Last Updated: 20th October 2026
If you have been waiting for the next big reveal from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), it is finally here.
On 20 October 2026, NCL opened bookings for Norwegian Bella, the grand finale of its Prima Class. From May 2028, she will sail seven-night Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona, calling at Rome, Florence, Salerno, Marseille and Palma de Mallorca.
She is the newest ship to sail from Europe and, alongside sister ship Norwegian Aura, the largest in the NCL fleet. For UK travellers, that means a brand new mega ship based just a short flight from home.
Here is everything revealed so far, from the multi-level playground on top to the private Haven suites at the back.
Norwegian Bella at a Glance
| Detail | Norwegian Bella |
|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) |
| Ship class | Prima Class (final ship) |
| First sailings | May 2028 |
| Homeport | Barcelona, Spain |
| Itineraries | Seven-night round-trip Mediterranean cruises |
| Inaugural season ports | Rome, Florence, Salerno, Marseille, Palma de Mallorca |
| Gross tonnage | 170,000 |
| Guests | 3,921 (double occupancy) |
| Staterooms | Nearly 2,000 |
| Length | Approximately 1,129 feet |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri, Italy |
| Prima Class sister ships | Norwegian Prima, Viva, Aqua, Luna and Aura |
| Hull art | George Rose, Australian contemporary artist |
The Final Ship in NCL’s Prima Class
Norwegian Bella is the sixth and final ship in the Prima Class, the collection that has redefined big ship holidays for NCL since 2022. Her sister ships are:
- Norwegian Prima, the ship that started it all in 2022
- Norwegian Viva, which followed in 2023
- Norwegian Aqua, which began sailing in 2025
- Norwegian Luna, the latest Prima Class ship to join the fleet
- Norwegian Aura, arriving in May 2027 to sail the Caribbean
Bella takes the best ideas from her sisters and goes bigger. Her pool deck is more than 15% larger than those on Aqua and Luna, and she joins Aura as the largest ship in the NCL fleet. If you have loved a Prima Class ship before, she will feel familiar, just with even more to do.
Ocean Heights: Thrills With a Mediterranean View
Ocean Heights is the headline act. It stretches across decks 18 to 21 and turns the top of the ship into an open air playground by day and a glowing social hub by night, with immersive lighting and LED projections.
The lineup is properly bold:
- The Drop, a dry slide that plunges 10 decks
- Bella Free Fall, a waterslide for those who like a sudden start
- The Wave, a pendulum-style raft slide for up to four riders
- Eclipse Racers, side-by-side racing so you can settle family rivalries
- Bella Ropes Course, high above the sea
On deck 20 you will find Bella Midway, a carnival-style zone with a nine-hole mini golf course and Moon Climber, a harness-free adventure course spread over several levels. When it is time to slow down, the Daybreak Bar is right there for a cocktail with a view.
Ocean Boulevard: The Promenade Made for Long Lunches
Ocean Boulevard wraps around deck 8, putting you right beside the water. NCL has added more seating here than on Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, along with hot tubs and an outdoor bar.
The standout is Infinity Beach, with infinity pools, daybeds, hot tubs and a full-service bar. Picture a sea day crossing towards Marseille, a drink in hand and nothing but blue in front of you.
A Bigger, Better Pool Deck
The pool deck on Norwegian Bella is more than 15% larger than those on Aqua and Luna. Expect an infinity hot tub, a large LED screen for films and live events, and plenty of space to claim a lounger.
Two slides are built for everyone to enjoy together. The Party Slide is wide and shallow, perfect for riding as a group. Infinity Loop is a figure-eight ride that adds a little more speed.
Up on deck 19, Horizon Park offers lawn games and space to unwind. Adults wanting peace can head to Vibe Beach Club, an adults only retreat with infinity hot tubs, a central oceanfront bar, sun loungers and daybeds.
Why Families Will Love Norwegian Bella
Norwegian Bella has thought carefully about every age group, so nobody gets bored.
| Area | Age group | What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| Little Explorers’ Cay | 2 to 6 | Playhouse and slides |
| Adventure Alley | 6 to 10 | Dedicated playground |
| Splash Academy | 3 to 12 | Complimentary kids’ club with games, art and themed activities |
| Kids’ Aqua Park | Young children | Water features, splash pad and play areas |
| Surf’s Bay | Teens | Hang out with a surf wall photo spot |
| Entourage | 13 to 17 | Complimentary teen lounge with video games, films, sports and parties |
With six waterslides across the ship, there is plenty to keep older children busy while parents relax nearby.
