INTERNATIONAL. Princess Cruises has announced a major partnership with Harding in which the previously in-house retail operation will be managed by the cruise specialist for its 14-ship fleet. The landmark agreement also includes three new ships, the first of which will go to sea from 2022.
In a statement today, Princess and Harding said their partnership “brings the strategic ambitions and common commercial thinking of both companies into the company. Never before has there been a move of this magnitude in cruise retail – a clear sign of the ambition of both companies to skillfully use the new start as an opportunity to rethink what is possible with retail at sea. “
Ready for a fresh start: The Diamond Princess is one of ten Medallion-class ships in the Princess fleet that will resume operations by the end of November, with Harding as a new fleet-wide retail partner
Harding and Princess said the partnership will be based on “high values that put their employees and customers at the heart of what they do”.
Natalya Leahy, Princess Cruises Chief Operations Officer, said, “When Harding approached us a few months ago, we knew she would be a partner with true vision, strong cultural focus and a proven ability to expand our retail offering. Today’s announcement comes after extensive and detailed discussions about what’s best for our guests, our teammates and our brand partners, and we are confident that Harding will continue the great foundation of our team. “
Princess Cruises Chief Operations Officer Natalya Leahy (left) and Vice President of Retail Kelli Coleman welcome the hugely significant move to outsource the retail business
Harding President Neil Harding added, “In my 30 years as a cruise retailer, I’ve been fortunate to see some really groundbreaking changes. Today is a milestone in many ways. We really appreciate this project with Princess and are grateful for the trust you have placed in us. “
As a key element of the transition, the existing Princess retail team will join the Harding store.
Harding Managing Director James Prescott said: “I am delighted to welcome the Princess team to Harding to be part of a new team that delivers the best of the best. I was incredibly impressed with the professionalism, skill, drive and sheer determination of the Princess team as we worked hand in hand on this project. The values of both companies are so similar. This is a real long-term partnership with coordinated goals and the unrestricted commitment and commitment of all companies that focus on data-driven, customer-oriented measures. “
Ten Medallion-class ships – Majestic Princess, Grand Princess, Ruby Princess, Enchanted Princess, Sky Princess, Regal Princess, Caribbean Princess, Island Princess, Diamond Princess and Emerald Princess – will be put back into service by November 28th Resume operation. They take guests to Alaska, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii and the California coast.
Kelli Coleman, VP of Retail for Princess Cruises, said, “This feels like a fresh start. Our great industry is rising again, with ever greater confidence and ever greater vision. These are exciting times for all of us in this industry and I can’t wait to get started again. “
Princess Cruises is part of the Carnival Corporation. The fleet of 14 ships annually transports around two million guests to 380 destinations worldwide.
