As part of ANATO's Tourism Showcase, Travel2latam spoke with Frank Medina, Vice President & Managing Director - Latin America & Caribbean of Norwegian Cruise Line.
What did Norwegian Cruise Line come to present at this event?
It is always a pleasure to participate in ANATO, the most important event in Latin America. Here we can connect directly with travel agents, mostly from Colombia, but also from other countries. We represent our three brands, with a special focus on Norwegian Cruise Line, our contemporary line.
We are promoting the Caribbean with 11 ships operating in the region, including a cruise from La Romana, a very popular “visa-free Caribbean” option. We are also promoting Europe, where Norwegian is the preferred line, with itineraries to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland, the Greek Islands and more.
We have also evolved our promotional package from Free at Sea to More at Sea, offering a more comprehensive beverage package, more dining at specialty restaurants and additional benefits. We want to ensure that the cruiser receives a more complete and satisfying experience.
Cruises continue to gain popularity among operators, agencies and tourists. What are your growth plans for this year?
The launch of new ships is key to our strategy. This year we are introducing Norwegian Aqua, followed by Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Luna. Two more ships will also be added in the Prima Plus class and, later, a new class of larger ships with more activities and offers for guests.
We know that cruises can still grow in the consumer's mind. Many travelers do not consider them their first choice when planning vacations, so working with travel agents is essential. We must compare it to land-based experiences and highlight its value.
Once someone takes their first cruise, 99% of the time they choose this option again, especially for family or group trips. That's why we continue to invest in the fleet, in new attractions and, above all, in gastronomy. The culinary experience is a key pillar in all three of our brands and a differentiator in the cruise industry.