Agents hail Norwegian Aqua as ‘premium family product’

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship “feels dramatically bigger” and “more premium” than its sister vessels, according to agents on its inaugural sailing.

 

Jason Krimmel, NCL vice-president and chief of international sales and marketing officer, explained the line had “taken learnings” from previous Prima ships to use the additional space on Norwegian Aqua – which is 10% bigger than its predecessors – in the most effective way.

 

Krimmel said: “For those of you that were on Prima and Viva, Aqua feels dramatically bigger.

 

“This is because the public spaces have really opened up and with the first class of any ship, you do not get to take advantage of learnings until ship three, four, five and six.”

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More: Norwegian Cruise Line anticipates ‘additional opportunities’ for agents this summer

 

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Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, managing director at Barrhead Travel, identified elements on the Prima Plus Class ship that would make it a good fit for families.

 

“For the family market, we love a holiday with our children and in-laws, and this ship is perfect for that multi-gen experience as I can imagine us really connecting and playing games together here,” she said.

 

“From my observations in my first 24 hours [on board], it absolutely ticks the box for all of us.”

 

She added that the ship would also “cater brilliantly” to couples.

 

Jonny Peat, senior commercial manager at the Advantage Travel Partnership, said Aqua felt “more premium” than Prima, which he sailed on for its inaugural in Reykjavik two years ago.

 

He said: “There is a lot of product out there, but there’s real confidence to be able to go back to people and say this is a real premium family product.

 

“I know the family market has been relatively tough this year so far so you want to make sure you are nailing it first time. We have about 50 Advantage members on board and after hearing their first impressions, we are confident [about saying that].”

 

Travel Counsellors agent John Ryrie said Aqua offered a “small and intimate” experience despite being a large ship for 3,500 passengers.

 

“There aren’t these huge bars and venues that you have to go in, and I think that’s a selling point that people need to be able to get across to sell Norwegian and this ship,” he said.

 

He added there was more for luxury clients too as The Haven on Aqua was more like “a boutique luxury hotel experience” than others he had experienced.

 

Krimmel pointed to innovations such as improved passenger flow around the ship, a reimagined top deck without a racetrack and new dining and entertainment options based on passenger feedback, such as a new Thai restaurant.

 

He confirmed the line’s next two ships to launch after Luna next year would be 10% bigger again and that NCL would “continue” to grow the size of its ships.

 

Gary Anslow, regional vice-president and head of UK & Ireland, said the bigger ships would enable the line to add more dining and entertainment options.

Agent’s views 

Courtney Smith, business development manager at Barrhead Travel