Oceania Eyes No-NCF Policy, Plans to Launch New Value Promotion

Buoyed by the huge resurgence in travel, Oceania Cruises is considering two new programs to help its travel advisor partners – possibly adopting a no-NCF payment structure and introducing a new value-added promotion this summer.

“We’re 100 percent committed to the trade and don’t do anything that will put them second,” said Harry Sommer, the incoming president and CEO of parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Ltd. “Your success is our success.”

The executives made the comments during a panel with travel advisors and media on board Oceania’s brand-new, 1,200-guest Vista, now sailing toward Malta, where the christening ceremony will be held on May 8. Godmother is Giada De Laurentiis, a celebrity TV chef and restaurateur.

The upper-deluxe line is now experimenting with a no-NCF commission structure similar to one launched by sister company Norwegian Cruise Line in November. Nikki Upshaw, Oceania’s senior vice president of sales, said a pilot program is underway with some of Oceania’s top agency accounts.

A no-NCF policy generally will pay commission on non-commissionable parts of the fare, such as port charges or beverage packages.