Luxury watchmakers Omega, Bulgari, and Cartier are setting sail aboard the Spectrum of the Seas, a cruise liner now resuming voyages from its homeport in Shanghai after a significant retail upgrade. The ship, operated by Starboard and Royal Caribbean International, will navigate to various Japanese destinations, including Fukuoka, Okinawa, Nagasaki, and Osaka.
Following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, the Spectrum of the Seas has returned to China, bringing with it a revamped and enhanced retail experience. Lisa Bauer, President and CEO of Starboard, expressed enthusiasm about the development. “As a cruise retail leader in the Chinese market since 2006, we’re thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with Royal Caribbean. We have curated an elevated retail program that captures the nation’s rich heritage through carefully selected global and Asian brands, luxury designers, and engaging experiences that meet the sophisticated preferences of Chinese travelers,” Bauer said. “The return of Spectrum of the Seas marks a significant milestone in the global cruise industry, reflecting the positive momentum of the China market and consumers’ demand for cruising.”
The cruise liner’s retail rejuvenation features boutiques by Omega, Bulgari, and Cartier, each mirroring the sophisticated aesthetics of their terrestrial counterparts. This strategic move comes as the luxury market in China and Hong Kong gradually recovers, with Chinese travelers showing an increasing propensity to spend.
In addition to the high-end boutiques, the ship boasts a multibrand luxury showroom, Regalia, which offers an array of prestigious watch brands, including Longines, Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC Schaffhausen, and Hublot. Regalia also showcases exquisite fine jewelry from brands such as FRED, Mikimoto, and Messika, catering to the tastes of discerning luxury consumers.
