Starboard plans 'destination retail moments' for Virtuoso's luxury cruise partners

This will enable cruisers to purchase hand-made goods from artisans, gaining first-hand insight into their traditional techniques and hearing their personal stories. 

Natural partnership

'Our collaboration with Virtuoso is a natural partnership for Starboard Luxury. The alliance is rooted in shared values to preserve cultural heritage and uplift local economies through a wide range of novel and bespoke experiences,' said Lisa Bauer, president and CEO of Starboard. 'Starboard Luxury’s proven formula for exceptional retail vacation programs has positioned us to capture a destination’s essence by introducing guests to an assortment of locally sourced goods, native brands and hosting emerging artisans on ship and on shore.'

Leading up to the program’s early 2023 launch, Starboard Luxury will work jointly with Virtuoso’s destination management companies to discover native artisans and create branded retail activations that will take place onboard and on land. These exclusive offerings will be available to Virtuoso’s preferred cruise partners that are also part of Starboard Luxury’s portfolio.

More meaningful, genuine interactions with locals

'Our alliance with Starboard Luxury is one of our many solutions to the increased travel demand for more experiential, meaningful and genuine interactions with locals while cruising the world,' said Matthew Upchurch, chairman and CEO of Virtuoso. 'This desire for more meaningful experiences transforms the way they experience and enjoy our luxury cruise line partners.'

Stacy Shaw's leadership

Starboard Luxury curates luxury retail programs under the leadership of VP Stacy Shaw. The group has executed numerous tailored-made retail programs for a growing portfolio of luxury partners.