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New kid on the block, Norwegian Cruise Line, has a lot to prove: Steve Odell

Norwegian Cruise Line may be the 'new kid on the block' but it's ready to move its local operations into the second phase and prove it has all the right products to please Aussie cruisers.

Norwegian Cruise Line may be the ‘new kid on the block’ but it’s ready to move its local operations into the second phase and prove it has all the right products to please Aussie cruisers.

Speaking to KarryOn, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) Managing Director Asia Pacific, Steve Odell, said three months after opening its first office in Australia, the company has gone from zero employees to 50 and is now ready to manage all three of the company’s cruise brands.

Opening in October, the Norwegian office has entirely focused on handling requests and bookings for the company’s mass market brand, Norwegian Cruise Line. But as of April this year, the office will take control of NCLH’s two premium brands – Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas.

Norwegian Cruise Line team

The Norwegian team started at zero and now has over 50 employees.

Odell said having all three brands under one roof will make it easier for agents to contact people dedicated to selling those three cruise lines. It will also mean one base for sales and marketing and allow all three lines to work closer together.

“We’re cranking things up and getting the business in shape in the region.”

Steve Odell, NCLH Managing Director Asia Pacific

Regent KarryOn

The Norwegian office will now represent Oceania and Regent Seven Seas.

He continued, describing the move as a big investment for the company in the local market and an indication of the potential the company sees in Asia Pacific cruising.

In addition to giving agents faster and easier access to Norwegian staff, the office will arrange more face-to-face interaction with consultants. This will be done through a nation-wide roadshow visiting various venues around the country.

There’ll also be ship tours on Norwegian Star when she arrives for the 2016/17 season as well as tours of Oceania’s Insignia and Mariner scheduled to visit Australia this year.

Norwegian Star

Agents will get a chance to see Norwegian Star when she’s in town.

Of course, famil opportunities will also be in the mix, with Odell telling KarryOn he’ll be keen on getting consultants on Norwegian Star as well as Pride of America in Hawaii. He’ll also look at arranging a few European famils, as its the second largest destination for Australians cruising with Norwegian.

“We’re the new kids on the block and while we’ve had great representation, we’re ready to take it to the next level and we can do that now.”

Steve Odell, NCLH Managing Director Asia Pacific

“We got a lot to prove but we’ve got a great team in place to do it.”

Click back onto KarryOn later this week from more of our chat with Steve Odell.

Have you ever cruised Norwegian, Oceania or Regent Seven Seas?