Norwegian Cruise Line has named Wilmington, Massachusetts-based World Travel Holdings (WTH), its 2013 Elite Agency of the Year.

World Travel Holdings was selected for this top honor based on their ongoing commitment to the success of Norwegian Cruise Line, their overall revenue, continued growth, and loyalty to Norwegian’s brand.

Norwegian Cruise Line also recognized the following travel partners in six other categories:

•  Home-Based Agency of the Year: CruiseOne/Cruises Inc. of Wilmington, Massachusetts;
•  Franchise Agency of the Year: Cruise Planners/American Express of Coral Springs, FL;
•  Retail Agency of the Year: Tourico of Altamonte Springs, FL;
•  Online Agency of the Year: Avoya Travel/American Express of Vista, CA;
•  Consortia Partner of the Year: Virtuoso of Seattle, WA; and

“Congratulations to this year’s top agencies. Our highly-valued travel partners are the key to the ongoing success of Norwegian Cruise Line. We appreciate the committment, dedication and passion they have for our brand and applaud them for all of their hard work in 2013,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s president and chief executive officer. 

“In 2013, we expanded on our Partners First philosophy and will remain committed to putting our travel partners first in 2014 by constantly looking for ways to stregnthen our relationships by constantly striving to make it as easy to do business with us as possible.”

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized as the Elite Travel Agency of the Year for one of the largest cruise lines in the industry for the third year in a row,” said David Crooks, SVP of Product and Operations.

“We are also proud to receive the Homebased Partner of the Year award. Winning both awards not only is a great testament to the strong partnership we have with Norwegian Cruise Line but it also confirms the innovative ways in which we work together. We would also like to recognize Norwegian Cruise Line for their tremendous product improvements, in addition to their new and exciting ships, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway. These ships have uplifted not only the brand and overall perception of Norwegian Cruise Line, but the entire cruise industry as a whole.  We also remain grateful to Norwegian Cruise Line for their support and advocacy of the travel agent community, as demonstrated through their Partners First program. We look forward to continuing this great partnership in 2014 and beyond.”

As a show of appreciation, World Travel Holdings receives the opportunity to sail in one of the largest and most luxurious accommodations at sea, Norwegian’s luxurious Garden Villas, located within The Haven by Norwegian, Norwegian’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship suite complex. All of the other winners will receive a seven-day cruise for two in a balcony stateroom.