PHOTO: Norwegian Cruise Holdings is opening a sales center in Sao Paulo, above, and a satellite office in Rio de Janeiro. (Courtesy of Embratur)

While the two biggest cruise companies are aggressively expanding into China, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) is heading south to Brazil.

The parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises is opening a sales, marketing and reservations center in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

“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 for NCLH.

The company acquired Firstar Representações, the local representative for Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania in Brazil. Estela Farina will lead the new office as general manager. The company will have its main office in Sao Paulo and a satellite office in Rio de Janeiro.

The new office makes it easier for Brazilian travel agents to book cruises. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line offers fares in BRL (Brazilian Reais), accepts payment in up to 10 installments with no financing fees, and operates an online booking engine in Portuguese. Oceania and Regent Seven Seas will let guests pay in up to four installments with no financing fees.

The office will also offer local reservations, sales and marketing support to travel agents and consumers. The sales center will take reservations in real time and invoice directly from the cruise line.  Additionally, individual travel agency sales will be recorded and recognized for performance and compensation based on production. Finally, travel partners will get training on a more regular basis by NCLH staff.

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