AAAs 2026 Q&A: Gary Anslow, NCL regional vice-president and head of UK and Ireland

Q. Why did Norwegian Cruise Line decide to be a premium sponsor of the AAAs?

A. Sponsoring the AAAs enables us to recognise, celebrate and champion some of the UK’s best travel agents.

 

Q. How has business been this year for NCL?

A. It’s been a brilliant year for us. We launched Norwegian Luna in the spring; our partners smashed NCL’s Walk for Wellness wellbeing initiative, raising £15,000 for agent charities Abta LifeLine and the ITAA Benevolent Fund; and we’ve seen huge success with our Travel Champions UK campaign, which launched this year in Miami. NCL’s Travel Champions have a big year ahead with us, and we’re very excited to be working with them.

 

Q. Are there any updates in the pipeline that agents should know about?

A. In the summer, Great Tides waterpark will open on NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas. Featuring 19 slides, cliff jumps and a ‘dynamic’ river, it will be a rollicking adventure for both kids and big kids alike. Next year we launch Norwegian Aura, with very exciting announcements about the amenities, venues and entertainment coming very soon.

 

Q. What are the most important lessons you’ve learnt from agents this year?

A. That this industry’s resilience knows no bounds, and that travel agents are truly the ultimate definition of “above and beyond”.

 

Q. How can agents maximise their sales with Norwegian Cruise Line?
A. Maximising sales with NCL is simple and can be achieved by following these steps:

 

● Know the product
We’ve hosted thousands of agents on sailings on Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna in recent years. If you couldn’t join us (and even if you did), we strongly recommend completing your training on our NCLU platform. It has everything you need to know, and if you hold a ‘master’s degree’ or above, you can access huge savings on your own holidays. We also run regular webinars with Laura, our Partners First training manager – sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date.

 

● Match NCL to your customers
NCL is perfect for seasoned travellers looking for an effortless experience and families wanting something extra (our private island, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, is always a winner). We also lead the way in solo travel, with dedicated cabins and social spaces, and we’re one of the easiest cruise lines for converting land-based customers, thanks to our freestyle approach – no dress codes, no set dining times and plenty of choice.

 

● Shout about value – especially Free at Sea
Our Free at Sea offer remains one of the most competitive packages in the market, working out at around £36 per day on a typical holiday. That includes a premium drinks package,  speciality dining, Wi-Fi and shore excursion credits. Upgrade to Free at Sea Plus for even more, including champagne and unlimited Wi-Fi.

 

● Stay connected and informed
Make sure you’re part of the Partners First Facebook community for updates on promotions, ship visits and events. It’s the quickest way to stay in the loop. You should also ensure you have access to Marketing HQ via NorwegianCentral.com, where you’ll find everything you need to
promote NCL effectively – including ready-to-use social posts, GIFs and campaign assets.

 

Quickfire questions

 

Q. What was your first job in the travel industry?
A. I joined Cosmos Holidays in 2011. Prior to that I sold beer, crisps and vodka, so it was an easy swap.

 

Q. What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
A. Treat others how you would want to be treated.

 

Q. Favourite holiday destination?
A. Any and every holiday destination is my favourite, because everywhere you go brings new experiences as well as memories.

 

Q. Favourite aspect of the AAAs?
A. Seeing deserved people getting recognised for their contribution.

 

Q. Fondest AAAs memory?
A. Being on stage with Lucy Huxley and Vernon Kay, announcing Katy Perry as the godmother of Norwegian Prima.