Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed the sixth and final ship in its Prima Class, and it’s bringing some notable changes before the series comes to an end.
Named Norwegian Bella, the new ship is set to debut in May 2028, with Mediterranean cruises already available to book.
At 170,000 gross tons, she’ll feature a larger pool deck, new waterslides, expanded family areas, and several firsts for the cruise line. Here’s what’s been revealed so far.
Norwegian Bella Will Be the Final Prima Class Ship
Norwegian Cruise Line officially announced Norwegian Bella on October 20, 2026, confirming that the vessel will complete its six-ship Prima Class series.
At approximately 170,000 gross tons and 1,129 feet long, Norwegian Bella will accommodate 3,921 guests at double occupancy, making her one of the largest ships in Norwegian’s fleet alongside her sister ship, Norwegian Aura.
Both ships are currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, with Norwegian Aura expected to arrive in May 2027.
Norwegian Cruise Line says the new ship’s design builds on feedback collected from passengers throughout the Prima Class rollout, which began with Norwegian Prima in 2022.
Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said:
“Norwegian Bella marks a milestone moment in our fleet as the culmination of our award-winning Prima Class.”
The ship will feature expanded outdoor areas, family attractions, and updated spaces for relaxation, building on features already introduced across Norwegian’s newer vessels.
Norwegian Bella Will Begin Sailing From Barcelona in May 2028
Norwegian Bella will spend her inaugural season sailing around the Mediterranean, with most cruises departing roundtrip from Barcelona, Spain.
The seven-night itineraries will visit several popular European destinations, including Salerno, Civitavecchia (the gateway to Rome), Livorno (for Florence and Pisa), Marseille, and Palma de Mallorca. Some departures will also include La Spezia, with the exact ports and sailing order varying by date.
However, the ship’s first scheduled passenger cruise is a five-night voyage departing from Valletta, Malta, on May 2, 2028.
That sailing includes an overnight stay in Malta, followed by stops in Salerno and Civitavecchia before arriving in Barcelona on May 7. A seven-night roundtrip cruise from Barcelona is then scheduled to depart later that same day.
Norwegian Cruise Line hasn’t officially confirmed which sailing will be recognized as Norwegian Bella‘s maiden voyage, although the May 2 departure is currently the earliest listed itinerary.
Bookings are now open for the ship’s 2028 Mediterranean season, giving passengers the chance to reserve cabins well ahead of her debut.
Norwegian Bella Will Feature New Waterslides and an Expanded Pool Deck
One of the biggest attractions on Norwegian Bella will be Ocean Heights, a multi-level outdoor activity complex spanning Decks 18 through 21.
The area will feature several waterslides, including Eclipse Racers, where two riders can race side by side, and Bella Free Fall, which sends passengers through 250 feet of twists and turns. There’s also The Wave, a raft slide that can accommodate up to four people.
For those who prefer a different kind of thrill, The Drop will return. This dry slide sends riders down 10 decks in a matter of seconds, making it one of the ship’s more unusual attractions.
Other activities at Ocean Heights will include an 82-foot-high ropes course, a nine-hole mini golf course, carnival-style games at Bella Midway, and the Moon Climber obstacle course.
The area won’t just be used during the day, either. At night, LED projections and special lighting will transform Ocean Heights into a social space where guests can gather after dark.
Elsewhere, Norwegian Bella will have a main pool deck that’s more than 15% larger than those aboard Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. The expanded area will offer additional seating and lounging space, an infinity hot tub, and a large LED screen for entertainment.
Families will also find an updated Kids’ Aqua Park with interactive water features and a splash pad. Nearby, the Party Slide will offer a wider, shallower ride suitable for families, while Infinity Loop will take passengers around a figure-eight waterslide.
With more space around the pools and several activities spread across the upper decks, the new layout is designed to give passengers more options for spending their time outdoors.
More Outdoor Spaces for Families and Adults
Beyond the waterslides and main pool deck, Norwegian Bella will offer several outdoor areas designed for passengers who prefer a more relaxed day at sea.
