USA. Starboard Cruise Services has unveiled an array of retail experiences aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship Carnival Horizon, which began an inaugural summer schedule from New York last month.
The LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton company and premier cruise retailer is offering what it described as the most expansive retail space among Carnival’s fleet. The offer showcases some of Starboard and Carnival’s key brand partnerships, such as the Le Vian jewellery line.
Starboard has also introduced several Carnival firsts, including a debut Victoria’s Secret boutique and a high-profile presence for upscale brands such as Breitling, Hublot, Rebecca Minkoff, Michael Kors and Kate Spade.
“Carnival Horizon represents our most significant commitment to retail offerings on any Carnival ship.” – Carnival Cruise Line Vice President of Retail Services William Butler.
Starboard said that it had worked closely with Carnival’s leadership team to deliver “a new retail reality at sea” paired with highly personalised service. Product offerings span fashion & accessories, beauty & fragrance, spirits, watches, jewellery and more.
“Carnival Horizon represents our most significant commitment to retail offerings on any Carnival ship,” said Carnival Cruise Line Vice President of Retail Services William Butler. “In partnership with Starboard Cruise Services, we created the right atmosphere and introduced the right merchandise assortment and experiences for our brand and guests.
“The retail environment is designed to further enhance our guests’ vacation experience and we look forward to celebrating many special occasions with an incredible assortment of merchandise. I’m very pleased with the ‘Shop Fun’ concepts we have created with our partners at Starboard.”
“Carnival is all about celebration and fun,” said Starboard Cruise Services President and CEO Beth Neumann. “The Carnival Horizon retail experience is custom-designed to elicit the same excitement from shopping onboard that guests get from all the other wonderful activities on the ship. In keeping with Carnival’s tagline of ‘Choose Fun,’ we say, ‘Shop Fun’.
“At Starboard, we sell memories, not just merchandise. We inspire guests to purchase items that will forever remind them of the joy of their vacation through innovative experiences, entertaining events and an assortment of exceptional brands.”
As part of a multi-year agreement, Starboard now operates retail services on nine Carnival ships including Carnival Horizon.
Carnival Horizon features a two-level shopping promenade with branded shops offering the largest and most varied offerings in the fleet.
Highlights include:
Victoria’s Secret Girls Night Out: Guests can browse the latest assortments while sipping Champagne and swaying to the beat. Events include a runway face-off and spin the wheel for prizes.
Beauty and Fragrance Bar: Guests are invited to experiment and play with make-up and fragrance to encourage purchases.
Le Vian Style Me Famous Fashion Event: Inspired by the Le Vian jewellery brand’s reputation for outfitting popular celebrities at red carpet occasions, this event allows guests to be styled with signature jewellery pieces and pose for fun photo-ops. Guests receive a Le Vian gemstone with the option to upgrade to a piece that complements their style.
What’s Your Jewellery Personality? This shopping event helps guests discover which gemstone best matches their spirit and personality while perusing a collection of jewellery.
Rock Envy with Crystals from Swarovski: Guests can custom-design a jewellery keepsake of their cruise, choosing from a wide selection of charms, bracelets, necklaces, rings and watches. Rock Envy with Crystals from Swarovski is available exclusively onboard select Carnival ships.
Wearable Tech: Experts are on hand to help guests discover a variety of watch styles with multi-functionalities in Carnival’s first store entirely devoted to wearable tech.
The Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Life: “Everything for the sharp-dressed man”: a fine watch, sunglasses, fragrances and a signature whiskey.
Happier Hour Daily Tastings: Designed to be “So much more than just ‘Happy!” Guests can sample some of the world’s top liquors, including travel retail exclusive Hennessy White. Blind taste tests form part of the fun.
