By
Alex Smith |
Azamara has signed a partnership with Starboard Cruise Services that will see the two companies redesign the retail programme with experiences curated specifically for the destinations included in each Azamara itinerary.
"Our well-travelled guests desire exclusive escapes and thoughtfully selected excursions inspired by local culture and traditions," said Carol Cabezas, president of Azamara. "The retail experience should not be an exception, but rather an integrated layer to amplify meaningful memories across the cruise journey. Partnering with Starboard's luxury division, we are in a greater position to reveal even more of the history, art, cuisine and local customs that make each destination rare and beautiful."
The new retail programme will offer experiences onboard and onshore with local artisans and craftsman, with guests being able to take home items as exclusive gifts. For example, guests sailing on Azamara’s New Zealand voyages will be able to purchase products from curated cultural collections including unique Maori carvings, while those visiting Norway will be able to buy local hand-spun wool knitwear. Starboard Cruise Services will also provide limited-time items such as hand painted silks from Barcelona and Chilean-made infused glass art sourced from recycled windows and bottles.
"We are thrilled to be working with Carol Cabezas and her team at Azamara on our common vision for the journey ahead during a very exciting restart of the industry," said Lisa Bauer, president and CEO of Starboard Cruise Services. "With our shared philosophies surrounding discovery, creativity, quality and craftsmanship, collaborating with Azamara will deliver a completely innovative and immersive approach to exploring destinations.”
The partnership came into effect with the departure of Azamara Quest from Greece on 28 August on a seven-night Mediterranean cruise.