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Carnival Cruise Line splits with Host in shift towards project work

Carnival Cruise Line has ended its relationship with creative agency Host after three years.

The news comes after MercerBell was appointed as creative agency for the 2017/18 campaign last week, and Red Engine SCC winning the brand’s social media account last year.

Host worked with Carnival Cruise Line from 2013, after the brand dropped Saatchi & Saatchi as its creative agency after one year’s work.

Saatchi & Saatchi had similarly replaced Arnold Furnace, which also worked with the brand for one year.

In its time with Host, Carnival Cruise Line’s work included the ‘High Seas’ campaign which told the stories of cruise passengers.

Jayne Andrews, marketing director at Carnival Cruise Line told Mumbrella: “Carnival Cruise Line does not have an agency of record. We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with Host over the past few years, and the agency has played a significant role in our success in the local market.”

Andrews said the brand ended its work with Host in December.

“Red Engine is now the cruise line’s rostered agency for content and social media and Carnival is also working with MercerBell on a project basis,” she said.

“Carnival is very excited to be working with both of these agencies. Orchard remains Carnival’s digital production agency. As Carnival is comfortable working on a project basis, it is not looking for an agency of record for above-the-line creative.”

In November last year, Bob Mackintosh, Host’s former executive creative director, departed the agency after 11 years.

Host revealed Darren Spiller as the agency’s first chief creative officer in January.

The creative agency has been approached for comment.

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