NCL Names Final Prima Class Ship Norwegian Bella, Opens 2028 Sailings
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Norwegian Cruise Line has announced Norwegian Bella as the name of the sixth and last Prima class ship, scheduled to debut in May 2028.
The ship will offer primarily 7-night Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona, Spain for her inaugural season.
Guest feedback has helped guide new features and fleet favorites in her design, including Ocean Boulevard, a larger pool deck, and The Haven.
Cruises will look more beautiful than ever for Norwegian Cruise Line fans as bookings have now been opened for the sixth and final Prima class ship, Norwegian Bella.
The cruise line announced the ship’s name and initial itineraries on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, confirming the 170,000-gross ton ship will homeport from Barcelona for her inaugural season of 7-night roundtrip Mediterranean voyages. Depending on departure date, these sailings will visit destinations such as Salerno, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Marseille, La Spezia, and Palma de Mallorca.
One 5-night itinerary from Malta to Barcelona is also available embarking on Tuesday, May 2, 2028 and remaining overnight in Malta before setting sail the next morning, then visiting Salerno and Civitavecchia on the way to Spain.
While the 5-night sailing may well be the first time Norwegian Bella will officially welcome guests aboard, the cruise line has not yet announced which individual sailing could be labeled as the ship’s maiden voyage. It is not uncommon for cruise lines to celebrate a ship’s inaugural season with extra events and mementos on a number of early sailings.
The 3,921-guest Norwegian Bella is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, along with her sister ship, Norwegian Aura, which is scheduled to join the fleet in May 2027. At 1,129 feet long, the two ships will be the largest in the NCL fleet when they debut, though the cruise line has already ordered a new, larger class with expected deliveries beginning in 2030.
As Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its outstanding hull art across the fleet, Norwegian Bella will not disappoint and certainly lives up to her name with original art designed by Australian contemporary artist George Rose. Vibrant color splashes across the ship’s hull in tropical hues, evoking an organic sense of movement and flow the length of the vessel.
“Designing the hull art for Norwegian Bella was an opportunity to capture the sense of wonder that travel inspires. Through vibrant color, organic forms and a feeling of movement, I wanted to create a piece that reflects the excitement of exploration and discovery,” said Rose.
“I’m looking forward to seeing my artwork come to life on a ship that will visit some of Europe’s most remarkable destinations, and I hope it becomes part of the memories guests create throughout their journey.”
New Features for Norwegian Bella Incorporating Guest Feedback
Norwegian Bella will have new, exclusive features as well as fleet favorites onboard to help guests make those fantastic memories. Guest feedback has been instrumental in designing the new ship and ensuring the ultimate in flexibility for guests’ preferred vacation experiences.
“Norwegian Bella marks a milestone moment in our fleet as the culmination of our award-winning Prima Class. Drawing on the innovations and guest feedback that have shaped the class from the very beginning, Norwegian Bella brings together our most sought-after experiences in one extraordinary ship,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.
“Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to give guests the freedom and flexibility to vacation exactly how they want to, without anyone having to compromise.”
Those details include the 4-deck Ocean Heights multi-use complex spanning decks 18 through 21, which will be an adrenaline-filled waterpark, ropes course, and playground by day but becomes a social gathering spot with LED projections and immersive lighting at night.
For a quieter connection to the ocean, guests can stroll along the signature Prima class promenade, Ocean Boulevard, wrapping around Deck 8. Hot tubs, an outdoor bar, and infinity pools make Ocean Boulevard a great gathering space with panoramic ocean views.
The youngest guests onboard Norwegian Bella will enjoy Little Explorers’ Cay for ages 2-6, Adventure Alley for ages 6-10, and Surf’s Bay for teens. Features of the youth spaces include a playhouse and slides for the littles, winding tunnels with an ocean theme for older children, and a surf photo wall for the best teen selfies.
Everyone in the family will enjoy the pool deck, which is more than 15% larger than the pool decks onboard Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. The Kids’ Aqua Park has a reimagined splash pad and interactive water features, while families will enjoy the Party Slide and the Infinity Loop figure-eight waterslide.
For fun while staying dry, Norwegian Bella has the iconic 10-deck “The Drop” dry slide, plus lawn games, miniature golf, and more.
The Vibe Beach Club continues to offer an elevated adults-only atmosphere with its own oceanfront bar, infinity hot tubs, and day beds, while the Mandara Spa & Salon has a meditation room, spa reflection pool, thermal suite, and other features designed for the ultimate in relaxation and pampering.
Norwegian Bella Staterooms and Suites
Norwegian Bella will have nearly 2,000 staterooms with accommodations ranging from inside staterooms and solo cabins to balconies and the 159 luxury suites of The Haven.
Read Also: The Haven on Norwegian Cruise Line – Worth It or Not?
Located aft, The Haven is accessed through private elevators and includes separate family-friendly and adults-only areas. A private sundeck with an infinity pool, two hot tubs, and an exclusive outdoor sauna and cold room are all features available exclusively to guests in The Haven, along with a private restaurant, lounge space, 24-hour butler and concierge service, and other perks.
Further details on the ship’s dining venues, entertainment, and more are sure to be released in the coming months, building even more excitement for what is sure to be a beautiful ship.
NCL Names Final Prima Class Ship Norwegian Bella, Opens 2028 Sailings