By
Rebecca Gibson |
This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2019 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
For many passengers, their cruise vacation begins the moment they arrive at the port and enter the terminal to board their ship. That’s why Celebrity Cruises wanted to do something different when it set out to design and build its first-ever branded terminal, the new Terminal 25 (T25) at Port Everglades in Florida.
In keeping with modern designs of the ships that homeport at T25, Celebrity Cruises moved away from the monotonous and utilitarian designs that have traditionally been used in cruise terminals. Instead, it wanted to create a space that would offer a luxurious vacation atmosphere. From interactive wall art installations to seamless check-in technology, there are many elements that come together to ensure a stress-free, relaxing and enjoyable guest experience at T25. One such element is the passenger seating, which was developed by Green Furniture Concept.
Made from sustainable wood stained with environmentally friendly hardwax oil in a charcoal colour finish, the long, curved double-sided seating is designed to offer a comfortable resting spot for passengers of all ages as they wait to check in and board their cruise ship. The seats are designed to fit ergonomically to passengers’ bodies and provide support for their backs and legs, while power points under the seats allow them to charge their personal devices so they can continue to communicate with friends and family, stream media, access social media or surf the internet while in the terminal. People wanting to relax by themselves can opt for the quieter outside curves of the seat, while the inside curves are ideal for those who would like to interact with a group of friends or family members.
“Our Nova C Series benches create a feast for passengers’ eyes and senses while they are waiting in the check-in area at T25,” says Sandra Afeyan, director of sales and marketing in the Americas at Green Furniture Concept.
Green Furniture Concept’s Nova C Series benches offer benefits for terminal staff too. Although the double-sided benches are designed to look like one continuously flowing line of seats, they are actually made from individual modular sections that fit together seamlessly. The benches are all held in place by their own weight, rather than being bolted into the floor, which makes it easy to remove individual sections for repair or reconfiguration. The small footprint also means that they do not take up too much space in the terminal. Meanwhile, the natural hard wax oil finish makes the seats durable and easy to clean and maintain, ensuring that they always look new, regardless of how many people use them on a daily basis.
“Our unique seating plays a large part in helping Celebrity Cruises to create the ultimate guest experience in the terminal and we’re delighted to have worked alongside the brand, Port Everglades and other partners to have brought this iconic project to life,” says Afeyan.
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