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8 Essential Packing Tips When Travelling To Northern California

Luggage

Northern California is an interesting tourist destination. It is a mixture of landscapes — they have beaches, mountains, cities, and deserts. When you are traveling, it is important to save up on luggage space and to not forget the most important items. When planning to travel there, you should be a smart traveler and consult this list for the items that you need to bring with you.

1. Bring a Pair of Flats

Being a tourist involves a lot of walking. Stylish flats must be part of your packing list because they’re comfortable to wear. They also go with almost any outfit. The flat structure won’t strain your feet even if you stand all day.

2. Always Carry a Charged Power Bank.

As a tourist, you will need your phone all the time. You need it as a map, for ordering cabs, or for basic research. A portable power bank will keep your phone from dying. Make sure that your power bank isn’t too heavy so that your shoulders won’t be strained from its weight as you carry it around all day.

3. Bring your First-aid Kit

When traveling, make sure to always pack your first aid kit with you. It should contain all the basic medicine you need as well as a few bandages in case you get wounded. Keeping it filled with medicine for headaches or motion sickness which are the common types of illnesses associated with traveling. Add in some antihistamine, too. You might eat something that you are allergic to.

4. Prepare your Swimwear

Northern California is brimming with beaches like the Montara State Beach and the Ross Cove Beach. Pack comfortable swimwear to be ready for when you swim in their gorgeous beaches. Your swimming outfit must be comfortable and should not come off easily even after a day of rigorous swimming.

5. Bring your Bodyboard

Northern California’s surf spots are scattered along the coast. They stretch from San Francisco throughout Sonoma, Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte. As a place known for surfing, you must bring your own bodyboard. You can check out the Best Bodyboards Reviewed and Compared for 2018 to know which bodyboard you should purchase.

6. Put on Some Sunscreen

You may get carried away from enjoying along the beach that you’ll forget that you’re getting burned by the sun. Before you know it, you’ll be sunburnt. To avoid this from happening, pack a sunscreen to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. Look for a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and reapply it every few hours.

7. Place your Phone in a Waterproof Phone Case

Your phone could get wet whether be it at your beach trip or even while you’re hiking through the mountains and you encounter a body of water. You should enclose your phone within a waterproof case to avoid having it drenched in water. This case will also protect your phone from sand and soil.

8. Don’t forget your Important Documents

You will need your identification cards and any other supporting documents whenever you check in to a hotel or rent a car. Make sure that your documents are well-protected by placing them inside a Ziplock bag. When not in use, you can leave them in your hotel room safe for added security.

The aforementioned are the tips you should follow to get a memorable trip to Northern California. You can only fully enjoy this beautiful destination if you came prepared. The most important tip of all is to have fun and appreciate the beautiful tourist spots in Northern California.

Carnival Vista: A Family Cruise Preview

Carnival Vista
Carnival Vista

Cruise CompeteWe are just finishing up packing and getting ready for our family cruise. Even at this late hour the excitement around our home is palpable. Tomorrow we will be boarding the Carnival Vista for an 8-Night Southern Caribbean cruise. Vista is currently the newest and largest Carnival ship sailing from Florida. This title will change in September and when Carnival’s newest ship Carnival Horizon, begin’s sailing from Miami and Vista moves to Galveston.

We are planning to go visit several beaches during our cruise, so we have bought the Aqua Shoes and a large amount of SPF 50 Suntan spray just to be safe. Since we live in Florida we are planning to drive the 3 ½ hours down to Miami in the morning. I have looked into several parking options but, this cruise I will using the port’s own parking facilities. Since this is a family cruise, we will have lots of luggage in tow so this will be more convenient.

Our Cruise Itinerary

New Additions, New Experiences

I have only been aboard the Carnival Vista for a few hours back in December for an event. So this will be my first cruise aboard a Vista Class ship. These ship’s offer the latest in features and amenities. One big change is the interior design, this is a major departure from older ship’s in the fleet that were often based on a central theme. I believe the new design has a very fresh, modern feel with some nice tropical touches. More importantly, it has one of my favorite specialty restaurants Jiji’s Asian Kitchen. I first experienced this aboard the Carnival Sunshine and I can’t wait to share this experience with my family. We have also made reservations at the Cucina del Capitano. This will be a new experience for all of us and we are very much looking forward to it.

