Carnival Cruise Line today announced the launch of a new state-of-the-art duty free store available on Carnival Spirit, on Australian cruises, from 25 June, 2018, further enhancing the guest experience the cruise line is known for.
Today’s news is the result of a new partnership between Carnival Cruise Line and Heinemann Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of Gebr. Heinemann. The partnership will deliver an ideal mix of local and global brands such as Seafolly, Quay Australia, Swarovski, Swatch, Lacoste and Clinique to Carnival’s Australian guests.
The move into the Australian market by Heinemann Asia Pacific follows the success of an existing partnership between the two brands in the US with similar experiences onboard Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Liberty and Carnival Ecstasy.
“We are thrilled to embark on this new partnership with Carnival Cruise Line, especially at such an exciting time in the cruising market,” says Marvin von Plato, CEO of Heinemann Asia Pacific. “Combining our retail and logistics management experience with our expertise in the Australian market, we look forward to providing a world-class shopping experience on-board for Carnival guests.”
Heinemann has been a master concessionaire at Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport since 2015, with the brand building a strong reputation with Australian travellers. Using consumer insights, Heinemann has carefully curated duty free offerings for the Aussie cruising market with a particular focus on cosmetics, liquor and local brands.
“We’re pleased to continue our excellent relationship with Gebr. Heinemann with this enhancement of the retail experience aboard Carnival Spirit following its extensive dry dock,” said William Butler, Carnival’s Vice President of Retail Services. “The retail experience at Carnival continues to evolve with sought-after brands and exciting new spaces and we’re delighted to work with Gebr. Heinemann in providing our guests with the widest variety of retail choices at sea,” he added.
Carnival Spirit will undergo a two-week dry dock in Singapore and receive new family friendly entertainment features offering new spaces for kids and teens activities onboard, in addition to this new duty free experience. Once she returns to her home port of Sydney on 25 June, 2018 she will resume year-round departures from Australia.
SOURCE: Carnival Cruise Line