While rivals Carnival and Royal Caribbean look toward China to grow their share of the global cruise market, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd is making a play for Brazilian cruisers.
Norwegian has taken over Firstar Representacoes, the local sales agent for Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises in Brazil, which will manage a new sales, marketing and reservations center based in Sao Paulo.
A second office will also be established in Rio de Janeiro.
All three of its brands – Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises have seen strong growth in the Brazilian market the company said.
"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 Holding’s international growth strategy," said Andy Stuart, executive vice president of international sales.
In the new sales office Norwegian Cruise Line bookings can be made in Brazilian Reais and paid in up to 10 installments with no financing fees.
Oceania and Regent Seven Seas customers can pay for their cruise in four installments.
It also operates a website and online booking engine in Portuguese.
NCL will also utilize flagship Norwegian Getaway as a floating hotel in Rio during the summer Olympic Games in 2016.
