LVMH-owned Starboard Cruise Services (SCS) told TRBusiness that 2016 was an ‘exciting year’ for the company as it launched retail onboard four new ships.

These comprised the following: Holland America Line’s MS Koningsdam; Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas (the world’s largest cruise ship), both with Americas sailings; Genting Dream’s first ship from Asia luxury line Dream Cruises and Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas with Asia and Australia itineraries.

“These new ships keep raising the bar with incredible onboard amenities and activities — so too must we continue to elevate the retail offering,” said President & CEO of Starboard, Beth Neuman.

“Starboard remains focused on its vision of cruise retail as a place where guests build memories for a lifetime…moving beyond transaction to engaging experiences offering discovery, entertainment, social connection and one-on-one hospitality.”

Looking ahead, Starboard confirms that the Caribbean market continues to grow as cruise lines increase capacity with new ship deployments. Starboard also continues to invest in Asia and is excited about the second ship from Dream Cruises to launch later this year.

Read the full-length profile on Starboard and the annual cruise report in the March issue of TRBusiness magazine.