Carnival Vista: A Family Cruise Preview | 8
Guests onboard Carnival Vista participate in SkyRide, an opportunity to pedal hanging recumbent-like bikes around an 800-foot-long suspended track some 150 feet above the sea. The largest and most innovative cruise vessel in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet, Carnival Vista measures 133,500 tons, 1,055 feet long and has a guest capacity of almost 4,000 passengers. Photo by Andy Newman/Carnival Cruise Line

Entertainment & Activities

My Girl’s are already planning to get onboard as early as we can and go straight to the Carnival Waterworks aboard Carnival Vista. They can’t wait to try all the different slides. We can’t wait to try our turn on the Carnival Skyride which allows you to soar high above the ship with amazing views of the sea. We have already planned to race each other. Next we want to head over the Carnival Skycourse and test our skills. All of these new Carnival Vista amenities are what makes this upcoming cruise that much more exciting for us all. Did I mention this ship has an IMAX theatre onboard? Yes, It does and of course we are looking forward to taking in a movie here and at the Dive-In-Movies.  

Excursions Planned

Carnival Vista: A Family Cruise Preview | 8
Cracked Conch in Grand Turk at Jack’s Shack. So Good!

We are still planning on what Shore Excursions we are going to take. However, I am planning on visiting Jack’s Shack while in Grand Turk. Jack’s Shack has my favorite Jerk Chicken , Cracked Conch and cold beer. My plan is to make my way here and relax on the beach while in Grand Turk. If you haven’t been to Jack’s Shack, it just a short ten minute walk from the cruise pier.

We have never been to the Dominican Republic and Curacao before, so I am still planning to on what to do while in port here. I recently picked up a copy the Lonely Planet’s – Caribbean Ports Guide and It has given me so many ideas on what to do while visiting Curacao. It even has a map to help us take a self-guided walking tour which I’m considering doing. This guide book is really amazing and I will be taking it with me to use while in port.    

More Things We’re Looking Forward To

Stay tuned and follow us on Cruise Addicts social media channels. I will be posting often throughout the cruise and you can look forward to more in-depth coverage upon our return. If you have any questions about the Carnival Vista or this cruise just leave a comment below.


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Take a Tour of the Mariner of the Seas Sports Deck (VIDEO)

From rock climbing to waterslides and even a virtual reality bungee trampoline, Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas has an activity for every member of the family. Take a tour of the ship’s newly amped up sports deck and all it has to offer. #MarinerOfTheSeas is NOW Sailing from Port Miami.


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Costa Cruises Holds Coin Ceremony for Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda will enter service in 2019 as the first cruise ship to be marketed globally that will be fully powered by LNG

Costa Cruises recently celebrated the traditional coin ceremony for its new ship, Costa Smeralda, which took place July 4, at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland, one of the biggest shipbuilding complexes in the world.

Entering service in 2019, Costa Smeralda will be the first cruise ship to be marketed broadly to consumers around the globe, particularly in Europe and Italy, that will be fully powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel.

Costa Smeralda_Piazza di Spagna
Costa Smeralda

Cruise CompeteWith dual-fuel engines, Costa Smeralda will be fully powered by LNG while in port and at sea – an environmental breakthrough that will improve air quality as LNG prevents emissions of particulate matter and sulfur oxides almost entirely at sea and in port. It also significantly reduces the emission of nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide.

Costa Smeralda represents further evidence of the pioneering and innovative spirit that characterizes the Costa Group, the market leader in Europe and Asia for cruising with AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises and Costa Asia.

During the ceremony, some commemorative coins were positioned along the keel of the ship as a symbol of good fortune for members of the crew, passengers and future voyages. This symbolic moment, which is part of shipbuilding tradition, was celebrated with an event attended by the senior management of Costa Cruises and the Meyer Turku shipyard. Elisabetta Moraci, a 28-year-old from Messina, Italy, second deck officer in the Costa fleet, served as godmother of the event.

