With less a month to go until Travel Weekly’s Agent Achievement Awards 2023, Gary Anslow shares his excitement with Andrew McQuarrie
Q. Why are you sponsoring the AAAs?
A. At Norwegian Cruise Line, we put our travel partners at the heart of everything we do. Over the years, we have been truly overwhelmed by the commitment and support we have received from travel agents, which is why we are delighted to be a premium sponsor of the AAAs once again and give agents the recognition and reward they deserve. We are honoured and proud to be part of this key event in the industry calendar.
Q. How has 2023 gone so far?
A. With the whole industry experiencing a strong wave period, and with that momentum continuing through April and May, we’re pleased with 2023 so far. We’ve also got a lot to look forward to. As well as anticipating a strong summer selling period, we’ve also got the second of six ships within our new Prima class of vessels, Norwegian Viva, joining the fleet. Mirroring the upscale design and structure of its record-breaking sister ship Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva will offer the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any new contemporary and premium-category ship. It will also boast the largest outdoor deck space, alongside the most spacious accommodation, including our largest Inside, Ocean View and Balcony category staterooms, allowing guests to feel more connected with the sea. The ship sails in August, offering a range of breathtaking itineraries, initially in the Mediterranean, before moving to the Caribbean for the winter season and returning to Europe for summer 2024.
Q. What are your main product focuses?
A. With a fleet of 19 ships, we have the luxury of being able to offer a breadth of destinations. We are devoted to visiting about 500 places worldwide, giving our guests the opportunity to travel and see the world. A key focus for us is Europe, where we will have nine ships over the next two summers, including Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. With four ships in Alaska, we offer an outstanding product, as our itineraries and ships lend themselves perfectly to the scenic experience. But our focus isn’t just this summer. With winter-sun high in our guests’ thoughts, we look towards our Caribbean sailings, many of which visit our private island at Great Stirrup Cay, and our extensive Asia programmes. We have a great year ahead and are setting up positively for the year after.
Q. What are you doing to support your travel agent partners?
A. At NCL, we lead with our Partners First Philosophy – an initiative that puts agents front and centre of our planning. Last year, we hosted more than 500 UK and Irish agents on Norwegian Prima. As our newest ship to launch, and one that broke boundaries in its design and facilities, we had to give our partners the chance to see and experience it first-hand. This year, more than 1,500 agents are joining us on our UK and Ireland ship-visit programme. We also recently announced that we will pay commission on NCFs [non-commissionable fares] for bookings made at least 120 days prior to travel, enabling agents to earn higher commissions off further-out bookings, which typically deliver a higher ticket price – a real win-win. We’re making sure that all our travel agent partners are signed up to Freestyle Rewards, so they earn a bonus on every NCL booking, and that they are working through NCLU, our online training portal that gives agents confidence to sell NCL and, ultimately, enables them to get discounts on their own NCL holidays.
Q. What are your best AAAs memories?
A. The AAAs have long been one of the highlights of the year. It was an experience being on stage with Lucy Huxley and Vernon Kay last year, but my best memories are of enjoying the company of our partners and celebrating their successes with them. There’s nothing better than a partner coming back to our table with an award that we can all celebrate.
Q. What would your advice be for someone attending for the first time?
A. Have a great night celebrating this wonderful industry in the company of all the agents and suppliers. Enjoy the applause if you manage to pick up a gong. But most of all, be inspired to be on stage as a winner yourself in 2024.
Q. What song will you be hoping to hear at the after-party?
A. We’re big fans of Katy Perry here at NCL, as the godmother of Norwegian Prima. So anything by her will get me on my feet.
More: Agent Achievement Awards 2023 shortlists unveiled
