Cruise retailer Harding+ says changes to its behind-the-scenes operations are giving shipboard shop teams more time with guests. The work has earned its Central Retail Operations team a Team of the Year shortlist place at the DFNI Frontier Awards.

Harding+ said it received eight shortlist places across six award categories. The company singled out the operations team for rewriting procedures, introducing new ones and improving communication between head office and shops across more than 80 ships.

According to Harding+, the changes have resulted in 22% more time for onboard teams to spend with guests instead of paperwork.  The aim is clear: fewer administrative tasks for staff working face to face with passengers.

Harding+ credited Head of Retail Operations Clare Wetz, Continuous Improvement Manager Andrew Bright, Retail Planning and Communications Manager Beth Healy, Implementation Manager Hannah Irwin and Retail Operations Coordinator Sara Cromar for their roles in the project.

For a cruise retail employee, a smoother process ashore can make a practical difference onboard. Clearer instructions and less paperwork can leave more of a shift for helping guests, explaining products and running the shop.