Ocean Boulevard, the wraparound promenade on Deck 8, will return with more seating than on Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. The area will feature oceanfront lounging spaces, hot tubs, an outdoor bar, and Infinity Beach, where guests can relax beside infinity pools overlooking the water.
Families will also have several dedicated spaces for younger passengers. Little Explorers’ Cay will cater to children ages two to six, with playhouses and slides, while Adventure Alley will offer tunnels, crawl spaces, and ocean-themed play areas for children ages six to ten.
Teenagers won’t be left out, either. Surf’s Bay will provide a separate hangout area, complete with a surf-themed wall designed for taking photos.
For those looking for somewhere quieter, Horizon Park on Deck 19 will offer open-air seating, ocean views, and traditional lawn games.
Adults seeking a break from the busier family areas will have access to Vibe Beach Club, Norwegian’s adults-only retreat. The space will include infinity hot tubs, an oceanfront bar, lounge chairs, and daybeds.
Passengers interested in wellness will also have access to the Mandara Spa & Salon, offering another option for relaxation away from the ship’s busier activity areas.
Together, these areas will give passengers a choice between family activities, outdoor relaxation, and quieter adults-only spaces throughout their cruise.
The Haven Will Include 159 Suites and New Amenities
Norwegian Bella will feature 159 suites within The Haven, Norwegian Cruise Line’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship accommodation area.
Located toward the rear of the ship, The Haven will have private elevators and its own sundeck with an infinity pool, two hot tubs, and separate spaces for families and adults. There will also be an outdoor sauna and cold room, both firsts for Norwegian Cruise Line’s Haven experience.
Guests staying in The Haven will have access to a private restaurant, bar, and lounge, along with 24-hour butler and concierge service. Other benefits include priority boarding, disembarkation, and reservations for onboard activities and dining.
Designed by Italian architect Piero Lissoni, the expanded Haven area will include an additional deck of suites. Accommodation options will range from smaller luxury suites to spacious two-bedroom duplex suites designed for families and groups.
Elsewhere on the ship, passengers will have nearly 2,000 staterooms to choose from, including inside cabins, ocean-view rooms, balcony cabins, and Club Balcony Suites.
Solo travelers will also have dedicated Studio cabins, with access to a private Studio Lounge.
With so many accommodation choices, cabin location is worth considering before booking. My guide to 16 NCL cabins to avoid covers common issues to look out for across the cruise line’s fleet.
Australian Artist George Rose Designed the Ship’s Hull Artwork
Norwegian Bella will feature original hull artwork created by Australian contemporary artist George Rose, continuing Norwegian Cruise Line’s tradition of giving its ships distinctive designs.
Rose is known for her large-scale murals and nature-inspired artwork, often using bold colors, flowing shapes, and botanical patterns. Her work has appeared internationally, including projects for Nike, Instagram, and the Australian Embassy in Indonesia.
For Norwegian Bella, she has created a colorful design featuring abstract shapes and flowing patterns that stretch across the ship’s hull.
Speaking about the project, Rose said:
“Designing the hull art for Norwegian Bella was an opportunity to capture the sense of wonder that travel inspires.”
She added that she hopes her artwork will become part of the memories passengers make while exploring Europe aboard the ship.
More Details About Norwegian Bella Are Still to Come
Although Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed many of Norwegian Bella‘s main attractions, there are still a few details passengers will have to wait for.
The cruise line hasn’t yet announced the ship’s full restaurant lineup, theater productions, or live entertainment options. These are expected to be revealed closer to her May 2028 debut.
As the sixth and final Prima Class ship, Norwegian Bella will bring the series to a close after six years, following the introduction of Norwegian Prima in 2022.
However, Norwegian Cruise Line isn’t finished adding new ships to its fleet. The company has already ordered a new generation of larger vessels, with the first scheduled for delivery in 2030.
In the meantime, passengers interested in sailing aboard Norwegian Bella can already book her inaugural Mediterranean itineraries through Norwegian Cruise Line or a travel advisor.
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