Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced a landmark change for partners and travel agents commemorating the 15th anniversary of its Partners First philosophy. Effective immediately, NCL will permanently eliminate non-commissionable fares (NCFs) across all cruise fares for sailings departing from 1 May 2026 onwards. This bold move means travel advisors will now earn commission on the full cruise fare (excluding taxes and fees), including the popular Free at Sea™ upgrade.
This enhancement is not a limited-time initiative, but a permanent shift designed to simplify and clarify commission structures, making NCL the easiest cruise line to work with. It reflects NCL’s ongoing commitment to partnership, transparency, and the long-term success of travel professionals.
“Removing NCFs is a meaningful commitment to strengthening our partnership and ensuring travel agents are fully rewarded for the value they bring to their clients and to NCL,” says Nirosha Sidat, NCL Country Manager, Africa. “With 21 ships and voyages to more than 350 destinations worldwide on sale, including Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska and Asia, there is no better moment to plan and book an effortless escape with NCL.”
Beyond simplifying commission structures, this change delivers tangible advantages for travel partners. First, higher commission earnings: the full cruise fare (excluding taxes and fees) is now commissionable, delivering more revenue with every booking. Second, a simplified and transparent structure: the streamlined fare model enables advisors to understand their earning potential upfront, present NCL confidently, and focus on selling the experience. Finally, a partnership that puts partners first: NCL recognises the critical role travel advisors play in delivering exceptional holidays worldwide, and this enhancement represents a direct investment in their business success.
To learn more about NCL’s new commission structure, travel advisors are encouraged to visit Norwegian Central.
For more information about the Company’s award-winning 20-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional or visit www.ncl.com
About Norwegian Cruise Line
As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line® has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 59 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionised the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, the company continues to deliver curated, effortless experiences that cater to every type of traveller – from seasoned cruisers to families of every size. With award-winning entertainment, globally inspired dining and thoughtfully designed accommodations, including solo staterooms, Club Balcony Suites, and The Haven by Norwegian®, the brand’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept, NCL ensures every guest enjoys a seamless and personalized journey. To further deliver guests with more value, the Company’s signature Free at Sea™ package provides added benefits and inclusions such as unlimited open bar; speciality dining credits; high-speed Wi-Fi; shore excursions credits; and with select sailings guests can enjoy free airfare as well as third and fourth guests sail free. Its fleet of 20 contemporary ships sail to nearly 350 of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call +27 087 550 3914 or visit www.ncl.com. For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the NCL Newsroom and follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian.
Norwegian Cruise Line is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.
