Posted on 23rd Oct, 2026
A Brand-New Ocean Sensation: Norwegian Cruise Line reveals Norwegian Bella, opening sales for her maiden 2028 summer season sailing seven-day Mediterranean voyages roundtrip from Barcelona.
Record-Breaking Top-Deck Adrenaline: Packed with heart-pounding adventures, including the 10-deck dry slide The Drop, four-person raft ride The Wave, and an expanded pool deck over 15% larger than sister ships.
Pure Aft-Facing Luxury: Features 159 Piero Lissoni-designed suites in The Haven, complete with a private oceanfront infinity pool, an outdoor sauna, an invigorating cold room, and 24-hour butler service.
Get ready to mark your travel calendars for 2028: the cruise world has a dazzling new superstar on the horizon. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has officially pulled back the curtain on its brand-new flagship, Norwegian Bella, and sales are now officially open.
Serving as the show-stopping grand finale to the game-changing Prima Class, Norwegian Bella takes everything travellers adore about modern cruising and cranks up the volume.
Measuring a colossal 1,129 feet in length, weighing in at 170,000 gross tons, and welcoming 3,921 guests at double occupancy, she joins sister ship Norwegian Aura as the largest, most feature-packed vessel in the entire NCL fleet.
Even better? Her maiden season puts you right in the sun-drenched heart of the Mediterranean. Beginning in May 2028, this brand-new ocean giant will homeport in glamorous Barcelona, Spain, whisking guests away on sun-soaked seven-day voyages to European bucket-list treasures like Rome, Florence, Salerno on the Amalfi Coast, Marseille, and Palma de Mallorca.
Leave your expectations of a traditional sun deck far behind. Spanning decks 18 through 21, Ocean Heights is a gravity-defying, multi-level adventure playground built for pure adrenaline by day and dynamic festival energy under the night sky.
Under the Mediterranean sun, it becomes an arena of sky-high thrills:
The Drop: Plunge down NCL’s signature 10-deck free-fall dry slide, rocketing downwards in a matter of heart-racing seconds.
The Wave: Gather three of your bravest friends and hold on tight as this pendulum-style raft slide whips you back and forth above the waves.
Eclipse Racers & Bella Free Fall: Go head-to-head on pulse-pounding duelling waterslides, or test your courage on a gravity-defying drop slide.
Active Open-Air Challenges: Scale the vibrant Moon Climber course on deck 20, conquer the sprawling Bella Ropes Course, play a round of nine-hole mini golf with sweeping ocean views, or win prizes at the carnival-style Bella Midway.
When night falls, the energy does not stop: Ocean Heights transforms into a dazzling open-air entertainment space complete with high-tech LED projections and immersive lighting set against the Mediterranean night sky.
If your idea of paradise is lounging poolside with a handcrafted cocktail, Norwegian Bella has you covered in serious style. Down on deck eight, the wrap-around Ocean Boulevard promenade brings you impossibly close to the water.
Settle into luxurious daybeds at Infinity Beach, where sparkling infinity plunge pools seem to spill right into the deep blue ocean. Grab a drink from the open-air bar, soak in heated whirlpools, or take an evening stroll under the stars.
Sun-seekers will also fall in love with the expanded main pool deck, which is over 15% larger than those on sister ships Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.
Featuring an infinity hot tub, plenty of plush loungers, and an oversized LED screen, it is the perfect spot to catch the afternoon breeze.
Families can make a splash together on the wide-body Party Slide or the winding Infinity Loop, while younger explorers run wild at Little Explorers' Cay and Adventure Alley.
For teenagers, Surf's Bay delivers an ultra-cool private hangout space complete with an Instagram-ready surf-wall installation.
Looking to escape the buzz? The adults-only Vibe Beach Club provides a tranquil hideaway, boasting oceanfront infinity whirlpools, private cabanas, and attentive bar service.
Whether you are travelling solo, escaping as a couple, or bringing the whole family, Norwegian Bella’s nearly 2,000 staterooms are designed with effortless elegance.
Solo explorers can take advantage of dedicated Studio cabins without paying punitive single supplements, while families can choose from connected staterooms and expansive ocean-facing balconies.
For the ultimate VIP treatment, step inside The Haven by Norwegian. Tucked privately away at the ship’s aft, this exclusive ship-within-a-ship sanctuary was crafted by master Italian architect Piero Lissoni.
Inside this private enclave, 159 ultra-luxurious suites enjoy dedicated keycard access to:
A secluded multi-level sundeck featuring an infinity pool that overlooks the ship's wake.
An outdoor thermal wellness oasis featuring both an open-air sauna and a revitalising cold room.
Private fine-dining venues and cocktail lounges with exclusive gourmet menus.
Personal 24-hour butler service, concierge support, and priority boarding at every single port.
Before you even step on board, Norwegian Bella makes an unforgettable first impression. Her hull features a vibrant, bespoke mural created by world-renowned Australian street artist George Rose.
Bursting with fluid botanical gradients and bold, uplifting colours, the exterior artwork perfectly captures the spirit of exploration and discovery.
Inside, the ship is an architectural dream, shaped by prestigious design heavyweights like Rockwell Group, AD Associates, SMC Design, and Studio Dado.
From chic champagne lounges to sweeping glass atriums, every corner feels like a glamorous boutique hotel on the water.
With bookings officially open, now is the time to secure your spot aboard the most talked-about new launch of 2028 before the best staterooms are snapped up.
Author: Naomi Allen
Role: Junior Content Editor