In a major trade-friendly move, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has removed all NCFs (non-commissionable fares) as a commitment to its travel partners. The action comes less than two weeks after industry veteran Marc Kazlauskas, a former Avoya Travel Network and FROSCH executive, was appointed as NCL’s new president.
In a letter to travel partners announcing the enhancement, John Chernesky, NCL’s senior vice president of sales North America, explained that “travel advisors are the backbone of our industry, and their success is our success.”
Trade reaction was swift.
“Applause to NCL for a bold, forward-thinking decision that reinforces its support of the travel advisor community,” said Theresa Scalzitti, chief operations officer, Cruise Planners. “This is big news, and Cruise Planners truly appreciates NCL’s continued Partners First commitment.”
“This is obviously not only huge news but incredibly positive news for the industry,” David Crooks, senior vice president of product and operations at World Travel Holdings, the parent company of Dream Vacations and CruiseOne, said. “Some of the best news we have heard in a long while. Tremendous kudos to John Chernesky for leading this initiative and getting it to the finish line.”
Partners First: No NCFs
“As Norwegian Cruise Line celebrates 15 years of Partners First in 2026, we’re excited to introduce a major enhancement that reinforces our ongoing commitment to being the easiest cruise line for travel advisors to work with,” Chernesky said in his communication to travel partners. “Building on our legacy of freedom and flexibility — and alongside the return of the now commissionable Free at Sea Plus — NCL is eliminating all non-commissionable fares (NCFs) across all cruise fares. No fine print. No catch. Just more commission for you!”
“This permanent change takes effect December 26, 2025, for all sailings departing May 1, 2026, and beyond,” Chernesky added. “It’s another meaningful step in strengthening our partnership and keeping your success at the center of everything we do.”
Stay tuned for more about the NCF move in our next New in Cruise update.
Related Stories
Nat Geo–Lindblad Launches Visiting Scientist Program
New in Cruise: Strong 2026 Outlook, New Ship Order
Source link
