Summary
In this episode of the MASTers of Travel Podcast Series, John Werner, President of MAST Travel Network, interviews John Cherneski, Senior Vice President of Sales for North America at Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). The discussion centers on the appeal, offerings, and unique features of Norwegian Cruise Line and the broader cruise industry. Cherneski, with over 30 years of experience in cruising, shares insights on why cruises continue to grow in popularity, emphasizing the value of booking through travel advisors for a superior experience. Norwegian Cruise Line stands out for its diverse fleet of 20 ships, extensive global itineraries covering 391 destinations in 109 countries, and a multi-tiered cruise experience ranging from contemporary to luxury via their exclusive “Haven” ship-within-a-ship concept. The line caters to a wide demographic, including solo travelers, families, and multi-generational groups, with amenities such as solo cabins, specialty dining, and extensive entertainment options. Cherneski highlights the “More at Sea” bundled package that offers savings and enhances the onboard experience. Norwegian’s extensive departure ports across North America provide convenience for travelers, with notable itineraries to the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Mexico, and private islands like Great Stirrup Key. The cruise line places strong emphasis on maximizing time in port, especially in Europe and Alaska, enhancing the overall travel experience. Additionally, NCL offers attractive military and teacher discount programs, reinforcing its commitment to diverse traveler groups. The podcast ends with encouragement for listeners to contact their MAST Travel Network Advisor to book Norwegian cruises and take advantage of ongoing promotions.
Highlights
- 🚢 Norwegian Cruise Line operates 20 ships with a fleet offering contemporary, premium, and luxury cruise experiences.
- 🌍 NCL sails to 391 destinations across 109 countries, providing a wide variety of global itineraries.
- 👨👩👧👦 Cruises are ideal for multi-generational travelers, with 28% of cruise travelers sailing with three to five generations.
- 🍽️ NCL offers 20 specialty restaurants fleet-wide, with the Norwegian Aqua alone featuring eight diverse dining options.
- 🎟️ Booking through a travel advisor ensures a better cruise experience, supported by higher customer satisfaction scores.
- 🏝️ Great Stirrup Key is NCL’s largest private island, undergoing enhancements including a new pier and expanded amenities.
- 🎖️ NCL provides exclusive military and teacher discount programs, including up to 35% off select sailings.
Key Insights
- 🌟 The power of travel as education and enrichment: Cherneski opens the discussion with a philosophy that travel is not just a reward but an educational experience that broadens perspectives and enriches lives. This philosophy underpins Norwegian’s commitment to offering diverse destination options and enriching cruise experiences.
- 🤝 Value of travel advisors in cruising: The podcast underscores that travelers who book through travel advisors consistently report better experiences. Advisors tailor suggestions based on client preferences and motivations, ensuring the cruise matches the traveler’s desires and expectations. This personalized service elevates satisfaction and repeat bookings, highlighting the importance of professional expertise in travel planning.
- 🚢 “Contemporary premium luxury” positioning: Norwegian Cruise Line uniquely blends multiple cruise market segments—offering everything from affordable inside cabins (contemporary) to premium balcony suites and ultra-luxury “Haven” accommodations. This inclusive approach appeals to a broad customer base, making NCL versatile and accessible. The “ship within a ship” Haven concept is a significant luxury differentiator, offering private amenities and personalized services without isolating guests from the broader ship experience.
- 👨👩👧👦 Multi-generational and solo travel growth: Cruises are increasingly popular among diverse traveler groups. NCL caters effectively to multi-generational families with activities and accommodations for all ages, and also leads the industry in offering solo traveler cabins, recognizing evolving travel trends and the demand for flexible options. This inclusivity helps broaden the cruising market and introduces new customers to the industry.
- 💰 Bundled packages enhance value and experience: The “More at Sea” package, bundling unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi, not only offers significant cost savings (up to 75%) but also improves the overall guest experience by removing payment worries during the cruise. This package exemplifies how transparent pricing and value-added offerings can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- 📍 Maximizing time in port as a competitive advantage: NCL’s itineraries emphasize more time in port compared to competitors, particularly in Europe and Alaska. This strategy addresses a key traveler desire to maximize destination experiences rather than spending excessive days at sea, thereby increasing the perceived value of the cruise and enhancing vacation satisfaction.
- 🇺🇸 Targeted programs for military and educators: Norwegian’s dedicated military appreciation program and teacher discount initiative demonstrate a commitment to recognizing and rewarding important community groups. These programs include meaningful discounts, onboard recognition events, and networking opportunities, fostering brand loyalty and goodwill among these segments. Such targeted initiatives exemplify thoughtful customer engagement beyond standard marketing offers.
Overall, the podcast paints Norwegian Cruise Line as a dynamic, customer-focused cruise operator that combines broad destination choices, tiered luxury experiences, and value-added packages to appeal to a wide range of travelers. The partnership with travel advisors and commitment to maximizing guest satisfaction are central themes that position NCL as a leader in the contemporary premium luxury cruise market.
If you are interested in cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line, please visit www.mvptravel.com to connect with a travel advisor near you.
Listen and learn on this week’s episode!
