Did You Know? The Address Bar on Explorer (Netsite on Navigator) shows the complete technical address of the site or page currently displayed. In Internet jargon this is called the URL, which stands for Uniform Resource Locator, but is just the Web address of the site you are trying to connect to. The URL is split into parts: http:// – this confirms that the site conforms to the Internet protocol. Http stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol and is the standard protocol and communication rule for Web sites. Only a year or so ago, you had to type in http:// at the beginning of a Web site address but recent versions of browsers no longer require this prefix. To access most Web sites you will need to type in www. followed by the domain name which identifies the site you wish to visit. Apart from the main name you will always see either one or two suffixes which identify the type of organisation and/or the country where the site is based. For example .co.uk is most likely to represent a company based in the UK.
This week: www.ncl.com
Description
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a considerable array of itineraries – visiting more than 150 ports, in 40 countries, on four continents. The UK version of the site has been up and running for more than six months providing support to agents and passengers on its comprehensive portfolio of cruises.
Home page
The purpose of the site’s first page is to specify the visitor’s origin – US/ Canada, UK or Germany/ Eastern Europe. Once established, the home page appears with a bright and colourful layout of graphics to show the many sections available on the Web site. Links are shown for destinations, fleet, news, special offers, theme cruises, brochures, site map, cruise extra, more information, latitudes, what’s included, millennium, the inaugural season and – wait for it – trade.
Ease of use
Navigating the site is extremely easy and should you get confused then simply look at the site map. Response times to download pages are usually very good, particularly when considering the number of excellent pictures that are used throughout the site.
Site design
Pages are very clearly displayed in a uniform manner. Thumbnail images are frequently used which can sometimes be enlarged and information is broken down into key sections to produce an easy to digest format.
Colour is used most effectively with each main section using its navigation bar colour as the background on its subject page. As the site uses many frames throughout, scroll bars can appear which can be slightly annoying at times. But on the whole, the site has a clean and consistent look with an effective design.
The UK site is based on the US version, so there is a slight US twang to it. However, the main sections, such as the destinations/ itineraries, are UK focused and provide details travelling from the UK.
Value of Information
The fleet section has loads of great information – everything to satisfy cruise passengers as to ship’s facilities, including cabins, deck plans and public rooms as well as itineraries. There are pictures and maps to illustrate these facilities and routes.
Covered within the Destinations section is information on cruise itineraries by country/ continent giving not only timings but also details on possible shore excursions and vacation stretchers – where you can take a few days holidaying on land. Looking at the Itineraries at a Glance section could be of more value if searching by place rather than ship.
The trade section has restricted access, offering agents information on training, co-operative funding campaigns, commission levels, promotional support, news, photo library and contacts. Agents can gain access by registering and submitting their details, including ABTA number, on a form to obtain a user name and password by return.
Value-added services, including details of NCL exclusives, such as children’s amenities and honeymoon packages, and a ‘gambling facilities’ section can be found in the More Info category. Look here, too, for frequently-asked questions on what to know before going.
Further sections include Special Offers, Theme Cruises and Millennium Cruises.
Nice features
Norwegian Sky Inaugural season – this special item promotes the Norwegian Sky in an interesting and informative way giving plenty of details on this amazing vessel – including a Midnight and Chocoholic buffet.
The Webcam used in this section allows spectacular views from the ship’s bridge – the next best thing to being there!
Pictures on the site are superb and are displayed in such a way as to not cause slow response times.
Would you come back?
Yes – this is a wonderful site. The quality and depth of information is incredible and is so easy to find. Agents can use the site as an effective support tool to obtain up-to-date information on Norwegian Cruise Lines as well as to provide clients with excellent detail on their holiday.