“We celebrate this symbolic moment for our new ship with great enthusiasm,” said Neil Palomba, president of Costa Cruises. “With LNG a breakthrough in fuel technology, Costa Smeralda represents a major innovation for the international market and an important step toward setting new standards for the entire sector. Costa Group is the market leader in Europe and Asia, and we continue to make sustainable tourism a key part of our industry leadership. Our strategy of ongoing innovation and continuous improvement will provide a significant boost to the development of LNG as an alternative fuel technology in the cruise industry.”

Costa Group, along with its sister brands within Carnival Corporation’s global portfolio, has been an industry leader in promoting and developing sustainable and environmental solutions. In addition to the use of LNG for cruise ships, Costa Group and Carnival Corporation’s global cruise brands have been industry leaders in pioneering the use of exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) in the small confines of a cruise ship. Considered an environmental breakthrough, EGCS is installed on about 60 percent of ships in the Costa Group and Carnival Corporation fleets. The use of LNG and EGCS will both play an important role in further improving the impact of Costa Group’s marine operations.

“The coin ceremony marks the beginning of the hull assembly for the ship. From here our design and steel construction efforts will start to turn into an actual ship, so a very exciting time for us shipbuilders. We are very happy that Costa Cruises has entrusted with the design and the construction of this sophisticated LNG powered ship with a unique architectural design that truly expresses the Costa spirit. Now we are bringing our designs and plans to life,” said CEO of Meyer Turku Jan Meyer.

With a gross tonnage of more than 180,000 tons, Costa Smeralda will offer over 2,600 rooms and will enter service in Oct. 2019. Delivery of a second vessel, the sister ship of Costa Smeralda, also built by Meyer-Turku, is expected in 2021.

Costa Smeralda and its sister ship will be the first ships to be marketed broadly to global consumers that will use LNG to generate 100 percent of their energy, both in port and at sea, contributing to environmental protection and to achieving the ambitious sustainability goals set by Costa Cruises and its parent company Carnival Corporation.

Costa Smeralda’s debut is expected on Oct. 20, 2019, with a 15-day maiden cruise from Hamburg to Savona. The itinerary includes two-day stopovers in some of the cities with the richest history and culture in Europe, including Hamburg, Rotterdam, Lisbon, Barcelona and Marseille.

The Costa Smeralda christening ceremony will be celebrated in grand style in Savona on Nov. 3, 2019. The six-day inaugural cruise will depart from Savona on Nov. 4, 2019, and sail to Barcelona, Marseilles and Civitavecchia (Rome). Costa Smeralda will then continue to sail around the Western Mediterranean until April 2020, offering week long cruises including Marseille, France; Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Civitavecchia, La Spezia and Savona, Italy.

Cruises on Costa Smeralda are available for immediate booking.


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Explosive July 4th Deal: MSC Cruises celebrates with free upgrade & $300+ added value!

This fourth of July, MSC Cruises is celebrating the freedom to vacation in style on the most beautiful ship in the Caribbean. During MSC Cruises’ July 4th Sale, guests can take advantage of a free upgrade to a balcony stateroom on board the stunning MSC Seaside when booking at an Oceanview rate. PLUS guests can enjoy even more added value with a selection of unlimited free drinks throughout the entire sailing, with “Drinks on Us” included. With rates starting at $609 per person for a 7-night sailing in a balcony stateroom, the piña colada-by-the-pool dream is alive and well, all for a fraction of the price. And, with “Kids Sail Free,”  family vacations are even more affordable since kids 11 and under sail free on select sailings!

