NCL is launching a new group sales programme in response to agent feedback from its recent Partnership 2.0 survey, which is designed to make NCL a better company to do business with.As well as offering a free place to one in 16 group members based on double occupancy,  NCL is awarding agents with ‘amenity points’ which can be used to enhance their groups’ on board experiences in a number of individual ways. This will enable them to create their own promotional message to stand out from the crowd.

Sally-Anne Beasley, Director of Passenger Services, NCL UK says, “As part of our Partnership 2.0 project we are looking at ways to work even more effectively with our travel partners. Agents told us that they want exclusive offers to differentiate themselves from their competitors, which is why we have come up with some great improvements to our group sales programme.”

The amenity points, which are given a value based on sailing date and itinerary, can be redeemed to offer group members up to $200 of on board credit per stateroom, ‘bon voyage’ gifts such as a bottle of bubbly in their cabin, or can even be grouped together to host a cocktail party on board. This allows agents to offer a personalised, value-added service to their customers.

“Once a group is set up, guests can be added and managed online through our partnership with Amadeus, meaning it is also ideal for homeworkers as they can access the information whenever they need to.” says Beasley.   

NCL’s commitment to the group market was further endorsed as it took first place over five major cruise lines in the Best Off-Shore Cruise Operator category at the recent Group Travel Awards.

The re-launch of its group sales programme also includes exclusive group savings on winter Mediterranean 2008/09 itineraries.
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