Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed Norwegian Bella as the sixth and final ship in its Prima-class programme, with seven-night Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona beginning in May 2028.
Sales opened on 20 October 2026 for the 170,000-gross-ton vessel, which Norwegian describes as the grand finale of the class introduced by Norwegian Prima in 2022.
At approximately 1,129 feet long, Norwegian Bella will accommodate 3,921 passengers at double occupancy. Alongside the 2027 ship Norwegian Aura, it will rank as one of the two largest vessels in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet.
Norwegian Bella will debut from Barcelona
Norwegian Bella is scheduled to begin operating seven-night round-trip Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona in May 2028.
The inaugural itineraries will visit Civitavecchia for Rome, Livorno for Florence, Salerno, Marseille and Palma de Mallorca. Norwegian has opened these cruises for booking alongside the ship’s reveal.
The deployment gives Norwegian’s newest hardware a European focus: Norwegian Bella will sail in the Mediterranean while sister ship Norwegian Aura operates in the Caribbean.
Ocean Heights spans four decks
Much of the ship’s upper-deck activity will be concentrated within Ocean Heights, a multi-level outdoor complex extending across decks 18 to 21.
Its attractions will include the side-by-side Eclipse Racers, the Bella Free Fall waterslide, a four-person pendulum-style raft attraction called The Wave and The Drop — the dry slide descending ten decks which has become a feature of the Prima class.
The complex will also contain the Bella Ropes Course, the carnival-inspired Bella Midway, nine-hole mini golf and Moon Climber, a multi-level adventure course which does not require a harness.
Expanded Ocean Boulevard and pool deck
Ocean Boulevard will wrap around Deck 8, continuing the outdoor promenade concept introduced on earlier Prima-class ships. Norwegian says the space will have more seating than aboard Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, alongside hot tubs, an outdoor bar and Infinity Beach.
Separate areas are planned for different age groups, including Little Explorers’ Cay for children aged two to six, Adventure Alley for those aged six to ten and the Surf’s Bay teenage retreat.
The main pool deck will be more than 15 per cent larger than those aboard Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. It will feature an infinity hot tub, large LED screen, children’s aqua park and two family waterslides.
Adults will have access to the Vibe Beach Club, with infinity hot tubs, an oceanfront bar, loungers and daybeds.
Nearly 2,000 cabins and 159 Haven suites
Norwegian Bella will contain almost 2,000 staterooms, ranging from solo studios and inside cabins to balconies and suites.
Of these, 159 suites will form The Haven by Norwegian, the line’s keycard-controlled ship-within-a-ship complex. Designed by Piero Lissoni and positioned at the stern, The Haven will include private lifts, a sundeck with infinity pool, two hot tubs, an outdoor sauna and cold room.
The complex will also provide separate family-friendly and adults-only areas, together with a private restaurant, bar and lounge. Haven passengers will receive butler and concierge services plus priority for embarkation, disembarkation and reservations.
Fincantieri building the final Prima ship
Norwegian Bella is under construction at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard in Italy, where Norwegian Aura is also being built.
The interior design teams include AD Associates, Piero Lissoni, Rockwell Group, SMC Design and Studio DADO.
The ship’s exterior will carry original hull artwork by Australian contemporary artist George Rose. Norwegian said the design will use vibrant colour, organic forms and a sense of movement inspired by exploration and travel.
The end of Norwegian’s Prima programme
Norwegian Bella completes a six-ship programme that began with Norwegian Prima, followed by Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Luna and Norwegian Aura.
The final two vessels are significantly larger than the original Prima design, allowing Norwegian to expand their outdoor attractions, pool areas and accommodation.
Norwegian is already planning its next generation of vessels with Fincantieri, but those ships will form a separate, substantially larger design rather than an extension of the Prima series.
Norwegian Bella at a glance: approximately 170,000 gross tons, 1,129 feet long, 3,921 passengers at double occupancy and nearly 2,000 staterooms. The ship is due to enter service from Barcelona in May 2028.
Frequently asked questions
What is Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship called?
The vessel is named Norwegian Bella.
When will Norwegian Bella enter service?
Its inaugural Mediterranean season is scheduled to begin in May 2028.
Where will Norwegian Bella sail from?
The ship will initially operate seven-night round-trip cruises from Barcelona.
Which destinations will Norwegian Bella visit?
Its announced inaugural itineraries include Civitavecchia, Livorno, Salerno, Marseille and Palma de Mallorca.
How large will Norwegian Bella be?
Norwegian lists the ship at approximately 170,000 gross tons and 1,129 feet in length, carrying 3,921 passengers at double occupancy.
Is Norwegian Bella the final Prima-class ship?
Yes. It is the sixth vessel and the announced grand finale of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima class.
Where is Norwegian Bella being built?
Fincantieri is building the ship at its Monfalcone yard in Italy.