INTERNATIONAL. LVMH company Starboard Cruise Services has begun retail services onboard Costa Cruises’ new ship, Costa Toscana, in 5,500sq ft of space across two decks.
The new programme under the Galleria Shops branding carries a strong focus on sustainable offers, European designers and Costa-exclusive ranges. Costa Toscana sailed on her inaugural Mediterranean voyage on 5 March from Savona, Italy.
The 13 dedicated boutiques offer curated merchandise from global brands and new collections across a range of lifestyle products including apparel, handbags, watches, beauty, fine jewellery and more.
Retail Concierge services, exclusive to Costa, returns after launching on Costa Smeralda in 2020. The personalised service brings “convenience as well as high-touch individualised attention to guests”, said Starboard. Shoppers can purchase from their stateroom, book private shopping appointments and schedule concierge-led store outings.
“Our long and successful partnership with Costa Cruises uniquely positions us to curate an unparalleled vacation shopping experience. Costa Toscana’s Mediterranean ports, exclusive selection of retail offerings and high-touch services will naturally appeal to Costa’s worldly guests,” said Starboard President and CEO Lisa Bauer.
Eco-luxury offer
In keeping with a commitment to sustainability from Costa, guests can discover gems from the Engrace Diamonds collection, the world’s first lab-grown diamonds offered at sea – which are debuting on the fleet.
The engineered diamonds are produced with -85% less water and one-seventh of the environmental impact, compared to traditional diamond mining, noted Starboard. Engrace Diamonds are created from pre-existing diamond seeds, made under the same conditions that occur below the earth’s surface, using high-pressure, high-temperature technology and crystallised to mature for six to ten weeks. The collection includes ethically sourced rings, bracelets, earrings and pendants.
Other responsible retail offerings include vintage luxury from the What Goes Around Comes Around concept. This carries a curated selection of sought-after designer handbags and scarves from brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel.
Other brands will make their debuts onboard Costa’s fleet. These include:
– Diamanti per Tutti and its ethically-sourced diamond accessories from Belgium.
– Olivia Burton, known for its vintage-inspired British watches.
– Yunik watches: Swiss craftsmanship with cases made from Murano glass.
– Diego Dalla Palma: makeup, skincare and haircare from Italy.
Costa Cruises President Mario Zanetti said: “Costa’s continued collaboration with Starboard has resulted in distinctive and successful retail offerings on our ships. With our recent rebranding, cruise retail is an integral component of our guests’ voyages and onboard experience. We look to partners like Starboard to be as innovative and devoted as we are to our new focus on exploring destinations sustainably.”
For the rest of 2022, Costa Toscana will sail weeklong cruises in the Western Mediterranean with six destinations, Savona, Marseille, Barcelona, Valencia, Palermo and Civitavecchia (Rome).