The Haven: A Private Ship Within a Ship
For travellers who want space and privacy, The Haven by Norwegian is one of the most generous on any NCL ship. There are 159 suites in this keycard access enclave, designed by Italian architect Piero Lissoni.
The Haven sits at the back of the ship with its own private lifts. Guests enjoy:
- A sundeck with an infinity pool, two hot tubs, an outdoor sauna and a cold room
- Separate family-friendly and adults-only areas
- A private restaurant, bar and lounge with exclusive menus
- 24-hour butler and concierge service
- Priority embarkation, disembarkation and reservations
It is ideal for multi-generational trips, where everyone wants their own space but still wants to be close.
Seven Nights in the Mediterranean From Barcelona
Norwegian Bella will homeport in Barcelona, which makes her one of the easiest big ship holidays to reach from the UK.
Each seven-night round trip combines Italy, France and Spain. Her inaugural season visits:
- Rome, for the Colosseum, the Vatican and proper pasta
- Florence, the home of Renaissance art and Tuscan hills
- Salerno, your gateway to the Amalfi Coast
- Marseille, with Provençal markets and a buzzing Old Port
- Palma de Mallorca, for its cathedral and Old Town lanes
Because she sails round trip, you start and finish in the same city. That makes it simple to add a few nights in Barcelona before or after your cruise.
Designed With Real Style
Norwegian Bella’s interiors come from some of the biggest names in design: AD Associates, Piero Lissoni, Rockwell Group, SMC Design and Studio Dado.
Her hull art is an original piece by Australian artist George Rose, known for murals and botanical compositions. In her own words, she hopes it “becomes part of the memories guests create throughout their journey.”
Is Norwegian Bella Worth It?
If you want a Mediterranean holiday packed with variety, yes.
Few ships let you race down a 10-deck slide in the morning, wander Florence in the afternoon and finish with cocktails above the sea at night. Norwegian Bella brings the best of the Prima Class together, with more outdoor space than Aqua and Luna and one of NCL’s biggest Haven retreats.
She suits:
- Families, thanks to clubs and play areas for every age
- Couples, who can escape to Vibe Beach Club or Infinity Beach
- Multi-generational groups, especially in The Haven
- First-time cruisers, who want lots of choice and an easy flight to the port
As a brand new ship, early bookers usually have the widest pick of cabins and dates.
Planning Your Norwegian Bella Cruise
Bookings for Norwegian Bella have only just opened, and launch sailings on a brand new ship tend to fill fast.
At Paramount Cruises, we can build your sailing into a fully protected Cruise & Stay package. Add a few nights in Barcelona before you board, choose the right cabin for your group and let us handle the details.
Ready to start planning? Tell us you’re interested in Norwegian Bella and our team will be in touch with the latest fares and cabin availability.
Speak to our cruise specialists today on 020 7947 0270 for the latest availability and expert advice on Norwegian Bella.
Norwegian Bella FAQs
When does Norwegian Bella launch?
Norwegian Bella begins sailing in May 2028. She is the final ship in NCL’s Prima Class and is being built by Fincantieri in Italy.
Where does Norwegian Bella sail from?
She sails seven-night round-trip Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona, Spain, visiting Rome, Florence, Salerno, Marseille and Palma de Mallorca in her inaugural season.
How big is Norwegian Bella?
Norwegian Bella measures 170,000 gross tons, is around 1,129 feet long and carries 3,921 guests at double occupancy. Alongside sister ship Norwegian Aura, she is the largest ship in the NCL fleet.
Is Norwegian Bella good for families?
Yes. She has Splash Academy for ages 3 to 12, Entourage for teens, a Kids’ Aqua Park, six waterslides and dedicated play areas including Little Explorers’ Cay and Adventure Alley.
Does Norwegian Bella have The Haven?
Yes. The Haven on Norwegian Bella has 159 suites, a private sundeck with an infinity pool, its own restaurant and bar, and 24-hour butler and concierge service.