  • Booking Window: Friday, June 29 – Sunday, July 8, 2018
  • Starting Price: starting at $609 per person for a 7-night sailing in a balcony stateroom and reduced $99 deposit.
  • Added Value: Valued at more than $300 per person, booking includes unlimited selection of drinks on board with Drinks on Us (includes bottled & draft beers, house wines by the glass, house brands of vodka, rum, gin, whiskey and non-alcoholic beverages for the duration of the cruise) plus a free upgrade from an oceanview to a balcony
  • Available Sailings: Select Sailings on the sun-soaked MSC Seaside during Winter 2018/2019 and Summer 2019
  • Important booking note: Consumers must book a balcony stateroom at the Oceanview rate to be placed in a balcony stateroom.

And, for those on board, with the holiday fast-Cruise Competeapproaching, MSC Seaside plans to celebrate in style to get guests into their red, white and blue. In addition to a variety of patriotic and themed décor in MSC Seaside’s four-story atrium and cruise staff sporting themed costumes, guests can participate in themed sports events, 4th of July Arts and Crafts for kids, an Americana-themed silent disco, 4th of July themed performances in the ship’s atrium, a 4th of July Line Dance Party on the pool deck, and a big-screen movie under the stars to get the family together.

Learn More:

For the full promotion, and to book, visit: https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/Cruise-Deals/4-July-Sales.aspx


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Could the Bloomberry Cruise Port in Manila Lead to More Gambling Hubs Following Suit?

The Bloomberry Resorts Corporation is one of the biggest tourism companies in Asia with hotels, casinos, and integrated tourism resorts across Korea and the Philippines. One of its most famous offerings is the Solaire Resort & Casino in Manila, which covers a whopping 18,500 square metres. It features 1,653 slot machines, 295 gaming tables, 88 electronic gaming tables, and 488 hotel rooms. Now, the company plans to boost tourism to this sprawling casino further by building an exclusive cruise port for the hotel. This move could lead to other gambling cities located near ports following suit.

Plans for the $5.9 million Cruise Port

It has recently emerged that Sureste Properties Inc, a subsidiary of Bloomberry, has submitted an application with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) to construct a port at Entertainment City in Manila. The proposal will cost an astonishing $5.9 million, and it will take ten years to be fully operational. It looks as though plans will go ahead smoothly, according to a statement from TIEZA. The official body said that “President Duterte expressed no objection to the proposal subject to the compliance of all government required permits”.

The proposal for this epic enhancement to the already buzzing resort sounds exciting. It will include an expanded harbour which offers dining, shopping, and entertainment to visitors. There will also be new esplanades and plazas. If everything goes to plan, it will be a lavish offering for cruisers who are used to traveling around in luxury.

Offering a Streamlined Experience Could be Game Changing

The aim of this port expansion is to bring more cruise tourists to the Manila casino, but many cruise liners already have their own casinos. Some may be wondering whether the new idea can offer something different which will appeal to cruise customers. For this reason, the resort may seek to offer an experience which works in conjunction with the casinos on the ships.

A streamlined way of playing on both the ship and in the casino could be the way forward. It would mean that players will be able to use the same credits in the cruise ship’s casino and the port’s. They may also decide to provide bonuses to players who have spent a certain amount in the ship’s casino, or some kind of loyalty system. A scheme like this would most certainly take inspiration from the online casino industry, where sites enjoy synergy between various platforms. When online casinos first started, they were only on desktop. But, in recent years, the mobile gaming industry has overtaken other forms. Because of this, sites like Betway Casino now offer their games on desktop and mobile, meaning players can log on with the same details, and use the same account from whichever platform they choose to play on.

Even TV companies are doing the same thing. Netflix, for instance, allows users to log on from any device and continue where they left off before. Using technology to record player’s details and credits on cruise ships could allow for synergy with the hotel casino when players step off the ship. This would be a revolutionary step for both the casino and cruise ship industries.

Will Places Like Macao Follow Suit?

Las Vegas is in the middle of the Nevada desert, so it wouldn’t be able to join the revolution – if there is one. There are, however, a number of other world-famous gambling destinations with port access which may decide to follow in the footsteps of Manila. The Chinese gambling destination Macao and the USA’s Atlantic City both have ports which could open up access to cruise ships.

