• by Aaron Baar , February 18, 2016

It may still be winter, but AT&T is giving customers a chance to get away from it all in the tropics via the magic of virtual reality (and a partnership with Carnival Corp. and Samsung). 

Beginning Friday, customers visiting more than 1,100 AT&T stores nationwide can experience what it’s like to be on a Carnival Cruise via a Samsung Gear VR headset. At designated kiosks within the stores, the headsets will immerse customers in the sights and sounds of a cruise vacation.

The partnership is designed not only to get customers into the AT&T stores, but to have them experience the latest in technology available to them. 

“Our customers know they can come to an AT&T store to experience the future of a connected life,” Brian Shay, president of retail sales and distribution for AT&T, tells Marketing Daily. “The Samsung Gear VR is awesome, especially when it displays this great content from Carnival. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to show off the immersive content as this was a great opportunity for all of the partners involved.” 

Developed by Carnival, the content highlights decks, staterooms, activities and entertainment venues available on the cruises in places such as Barcelona, Mexico and other popular destinations. “There are still many people who have not had a chance to enjoy the one-of-a-kind experience we provide,” said Carnival Corp. CEO Arnold Donald in a statement. “With most of the U.S. dealing with winter weather, the timing for this launch is designed to give people a fully immersive look at why cruising is a great vacation.” 

Customers at certain AT&T stores will also be able to enter a sweepstakes to win one of 10 seven-day cruises on Carnival’s Holland American, Prince and Carnival brands by signing up via an in-store tablet or online. Customers who purchase certain Samsung products at these stores will also be eligible for an onboard credit for a future cruise. 

In addition, AT&T will transform its flagship store in Chicago into a tropical oasis, with features such as a live DJ, “mocktail" bar, caricature station and hand massages. The store will also feature a “VR Lounge,” which will simulate a cruise ship deck, complete with lounge chairs, palm trees and sounds and sensory cues timed to the video. 

“It’s really about the experience,” Shay says. “This is in line with our retail strategy. We present customers services and technology and in these stores you can experience how our AT&T can better empower your connected life.”