All aboard! 135 Travel Counsellors experience NCL Aqua’s inaugural sailing

Last week, 135 lucky Travel Counsellors and eight members of our colleague community had the honour of experiencing NCL’s stunning new ship, the Norwegian Aqua, on its inaugural sailing from Southampton to Zeebrugge.

During the three-night trip, our independent business owners had the opportunity to live and breathe everything the ship has to offer and take part in educational workshops, meaning they came away with the knowledge and first-hand insight they need to sell the product and provide their customers with those expert, insider tips.

The latest ship in NCL’s ‘Prima’ Class, the Norwegian Aqua had plenty for our Travel Counsellors to experience – including the Aqua Slidecoaster (the world’s first hybrid coaster and waterslide at sea) the Glow Court (home to an array of interactive and immersive games), and the exceptional dining options.

Thrill-seekers among the group took on ‘The Drop’ - a 10-story slide which plunges riders through a trap door and down the side of the ship. Meanwhile, those who were seeking a more sedate experience could visit the Vibe Beach Club. Exclusively for guests aged 18 and over, Vibe offers a luxurious, relaxing retreat with infinity hot tubs and a full-service bar.

Once the ship docked at Zeebrugge cruise terminal, our business owners had the choice of exploring Bruges or heading a little further afield to Ghent, so they could soak up the sights of two of Belgium’s best-loved cities.

Leander Lynch, who joined us in June 2024, was one of the lucky Travel Counsellors on board. She said: “I had the most incredible experiences on board NCL Aqua’s inaugural sailing, experiencing it as a customer would. From the moment I stepped on board, everything felt next-level — breathtaking ocean views from my balcony, world-class dining, and thrilling entertainment. Whether it was racing down the waterslides, enjoying spectacular Broadway-style shows, or simply soaking in the sunset with a cocktail in hand, every moment was unforgettable. The ship really does have something for everyone.”

The trip concluded our Set Sail training programme, which has been running for the last six months. The programme was designed for our business owners who wanted to improve their knowledge of the cruise market, so they felt more confident advising their customers when it came to managing cruise enquiries. Also on board were our cruise ambassadors – Travel Counsellors who are experienced in the world of cruise, who have been instrumental in supporting our Set Sail cohort by sharing their knowledge.

Would you like to have incredible opportunities to experience products and destinations first-hand? Here at Travel Counsellors, we run a packed programme of FAM trips to help our Travel Counsellors to improve their knowledge, build relationships with our valued supplier partners, and mingle with fellow business owners.

If you’re serious about setting up your own travel business but are seeking comprehensive wraparound support that will enable you to be your best, book onto one of our Discovery events to learn more about everything we have to offer. Remember, we welcome people from all backgrounds – the main thing for us is that you’re the right fit for our community.