DFNI Cruise Conference Agenda
New Horizons: The Evolution of Cruise Retail in 2022 and Beyond
The 2022 DFNI Cruise Conference will assess and examine how the maritime retail sector is steering a positive course through an ever changing environment in the post-Covid climate, and identify key focuses and action points for retailers, cruise lines and brand partners to build a sustainable future in this promising channel.
Day 1 - Monday 27 June 2022
Our headline sponsor Starboard will be hosting an exclusive tour with Costa for a limited number of delegates on the stunning Costa Smeralda Ship! This exclusive tour is open to brands only, with one delegate per company invited to attend due to limited capacity. Delegates will be invited on a first-come, first-served basis subject to availability.*
*Please note, all attendees confirmed for the Costa Smeralda Cruise Ship Tour will be required to show proof of covid vaccinations and proof of a negative PCR/antigen test
Day 2 - Tuesday 28 June 2022
Navigating a successful resumption of international cruising. We will provide an update on the cruise industry worldwide in 2022 and latest news from major cruise lines as they resume sailing.
The pandemic has accelerated future expansion and innovation of retail at sea.
Starboard Cruise Services President & CEO Lisa Bauer discusses the future of global cruise retail and shares valuable insight on how to continue growing in this rapidly changing landscape.
In a one-to-one with moderator Kapila Ireland, Andres Villalever, Retail Director Carnival Cruise Lines discusses how the company is striving to build a sustainable future for cruise retail and find a balance between the revenue-share and profit-share models of the past, in collaboration with its retail partners.
Luxury has evolved beyond indulgence to a broader, more holistic concept valuing time, exclusivity and access, identifies Starboard Cruise Services. Our panellists discuss how luxury sales onboard have transformed as a result.
European ferry industry is catching a wave off the back of Brexit, which saw the reintroduction of UK-EU duty-free sales, and a recent focus on regional tourism. Panellists outline the specificities of the channel in terms of customer expectations and product offer.
With numerous new ships, enhanced retail experiences and terminal development underway pre-pandemic, the global cruise industry is set to regain its momentum rapidly in the next few years. Adrian Pittaway, Head of Retail MSC Cruises, delivers a masterclass for brands eager to enter or reengage in cruise retail.
Nadine Heubel, Cruise Consultant and former CEO of Heinemann Americas and Simon Black, Executive Director, Travel Retail & Consultancy, Harper Dennis Hobbs explore how cruise retailers and brands can leverage new technology including digitalisation and the metaverse to enhance the shopping experience onboard.
*Schedule and speakers subject to change
Day 3 - Wednesday 29 June 2022
Cruising must embed the core pillars of sustainability, diversity & inclusion throughout its infrastructure and guest experience to align with values of the future consumer. Here we examine how onboard retail plays its part.
Exploring the opportunities for synergies between retail, bars and entertainment at sea and trends and developments in onboard pouring.
Swiss research agency m1nd-set will present exclusive research that will analyse intentions and expectations of future cruise & ferry travellers; evaluate which aspects of the shopping experience and decision-making process have become more relevant compared to pre-covid; and recommend how brands/retailers can adapt their strategies to this shift in priorities.
How recent newcomers to cruise and ferry retail have adapted their offer to this unique channel. Suppliers share their experiences and key learnings for entering this space.
*Schedule and speakers subject to change