USA. Starboard Cruise Services and Onboard Media, sister companies under LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, have collaborated this cruising season to promote Alaska products and attractions.
Building on Onboard Media’s successful 2022 first-at-sea initiative with various Alaskan organisations, Starboard has curated Alaskan-made mementos and other products – including jewellery, gifts, books, food items and bodycare items – to bring them to the retail offer of multiple cruise line partners.
Exclusive offerings from first-at-sea Alaskan brands available through Starboard include Chugach Chocolates and Prince William Sound Salt Co., both of which use ingredients sourced in Alaska. Other sea debuts include Bering Sea Designs (native crafts) and Alaskan Reflections (handmade souvenirs).
Chugach Chocolates CEO Ryan Wiswesser said: “We’re a small chocolate business utilising local flavours in a state with one of the smallest populations, the largest in-land area [more than twice the size of Texas], and challenging transportation. Having our products on cruise ships to all reaches of the state has been crucially important.”
Commenting on the partnership with Onboard Media, Starboard Cruise Services President and CEO Lisa Bauer said: “Onboard Media’s groundwork paved the path for our successful joint venture to preserve Alaska’s heritage and invigorate trade through bespoke retail programmes. This initiative emphasises the significant value we create for not only our cruise partners and guests but also port communities.”
Onboard Media creates multimedia products for companies in the global travel and hospitality industry, driving brand awareness to generate sales and grow revenue.
Onboard Media General Manager Jeffrey Meister said: “Our informative and engaging touchpoints, coupled with Starboard’s assortments, made a meaningful impact on the Alaskan economy. This cruising season was a testament to the remarkable synergy between Starboard and Onboard Media and how seamlessly our offerings intertwine and enhance one another.” 
