Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Australia and New Zealand, describing local cruisers as “among the most valuable guests in the world” and positioning the region as a cornerstone of its global strategy.
Speaking at a Sydney event, Jason Krimmel, NCL’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for International, said the Asia-Pacific region continues to be a tremendous priority for the brand as global cruise demand surges to record levels.
“Cruising is at an all-time high in terms of demand and we don’t see any slowdown,” Krimmel said. “The guest profile coming from Australia and New Zealand is much higher in quality than what you see in some other parts of the world.”
Krimmel, who has spent more than 22 years with the line, said Australians’ forward planning and appetite for premium cruising make them an ideal market for the brand’s future direction.
“The booking window is further out and the quality of that guest is much higher,” he said. “That’s extremely meaningful for us as a business. It gives us the confidence to invest and to grow here for the long term.”
Post-pandemic, Australians have re-emerged as some of the most enthusiastic cruise travellers globally, with international bookings bouncing back strongly and local agents reporting record interest for 2025 and beyond.
For NCL, that enthusiasm has been matched with a steady expansion in regional offerings — from Norwegian Spirit’s homeport itineraries to new Asia-Pacific sailings.
Krimmel emphasised that while some brands have adjusted their presence in the region, NCL is taking the opposite approach.
“We’re looking for a different type of client base,” he said. “We’re here for the long haul. Together with you, our travel partners, helping to tell our story and magnify that message, we can do some amazing things over the next year.”
As competition heats up, NCL’s focus is increasingly on quality rather than scale — aligning with Australia’s maturing cruise audience.
The brand’s modern fleet, signature Freestyle Cruising philosophy and elevated experiences such as The Haven are drawing attention from travellers who value freedom, flexibility and service.
“It’s an exciting time, not just for us, but for the entire industry,” Krimmel said. “The opportunity is tremendous in what we can do together.”
For NCL, the message is clear: Australians are no longer just part of the global cruise market — they’re helping shape its future.
Featured image: L to R. Tara Clifford (Senior Marketing Manager), Jason Krimmel (Chief International Sales and Marketing Officer), Leanne Fonagy (PR Manager APAC), Angela Middleton (Director of Sales AUNZ) & Ben Angell (VP & Managing Director Norwegian Cruise Line APAC)