Macao is the number one gambling hub in the world, with revenues of $3.18 billion recorded in 2018 according to Reuters. The Chinese gambling hub is constantly aiming to attract more players as it solidifies itself at the top. Atlantic City is the fourth-biggest gambling destination on earth and is seeking ways to topple Vegas off its perch at the summit in the USA. In 2014, the mayor of the New Jersey city expressed his interest in making it a port for cruise ships. If they did this in collaboration with the casinos, it could lead to a major increase in tourism.

Entertainment City in Manila is striving to be one of the number one players in world gambling, and moves like this will undoubtedly serve to enhance its reputation. If this move is a success, it could lead to more gambling hubs looking at ways to attract a greater number of cruise ships.

Celebrating Independence Day with American Cruise Lines

Celebrating Independence Day with American Cruise Lines | 8This Independence Day, American Cruise Lines has its entire fleet of new small ships sailing America’s magnificent rivers, coastlines and waterways from “sea to shining sea!” All the line’s cruises over the 4th of July will host onboard celebrations and arrive in gorgeous port cities across the U.S. in time for local celebrations.

Coast to coast, American’s ships are well positioned across the nationAmerican Constellation will celebrate in Glacier Bay, Alaska. New 2018 ship, American Constitution will dock in Provincetown, MA for fireworks over the harbor and the Queen of the Mississippi will be in St. Louis for a gorgeous fireworks display over the iconic Gateway Arch. America will also be on the Mississippi River celebrating Louisiana-style in Baton Rouge. American Pride and Queen of the West will both be out west on the Columbia Riverwith American Pride’s guests at Mt. St. Helens and Queen of the West’s guests at The Dalles enjoying spectacular views of snow-capped Mt. Hood. In the East, American Star will be in historic Newport and Independence will be in Rockland, ME hosting a special Lobsterbake BBQ. Finally, American Spirit will dock in Port Angeles, WA where their 4th of July celebrations include an all-American apple pie baking contest and parade which ends at City Pier right in front of the ship. It doesn’t get any better this 4th of July than with American Cruise Lines.

Cruise CompeteIn addition to all the fireworks displays and local celebrations on shore, all American’s cruises over the 4thwill have festive shipboard BBQs and themed cocktail parties hosted on the top decks. Ships will be decorated in patriotic décor and guests will receive commemorative American flag pins. Ships will also have photo booths, equipt with patriotic dress-up hats so guests and new friends alike can have some extra fun together on board.

This Independence Day, American Cruise Lines’ ships offer the best seats in the house with incomparable views of spectacular coastlines and small ship access to the country’s most beautiful port towns. Guests will enjoy America’s patriotic splendor and all its inherent beauty as they cruise through the greatest nation on earth.

For reservations or to learn more about American Cruise Lines or the 2018-2019 Season, Please call 1-800-814-6880 or visit: www.AmericanCruiseLines.com


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Six Compelling Reasons to Take a Cruise to South America

There are many great reasons to take a cruise, but here are at least six great reasons to take a cruise to South America from experts at CruiseCompete.com.

South America cruises offer a huge range of experiences: see the wild Amazon, visit the spectacular Machu Picchu, and shop and dine in vibrant cities like Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. This continent is a study in contrast─from gorgeous shore lines and stunning natural beauty, to small villages teeming with native culture, to cosmopolitan cities with the most current amenities and fashions, this is a region not to be missed!

