NCL makes major change to flight booking program
Norwegian Cruise Line will no longer book flights for guests for travel on the day of embarkation.
It hopes this will avoid last minute hiccups and guests missing their ship departure.
This will mean the extra expense of an overnight hotel stay for most guests flying in.
A flight delay can and does lead to missed cruise departures for guests.
This is valid for all guest who book flights to the port city through one of NCL’s air programs.
“All guests booking air travel through all NCL Air programs will be required to arrive at their embarkation port at least one day prior to sailing,” the cruise line said in an email to travel agents.
The cruise line says the change comes from agent feedback due to the increasing risk of flight delays.
“We know that flight delays (particularly day-of-sailing arrivals) have, in some cases, resulted in guests missing embarkation for their cruise and having to downline to embark at a later port of call.”
“This update reflects our shared goal of protecting your clients’ vacations by allowing more time for unexpected travel disruptions such as flight delays or weather interruptions, ensuring a smoother, more relaxed start to their cruise journey,” the email added.
NCL has two hotel programs — one which the cruise line selects the hotel at a reduced rate and the Hotel Plus Program selected by the guest inclusive of a complimentary transfer from the hotel to the ship and other perks depending on the hotel chosen.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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