London, 24th June 2004:  Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced the launch of its first ever Global Distribution System (GDS) partnership with Amadeus in the UK.  As a direct result of agent demand, NCL will be implementing Amadeus’s leading Amadeus Cruise product.  Trials have already begun with Bolsover Cruise Club, Page & Moy and Cumbria Cruise Club, with full roll out expected in Summer 2005.

Amadeus Cruise ensures that NCL will offer the most comprehensive booking options for all its customers and is the perfect enhancement to NCL’s own upgraded in-house systems Freestyle Live (internet bookings) and Freestyle Connect (NCL’s call centre) which were introduced at the end of 2004.

Amadeus Cruise is a seamless booking system for agents looking to sell cruises.  The system offers simple point-and-click functionality throughout the booking process, with deck maps, real time cabin availability, flight options and details on activities and itineraries.  In short, it is the easiest way for travel agents to make a cruise booking.

2005 is seeing NCL continue to expand its fleet, with the forthcoming launch of two new ships: Pride of America in June and Norwegian Jewel in August.  With the launch of Pride of Hawaii in 2006, a further two ships expected in 2007, its unique US-flagged ships in Hawaii and the announcement of fantastic Cruise & Stay packages, NCL is once again setting the standards for innovation in cruising.

“NCL is demonstrating a full commitment to its travel partners, with the ongoing system upgrades, which are progressively making it easier to work with us,” commented Sally-Anne Beasley, Director of Guest Services at NCL UK. 

“Since introducing Freestyle Live, our internet booking service, last year we have seen a substantial 20% growth in business year-on-year.  Our partnership with Amadeus Cruise will provide agents with yet another means to maximise their commission and effectively sell cruise products.”

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