NCL – the venue is the experience

HOW do you top last year? That’s the question every travel agent working in the MICE space always has to answer, says Nirosha Sidat, NCL Country Manager for Africa. “Forget about the resort and the awards dinner. NCL has a different proposition entirely and with three extraordinary new ships either already sailing or on the horizon, the timing for agents to bring it to their corporate clients has never been better.” A corporate event on an NCL ship offers one contract, one venue, one point of contact – accommodation, dining, entertainment, meeting spaces and activities bundled into a single, transparent price. “There’s no need for separate AV suppliers or catering negotiations. No shuttle logistics. NCL’s dedicated Experiences at Sea team handle every detail, from branded signage to speciality dining buyouts,” explains Sidat. The MICE all-inclusive value package also adds to the appeal – an unlimited open bar, a one-hour cocktail party with canapés and a speciality dining package. NCL estimates corporate groups can save 30-40% over equivalent land- based events. Ships Sidat believes the Prima Plus class – Norwegian Aqua (2025), Norwegian Luna (2026) and Norwegian Aura (debuting May 2027) – fits well with what corporate and incentive groups need. Norwegian Aqua and Luna both feature the Glow Court, an LED-floored sports complex that doubles as a team- building venue by day and a nightclub after dark, plus the Aqua Slidecoaster for groups wanting thrills. Luna’s theatre converts from a high-production show venue into a full nightclub – ideal for groups moving from awards ceremony to celebration. Luna’s redesigned Mandara Spa, with its two-storey indoor waterfall and thermal facilities, provides wellness-focused incentive programmes in a world-class setting. Largest Norwegian Aura will raise the bar even further. NCL’s largest ship ever features Ocean Heights – a multi- level adults’ outdoor activity complex with dual waterslides, a 24m rope course and the Moon Climber obstacle course – offering a ready-made team-building programme requiring no external supplier. “With 22 dining options spanning more than 10 global cuisines and The Haven’s keycard-access luxury suite enclave offering 24-hour butler service, Norwegian Aura can reward every tier of an incentive group in a way no hotel can replicate,” says Sidat. Destinations An NCL sailing offers a new destination every day or two and shore excursions become the team-building programme. The Mediterranean remains the most accessible region for South African corporate travellers (easy visas, strong airlift and itineraries covering Spain, France and Italy on a single sailing), while northern Europe is growing in appeal for groups seeking something more distinctive. “More memorable, more varied, more exclusive and, when costs are properly compared, frequently more cost-effective than the hotel ballroom alternative. The ships are ready and the tide is turning. The only thing left is the conversation with your client,” says Sidat.