Amadeus, a leading global distribution system (GDS) and technology provider for the travel industry worldwide, announced today that it has signed an agreement with the NCL Group - Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Orient Lines -for both cruise lines to become provider participants on Amadeus Cruise.

Launched in October 2000, Amadeus Cruise features advanced `point and click` browser-based technology that allows travel agents to more efficiently and effectively book cruises and helps cruise providers distribute a wider range of quality products more easily to the traveller. The latest version of Amadeus Cruise features deck plans and cabin photos as well as upgrades to existing features enabling travel agents to boost productivity. 

“We are very pleased to broaden our relationship with Amadeus and become a provider on Amadeus Cruise,” said Andy Stuart, senior vice president of marketing and sales for the NCL Group. “istribution to Amadeus` global community of travel professionals will greatly enhance the travel agent`s ability to provide information and reservations for NCL and Orient Lines cruise products and serve our mutual customers better.”

Amadeus
currently works with NCL and Orient Lines to provide an integrated, customised air/sea reservations solution, enabling the cruise lines to quickly and efficiently combine passenger cruise reservations with airline availability and ticketing, while adhering to the company`s business policies.

“As a destination cruise specialist and one of the top cruise lines in the world, Orient Lines greatly benefits from global distribution of our cruise packages.  We are excited to be able to reach travel agents in our markets worldwide via this truly comprehensive cruise booking product,” Stuart said.

The addition of NCL
and Orient Lines
to Amadeus Cruise comes at a time when cruise holidays are becoming increasing popular through the UK and Europe.  The wide choice of cruises that are now available through Amadeus Cruise combined with a powerful booking application, allows agents to continuously and consistently provide a valuable service to their clients.

Amadeus Cruise is now available to Amadeus travel agents in 24 markets worldwide, including the U.K., with continuing global expansion planned.  Since its launch, Amadeus has implemented more than 3,000 customer-travel agencies on Amadeus Cruise.

“Amadeus Cruise is an innovative and user-friendly booking tool that allows agents to capitalise on the sales potential in this explosive segment of the leisure travel market,” said Mark Lewsey
, Director of Marketing Amadeus UK and formerly of Silversea Cruises.  “We have an outstanding track record of serving the most demanding needs of travel agents as well as cruise lines and the addition of both NCL and Orient Line`s products will significantly strengthen Amadeus Cruise and further enhance its appeal to the travel agents we work with throughout the UK”.

Related stories on ITN:

(22/05/2001) Amadeus Cruise Launch

(14/06/2001) Carnival Corporation to distribute its six cruise lines via Amadeus Cruise

(01/03/2002) Costa Cruise Available Through Amadeus Soon

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