USA. How the retail channel can become even more firmly embedded in the cruise experience was a key topic addressed on a strong first day of retail-dedicated sessions at Seatrade Cruise Global on Tuesday.
As reported, Seatrade Cruise Global – the world’s leading gathering of cruiselines worldwide – runs from 13-16 April in Miami.
A series of retail sessions, organised by The Moodie Davitt Report, take place on 14 and 15 April, with participation from leading cruiselines, concessionaires and brand owners.
Kicking off day one, Seatrade Cruise Global and The Moodie Davitt Report jointly published the Cruise Retail Trends Survey 2026, highlights of which were presented by The Moodie Davitt Report President and event moderator Dermot Davitt.
The report placed a spotlight on the growing importance of experiential retail, sustainability and destination merchandise within the mix. It also highlighted guest expectations for seamless and frictionless technology through the journey, including while shopping. Click here for more and to access the full report.
The key dynamics and category trends that will drive growth in cruise retail – experiences that connect the guest to the wider cruise eco-system, personalisation, exclusivity and first-at-sea launches, commemorative luxury, destination goods and vintage luxury among them, alongside the role of port retail today and tomorrow – were touched upon by a panel that featured Starboard VP & General Manager for Royal Caribbean Claudia King-McWilliams, Harding CEO Chris Matthews and Global Ports Holding VP Retail & Ancillary Revenue Andres Villalever.
How cruise stakeholders can elevate the role of retail as part of the onboard experience was addressed by a panel that included Effy Jewelry Executive Vice President Jennifer Patience, Norwegian Cruise Line VP Onboard Revenue Craig Steyn, Avolta SVP Caribbean & Cruise Gian Botteri and Heinemann Americas Managing Director Nicolas Hoeborn.
They assessed how the sector can embrace the challenge of lifting conversion through newness, targeting the consumer with the right offer at the right time and by positively evolving cruise partnership models through better communication and collaboration.
Platinum Partners for the 2026 retail sessions are Starboard Group, Harding+, Effy Jewelry and Avolta. Other partners include Any Di Munich and Keywest Sterling Silver Company.
We will feature a further report on day two soon, while a comprehensive post-event review will follow. 🛳️
