Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced the formation of the Partnership 2.0 Advisory Board, a group comprising 16 select travel agents from across the country who represent a cross-section of NCL’s travel partners. Launched as part of its major travel partner initiative, Partnership 2.0, the board will meet periodically, providing feedback to NCL regarding new travel partner programs and advancements, along with suggestions for improving existing policies, communications and product delivery.
“This advisory board plays a critical role in guiding NCL along the right path to future success, not only with our travel partners, but also with our guests,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO. “The group serves as a sounding board where new ideas are formulated, tested and measured before they’re implemented.”
The Partnership 2.0 Advisory Board is comprised of the following members: John Keen, CruiseDeals.com; Brad Anderson, America’s Vacation Center; Tom Coiro, Direct Line Cruises; Tom Baker, Cruisecenter.com; Emerson Hankammer, Vacations To Go; David Crooks, World Travel Holdings; Koreen McNutt, Expedia; John Lovell, Vacations.com; Makis Xenatos, Liberty Travel; Vicky Garcia, Cruise Planners; Dwain Wall, CruiseOne and Cruises Inc; Anthony Hamawy, Cruise Ticket Center; Don Walker, WPMH Vacations; Marc Jacobs, The Cruise Line Ltd; Michael Drever, CruiseShip Centers; and Paul Bruzzese, Virtuoso.
The board met for an introductory meeting in Las Vegas in June where they also participated in the Chapter Two reveal for NCL’s new F3 ships. They are meeting for a working conference in Bermuda this week where they will also participate in a first ever behind-the-scenes tour of Freestyle 2.0 enhancements on Norwegian Dawn.
“The board is a very innovative approach to further developing the communication and relationships with NCL’s biggest fans and partners. From the initial meeting, I took away several ideas which will improve my agency’s business with NCL,” said Anthony Hamawy, president, Cruise.com. “The developments shared show clearly that NCL has turned the corner and is positioning its brand to be a major contender in the cruise industry for years to come.”
Koreen McNutt, director of cruise at Expedia, added: “Being a part of NCL’s Partnership 2.0 Advisory Board is a great opportunity for Expedia to provide input and trends which will ultimately influence our cruise customers. NCL’s approach is unique in technology, facilitation and content. NCL is always innovative in what they do and it is obvious this board will be innovative as well.”
NCL Corporation Ltd. is the holding company for various subsidiary companies involved in owning and operating the ships of Norwegian Cruise Line.
NCL plans to build two new third generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery in 2010. NCL today has the youngest fleet in the industry, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most contemporary ships at sea, and has recently added its latest new ship, the 2,400-passenger Norwegian Gem.
