By
Rebecca Gibson |
This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2019 issue of Spring/Summer 2019 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
When Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess entered wet dock at a yard in Freeport, The Bahamas in December 2018, a team of experts from Miami-based company Xaler Systems jumped onboard to reupholster almost 500 pieces of furniture and repaint more than 1,400 chairs across the ship’s restaurants. The team, which has more than 20 years of experience, is no stranger to carrying out this type of project. It completed similar tasks onboard several other vessels in 2018 and will do the same on two more Princess ships – Grand Princess and Caribbean Princess – in the first half of 2019.
In addition to repainting, refinishing and reupholstering furniture, Xaler Systems’ team is able to change foam and fillings in furniture, restore leather, upgrade headboards, install carpets and provide curtains, bedding, cushions and more. All the work is completed using the company’s extensive collection of International Maritime Organization-approved fabrics, vinyls and foams. The team works flexibly, often travelling across the world to perform revitalisation tasks.
“Cruise operators face time, location and budget challenges when refurbishing their ships, so we take our team, tools and materials to the ship – whether she is docked at a shipyard or sailing her itineraries,” says Luis Alfredo Rincón, managing director of Xaler Systems. “This allows us to deliver a flawless service and instantly overcome any issues if they arise, guaranteeing that we finish projects within the agreed timeframe and budget. Our high-quality craftsmanship and flexibility are paramount to our success and differentiates us from competitors.”
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