Case Study: Elevating the Inaugural Voyage of Royal Caribbean’s “Utopia of the Seas” with AMG

Client Overview

Client: Royal Caribbean
Project: Custom Swag for Influencers
Ship: Utopia of the Seas – Second Largest Cruise Ship in the World

Project Background

Royal Caribbean, renowned for its luxurious and innovative cruise experiences, debuted its much-anticipated new ship, “Utopia of the Seas” in July 2024. This ship promises the ultimate short getaway, bringing weekend energy to every day of the week. 

To mark this special occasion, Royal Caribbean hosted an exclusive 3-night celebration starting July 15, inviting a select group of influencers for the inaugural trip.

To add flair and create a memorable experience, Royal Caribbean turned to Artisan Marketing Group (AMG), a leading brand experience agency specializing in custom swag solutions. 

Our task was to outfit these influencers with standout branded swag that they would use during their voyage. This swag would not only enhance their experience, but also feature prominently in their social media posts, creating buzz and excitement around Utopia of the Seas.

What We Delivered

Holographic Swag Bag
Eye-catching and functional, perfect for carrying essentials while exploring the ship.

Aviator Sunglasses
Stylish and timeless, these Aviators were engraved with the Royal Caribbean logo on the lens – offering protection from the sun while adding a touch of elegance to any outfit.

photo credit: @unmexicanoviajero

Sunglasses Case
Durable and chic, these cases ensured that sunglasses remained in perfect condition throughout the trip. Produced in two colorways, the custom pattern highlighted Utopia of the Seas’ iconic sights, including the crown and anchor, hot air balloon, water slides, and angler fish.

photo credit: @valecharris

Socks
Custom patterned socks provided a subtle yet effective way to pop the colorful Utopia of the Seas’ brand. 

Lanyards
Practical and branded, ideal for holding important items like key cards and IDs. The custom pattern highlighted Utopia of the Seas’ iconic sights in two attractive colorways.

photo credit: @stickaforkatsea

Croc Jibbitz
Fun and customizable, jibbitz were a huge hit among adult and kiddo influencers alike. They were the perfect way for them to  personalize their footwear with memories from the trip while adding a playful touch. 

photo credit: @itsaces_world

Stickers
Versatile and engaging, these Utopia of the Sea’s themed stickers were fantastic for decorating personal items and spreading brand awareness.

Hats with Custom Patches
Trendy and protective, ensuring influencers stay cool and stylish under the sun. The patch design was inspired by a perfect day at CoCoCay. Take a closer look and you’ll feel like you’re standing on the ship’s back deck.

Cookies
Our vibrant neon sticker designs were transformed into custom cookies, offering passengers a delicious and visually striking treat as they boarded the Utopia of the Seas.

photo credit: @sugarshack.miami

The AMG Approach: Partnering with a Brand Experience Agency

At AMG, we pride ourselves on being more than just a supplier of promotional products. As a brand experience agency, our mission is to create unforgettable moments that resonate with both the brand and its audience. Here’s how we approached this project:

Collaborative Strategy Development
We worked closely with Royal Caribbean to understand their vision for the Utopia of the Seas’ launch. Our collaborative strategy sessions ensured that every piece of swag integrated seamlessly into the larger brand experience.

Creative Design & Curated Selection
Leveraging our expertise, we thoughtfully designed each item to reflect Royal Caribbean’s essence and the exhilarating spirit of Utopia of the Seas. From the iridescent totes capturing the ocean’s allure to the aviator sunglasses exuding maritime charm, our curated selection was both functional and visually appealing.

Attention to Detail
Every detail mattered. We ensured that the branded items were not only high-quality but also aligned with the influencers’ lifestyles and preferences, guaranteeing they would be used and showcased in social media content.

Efficient Execution
Our team managed the entire process efficiently, from design to delivery. This allowed Royal Caribbean to focus on other aspects of the launch, knowing the swag was in expert hands.

Impact of the Campaign

“The amount of feedback we have received from our guests on the merch has been incredibly positive. From the jibbitz to the socks, there is not one item someone hasn’t claimed as their favorite. Even the CEO asked for a hat after seeing them on our influencers!”

 

PAULA MENDEZ
Sr. Producer, Social Media Production, Royal Caribbean

The influencers were thrilled with their custom swag from AMG, and the unboxing videos and photos posted on various social media platforms have been getting significant attention and engagement. The branded items have been prominently featured in their content, effectively amplifying the excitement and grandeur surrounding the launch of Utopia of the Seas.

Our strategic use of high-quality, visually appealing swag ensured that Royal Caribbean’s brand was consistently showcased alongside the breathtaking experiences aboard the new ship. This collaboration resulted in increased visibility and anticipation for future voyages on Utopia of the Seas.

Partnering with a brand experience agency like Artisan Marketing Group allowed Royal Caribbean to elevate the launch of Utopia of the Seas to new heights. By providing custom swag that resonated with both the influencers and their followers, we successfully contributed to the ship’s inaugural voyage being an unforgettable event.

Find out how Artisan Marketing Group can elevate your brand experiences with custom swag solutions!