As part of its continuing commitment to Partnership 2.0, a company-wide initiative to strengthen its relationship with travel partners, Norwegian Cruise Line today announced the launch of global commission payments. The global commission payment (GCP) program makes it easier for NCL’s valued travel partners to receive their commission in a more timely and consistent manner.
“Through Partnership 2.0, we continue to listen to our travel partners and implement new programs and processes that make NCL a better business partner,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s CEO. “By offering the global commission payment program, we are making it easier and faster for travel partners to receive their commissions and other payments.”
Don Walker, co-president of WMPH Vacations in Delray Beach, Fla., noted, “NCL has clearly made tremendous improvements to all facets of their company with the introduction of Freestyle 2.0 and Partnership 2.0. Their participation with GCP in the agency community is just another example of their desire to be the best cruise partner to work with. GCP is not only convenient for our agency; it saves us time, reduces our bank fees and gives us immediate access to the capital. These are huge benefits to our agency.”
As part of the program, travel partners can receive consolidated payments from NCL, from marketing funds to commissions, including from other participating vendors, with a detailed description of all payments. In addition, travel partners can elect to receive electronic fund transactions which will speed up the time it takes for them to receive their funds which go directly into their bank accounts. Travel partners will continue to receive an email from NCL advising them of their upcoming payment.
NCL launched Partnership 2.0 in December, 2007. Since then, the company has implemented a number of new programs and services for travel partners including introduction of a an electronic co-op marketing reimbursement plan; formation of a resolution desk empowered to solve travel partner issues; improved credit card policies; simplified pricing quotes; enhanced training for NCL reservation agents; quicker processing of group commissions; enhanced confirmations; addition of an option for suite and villa reservations; the availability of a premium air desk and a flight assistance hotline.
In addition, the company recently 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. The board meets periodically, providing feedback to NCL regarding new travel partner programs and advancements, along with suggestions for improving existing policies, communications and product delivery.
NCL Corporation Ltd. is the holding company for various subsidiary companies involved in owning and operating the ships of Norwegian Cruise Line. NCL is building two new Third Generation Freestyle Cruising (“F3”) 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 in the market, and has recently added its latest new ship, the 2,400 passenger Norwegian Gem.
