Norwegian Cruise Line
OVERVIEW
Describing itself as “the innovator in cruise travel,” Norwegian Cruise Line has been in business for 54 years, with rapidly accelerating growth over the past decade. The line was the first to eliminate set dining times as part of its ‘Freestyle’ cruising approach.
NCL operates a fleet of 18 large ships (August 2022) that carry between 1,936 and 4,266 passengers. With the arrival of its Prima Class ships starting in 2022, NCL is moving upscale from mainstream to premium. Five more ships are on order for delivery through 2027.
Onboard, there’s lot to choose from, with a wide variety of complimentary and a la carte-priced specialty dining options. Entertainment includes Broadway-style shows, live music and comedy. There are many styles of accommodation to choose from, including the exclusive ‘The Haven,’ where guests will find the line’s most spacious and luxurious staterooms and suites, along with butler and concierge services.
In recent years, Norwegian’s newest ships have been outfitted with a range of family-friendly attractions including go-kart tracks, waterparks, laser tag venues and more.
DESTINATIONS VISITED
Norwegian Cruise Line sails to countries on six continents. Popular itineraries include Alaska, Asia, Africa, Australia & New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Extraordinary Journey’s, Greek Isles, Hawaii, Mediterranean, Mexico, Northern Europe, Pacific Coastal, Panama Canal, South America, and Transatlantic.
Norwegian Cruise Line is the only large-ship cruise company to offer an all-Hawaiian Islands Hawaii itinerary, aboard Norwegian Pride of America, visiting 4 islands in 7 days.
NORWEGIAN CENTRAL TRAVEL AGENT PORTAL
NCL offers a comprehensive suite of resources designed to help travel advisors “learn, promote, book and connect.”
The Norwegian Cruise Line travel agent portal features include:
- Norwegian Cruise Line University (NCLU)
- Marketing tools and resources
- BOOKNCL booking engine available exclusively to advisors
- Sales Manager directory
- NCL Help, where you’ll find answers to product and promotion-related questions
- SalesPal, an advanced tool to help you find lead-in pricing, group space availability and single supplement rates
- Host A Cruise Event, all the resources you need to successfully plan and host an event
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE UNIVERSITY
A key resource on Norwegian Central is NCLU (Norwegian Cruise Line University), which offers training courses to expand agent knowledge. The multi-tiered program gives travel advisors the opportunity to earn three CLIA credits per degree; advisors who complete NCLU up to a Ph.D.-degree level will earn 12 CLIA credits. As they move through the levels, advisors become eligible for increasingly reduced rates.
AGENT RATES & FAMS
Reduced rates are available to travel advisors who are Norwegian Cruise Line University students and have achieved an Associate Degree or higher. NCL travel agent rates are tiered based on the degree level reached and can be as high as up to 30% off personal cruise vacations.
FAM trips are organized by NCL sales managers; travel advisors can reach out to their dedicated sales manager for more information.
MARKETING TOOLS AND RESOURCES
Travel advisors can use NCL Marketing Headquarters, available on Norwegian Central, access to tools to market and grow your business, including customizable marketing assets such as social media posts, videos, emails and flyers. With Norwegian’s Marketing Headquarters it’s like having an advertising agency at your fingertips, but for free!
LOCAL AGENT SUPPORT
NCL has a dedicated sales team to assist you with growing your business. Connect with your Norwegian Sales Manager for opportunities with marketing, groups, training and business development. You can locate your sales manger on Norwegian Central.