Norwegian Cruise Line is hosting a showcase cruise for 1,550 UK travel agents.
- The event includes a three-night sailing from Southampton on the Norwegian Aqua.
- Agents will preview the ship’s features ahead of its inaugural season.
- The Norwegian Aqua introduces innovative on-board amenities and dining options.
- NCL is strengthening ties with UK trade partners through this initiative.
Norwegian Cruise Line is embarking on a strategic move to engage their UK travel partners by hosting 1,550 agents on a three-night round-trip voyage from Southampton aboard the Norwegian Aqua. This significant event comes just ahead of the ship’s much-anticipated inaugural season in the upcoming spring.
This unique showcase enables agents to experience first-hand the Norwegian Aqua’s offerings before the vessel’s full deployment. The emphasis is on familiarising these key partners with the ship, thus empowering them to better inform their clientele and promote future bookings. David Herrera, President of the cruise line, underscored the importance of the UK market, calling it NCL’s largest outside North America, and highlighting the long-standing relationships with its local trade partners.
The Norwegian Aqua marks a new chapter in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, being the first of the expanded Prima Plus class ships, and is notably 10% larger than its Prima class predecessors, Prima and Viva. The vessel’s design includes groundbreaking features such as the Aqua Slidecoaster, an acclaimed first in the form of a hybrid rollercoaster at sea, which promises an exhilarating experience for passengers.
On board, passengers will also discover new dining options that elevate the culinary offerings of the cruise line. This includes NCL’s inaugural Thai specialty restaurant, Sukhothai, the plant-based focused Planterie, and a novel Swirl Wine Bar. New entertainment features, still under wraps, are expected to draw considerable attention and contribute to a vibrant atmosphere on board, reflecting feedback from agents, crew, and passengers alike.
Herrera noted that the demand for Norwegian Aqua’s itineraries is robust, with booking figures surpassing expectations. The ship will embark on its initial series of seven-day Caribbean journeys from Port Canaveral, Florida, starting next April. As Norwegian Cruise Line continues to evolve, their commitment to listening and responding to partner needs remains at the forefront of their business model, ensuring mutually beneficial growth.
The Norwegian Aqua initiative exemplifies Norwegian Cruise Line’s commitment to fostering strong, informed partnerships with their UK agents.
