommended to secure accommodations in the Haven suites. The May 2028 start of sailings offers warm weather and fewer crowds compared to peak summer months in the Mediterranean.
Official Statements
Marc Kazlauskas, President of Norwegian Cruise Line, stated, “Norwegian Bella marks a milestone moment
in our fleet as the culmination of our award-winning Prima Class.” He highlighted the ship’s larger outdoor areas and enhanced guest experiences. Artist George Rose said about the hull art: “Designing the hull art for Norwegian Bella was an opportunity to capture the sense of wonder that travel inspires. Through vibrant color, organic forms and a feeling of movement, I wanted to create a piece that reflects the excitement of exploration and discovery.”
Industry Context
The announcement finalizes the Prima-class fleet expansion that began in 2022 with Norwegian Prima. Norwegian Bella and Norwegian Aura are the fleet’s largest vessels at 170,000 gross
tons each. Barcelona’s status as the busiest cruise home port in Europe, combined with its 2025 agreement to reduce active cruise terminals to manage overtourism, contextualizes Norwegian Bella’s debut season. NCL plans to discuss booking trends and future orders during its Q3 2026 earnings call scheduled for October 29, 2026.
