NCL made the move in April 2017 in a bid to rival the options available to travellers taking land-based holidays.
Speaking at a media launch event for upcoming ship Norwegian Bliss, Wilkinson, vice-president and managing director UK & Ireland, the Middle East and Africa, said premium all-inclusive had “been an incredible success” in the nine months since being introduced onboard.
“The feedback from our customers has been exceptional and it’s opened doors to more and more agents feeling confident knowing what their selling with Norwegian. The [total number of agents working with us] is in double-digit growth,” he said.
“With the customer it gives them confidence - they don’t have to look at what the campaign is and with the agent, it gives them simplicity.”
When asked about the trade’s importance in selling and educating consumers on premium all-inclusive and NCL’s wider product offering, Wilkinson vowed to “never undercut a travel partner” explaining how 85% of the line’s distribution was made through agents.
"They are our ambassadors…they are our lifeline,” he said.
Later speaking to TTG, Wilkinson said Bliss – NCL’s sixteenth ship set to launch in April – was the line’s “best pre-booked ship ever in the UK”.
“We are in an incredible position,” he added.
During its inaugural summer season, Bliss will sail weekly seven-day Alaska cruises each Saturday from Seattle, while for its first winter season beginning in November, the vessel will operate seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises each Saturday from PortMiami.
The 4,000-guest ship will have a number of features NCL has said are the first to appear at sea “for the global market”, including “the largest competitive race track at sea” and an open-air laser tag course.
Bliss will also feature a Starbucks onboard in a nod to the ship’s homeport of Seattle and entertainment such as hit musical Jersey Boys.
