The new Prima Class ship will operate seven-day round-trip cruises from Barcelona, visiting destinations in Spain, France and Italy, with family attractions, expanded outdoor spaces and an exclusive luxury suite complex.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has opened bookings for Norwegian Bella, its newest planned cruise ship, which is scheduled to enter service in May 2028 with seven-day round-trip Mediterranean itineraries departing from Barcelona, Spain.
The vessel will become the final ship in the cruise line’s Prima Class and is designed to combine destination-led European itineraries with a wide range of onboard entertainment, family facilities, outdoor leisure areas and premium accommodation.
At approximately 1,129 feet (344 metres) long and 170,000 gross tonnes, Norwegian Bella will accommodate 3,921 guests at double occupancy. The ship is being built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and will join Norwegian Aura, which is scheduled for delivery in May 2027.
According to NCL, the new vessel will bring its latest onboard experiences to the Mediterranean, while Norwegian Aura is planned to operate in the Caribbean.
Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona
Norwegian Bella’s inaugural season will feature seven-day cruises departing from and returning to Barcelona, providing access to several prominent Mediterranean destinations.
The announced ports of call include Rome, Florence and Salerno in Italy; Marseille in France; and Palma de Mallorca in Spain. Access to inland destinations such as Rome and Florence will depend on the relevant port of call and onward ground transportation.
The itineraries are designed to combine coastal scenery, cultural attractions, historic cities and Mediterranean leisure experiences. For travellers, Barcelona’s role as the homeport also provides opportunities to combine a cruise with a pre- or post-cruise stay in the Catalan capital.
Bookings are available through Norwegian Cruise Line’s official website and travel partners.
Ocean Heights introduces a multi-level entertainment zone
One of Norwegian Bella’s principal onboard features will be Ocean Heights, a multi-level outdoor complex spanning decks 18 to 21. The area is designed to change character throughout the day, combining daytime recreation with evening entertainment supported by lighting and LED projections.
Activities will include Eclipse Racers, the Bella Free Fall waterslide, The Wave raft slide and The Drop, a dry slide descending multiple decks. The complex will also feature a ropes course, a carnival-inspired recreation area, a nine-hole mini-golf course and Moon Climber, a multi-level adventure course.
The range of activities reflects the cruise line’s emphasis on providing entertainment for different age groups, allowing families and multigenerational groups to choose between active recreation and more relaxed onboard experiences.
Ocean Boulevard expands outdoor leisure spaces
Ocean Boulevard, the ship’s outdoor promenade on deck eight, will wrap around the vessel and offer ocean views, seating areas, hot tubs and an outdoor bar. The design incorporates Infinity Beach, with infinity-style pools, daybeds and additional spaces for relaxation.
Dedicated areas for younger passengers will include Little Explorers’ Cay for children aged two to six, Adventure Alley for children aged six to 10, and Surf’s Bay, a dedicated hangout for teenagers.
The family-focused facilities are intended to provide age-appropriate recreation while giving adults access to separate leisure spaces elsewhere on the ship.
Larger pool deck and adults-only retreat
Norwegian Bella will feature a pool deck that NCL says will be more than 15% larger than those on Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. The expanded space will include additional seating, an infinity hot tub and a large LED entertainment screen.
The Kids’ Aqua Park will offer interactive water features, while two family-oriented slides, The Party Slide and Infinity Loop, will add to the ship’s recreational facilities. Horizon Park on deck 19 will provide outdoor lounging areas and lawn games.
For adults seeking a quieter environment, Vibe Beach Club will offer an exclusive retreat featuring infinity hot tubs, sun loungers, daybeds and an oceanfront bar.
The combination of family entertainment, outdoor recreation and adults-only facilities is intended to broaden the ship’s appeal across different travel segments.
The Haven offers a private luxury experience
The ship will feature nearly 2,000 staterooms, ranging from inside cabins and studios to balcony accommodation suitable for couples, families and larger travel groups.
At the premium end, 159 suites will form part of The Haven by Norwegian, the cruise line’s keycard-access, ship-within-a-ship concept. Designed by Piero Lissoni, the complex will be located at the aft of the vessel.
Facilities are planned to include private elevators, a sundeck with an infinity pool, two hot tubs, an outdoor sauna and a cold room. Separate areas will cater to families and adults, while a private restaurant, bar and lounge will provide dedicated dining and relaxation spaces.
Additional benefits for Haven guests will include 24-hour butler and concierge services, alongside priority embarkation, disembarkation and reservations.
The offering is designed to appeal to travellers seeking a more exclusive cruise experience while retaining access to the ship’s wider entertainment and dining facilities.
Australian artist George Rose to design the hull artwork
Norwegian Bella will feature original hull artwork by Australian contemporary artist George Rose, continuing NCL’s practice of commissioning distinctive exterior designs for its ships.
Rose is known for colourful murals and botanical-inspired compositions that combine organic forms, vivid colours and flowing gradients. The artwork for Norwegian Bella is intended to reflect the themes of exploration and discovery associated with travel.
The ship’s interior design programme involves AD Associates, Piero Lissoni, Rockwell Group, SMC Design and Studio Dado.
A new addition to NCL’s European cruise programme
Norwegian Bella represents another planned addition to NCL’s fleet as the company expands its deployment across major cruise regions. With Mediterranean departures from Barcelona, the vessel is positioned to attract travellers looking for a combination of European port visits and extensive onboard amenities.
For travel advisers and tour operators, the launch provides an opportunity to develop cruise packages incorporating Barcelona stays, Mediterranean excursions and pre- or post-cruise arrangements.
As the ship’s May 2028 debut approaches, prospective passengers should consult NCL’s official booking channels for itinerary details, cabin availability, pricing and any subsequent changes to the inaugural programme.
