Norwegian improves agent incentives to book affinity cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line revamped its program for affinity groups to give travel agents three ways to receive amenities associated with booking such groups. The updated program starts Dec. 1.

The first option is to receive two tour conductor (TC) credits for every 14 berths booked as the entire amenity.

A second choice provides a 1-for-14 TC credit plus the option of an Ultimate Beverage package or prepaid service charges for each member of the group.

A third choice is a 1-for-14 TC credit plus any two of a list of eight amenities, including a free Internet package, a cocktail party, a four-night specialty dining package or a $75 onboard credit.

The affinity group program was announced during a webinar for agents. In an instant poll done during the webinar, 44% of agents said they preferred the second choice, 38% the third choice and 20% the first choice.

“We are huge fans of affinity groups,” Norwegian Cruise Line President Andy Stuart told webinar participants, because bookings come early, tend to stick and bring people who have never cruised before.

As part of the program, Stuart said the availability of amenities chosen will be guaranteed for the duration of the cruise, even though it may be booked many months out.

Other terms of the program require agents to make a deposit of $50 per cabin within 60 days of booking, provide for space recall at 120 days prior to sailing, and require final payment 75 days prior to sailing. “We’re going to ask you to invest in this program,” Stuart said.

Norwegian emphasized that the program is only for true affinity groups, not for unaffiliated passengers booked together in speculative space held as a group.

Norwegian to target China market with second Breakaway Plus-class ship

By Phil Davies

Norwegian Cruise Line’s second Breakaway Plus-class ship will be used to mark the line’s entry into China in 2017.

The new vessel is being designed specifically for the China market with accommodation, cuisine and onboard experiences that cater to the holiday preferences of Chinese passengers.

The 4,000-passenger ship will be the second in the new class to be introduced by the line following Norwegian Escape which is Duse for delivery next week.

Chief executive Frank Del Rio said: “Our new purpose-built ship for China will have characteristics that are authentic to Norwegian Cruise Line and yet distinctively Chinese in all of its sensibility.

With this new ship, Norwegian will unquestionably offer our Chinese guests a superior product and introduce a new standard of innovation and excellence into the marketplace, with an unrivaled level of customisation for the Chinese consumer. It will perfectly suit what modern Chinese travellers value from an upscale cruise experience.”

The company says it is is working with partners in China and local experts on the subtleties of Chinese culture.

Further details, including the ship’s name, home port, accommodations, dining and entertainment will be disclosed in the coming months.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has opened offices in Beijing and Hong Kong in addition to Shanghai.

The offices will support all three brands in the company’s portfolio – Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

“Our China offices house a dedicated leadership team uniquely focused on ensuring the success of our local travel agent partners, which is crucial to the success of our expansion in what will soon be the world’s second largest cruise market,” said Del Rio.

“These offices will provide sales and marketing support to our travel partners whose customers not only wish to sail on our new China-based ship, but also on any of the incredible voyages around the world offered across our portfolio of brands.”

Two additional ships in the Breakaway Plus class are on order for delivery in 2018 and 2019.

Pitbull to christen Norwegian Escape

In a break with tradition, Norwegian Cruise Line has picked a godfather rather than a godmother to christen its newest ship, Norwegian Escape.

The choice is Miami-based musician Pitbull, who will also perform at the ceremony scheduled for Nov. 9.

Pitbull also performed at the inaugural ceremonies for Norwegian Getaway when it was introduced in Miami in February 2014.

In an announcement, Norwegian said the selection of Pitbull as the ship’s godfather “reinforces Norwegian’s nontraditional cruising that focuses on freedom and flexibility for guests.”

Norwegian Getaway’s godmothers were the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders.

Pitbull is a stage name for Armando Christian Perez. The rapper and record producer has sold 6 million albums and 70 million singles, Norwegian said.