Norwegian Cruise Line has opened reservations for Norwegian Bella, its newest ship, which will begin operating in May 2028 with seven-day Mediterranean cruises departing from and returning to Barcelona. The ship will be the newest member of the Prima class and will share the title of largest ship in the company's fleet with Norwegian Aura.
Measuring approximately 344 meters in length and with a gross tonnage of 170,000 tons, the Norwegian Bella will accommodate 3,921 passengers at double occupancy. Its inaugural season will offer the opportunity to discover some of Europe's most prominent destinations, including Rome, Florence, and Salerno in Italy; Marseille in France; and Palma de Mallorca in Spain.
Onboard, the ship will offer a concept inspired by that of the Norwegian Aura, scheduled for delivery in May 2027. While the Norwegian Bella will sail in Europe, the Norwegian Aura will operate in the Caribbean. Both ships are being built at the Italian shipyard Fincantieri, with interiors designed by AD Associates, Piero Lissoni, Rockwell Group, SMC Design, and Studio Dado.
According to Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, the Norwegian Bella represents the culmination of the Prima class and brings together some of the most sought-after passenger experiences, with special attention to outdoor spaces, family activities, and areas for rest and socializing.
Ocean Heights, an outdoor leisure complex
Spanning decks 18 through 21, Ocean Heights will be one of the ship's premier entertainment venues. This multi-level complex will combine outdoor activities during the day with a vibrant social scene at night, complete with immersive lighting and LED projections.
Among its offerings are Eclipse Racers, a side-by-side racing experience; the Bella Free Fall water slide; The Wave, a raft slide with pendulum motion for up to four people; and The Drop, the Prima class's signature dry slide, which descends ten decks in a few seconds.
The offering will be completed with the Bella Ropes Course, Bella Midway, inspired by fairground attractions, a nine-hole mini-golf course and Moon Climber, a multi-level adventure course that does not require a harness.
Ocean Boulevard and spaces for the whole family
Deck eight will house Ocean Boulevard, the outdoor promenade that surrounds the ship and will incorporate more seating than is available on the Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, in addition to jacuzzis and an open-air bar.
This area will feature Infinity Beach, with infinity pools, daybeds, jacuzzis, and a full-service bar. There will also be dedicated spaces for younger guests: Little Explorers' Cay, with a play area and slides for children aged two to six; Adventure Alley, an adventure area for ages six to ten; and Surf's Bay, a hangout for teens with surf-inspired decor.
More space on the pool deck
The Norwegian Bella's pool deck will be more than 15% larger than those on the Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. It will feature more space and seating, an infinity jacuzzi, and a large LED entertainment screen.
Children will have access to Kids' Aqua Park, with interactive water play areas, as well as two slides to share as a family: The Party Slide, with a wide and shallow course, and Infinity Loop, with a figure-eight layout.
On deck 19, Horizon Park will offer areas for sunbathing, enjoying ocean views, and participating in outdoor games. Meanwhile, Vibe Beach Club will be reserved exclusively for adults and will feature infinity pools, a beachfront bar, sun loungers, daybeds, and relaxation areas.
Accommodation for different types of travelers
The Norwegian Bella will feature nearly 2,000 staterooms, with options ranging from interior cabins and studios to spacious balcony categories. The accommodations will be designed to meet the needs of individual travelers, families, and multigenerational groups.
The ship will also feature 159 suites in The Haven by Norwegian, the company's exclusive concept that combines privacy and personalized service in a separate space within the ship. Designed by Piero Lissoni, it will be located aft and will include private elevators, a solarium with an infinity pool, two jacuzzis, an outdoor sauna and a cold room, as well as separate areas for families and adults.
Guests staying at The Haven will have access to a private restaurant and bar, an exclusive lounge, and 24-hour butler and concierge services. They will also enjoy priority boarding, disembarkation, and reservations.
An exterior design by George Rose
The hull of the Norwegian Bella will feature an original artwork by contemporary Australian artist George Rose, known for her large-format murals and vibrant botanical compositions. Her work blends art and design through organic shapes, gradients, and graphic elements inspired by nature.
The artist has developed projects in cultural, public and commercial spheres in different countries, with collaborations for institutions and brands such as STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam, the Australian Embassy in Indonesia, Colab Gallery in Germany, Instagram, Nike and TikTok.
Rose explained that her design seeks to reflect the ability of travel to awaken curiosity and wonder, through vibrant colors and shapes that convey movement and a spirit of exploration.
With the Norwegian Bella, Norwegian Cruise Line will strengthen its presence in the Mediterranean from May 2028, with Barcelona as the departure and arrival port for its seven-day itineraries.
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