Norwegian Cruise Line Abolishes Non-Commissionable Fares for Travel Advisors
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has made a significant shift in its fare structure by abolishing non-commissionable fares (NCFs). This change will take effect on December 26, 2025, for all sailings departing May 1, 2026, and onward.
Changes to Commission Structure
With this new policy, the full cruise fare—excluding taxes and fees—will become commissionable. This alteration is designed to enhance travel advisors’ earnings from each booking.
Improved Earning Potential
John Chernesky, the senior vice president of sales for North America, stated, “Travel advisors are the backbone of our industry, and their success is our success.” This illustrates NCL’s commitment to supporting travel advisors by ensuring they are justly rewarded for their efforts.
- Effective Date: December 26, 2025
- Applicable To: All sailings from May 1, 2026, onward
- Commissionable Earnings: Includes full cruise fare excluding taxes and fees
Increased Earnings Opportunities
Recently, NCL also reintroduced the Free at Sea Plus program, which is commissionable. This provides travel advisors with additional avenues to increase their earnings.
In 2022, NCL had briefly changed its stance by offering commission on NCFs for bookings made over 120 days in advance. This initial shift, effective January 1, 2023, required advisors to submit a marketing plan to qualify for commissions on NCFs.
Travel advisors looking for further details on this latest change can visit Norwegian Central’s NCL Help and search for “Commission Structure.” This move reflects NCL’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with travel advisors and recognize their contribution to the industry.
