“Norwegian Bella” to Cruise Europe from May 2028

(eap) Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has opened bookings for one of its upcoming “Prima” Class ships, the “Norwegian Bella”. Currently under construction at the Italian Fincantieri shipyard, the vessel is scheduled to begin operating week-long Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona, Spain, in May 2028.

Norwegian Bella is the sister ship of “Norwegian Aura”, which is set to sail in the Eastern Caribbean from summer next year. The two liners will be the largest ships in NCL’s fleet to date. Measuring just under 344 metres in length and with a gross tonnage of 168,000 (Aura) and 170,000 (Bella), respectively, each will accommodate more than 3,800 guests based on double occupancy.

Norwegian Bella™ will feature Ocean Heights™, a multi-level, open-air activity complex that is an innovative, multi-generational hub of entertainment featuring a variety of slides and activities from day to night. © Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Bella’s leisure and entertainment offerings will be similar to those of its sister ship. Highlights in the “Ocean Heights” area will include several water slides, which will also be supplied for Bella by German manufacturer Wiegand.Waterrides: a dual-lane racing slide, a freefall slide and a Lotus slide named “The Wave”. The latter will mark the debut of the first large-scale versions of this slide type at sea aboard the new mega-ships. The Lotus slide will feature a tube diameter of 2.7 metres to accommodate rafts carrying four to five people. The more compact versions installed on other ships feature a 2.05-metre-wide tube diameter designed for rafts carrying two to three people.

On Ocean Boulevard, NCL’s signature wrap around promenade, the all-new Norwegian Bella™ features a kid’s area, Little Explorer’s Cay, equipped with a playground and slides. © Norwegian Cruise Line The “Ocean Boulevard” area will also offer plenty of water-based fun, featuring a multi-lane mat racer slide, a large stainless steel water slide with LED effects and a spacious water playground. Norwegian Bella will also feature the signature attraction of the Prima Class: a dry slide descending a total of ten ship decks. Named “The Drop”, it will likewise be supplied by Wiegand. In addition, Norwegian Bella will feature “The Haven”, the exclusive luxury area also planned for Norwegian Aura.

Norwegian Bella’s top-deck attraction, Ocean Heights™, will offer thrilling activities including the 82-foot Bella Ropes Course. © Norwegian Cruise Line Continuing NCL’s tradition of partnering with renowned artists to create iconic hull artwork across its fleet, Norwegian Bella will feature a striking original design by acclaimed Australian contemporary artist George Rose. Known for her bold murals and vibrant botanical compositions, Rose creates immersive worlds that blend fine art and design through vivid colour, fluid gradients and graphic natural forms.

NCL President Marc Kazlauskas comments: “Norwegian Bella marks a milestone moment in our fleet as the culmination of our award-winning Prima Class. […] From enhanced outdoor spaces and family-friendly attractions to elevated venues for relaxation and connection, 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. We look forward to welcoming guests to discover the Mediterranean with us aboard Norwegian Bella.” ■