Cruise 360 ​​Brazil: André Mercanti, commercial director of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Brazil, highlights the new commission policy and fleet expansion

During the event organized by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), André Mercanti presented new developments from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and emphasized the role of agent training in the growth of the cruise market.

One of the main objectives of Cruise 360 ​​Brazil is to strengthen the relationship between cruise lines and the professionals responsible for selling cruises.

According to André Mercanti, commercial director of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Brazil, the event serves as a major platform for training and updating the market.

“The importance of this event is precisely to inform travel agents. We provide information, professional development, resume enrichment, sales strategies, and sales tools,” stated Mercanti.

According to him, the goal is to expand knowledge about the products and prepare professionals to serve an audience that is increasingly interested in cruises.

Norwegian's latest news and new ships in the fleet.

During the meeting, Norwegian presented updated materials and previewed important company launches.

Among the new features is a new brochure with updated itineraries and products until 2027. In addition, the company announced the arrival of new ships to the fleet.

“We will be launching our 21st ship in the Norwegian fleet this March, which is the Norwegian Luna,” Mercanti explained.

Another vessel already confirmed is the Norwegian Aqua, also scheduled to join the fleet in the coming years. The presentations made at Cruise 360 ​​Brazil showed agents an overview of the company's expansion and the experiences offered on board.

More profitability for travel agents.

One of the changes most celebrated by the sales network involves the commission model for fees.

According to Mercanti, the company decided to integrate into the tariff a component that previously did not generate commission for the agents.

“This NCF has now been incorporated into the fare, and now we commission the entire fare. So it means more profitability, more margin, more commission for the travel agent,” said the commercial director of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Brazil.

He explained that the change had been requested for years by professionals in the sector and is now taking effect globally.

Brazil is among the company's relevant markets.

Despite the dominance of the North American market in the cruise industry, Brazil has been consolidating itself as a relevant market for international companies.

Mercanti explained that the cruise industry is still expanding in the country, but the growth is consistent. According to him, Brazil is among the main source markets in Latin America, alongside Mexico, and continues to gain strategic importance for companies in the sector.

Expansion of international itineraries

In addition to fleet growth, Norwegian has also been expanding its range of itineraries in different regions of the world.

Among the highlights are cruises through Asia, which include destinations such as Japan, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong.

"We have some really cool itineraries in Asia, including Japan, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong," Mercanti explained.

The company also operates itineraries that include African destinations, such as Seychelles, Mauritius, and South Africa, considered exotic products within the company's portfolio.

Returning to South America with new itineraries.

One of the new developments announced during the event was Norwegian's return to South America with new itineraries starting in 2027.

According to Mercanti, the company has planned itineraries that include Patagonia and Antarctica, expanding the brand's presence in the region.

"We will be doing Patagonia and Antarctica starting in December 2027," the executive revealed.

Sales for these itineraries opened in March 2026, allowing travel agents to begin marketing the itineraries well in advance.

Fleet growth and large-capacity ships

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' expansion plan includes launching new ships in the coming years.

According to Mercanti, the group anticipates the arrival of ten new ships by 2036, considering all of the company's brands.

"We are also showing travel agents our projected launches up to 2036," he explained.

The new generation of vessels will be even larger, with increased passenger capacity.

"We are launching ships of 225,000 tons with a capacity of up to 5,000 passengers," stated the commercial director.

Traditionally, Norwegian operates ships with a capacity of between two thousand and four thousand guests, which demonstrates the evolution in the size of vessels in the new phase of the industry.

Itineraries through North America broaden travel options.

Another highlight presented at Cruise 360 ​​Brasil was the variety of itineraries with embarkations in different cities across North America.

According to Mercanti, the company maintains departures from important ports such as Miami, New York, Tampa, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

These itineraries end up attracting travelers who combine the cruise trip with other events or destinations.

Mercanti pointed out that, in some cases, international events can even stimulate the search for complementary itineraries.

"Sometimes it even piques the curiosity of some clients who are going to an event and want to complement their trip with some other type of itinerary," he explained.

According to the executive, the diversity of itineraries and the expansion of the fleet reinforce Norwegian's position in the global cruise market and broaden sales opportunities for Brazilian travel agents.

Reporting and photo: Mary de Aquino.