The two Gebr. Heinemann subsidiaries have recently signed a partnership agreement with Carnival Cruise Line, the world’s largest cruise operator, based on passengers carried.
The start of operations for the new retail partnership will take place in the first half of 2018. The product range on Carnival’s ships will comprise perfume and cosmetics, liquor, tobacco & confectionery, watches including fashion apparel and accessories.
Heinemann Americas’ managing director, Nadine Heubel said: “We are pooling Gebr. Heinemann’s extensive expertise in airport retail, distribution and logistics and bringing it to the cruise ship channel.
“Heinemann Americas was established in 2013 in order to showcase the expertise of Gebr. Heinemann as a key player in the global travel retail industry, and is committed to becoming the first choice for operators, landlords, suppliers and of course passengers, by offering flexible and comprehensive travel retail solutions on a global scale.”
William Butler, vice-president of Retail for Carnival Cruise Line, said: “We look forward to introducing numerous new brands and retail concepts while creating an enhanced shopping environment for our guests.”
On the four cruise ships Heinemann will operate a total retail space of more than 1,220 square metres. Operations on the Carnival Liberty, Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Ecstasy, which are based in the Caribbean, are scheduled to begin between January and March 2018. Carnival Spirit, based in Sydney/Australia, will follow in June 2018.
As the shop concessionaire on Carnival’s Caribbean-based ships, Heinemann Americas will cater to the needs of the passengers, the vast majority of whom are from the US and have booked with the line looking for an affordable, fun-packed holiday. says the company.
On the Carnival Liberty, which sails between its homeport of Port Canaveral in Florida and The Bahamas, two shops will be operated, covering a total of 299 square metres with the contract beginning this month. Three shops, with a total of 249 square metres, will be managed on both the Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Ecstasy respectively (both beginning February 2018).
From June 2018, Heinemann Asia Pacific will operate the largest of the new cruise shops, spanning 424 square metres, on the Carnival Spirit, one of two Carnival cruise ships based in the Australian metropolis of Sydney. The Carnival Spirit sails the Pacific Islands and New Zealand for cruises of up to ten days.
For the upcoming redesign of the retail spaces, the two Gebr. Heinemann companies will focus on the concept of a ‘local sense of place’ which, Heinemann says, has already been implemented at the Heinemann airport shops around the world.
Heinemann says Caribbean themes will be reflected in the shop architecture for the vessels sailing US routes. Colourful worlds inspired by the turquoise sea, white sand and beach verandas will recreate the typical island setting on board.