NCV clarifies market position after merger

Cruise itineraries

NCV clarifies market position after merger

Operator pledges to continue training

New programme: the Scandinavian Travel Service brochure is expected to focus on Norway

Norwegian Coastal Voyage cruiseline will continue its agents’ training programme launched by Scandinavian Travel Service, despite the August merger of the two companies.

Norwegian Coastal Voyage managing director Iain Cottam said 350 agents were signed up members of the Scandinavian Travel Academy and 150 of these were good producers who were worth supporting.

Training commitment

“The academy will continue to train agents on the programme and Scandinavia. More seminars are planned for the end of the year. It is a major financial commitment and we need more support from tourist boards, airlines and hoteliers,” he said.

Under the changes in August, Scandinavian Travel Service was merged into Norwegian Coastal Voyage.

All licences, including those from the Civil Aviation Authority, ABTA, and the Passenger Shipping Association, are now held by Norwegian Coastal Voyage.

City breaks

Scandinavian Travel Service will continue to exist as a brand only, offering Scandinavian product such as city breaks, flydrives and coach holidays.

He said: “By having the two companies, we were confusing the market. Agents were not sure if we were a lakes and mountains or a cruise operator. We wanted to build the cruise image.”

Norwegian Coastal Voyage operates 11 ships which sail up and down the Norwegian coast between Bergen and Kirkenes, providing a trading link for people who live on the coast.

It is also a popular cruise option, especially since bigger and more upmarket ships have joined the fleet.

New brochure

As a result of the merger, the company now has its own brochure, including prices, which was launched last month. Previously it was an information-only programme.

It also offers group departures and voyages covering photography, arts, culture and painting, with an expert on board holding informal talks.

“People told us they wanted more activities that would add value and enhance the experience,” said Cottam.

He added that the Scandinavia Travel Service brochure, previously a lakes and mountains product, will be out at the end of the year and will reflect the changing market.

“It will still feature all the Scandinavia countries but it will be destination led. I imagine we will major on Norway and Iceland and try to find new niche markets in the other countries,” said Cottam.

sample

Norwegian coastal voyage

&#42 The 12-day Classic Round Voyage, between Bergen and Kirkenes, costs from £795 per person in a double cabin. The price includes flights and transfers, bed and breakfast in Bergen and full board.

&#42 A five-day return mini-voyage, between Bergen and Trondheim, costs from £495 per person in an outsidedouble cabin, including return flights andtransfers, one night’s bed and breakfast in Bergen and full board.

&#42 An eight-day Photographers’ Voyage costs from £995 full-board based on inside double cabin and return flights.