MIAMI — Travel agents can now enroll in a revamped and upgraded version of NCL’s Norwegian Cruise Line University (NCLU), the brand’s travel trade education program.
Designed exclusively for retail travel agents, NCLU has tailored courses designed to develop agent business and help them close more sales, says the cruise line, adding that the new program was custom-designed to build on the line’s NCLU program with enhancements made “to meet the needs and demands of the modern travel partner”.
The new mobile and tablet-friendly program features four levels of achievement for enrolled partners to earn: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph.D.
“We’ve worked very hard to listen to our most trusted travel partners and develop a new NCLU platform that drives their success in a way that is engaging and meaningful to them,” said Camille Olivere, NCL’s Senior Vice-President of Sales. “Our course-work features captivating images and well-crafted copy that reads like a compelling travel magazine rather than a traditional online learning tool. After months of anticipation, we are thrilled to officially unveil this new program that will help partners grow their business and better understand how Norwegian Cruise Line can deliver their clients their dream vacation experience.”
The new NCLU was designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate, adds Olivere, with content featuring comprehensive learning tools including high-level quizzes that make for better retention of the key takeaways.
Each course features downloadable quick reference guides with fast-fact selling points to help travel partners close bookings at point of sale. Agents can connect with Norwegian executives and the sales team as well as other ‘students’ by joining the new private agent community, the NCLU Student Union, a private Facebook group that can be accessed via the ‘CONNECT’ page on NCLU.
Travel partners can customize their NCLU experience to meet their needs with more than 20 electives available and opportunities to become a destination expert with NCLU Destination Electives covering the many incredible regions Norwegian sails to across the globe. With each degree achieved, travel partners can earn five CLIA Certification Credits, with up to 20 total credits available by completing the entire program.
Featuring a more advanced and simplified operating system, the new NCLU provides all registered and approved travel partners with the capability to book their own reduced rate sailings at a 15-30% discount based on degree level.
The new program now provides partners with a broader range of opportunities for them to earn complimentary cruises once they have earned their Ph.D. status, with any seven-night or longer sailing qualifying towards the required five sailings needed. Travel partners can let clients know about their new designation with an exclusive email signature tag identifying their level of expertise, and frame their degree certificate.
For a limited time only, NCLU users can learn and earn for a chance to win a US$500 or $250 Visa gift card through the Cruise into School Sweepstakes. Now through Dec. 31, partners will receive one entry for every elective completed on the new NCLU and one bonus entry each for completing the Core Course and Orientation Elective.
Travel partners can access NCLU by logging on to Norwegian Central at norwegiancentral.com.