  1. South America is a large continent with a wide variety of geography and climates to suit every traveler. From the beaches in Brazil, rainforests of the Amazon, the Andes Mountains that run through 7 countries in South America, to the Patagonia Glaciers-the variety is astounding. A cruise around South America like this 58-Night Circle South America cruise aboard the Island Princess will let you explore all that South America has to offer.
  2. 7 Wonders! If your bucket list includes visiting the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, then South America is a must. The Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janiero and Machu Picchu in Peru are both on the list!
  3. Penguins! Whether you are visiting the Galapagos Islands, Peru, Patagonia, Brazil, Ushuaia, Argentina, Punta Tombo in Argentina or the sub-arctic islands like the Falklands or South Georgia you can see Penguins in their natural habitats.
  4. Galapagos! The Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site allowing protection of the wonderfully unique wildlife that can be found here. Many expedition cruise lines, like Un-Cruise Adventures, sail here and the smaller ships allow for a very special cruise experience.
  5. Learn the Argentine Tango in Buenos Aires! Argentina has a so much to offer when you are at port, but would a stop there be complete without learning the steps to this famous dance?
  6. Amazon River! It’s not just ocean liners that offer South American cruises. River cruise lines like Avalon Waterways offer cruises that sail along the Amazon River. The Amazon River crosses through the continent, letting you explore the interior of South America and all the beauty and wildlife of the Amazon.

Learn More:

To see a list of  all available shore excursions in South America, and around the world, please visit Cruise Compete’s Shore Excursions page.

CruiseCompete member-agents are the most well-educated, forward-thinking and trusted cruise specialists in the industry. If you’d like more information or assistance planning a future cruise, please visit CruiseCompete.com.

Carnival Cruise Line Returning To San Diego In 2019

Carnival Miracle

Today Carnival Cruise Line announced that it will return to the Port of San Diego for the first time in seven years when Carnival Miracle arrives in late 2019.

Carnival Miracle will operate a winter schedule of three- to 15-day voyages from San Diego from December 2019 to February 2020.  Her first sailing will be a seven-day cruise to the Mexican Riviera departing Dec. 1, 2019. Her schedule will also include two longer-length Carnival Journeys voyages – 14- and 15-day Hawaii adventures visiting popular destinations throughout the Aloha State departing Dec. 8, 2019 and Jan. 17, 2020, respectively.

CARNIVAL MIRACLE
The Carnival Miracle is moored at her dock in Costa Maya, Mexico, as guests enjoy a relaxing moment under the warm western Caribbean sun. (Photo by Andy Newman/CCL)

Cruise CompeteMiracle’s San Diego-based program also includes two five-day voyages that spend two days in Cabo San Lucas departing Dec. 22, 2019 and Jan. 12, 2020, along with two three-day getaways visiting Ensenada Dec. 27, 2019 and Jan. 3, 2020.   There’s also a special four-day New Year’s Baja Mexico cruise departing Dec. 30, 2019, as well as a six-day cruise that includes two days in Cabo San Lucas and a day-long visit to Ensenada departing Jan. 6, 2020.

The schedule concludes with a 13-day Panama Canal Carnival Journeys cruise that departs San Diego Feb. 1 and arrives in Miami Feb. 14, 2020.

In addition to visiting some of the world’s most beautiful destinations, guests sailing on Carnival Journeys cruises enjoy unique on-board activities during which they can sample local cuisine and enjoy entertainment and cultural opportunities within the various ports of call. Activities focusing on topics such as photography, cooking, arts and crafts and celestial navigation, along with a 1980s-themed “Throwback Sea Day,” are also offered.

This announcement further solidifies Carnival Cruise Line as the leader in West Coast cruising, with three year-round ships carrying more than 500,000 guests annually from the newly renovated Long Beach Cruise Terminal.  Carnival will further strengthen its commitment to Southern California when the new 3,954-passenger Carnival Panorama launches year-round seven-day cruises from Long Beach – the first new cruise ship on the West Coast in 20 years.

To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line or to make a reservation, visit Carnival.com, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, or contact any travel agent.


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Starboard Cruise Services Unveils ‘Shop Fun’ Retail Experience Aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Newly Launched Carnival Horizon

Starboard Cruise Services has unveiled a lively array of retail experiences aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Horizon, which kicked off an inaugural summer schedule from New York last month. The ship features the most expansive retail space among Carnival’s fleet and showcases some of Starboard and Carnival’s most celebrated brand partnerships, such as the renowned Le Vian jewelry line.

Starboard also has orchestrated a host of firsts on a Carnival ship, including the line’s first Victoria’s Secret boutique and a high-profile presence for prestigious brands such as Breitling, Hublot, Rebecca Minkoff, Michael Kors and Kate Spade.

