MIAMI — November 04, 2024— Starboard Group, the world’s leading vacation retail curator, and VENUS Fashion, the trendsetting women’s fashion brand, proudly announce a groundbreaking strategic partnership as VENUS opens its first-ever physical store locations—at sea. This exciting collaboration will bring vibrant, resort-ready apparel to cruise ships across Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, and Virgin Voyages, marking VENUS’ entry into physical retail and establishing a brand-new distribution channel. Plus, planned dynamic “retailtainment” brings to life the intersection of style and vacation vibes with engaging, memorable activations.
The curated selection of island-inspired styles creates the perfect fusion of fashion and fun, and the perfect looks for sun-soaked days, resort living, and unforgettable vacations throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. This collaboration is anchored in VENUS and Starboard’s shared values of inclusivity and women’s empowerment.
“We are incredibly excited to join forces with VENUS in a way that’s truly unique and has never been done before at sea,” said Lisa Bauer, Starboard Group President and CEO. “This partnership unites two leading retail organizations in a shared commitment to inclusivity, style, and an unforgettable guest experience. We’re really proud to bring VENUS’ bold fashion and inclusive spirit to our cruise guests and deeply appreciate the collaboration and trust that has brought this vision to life.”
Aligned in Purpose
Widely regarded as a brand that broke the mold, VENUS pioneered mix-and-match bikini tops and bottoms, becoming one of the first women’s apparel lines to offer swim separates that allow women to achieve their perfect fit. With a continued commitment to inclusivity, VENUS offers vibrant, island-inspired collections that embody the ultimate resort and vacation vibe. Each piece is designed to complement all sizes and ensure every woman feels confident and stylish.
“We couldn’t be more excited to launch this incredible partnership with Starboard. Expanding into the world of travel retail is a natural evolution for our brand, and there’s no better way to debut than by bringing our fashion-forward collections to cruisers who are seeking both adventure and style,” said Laura Bollier, CEO at VENUS Fashion. “Starboard’s unparalleled expertise in curating memorable retail experiences perfectly complements VENUS’ commitment to empowering women with confidence through fashion. Together, we’re offering a shopping experience that blends the excitement of travel with the bold energy of our brand — it’s a perfect match.”
VENUS Sets Sail
VENUS at-sea includes a stylish and fun assortment of women’s apparel, including dresses, rompers, separates, swimwear and cover-ups. The collection is crafted for the cruise lifestyle, giving guests everything they need for a memorable vacation—from poolside brunches to sunset cocktails, each piece transitions seamlessly from sea to shore.
Photo Caption: VENUS and Starboard Set Sail with Vibrant Product Assortment
Bringing the Vacation Vibe to Life
In addition to its vibrant fashion, each VENUS location will feature decor inspired by tropical beach resorts, with natural materials, bright colors, and lush prints that create an inviting, joyful shopping experience. Coming soon, guests will enjoy events and experiences from pop-up styling sessions to exclusive themed gatherings that celebrate the spirit of self-expression and the art of resort style.
This strategic partnership with Starboard brings VENUS Fashion’s inclusive brand ethos to life on the world’s most celebrated cruise lines, inviting guests to celebrate every moment of their vacation with confidence and style.
CLICK HERE to view the press kit.
About Starboard Group
From its origins in 1958 charting new courses in the duty-free industry, Starboard has always been more than just a retailer—we’re curators of vibrant experiences that enrich every vacation. As the world’s leading vacation retailer at sea, we’ve perfected the art of creating memorable shopping moments across more than 90 ships, partnering with 15 world-class cruise lines. Our luxury division is creating a unique boutique experience for luxury travelers by hand curating elevated retail collections and experiences for sophisticated travelers on ocean ships, yachts and adventure-based expedition vessels. In 2024, as Starboard Group, we’re expanding our horizons even further. Now, with Starboard Cruise, Starboard Luxury, and Starboard Resort under our umbrella, we’re bringing our signature retail magic to land-based operations. This evolution positions us at the forefront of vacation retail, blending our rich maritime heritage with the exciting opportunities of resort-based shopping.
Recognized time and again for our innovation and quality—garnering accolades such as DFNI-Frontier Americas Travel Retailer of the Year and Global Cruise Retailer of the Year—Starboard Group continues to set the standard in travel retail. Our sister company, Onboard Media, crafts engaging multimedia experiences that drive brand awareness and boost revenue across the travel and hospitality sectors.
Headquartered in Miami, with additional offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Genoa, Italy, Starboard and Onboard Media are proud members of Global Travel Retail Holdings, LLC—a forward-thinking joint venture with LVMH and Gissy Investments, poised to lead the next wave of travel retail innovation.
Starboard Group Media Contacts
Lauren Dunaj | FINN Partners
(954) 675-3694 | Lauren.Dunaj@finnpartners.com
Paula Amador | Starboard Cruise Services
(786) 845-7524 | Paula.Amador@starboardcruise.com
About VENUS Fashion
VENUS® is a leader in stylish, on-trend designs in women’s clothing, swimwear and lingerie. Founded in 1982, the Florida-based brand pioneered swim separates and continues to drive newness in fit, fabric and design across all categories. Made for every body, the collection is offered in a full range of sizes from 2-24. VENUS® is committed to inclusivity, as well as socially- and environmentally-responsible business practices that positively impact both people and the planet.
