Norwegian Cruise Line Recognizes Top Travel Partners for 2019
Norwegian Cruise Line announced its top U.S. travel partners for 2019. Awards were presented across several key categories, recognizing principal marketing, retail, tour operator and travel agency partners for their ongoing commitment and loyalty to the success of the Company.
“We are incredibly honored by the commitment, hard work and loyalty our travel partners continue to demonstrate each year,” said Katina Athanasiou, chief sales officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “On the heels of the exciting debut of Norwegian Encore, and as we prepare to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of our Partners First philosophy, we are dedicated to elevating our partners to a new level of success.”
The following were recognized by the Company for their accomplishments in each of the following categories:
– Elite Partner of the Year: Expedia Group – Seattle
– Breakout Partner of the Year: Magical Vacation Planner – Mitchell, Ind.
– Online Partner of the Year: Crown Cruise Vacations – Princeton, N.J.
– Marketing Partner of the Year: Travel Leaders Network – Plymouth, Minn.
– Home Based Partner of the Year: Nexion – Irving, Texas
– U.S. Consortia Partner of the Year: Virtuoso – Fort Worth, Texas
– Partner of the Year – Northeast: Blue Ribbon Travel – Whitestone, N.Y.
– Partner of the Year – Southeast: Expedia CruiseShipCenters – Venice, Fla.
– Partner of the Year – West: Bon Voyage Travel – Tucson, Ariz.
– U.S. Wholesaler/Tour Operator Partner of the Year: Pleasant Holidays – Westlake Village, Calif.
– Franchise Partner of the Year: Dream Vacations – Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
– Meeting & Incentive Partner of the Year: 3D Cruise Partners – Mundelein, Ill.
– Charter Partner of the Year: Cardinal Travel Service- Raleigh, N.C.
– Breakout Charter, Meeting & Incentive Partner of the Year: Power to Exhale – Louisville, Ky.
“On behalf of the Global Cruise Team at Expedia Group, we are absolutely ecstatic to be awarded Norwegian Cruise Line’s Elite Partner of the Year Award for the second year in a row,” said Matthew Eichhorst, president of Expedia CruiseShipCenters and Global Cruise Leader at Expedia Group.
“Norwegian Cruise Line has been an amazing partner for many years, and we continue to find creative ways to drive the business to new heights. We feel extremely confident putting our customers on the incredible product Norwegian has become known for and look forward to continuing our mutual success for many years into the future.”
Norwegian Cruise Line’s longstanding Partners First philosophy puts trusted travel partners at the forefront of business decisions. With a deeply rooted commitment to their growth, the program provides a variety of communication and educational tools including Norwegian Cruise Line University (NCLU), trade-facing social media channels, and innovative and immersive brand experiences. Travel partners can access Partners First tools by logging on to Norwegian Central.
During the recent inaugural launch of the Company’s newest innovative ship, Norwegian Encore, travel partners were invited to experience firsthand the latest brand offerings including the largest racetrack and open-air laser tag arena at sea, Broadway-caliber entertainment such as “Kinky Boots” and “Choir of Man,” and a variety of world-class cuisine including the new Onda by Scarpetta – an exclusive collaboration with LDV Hospitality, bringing the critically-acclaimed Scarpetta concept to sea.
