Upon successfully launching Groups 2.0 in December, Norwegian Cruise Line’s group booking volume skyrocketed in the program’s first 30 days, resulting in a record 400 percent increase year over year. Groups 2.0, part of NCL’s Partnership 2.0 initiative, is an enhanced group booking program allowing travel partners more flexibility to market and sell cruises to groups.

“Groups 2.0 has been very well received by our travel partners, giving them the opportunity to market and sell more group business,” said Vivian Ewart, NCL’s vice president of passenger services. “Given the success of the program over the first 30 days, we expect that the booking volume will continue throughout the year.”

NCL’s Groups 2.0 provides an incredible opportunity for travel partners with the following major enhancements:

· Travel partners can hold up to 16 staterooms with no deposit required until four months prior to sailing;
· Individual bookings can be transferred into groups up until the day prior to sailing*;
· An expanded consumer facing amenity menu for all bookings, including options such as alternative dining, spa treatments and Freestyle Bowling;
· Groups can make advance Freestyle Dining reservations in any restaurant prior to sailing;
· Travel partners receive commissions up to two months faster than before via NCL’s Global Commission Payment program;
· Travel partners can convert an existing group into new FIT pricing, should overall rates be lowered**.

For group bookings requiring between 16 and 99 staterooms, travel partners have 60 days to hold space with no deposit. Then, a deposit of $25 per stateroom will be due. Travel partners who book more than 100 staterooms will work closely with NCL to negotiate a timeline that meets their needs.