The move will come into effect on 1 April and will apply to all bookings departing from 1 May. The line confirmed agent commissions will typically increase by 1.5% to 2% as a result of the move.
Gary Anslow, vice-president and head of UK and Ireland, said: "This change signifies our commitment to agents, making the commission payments higher, as well as a seamless and transparent booking process.”
It follows a 2% commission hike during wave season, announced in December, and applied to bookings made between 1 January to 31 March.
Chander Prakash, Cruise2 managing director, revealed agents were informed of NCL's decision last week. "It's always significant when cruise lines do this as it will have an impact on pricing," he said. "But it's a good move and is always welcome but it will increase pricing."
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' new boss John Chidsey recently told an investors call that NCL's poor performance was hampering the entire company and acknowledged "missteps" had been made.
When asked if NCL's decision to remove NCFs would help the line turn a corner, Prakash said: "Let's hope so but in the current geopolitical situation everybody is trying their best.
"I don't know what kind of impact it will have. January and February did not feel like wave but the beginning of March was better but then Iran war started."
The Travel Network Group cruise sales director John Wilson hailed NCL's decision, adding that he hoped other cruise lines that still have NCFs would "take note".
"From our perspective, it's great for our membership," Wilson continued. "NCL has a really great product. There's a lot of competition out there so this kind of move really helps them standout to a large degree.
"It is a very significant move. There's always been a debate around NCFs and why some cruise lines have them so this is a big gesture of support for the UK trade."
Phil Evans, Cruise Nation managing director, said: I think it’s fantastic news for agents, a winner I’m sure. They're keeping it simple. Agents do a tremendous job in promoting brands and it’s great that NCL recognises that."
