By
Rebecca Lambert |
This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2017 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Take a look at any of De Jorio Design International’s projects over the years and you will see that they ooze a sense of class and timeless appeal that you would only expect from an Italian design firm. Indeed, over the last 60 years that the company has been in business, it has earned a reputation for delivering elegant and luxurious cruise ships that marry a deep understanding of space, planning and layout with creativity and flair.
For Marco de Jorio, the firm’s current chairman, success comes down to an ability to deliver designs that stand the test of time. “We create cruise ship interiors that continue to appeal to cruise guests many years down the line,” he says. “We achieve this by monitoring the latest design trends and innovative concepts, but also opting for high-quality materials and looks that will last.” .
Over the years, de Jorio himself has developed a particularly close working relationship with Italy-based MSC Cruises, who he has worked with since their first project together in 2001, designing the two sister ships MSC Lirica and MSC Opera, which were delivered in 2003 and 2004. .
“Since then, we have designed almost all of the cruise line’s ships, including the new Fantasia-class of ships, which entered service in 2008 and 2009, the upcoming MSC Meraviglia being built at STX France, and the Seaside prototype at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone,” de Jorio comments. .
De Jorio says that the reason he believes the two companies work so well together is that they share very similar philosophies. “We work closely with management across all facets of the business at MSC to share ideas and evolve them,” he explains. “Like us, their aim is to build ships that will still look good in 20 years’ time. As a result, we have to define rather than follow trends; we have to imagine what will work for passengers of the future generation.” .
It’s a task that is easier said than done, especially as people’s lifestyles are changing so fast, as are the ships themselves, which, like his late father, de Jorio compares to cities – complete with many of the same issues regarding traffic flow and open spaces. .
“Our design approach has to keep up with the times while still maintaining classic appeal,” he explains. “To do this, we look to offer experiences that passengers will remember and that will stay with them long after their holiday is over.” .
For de Jorio, his most memorable design feature includes the double-deck entertainment lounge dedicated to the Cirque de Soleil onboard the soon-to-be-launched MSC Meraviglia: “With its movable floors and stairs, and an 80-degree circular glass wall, this was a huge design feat; I can’t wait for it to be unveiled.” .
Like the materials his company chooses to employ – natural wherever possible, giving a sense of luxury, durability and timeless appeal – de Jorio hopes his firm retains many of the same attributes it has become so well known for in the industry. “De Jorio Design International has developed and grown over the last six decades, but not too fast – we want to stay in the business of quality. Every project has to fit in with our vision.”