It's official: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings acquires Brazil sales officeIt's official: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings acquires Brazil sales office

The company said Brazilians are particularly choosing cruises in Europe, Alaska and Caribbean.

'Given its economic growth and the increasing interest of Brazilians to experience the world by taking a cruise, Brazil represents a significant opportunity to advance Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' international growth strategy,' said Andy Stuart, evp international sales.

The company acquired Firstar Representações, its local representative for Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises in Brazil. Estela Farina will lead the new office as general manager. The company will have its main office in São Paulo and a satellite office in Rio de Janeiro.

The new office provides local travel agents the ability to offer cruise fares in Brazilian reais, accept payment in up to 10 installments with no financing fees and an online booking engine in Portuguese. For Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises bookings, the sales center will allow passengers to pay in up to four installments with no financing fees.

The office will also offer local reservations, sales and marketing support for all three brands, providing direct access to travel agents and consumers. The local reservation center will be available to make reservations in real time and invoice directly from the cruise line. Additionally, individual travel agency sales will be recorded and recognized for performance and compensation based on production.

Agents will continue to be provided training opportunities, now on a more regular basis and directly by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings staff, the company said.

There had been speculation leading up to Wednesday's announcement that Norwegian would be adding South America itineraries or talking about Norwegian Getaway's charter by the Rio 2016 Olympics Organizing Committee but, as earlier reported here, that proved wrong.