Continuing its commitment to “Partners First,” Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that several new tools have been launched to support meeting planners in exploring and booking meetings, incentive groups and corporate events (MICE) aboard its fleet of 11 Freestyle Cruising ships.

A new MICE website has launched to fully meet the needs of meeting and incentive groups, as well as full ship charters. Planners and buyers can visit www.events.ncl.com to find supporting tools and frequently asked questions. The site outlines the planning process and showcases all the features and flexible options available to MICE groups.  An accompanying planning brochure details the benefits of choosing a cruise over a land-based resort for a corporate event or meeting. It also lists the advantages of utilizing a cruise ship for MICE groups including the ability to visit multiple destinations, flexible dining options, personalized services and access to all the amenities and features of the ship.  The brochure contains a pull-out fleet guide that provides a comprehensive comparison of group space and options for each of Norwegian’s 11 ships.

Travel partners that are enrolled in NCL University, Norwegian Cruise Line’s online educational program, have the opportunity to take a MICE specific course. The class, which details how Norwegian’s fleet has been specifically designed to accommodate groups, is a way for travel partners who may not be familiar with groups to learn the best approach.

“Norwegian Cruise Line offers the freedom to create a program that is tailor-fit to the group, the flexibility to design the experience around business needs as well as a variety of entertainment, dining times and cuisines to choose from,” said Patrick Mitchell, vice president of global sales, strategy and planning. “These additional resources increase the ease of use for our partners.”

In addition to the new website and collateral, the Norwegian MICE team has been visiting key markets, including New York City and Atlanta in a series of road shows. These educational seminars showcase how MICE groups are valuable for travel partners and demonstrate the best way to attract them. Upcoming MICE events are scheduled in Chicago and Toronto.

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 44-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.

Norwegian has 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea.  The Company has two 4,000-passenger vessels on order for delivery in spring 2013 and spring 2014.

Its largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, debuted in June 2010.  Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, appearing for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic, as well as the official cruise line of Legends in Concert, , Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos, Gibson Guitar, and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids.  Cirque Dreams® & Dinner is also featured on board Norwegian Epic as the first show of its kind at sea under a big top.