SHIP LAUNCH UK agents sailed from Germany to Southampton on Norwegian Encore, the fourth and final Norwegian


NCL hails impact of its Free at Sea all-inclusive pricing


N


orwegian Cruise Line is in “a much beter position” having replaced its


Premium All-Inclusive pricing concept with Free at Sea. Incoming president and chief


executive Harry Sommer said the move had simplified its sales promotions and “reinvigorated” trade partnerships. Free at Sea allows passengers


to pay £99 to choose two of five benefits, such as free Wi-Fi or a premium drinks package, which the line says are worth more than £700. Unlimited premium drinks, service


charges and gratuities were included in the line’s Premium All-Inclusive offer, introduced in April 2017. Sommer said: “We are in a much


beter position today than we were a year ago when Norwegian Bliss was delivered [in April 2018].


Our agent partners


want to know that we have a simple construct that will be consistent over the long term


“I was thrilled that we took a


bit of a leadership role in Europe when we simplified our Free at Sea structure last April.” He conceded that previous


pricing and promotions had been “a litle bit too complicated”, adding: “Our agent partners want to know that we have a simple construct that is going to be consistent over the long term”. He said “consistently changing”


the line’s passenger promotion made it “very difficult” for agents.


Eamonn Ferrin took up the role


of vice-president and managing director for NCL’s UK, Ireland, Israel, South Africa and Middle East markets in January. Since his appointment, Sommer


said trade relationships had been “reinvigorated”. “He looked at our structure


with the trade and how we communicated with them and he quickly changed many of those factors to be more commercial to make it a win-win for both us and the trade partners,” said Sommer. Some UK agents had seen their


NCL sales grow by “triple-digit” percentages this year, he added. Ferrin said: “When I joined, the


first thing I did was sit down with our top-20 travel partners. We have 50,000 berths [across the fleet], so there is huge scope to continue our growth in the UK and beyond.”


Norwegian Encore’s Speedway race track


Spa suite in The Haven


DID ENCORE IMPRESS?


NCL considers LNG fuel for future new-build vessels


Norwegian Cruise Line is in discussions with shipyards about using liquefied natural gas (LNG) on future ships, but has ruled out powering its next six new-build vessels with the cleaner fuel. Neither Norwegian Encore,


David Walker, ‘The Travel Snob’ “This is my first time on an NCL ship and I’m loving it. This is a floating resort which appeals to families and foodies. I would sell it to the right customer with a family.”


Carol Kirkham, Kirkham Travel “Norwegian Encore is brilliant for families who want to go to more than one place on holiday. I could sell this to new-to-cruise passengers.”


Nicola Payne, Travel 2 “This ship is an easy sell for multigenerational families. There is so much choice, in terms of bars and restaurants, and the race track and [indoor games room] Galaxy Pavilion.”


nor the six 3,330-passenger Leonardo-class ships, due to launch between 2022 and 2027, will use LNG. International president


6


New ships due from 2022-27


Harry Sommer said: “We are talking to shipyards about subsequent classes of ships which will exist aſter the Leonardo series and part of that discussion is about LNG.”


14 7 NOVEMBER 2019 travelweekly.co.uk


PICTURES: Steve Dunlop; Christian Santiago


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