Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) saw its bookings rise 15 percent year over year through March 15, 2009. In addition, its new Groups 2.0 program, launched in December, saw a 288 percent increase in group staterooms blocked compared to the same time last year.

The company credits its successful Freestyle Resolution Sales Event that ended on March 15, Freestyle 2.0, Partnership 2.0 and strong travel partner support as several factors that have contributed to these increases. In addition, Norwegian recently launched its job loss protection plan, helping guests to book a stress-free future cruise despite uncertain economic times.

From January through early March, the company conducted weekly Executive Webinars with its travel partners, where senior executives discussed specific areas of the business and enhancements to its fleet, providing agents with insight and creative ways to sell its Freestyle Cruising vacations. More than 14,000 agents registered for these weekly sessions which were lauded by agents as providing them with the knowledge to sell Norwegian more.

“Our cruises represent a tremendous value during these challenging economic times,” said Andy Stuart, NCL’s executive vice president of global sales and passenger services. “We are encouraged by this double-digit growth and we want to thank our travel partners for their assistance in showing today’s wary consumers that they can still take an enjoyable and relaxing vacation on one of our 11 Freestyle Cruising ships and feel that they are getting great value for their money.”