In an email sent to travel partners, Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it is permanently removing NCFs (non-commissionable fees) as of Dec. 26, 2025, for all voyages embarking on and after May 1, 2026.
The reveal coincides with the brand’s now-commissionable Free at Sea Plus program, as well as the upcoming 15-year anniversary of its Partners First program.
"Travel advisors are the backbone of our industry, and their success is our success,” said John Chernesky, senior vice president of sales North America, Norwegian Cruise Line. "Removing NCFs is a meaningful commitment to strengthening our partnership and ensuring advisors are fully rewarded for the value they bring to their clients and to NCL.”
Specifically, no NCFs means higher earnings for advisors, since the full cruise fare (excluding taxes and fees) is now commissionable, extending to the Free at Sea Plus package. With a newly simplified fare structure, increased transparency makes sales potential clearer from the start.
“We recognize the critical role [advisors] play in delivering the NCL experience to guests around the world, and this enhancement reflects a direct investment in [their] long-term success,” read the email message. “We are confident this update will empower [advisors] with even more opportunities as [they] introduce clients to the incredible experiences waiting on Norwegian's award-winning fleet.”
