MIAMI -- Norwegian Cruise Line launched its first incentive-travel
certificate program, called Norwegian Rewards, which is designed to
provide more flexibility for incentive programs than conventional
group bookings, the line said.
The program, which is commissionable to travel agents, offers
six certificate options featuring three-, four- and seven-day
Caribbean cruises, according to Cindy Wolf, director of charter and
incentive sales.
Under the program, NCL issues customized certificates to a
travel partner, who then presents the certificates to those who
qualify.
The recipient may then make the booking when he or she wants to
cruise, the cruise line said.
The certificates are valid for redemption through December 2000,
but blackout periods include Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's
and all theme sailings.
According to Michelle Gonzalez, a charter and incentive sales
specialist for NCL, the new certificates were designed for
incentive-award programs where those receiving the awards plan to
travel on an individual or family basis rather than in a group.
"The recipient or qualifier for the award can choose when he or
she wants to cruise rather than be tied down to a specific cruise,"
Gonzalez said.
Although the program meets the needs of small companies, the
certificates are also suitable for large incentive programs where
the travel dates are not fixed in advance, she added.
On the other hand, she explained, if the program is designed for
travel by a group, the incentive partners might consider booking
the cruise as a group, where customary group amenities can also be
offered.
Cruise-only cabin prices for the certificates were announced as
follows:
For the three-day certificate (designated Sapphire), the price
is $618 for an inside cabin and $738 for an outside.
For the four-day (Emerald), the price is $858 for an inside and
$998 for an outside.
For the seven-day (Diamond), the price is $1,538 for an inside
and $1,838 for an outside.
The three- and four-day cruises are being offered aboard the
Norwegian Majesty, and the seven-day cruises are for the Norwegian
Sky, Norwegian Wind, Norway, Norwegian Sea and the Norwegian
Dream.
The prices are subject to change without notice, NCL said, and
purchases are non-refundable and must be paid in full.
In connection with the program, NCL offers a collection of
collateral materials, including postcards, brochures and
shells.
For more information, contact NCL's Charter and Incentive Sales
Department at (800) 327-9020.