Case | HBS Case Collection | June 1994 (Revised August 1994)

Cunard Line Ltd.: Managing Integrated Marketing Communications

by Stephen A. Greyser

Abstract

Cunard, the world's oldest luxury line company, is confronted with several key issues involving its marketing and marketing communications strategy. One concerns the balance between image/positioning advertising and short-term-oriented promotional advertising/communications on behalf of each individual Cunard ship (i.e., "pull" vs. "push" communications). Related to this is the overall mix of marketing communications tools used by Cunard--media advertising, direct marketing, etc. Another issue is the emphasis in marketing communications between focus on the Cunard corporate identity and focus on the identity of the individual ships. The organizational setting is one of integrating marketing communications for the company and its products. Impacting consideration of the issues is a period of economic conditions adversely affecting sales, along with the effects of the U.S.-Iraq conflict on consumer leisure travel.

Keywords: Advertising Campaigns; Marketing Communications; Marketing Strategy; Product Positioning; Consumer Behavior; Organizational Structure; Identity; Balance and Stability; Shipping Industry;

Format: Print 25 pages EducatorsPurchase

Citation:

Greyser, Stephen A. "Cunard Line Ltd.: Managing Integrated Marketing Communications." Harvard Business School Case 594-046, June 1994. (Revised August 1994.)

About the Author

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Stephen A. Greyser
Richard P. Chapman Professor of Business Administration, Emeritus

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