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Asian-based travel agents get a feel for the Norwegian experience

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Steve Odell: 'our return after 10 years with Norwegian Star is just a small part of our strong commitment to the Asia Pacific region'
It has been a homecoming of sorts for Norwegian Cruise Line which began its recent positioning of 91,740gt Norwegian Star in Asia late last year.

Today, Asian-based travel agents were given a glimpse of the NCL experience during a ship visit in Singapore. The event was hosted by Sydney-based Steve Odell, svp & md, Asia Pacific, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

He told SCN, 'I am very happy to be in Singapore as we witness Norwegian Star’s homecoming into Asia, which incorporates signature voyages throughout the region including Australia and New Zealand. It’s equally wonderful to have the opportunity to showcase our unique NCL product to Asian travellers, agents and media.'

Norwegian Star underwent a full refurbishment in 2015 as part of the ‘Norwegian Edge’ upgrade programme.

'She offers spacious accommodations with modern amenities and of course maintaining Norwegian Cruise Line’s signature resort-style cruising concept with freedom and  flexibility as the core,' commented Odell.

The travel agents onboard were also shown how the ship offers an 'unparalleled choice of dining, entertainment and activity options for all ages', he said adding,

'After years of having sold NCL cruise product for the West, they now need to be familiarized with NCL’s offerings in Asia as well.'

Said Odell, 'our return after 10 years with Norwegian Star is just a small part of our strong commitment to the Asia Pacific region.'

Other key initiatives include the launch of Norwegian Joy - NCLH’s first ever new ship built specially for the China market and fully customized to Chinese preferences, launching in July 2017.

There will be a showcase for this new ship in Singapore and Hong Kong in May and June with details to be announced shortly, Odell explained.

Norwegian Jewel will also be coming to the Asia Pacific region year-round starting from November 2017, home porting in Australia until April 2018 and then spending a season in Asia, Odell remarked.