Interview: NCL’s Rebecca Ransom on cruise industry trends and innovation

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Rebecca Ransom is NCL's Business Development Manager for the Middle East and Africa

As Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) continues to expand its fleet and reshape the cruise experience, Rebecca Ransom, the brand’s Middle East and Africa Business Development Manager, shares insights into the trends driving demand in 2025. From the growing appetite for longer itineraries and immersive shore experiences to the success of Norwegian Cruise Line’s new More At Sea offering, she reveals how the line is innovating to meet evolving guest expectations – and how agents can harness these shifts to drive bookings.

CONNECTING TRAVEL: What trends are emerging in cruise in 2025?
REBECCA RANSOM: Guests want to go beyond the traditional seven-day cruise and spend more time exploring. There’s also a noticeable shift towards premium experiences, better dining, more personalised service, more immersive destination activities with more time exploring, as well as unique onboard entertainment. Fleet innovation is another major driver of excitement and, of course, our fleet expansion is a huge story. New Prima Plus ships are on the way, and we’ve announced orders for the largest vessels in our history for the next decade.

CT: How can agents convert clients who typically book resorts to cruising?
RR: The beauty of cruising lies in its ability to deliver the freedom of exploration with the ease of an all-in-one vacation. It’s the ideal vacation for every type of traveller, whether they crave relaxation, adventure or a little of both. Unlike a resort stay, where you’re limited to one location, a cruise allows guests to unpack just once while exploring multiple destinations in one seamless journey.

Norwegian Aqua made its debut in 2025

CT: Last-minute booking is a common issue in Middle East markets. How can agents encourage clients to book sooner?

RR: Iconic destinations in peak seasons tend to sell out quickly, so early planning is key to securing the best option for travel clients. We’re seeing a strong shift towards early bookings as more travellers recognise the value of planning ahead. Booking early allows guests to secure their preferred stateroom category, lock in competitive pricing and access the most desirable itineraries before they sell out. It also gives guests more time to plan shore excursions, speciality dining and onboard experiences, ensuring a truly personalised vacation. For agents, it is a great opportunity to highlight the peace of mind and flexibility that comes with early booking. Guests can relax knowing everything is arranged well in advance and avoid the stress of last-minute planning.

NCL grows shoulder season cruises to meet GCC demand

Review: Norwegian Aqua

CT: NCL’s More At Sea offering has been a huge hit. How is this motivating bookings?

RR: More At Sea was launched in January 2025 to make every cruise effortless and extraordinary with our ‘More’ philosophy: more choice, more freedom and more of what guests love. Guests enjoy premium beverages, extra speciality dining and high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi all included, so they can focus on creating some unforgettable memories

CT: Based on current data, which destinations and itineraries are selling out first?

RR: Our Caribbean sailings continue to lead demand, especially with the highly anticipated debut of Norwegian Aqua in 2025. Europe remains a major draw during the summer and autumn, with Mediterranean itineraries proving exceptionally popular. Alaska is another top performer for 2025, driven by travellers seeking those once-in-a-lifetime scenic and wildlife experiences.

To partner with NCL, email Rebecca Ransom, Business Development Manager Middle East, rransom@ncl.com, call/WhatsApp: +44 7961 300 729; for more information, visit www.ncl.com