Putting Partners First - Norwegian now has the largest
Canadian sales force for a cruise
line.
Ming gets cozy with Sabrina Greca,
Ramon Jacinto & Dana Gain.
Ming with Exotik Tours’ Michael Mullin
Norwegian Cruise Line's roadshow stopped in BC this week,
hosting in Vancouver, Langley and Richmond. Dana Gain, National Director of
Sales Canada; Sabrina Greca, BDM Strategic Accounts Canada & Ramon Jacinto,
BDM Western Canada, mingled with agents at a downtown hotel over appies and
drinks before presenting a slide show on their soon to launch
Norwegian
Escape
along with a product update.
Peppered with Ramon's deadpan humour, Dana's personal
anecdotes and Sabrina's gregarious enthusiasm, agents came away with knowledge
and insight about Norwegian that likely hadn’t been top of mind.
The consensus amongst agents is that Norwegian has come a
long way with improved hardware, food quality and service levels. I even
noticed these improvements on my cruise back in 2009. Even though Norwegian is
classified as a mass market product, the experience is anything but entry
level.
Norwegian's continuous innovation is evident in
partnering with celebrity chefs, world-class entertainment and waterfront
dining venues - although most of these dining venues come with a surcharge or a
la carte pricing. One agent was concerned that clients might be turned off by
these surcharges, but the Norwegian team says it’s important for clients to
realize they offer plenty of complimentary venues where food and service is
excellent; it’s a choice, not a necessity to indulge in the surcharged
offerings.
Another fact that many agents may not realize - Norwegian
offers mass market and luxury cruising all in one. Guests can book the spacious
Haven accommodations with butler service and all inclusive Freestyle Choice, while
their accompanying families and friends may book more moderate and less
inclusive options. This arrangement is perfect for multi-generational groups
and multi-tiered budgets.
A new partnership with Exotik Tours has them bundling
cruise, pre/post hotels and transfers in Europe, South America and coming soon
- Asia and Australia. Guests can have a seamless package, agents enjoy one-stop
shop and higher commissions. Great news for everyone!
With a new young fleet, expanding itineraries and the
largest sales force in Canada of any cruise line, Norwegian is clearly on its
way to win clients' and agents' hearts.
Ming Tappin is a cruise
veteran with over 20 years’ experience in the industry and has sailed on 36
cruises and counting. Based in Vancouver, Ming is Owner of
Your Cruise Coach Consulting.
