Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) opened bookings on October 20, 2026, for Norwegian Bella, the sixth and final ship in its Prima class, scheduled to debut with 7-night round-trip Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona in May 2028.
Ship Specifications and Capacity
Norwegian Bella measures approximately 1,129 feet in length and has a gross tonnage of 170,000 GT. It will accommodate 3,921 guests at double occupancy, making it tied with sister ship Norwegian Aura as the largest vessels in the NCL fleet. Norwegian Aura’s delivery is set for May 2027 and will operate in the Caribbean, while Norwegian Bella will focus on European cruises.
Mediterranean Itineraries from Barcelona
The ship will
operate from the Port of Barcelona, offering seven-night round-trip weekly cruises starting in May 2028. Norwegian Bella’s itinerary includes Mediterranean ports of call at Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome; Livorno, serving Florence and Pisa; Salerno, near the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii; Marseille, France; and Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
Expanded Outdoor Spaces and Onboard Features
Norwegian Bella features a pool deck more than 15% larger than that of Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. It introduces Ocean Heights, a multi-level open-air complex spanning decks 18 through 21 designed for daytime sunbathing and evening social events. Ocean Boulevard, a wrap-around promenade on deck 8, provides additional outdoor seating, hot
tubs, and an outdoor bar, including Infinity Beach with infinity pools and daybeds.
The ship’s design addresses past passenger feedback regarding outdoor space on earlier Prima-class ships by enhancing common areas for relaxation and entertainment.
Luxury Accommodations in The Haven and Shipbuilding Details
Norwegian Bella has 159 suites within The Haven by Norwegian, a ship-within-a-ship luxury enclave located at the aft. The Haven offers private elevators, an infinity pool sundeck, multiple hot tubs, an outdoor sauna with cold room, a private restaurant and bar, a lounge, 24-hour butler and concierge service, plus priority boarding and disembarkation.
Constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, the ship’s interior design is a collaboration
among AD Associates, Piero Lissoni, Rockwell Group, SMC Design, and Studio DADO. Hull artwork is an original creation by Australian contemporary artist George Rose, known for vibrant botanical motifs and fluid forms.
Traveler Booking Information and Transatlantic Travel
Bookings for Norwegian Bella are available through ncl.com, with reservations opening 18 months before the ship’s inaugural season. U.S. travelers must arrange their own round-trip transatlantic air travel to Barcelona, as the ship’s home port is the Port of Barcelona, Spain, not a U.S. port. Flights to Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) operate from several major U.S. gateways on multiple carriers.
Early booking for The Haven suites is
encouraged due to high demand for these premium accommodations.
Company Statements and Industry Context
Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, described Norwegian Bella as “the culmination of our award-winning Prima Class” that combines the most sought-after guest experiences. The vessel completes the six-ship Prima-class series launched with Norwegian Prima in 2022.
The Port of Barcelona, NCL’s home port for Norwegian Bella, is the busiest cruise home port in Europe, handling nearly 3.7 million passengers in 2024. In 2025, the city agreed to close two cruise terminals to manage overtourism, coinciding with Norwegian Bella’s debut season. This move is expected to impact port operations and
cruise schedules in the region.
