London 6th August 2005: NCL has initiated an online Cruise Academy to help travel agents learn about cruising and NCL’s unique product. A demonstration of the new software is available at the Trade Roadshow on the second mini cruise aboard Norwegian Jewel between 3.30 – 5pm on Monday 8 August and 3-4.45 pm Tuesday 9 August.

The new product will not be to the detriment of NCL’s Cruise Academy roadshow and ship visits, which will continue, but rather it will offer a larger number of agents access to this valuable knowledge quickly and effectively.

There are seven of modules covering everything from Freestyle Cruising to destinations and activities. Completing all seven will give agents the chance to win one of four great cruises. These include the grand prize of a cruise for two aboard the brand new Norwegian Jewel and cruises to Alaska, Hawai’i and the Caribbean.

For every 10 points collected, agents gain one entry into the Prize Draw and there are a maximum of 10 points for each module. If a question is answered incorrectly, NCL has provided handy hints to help travel agents to arrive at the right answer, but agents will receive fewer points depending on how many times it takes to complete the final exam of each module.

Nick Wilkinson, Head of Sales at NCL, commented: “NCL holidays are a fantastic product to sell, there are different packages to suit all types of travellers and it is the biggest growing type of holiday in the industry.

“The online Cruise Academy gives travel agents the chance to learn about the NCL product and the ability to talk to potential customers about the real differences of Freestyle Cruising and the fantastic destinations that NCL visits. They can learn at their own pace and in their own time and as with any online product, many more people can get involved through a simple click.”

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