Norwegian Names Top Travel Partners for 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line isn't waiting until Thanksgiving to recognize its top domestic travel partners.

The cruise line revealed its leading U.S. partners for 2017, naming Fort Lauderdale's Cruises Inc., CruiseOne and Dream Vacations Elite Partner of the Year.

The distinct honor is awarded to the top travel partner who best showcases their commitment to Norwegian's success through their overall revenue, ongoing growth and brand loyalty.

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"This recognition validates that Cruises Inc., CruiseOne and Dream Vacations are part of the fastest-growing division of World Travel Holdings and I am so proud of our home-based franchise owners and independent vacation specialists, as well as headquarters staff, who are achieving greatness together," stated the agency's senior vice president, Debbie Fiorino.

Norwegian honored at least a dozen other travel partners Monday.

Montvale, New Jersey's Liberty Travel was named Breakout Partner of the Year while Nexion received the coveted title of Home-Based Partner of the Year for 2017.

Houstons' Vacations to Go secured Online Partner of the Year, Florida-based Cruise Planners won Marketing Partner of the Year and U.S. Consortia Partner of the Year went to Travel Leaders Network.

Norwegian's regional Partners of the Year included Cruise Brothers (Northeast), Cruise Vacation Outlet (Southeast) and Columbus Travel (West).

Pleasant Holidays was named U.S. Wholesale/T.O. Partner of the Year for 2017.

Other top travel partners singled out by Norwegian for 2017 include Fenton, Missouri-based Maritz Travel Company (Meeting & Incentive Partner of the Year), Cloud 9 Adventures in Boca Raton, Florida (Charter Partner of the Year) and Raleigh, North Carolina's Cardinal Travel Service (Breakout Charter, Meeting & Incentive Partner of the Year).

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"In this month of gratitude, the Norwegian team thanks all of our travel partners for driving a very successful year for our brand," said the cruise line's senior vice president of sales, Camille Olivere in a statement. "We congratulate our Partners of the Year in every channel and area of expertise."

Earlier this month, Norwegian was recognized as the cruise industry leader in eight separate categories at the 2017 Porthole Cruise Magazine Readers' Choice Awards, including best cruise line for solo travelers and short cruises.

"We look forward to an incredibly exciting and prosperous 2018, working hand-in-hand with our partners as we launch Norwegian Bliss and continue to expand and revitalize our fleet," Olivere added.

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