Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled what it describes as a “revolutionary” platform for fly-cruise bookings.
NCL Air offers real-time access and pricing for flights across the UK and Ireland, and a simplified booking process via Amadeus. Agents using the platform are guaranteed a minimum 10% commission on the full flight package.
NCL said the platform would offer options from a range of regional gateways, with the choice of NCL-contracted fares with more flexibility, or lower-priced fares with greater restrictions.
Fares will include checked baggage, airport and port transfers and a pre-cruise hotel night if require, and NCL will also offer support in the event of cancellations or delays to flights booked as part of a package.
To mark the launch, NCL is giving away a fly-cruise for two onboard Norwegian Epic or Norwegian Dawn, with agents entered into a prize draw for each NCL Air fly-cruise booking made before December 31. An alternative prize of tickets to musical SIX is also offered ahead of a UK tour in 2021.
Eamonn Ferrin, vice-president and managing director of NCL UK & Ireland and MEA, said; “NCL Air is the natural evolution of our commitment to offer customers more freedom and choice, all while providing travel partners with the utmost support.
“We’ve been working on this revolutionary booking platform for some time, and I’m thrilled that agents and customers can now reap the benefits.”
Sally-Anne Beasley, vice-president guest services Europe, added: “Our longstanding Partners First philosophy compels us to put our travel partners at the centre of every business decision we make.
NCL is committed to helping our valued agents learn, grow and succeed; we’re incredibly thankful for their commitment and hard work. NCL Air has been developed through the lens of our travel partners as we strive to do everything possible to make the NCL booking experience simple and easy for them.”
Dave Mills, vice-president and global supply director of cruise specialist agency Iglu, said: “This new air tool is precisely what we’ve been looking for as a great addition to the tech made available to us by NCL.
“These days, more than ever – being able to offer customers both choice, and reassurance that the holiday they’ve been looking forward to for so long, can be tailored exactly to their requirements, is a huge benefit. Agents are going to love it!”