Starboard Cruise Services Unveils ‘Shop Fun’ Retail Experience Aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Newly Launched Carnival Horizon | 8

Committed to take Carnival’s retail offerings to the next level, Starboard worked closely with Carnival’s leadership team to deliver a new retail reality at sea paired with highly personalized service that guests have come to expect of the brand.  Product offerings span fashion & accessories, beauty & fragrance, spirits, watches, jewelry and more. USA Today cited Carnival Horizon’s shops as “one of top six things to love about the newest ship.”

“Carnival is all about celebration and fun. The Carnival Horizon retail experience is custom-designed to elicit the same excitement from shopping on board that guests get from all the other wonderful activities on the ship. In keeping with Carnival’s tagline of ‘Choose Fun,’ we say ‘Shop Fun’,” explains Starboard Cruise Services President and CEO Beth Neumann. “At Starboard, we sell memories, not just merchandise. We inspire guests to purchase items that will forever remind them of the joy of their vacation through innovative experiences, entertaining events and an assortment of exceptional brands.”

The breathtaking design of The Fun Shops on Carnival Horizon features a two-level shopping promenade rimming the ship’s atrium on decks 4 and 5, with branded shops boasting the largest and most varied offerings in the fleet. Highly personable and trained sales associates treat guests to exceptional service and bring brands to life through a series of immersive activations including:

Carnival’s first-ever Victoria’s Secret aboard Carnival Horizon
What could be more fun than a night out with the girls in Carnival’s first-ever Victoria’s Secret boutique?

Victoria’s Secret Girls Night Out: What could be more fun than a night out with the girls in Carnival’s first-ever Victoria’s Secret boutique? Guests can browse the latest assortment of merchandise and fragrances while sipping champagne and swaying to the beat. They might have the chance to compete in a runway face-off or spin the wheel for fab prizes!

Beauty and Fragrance Bar: Guests are invited to experiment and “play” with make-up and fragrance and walk away with some new favorites… and maybe even a whole new look.

Le Vian Style Me Famous Fashion Event: Inspired by the Le Vian jewelry brand’s reputation for outfitting popular celebrities for the red carpet, this event gives guests the full treatment as they’re styled with signature jewelry pieces and pose for fun photo-ops. Guests will receive a Le Vian gemstone with the option to upgrade to a piece that complements their style.

What’s Your Jewelry Personality?  This shopping event helps guests discover which gemstone best matches their spirit and personality while perusing a stunning collection of jewelry.

Rock Envy with Crystals from Swarovski®: Guests can custom-design the perfect jewelry keepsake of their cruise using a huge selection of charms, bracelets, necklaces, rings and watches. Rock Envy with Crystals from Swarovski® is exclusively available on board select Carnival ships.

Wearable Tech: Experts are on hand to help guests discover a variety of watch styles with multi-functionalities in Carnival’s first store entirely devoted to wearable tech.

The Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Life: Everything for the sharp-dressed man: a fine watch, the perfect pair of sunglasses, a sophisticated fragrance and a signature whiskey. Hang out with the coolest cruisers at this ultimate guy’s guide to style.

Happier Hour Daily Tastings: So much more than just “Happy!” Sample some of the world’s top liquors, including coveted Hennessy White, which is only available in travel retail. Take the blind taste test and challenge your taste buds — and perhaps discover a new favorite?

Cruise Compete“Carnival Horizon represents our most significant commitment to retail offerings on any Carnival ship,” said William Butler, vice president of retail services, Carnival Cruise Line.  “In partnership with Starboard Cruise Services, we created the right atmosphere and introduced the right merchandise assortment and experiences for our brand and guests. The retail environment is designed to further enhance our guests’ vacation experience and we look forward to celebrating many special occasions with an incredible assortment of merchandise. I’m very pleased with the ‘Shop Fun’ concepts we have created with our partners at Starboard.”

As part of a multi-year agreement, Starboard now operates retail services on nine Carnival ships including Carnival Horizon.


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