NCL to remove non-commissionable fares for UK agents

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has removed non-commissionable fares (NCFs) from its pricing for the UK market.

NCFs typically include elements such as port charges, government taxes and other optional fees.

From April 1, agents will earn the additional commission on new bookings for departures after May 1, which could equate to between 1.5 and 2% extra earnings for trade partners depending on the value of the booking.

The move comes after the line eliminated NCFs in other markets, including the US and Canada, for bookings made from December 26, 2025 for departures after May 1, 2026.

Previously, NCL temporarily paid UK agents commission on non-commissionable parts of fares in 2023, subject to marketing plans being submitted to the sales support team and departures being further than 120 days out, however, Travel Weekly understands this change is permanent.

During wave, the cruise line offered the UK trade 2% bonus commission during the wave period, in addition to bringing back its ‘Free at Sea Plus’ package.

Gary Anslow, NCL vice-president and head of UK and Ireland, said: “From April 1, to cement our ‘Partners First’ approach, we will remove NCFs for bookings departing May 1, 2026. 

“This change signifies our commitment to agents, making the commission payments higher, as well as a seamless and transparent booking process.”

John Sullivan, commercial director at Advantage Travel Partnership, added: “This is a great initiative, particularly at a time when every penny counts for agents. 

“It’s great to see NCL taking this lead. Let’s hope others with NCFs follow.”

The Travel Network Group cruise sales director John Wilson said the announcement was “really positive news for our members”, adding that it would be "interesting to see" if other lines follow their lead.

He said: “There has always been a debate on why some cruise lines include a portion of the cost where no commission is earnt, but others do not.

“Moving to a model where the whole fare is commissionable will increase the earnings possible for our members, simplifies pricing understanding and, as a permanent move rather than tactical initiative, shows NCL’s desire to work closely with UK trade partners.”

Hays Travel’s head of cruise Catriona Parson added that it was “a positive and progressive move” for the sector which the agency "strongly welcomes”.

She said: “It is always encouraging to see suppliers taking decisive action that genuinely recognises the role of agents and rewards the expertise they bring.

“This shift not only makes it easier for our teams and members to match the right cruise to the right customer, but it also reinforces the importance of agents in driving cruise growth.”

Cruise Monks’ managing director Wael Seliman echoed this as he said it was “a step in the right direction” that would “genuinely make a difference to businesses like ours”.

He said he hoped NCL would “not be the last” cruise line to make the decision, adding: “At Cruise Monks, we have grown quickly by focusing on building strong relationships with both our clients and key suppliers like NCL. 

“One of the frustrations historically has been the lack of consistency around commissionable fares, so this move brings a lot more clarity and confidence when selling, which means my team can focus purely on finding the right holiday for the customer, without having to second-guess the commercial side of a booking.

“I do think it sets a strong example for the rest of the industry. Anything that creates more alignment between cruise lines and agents is a good thing.”

Southampton Cruise Concierge founder and managing director Joanne Pearson described the new policy as “a turnaround” when other cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises and Cunard have added non-commissionable elements into fares in recent months.

Pearson said: “What a turnaround that NCL is doing the reverse and no longer having a non-commissionable element.

“My only concern is that if our commission will now be based on the gross fare and NCL will reduce the percentage commission rate that we currently have.”

She added: “I believe all cruise lines, if they have to charge taxes should charge them separately [to make it clearer for customers], or if taxes are included [in the top line price], provide commission on the full fare.”