Global cruise retail specialist Harding is ramping up its recruitment as the cruise industry prepares to restart this summer.

The news comes after Harding last month secured the entire Carnival UK cruise fleet comprising P&O Cruises Ventura, Britannia, Arcadia, Aurora, Azura and new ship Iona (which will sail her maiden voyage this summer), as well as all three Cunard ships — Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria.

Harding today (4 May) announced the appointment of ex Rémy Travel Retail executive Sam Haley as Marketing & PR Manager. Her responsibilities will include managing and developing the Harding Oceantainment programme, internal and external PR, marketing production and coordination brand development and cruise line liaison.

Haley said: “It’s a delight to continue to recruit and welcome industry leading talent to Harding. Sam has over 20 years’ experience in travel retail within the Rémy Group working with incredibly iconic brands, covering product innovation, marketing and experiential activations.”

Also joining the team is Victor Patience, a respected cruise industry figure with 22 years’ experience having recently worked for leading US Jewellery brand Effy.

NEWLY CREATED ROLE

Patience has been appointed into the newly created role of Vice President of Luxury Sales, strengthening the Harding luxury team. His career spans numerous partners across luxury brands, from onboard retail and luxury duty free to developing and elevating teams across the sea.

With his experience in duty free marketing and cruise retail, Harding is confident he will further develop and grow the onboard luxury shopping experience with new initiatives tailored to each cruise partner.

Harding Managing Director James Prescott said: “People are the absolute core of our values and these two appointments, along with our tremendous drive to recruit and develop all of our onboard teams, is another milestone in our journey.

“It’s great to be looking to the future with confidence once again. These new appointments are a fantastic sign that the future for the cruise business is brighter than ever.”