Our Story
Who Is Starboard?
We’re the people that create memorable vacation retail experiences. As the world’s leading vacation retailer, we enhance the shopping experience at sea and now on land at premier vacation resorts. Our offerings range from iconic global brands to customized mementos across a wide range of products. We curate destination-inspired artisanal goods, sustainably sourced products, and industry-leading digital experiences that elevate every moment, whether you’re cruising the open seas or relaxing at a vacation resort. Our mission is to create retail experiences that become cherished memories, relived long after the vacation ends.
Our story begins over 65 years ago, when commercial pilot A.E. Merhige discovered duty-free shopping on his European travels. He envisioned introducing this retail concept in the United States. His dream became reality in 1958, when Starboard entered the industry with the first travel duty-free shopping experience at Miami International Airport.
In 2000, LVMH Moët Hennessy ∙ Louis Vuitton (LVMH) added us to their family.
In 2023, Starboard became part of Global Travel Retail Holdings, a Joint Venture with LVMH and four new investors. We’re strengthened by our sister company, Onboard Media to deliver innovative multimedia strategies, as well as print, video and digital content that redefine vacation retail experiences in the travel and hospitality sectors.
In 2024, Starboard looks to the future evolving into Starboard Group with three bespoke business units: Starboard Cruise, Starboard Luxury, and Starboard Resort. Offering dedicated focus to our partners and guests, each division caters to unique vacation moments, whether at sea or on land. It’s a dynamic new chapter in our story, driven by passion, innovation, and a commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests!
People Make the Difference
What Matters to Us
Our purpose is to curate a vibrant world
HOW? You May Ask
We curate a vibrant world by transforming goods and experiences into unforgettable moments that matter and memories you can touch. Through discovery and exploration, we welcome you into a world of handcrafted collections and custom-designed products infused with color, vibrancy and life. We are bold enough to surprise you with the unexpected, by curating personalized treasures that delight your senses, spark your joy and inspire your wanderlust.
Together we are committed to our people and the planet. We are agile, balancing vision and execution, striving to always add value for others, and to leave the people and places we experience better than we found them.
People Make the Difference
At Starboard and Onboard Media, our family includes more than 60 nationalities on land and at sea.
Our award-winning work and innovative projects can only be achieved by vibrant, diverse and inclusive teams.
We pride ourselves on fostering an environment where our people can bring their authentic selves to work and feel a strong sense of belonging.
