NCL forecast double digit growth in Asia Pacific region

Francis Riley, newly appointed Director of Sales for Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean on his recent visit to Sydney, discussed with e-Travel Blackboard his responsibilities as a resource for trade partners and developing new markets across the Asia Pacific and Latin America regions. “Australia accounts for nearly 70% of the Asia Pacific business for NCL with 2011 forecast to see double digit growth. With no plans to move ships into the region we are building the infrastructure to expand into developing markets like Australia and South America” said Riley To work more closely with Australasian partners a new call centre is opening this January in Manila. “The move will give agents and wholesalers the ability to speak to us directly, during local business hours, rather than having to email the Miami office” Riley said A new locally based “Wave Promotion” was introduced this week including an early booking offer for the Australian market starting immediately through 31 January 2011 offering up to USD$550 on board credit per stateroom for new reservations on Alaska, Europe and Mexican/Riviera sailings. Building on the incredible success and popularity of Norwegian Epic, launched June 2010, Riley announced two new ship builds, as yet unnamed, at a cost of €1.2 billion for delivery in the spring of 2013 and 2014. NCL have the youngest fleet of any North American shipping company with 11 ships. Both of the two new ships will be 143,500 tons carrying 4000 passengers and will be the next generation Freestyle cruise ships for NCL. Riley said “I am committed to help our trade partners better understand our Freestyle Cruising product and the tremendous value that we offer to our guests”. Explaining that Freestyle cruising offers guests the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their cruise on their terms, including no fixed dining times across multiple dining venues, relaxed attire, a rich mix of cabins, and on the Epic “The Villas”, the largest suite complex with its own pool, bar and restaurant and “The Studios”, staterooms designed for solo travellers, plus an surpassed variety of activities and entertainment options. Headliners on the Epic include Blue Man Group, Cirque Dreams & Dinner, Legends in Concert and Nickelodeon at Sea. Hawaii is popular with Australians accounting for 50% of NCL’s Australian business. NCL cruise year round in Canada/New England, Hawaii and Europe with seasonal positioning in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico/Riviera and Europe. Norwegian Epic will move to the Mediterranean for the first time next year sailing ex Barcelona. Source:etravelblackboard.com