Norwegian Cruise Line’s new international chief believes there is “a large opportunity” to work with UK and Irish agents and expand the line’s suite customer base.
In his first UK trade press interview, vice-president international Jason Krimmel highlighted certain booking behaviours he had seen since taking over the expanded role last month.
Former vice-president of international sales Eamonn Ferrin left the line on December 30, 2022.
Krimmel, who was NCL’s previously international marketing and global creative strategy vice-president, said there were more similarities between the North American and UK markets than there were differences.
But he went on to explain how he had quickly seen a chance to “engage with our partners differently to identify more suite guests which currently sourced heavily from North America markets”.
Krimmel (pictured) added: “I also see the family market as a growing opportunity for NCL with our UK and Ireland partners.”
He noted how he was currently learning about trade distribution in each of the regions that he oversees as he looked to grow NCL’s international business.
But he said: “Trade partners are and will continue to be a critical and substantial part of our business.”
Asked about initial trade plans, Krimmel said: “We’re very happy with our current performance in the UK and Irish markets.
“We have a very strong team and robust sales operating model, so there is absolutely no need for revolution or introduction.
“It’s more about how I can facilitate continued development of the UK and Ireland business and ensuring the teams have the right level of support from our headquarters in Miami.”
However, he noted the NCL’s “restless desire” for innovation meant the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brand always put “travel agents at the heart of our decisions”.
Krimmel explained how he planned to bring NCL’s regional marketing teams closer to agency business’s own marketing teams so the line “can deliver the best possible execution” in the markets it operates in.
“Having both sales and marketing within my oversight will support that,” he added.
Krimmel called the UK and Ireland “a key market” for NCL. “I’m very excited to connect with our valued travel agent partners here,” Krimmel added.
“Luckily through my engagements during our return to service, Norwegian Prima’s launch and other events, I have had the opportunity to meet and build relationships with some of our largest partners.
“I do look forward to having the opportunity in the coming months to engage at the front-line level as for me it’s important to understand what we can do to support all levels of our agent partners.”