YSA Design creates restaurant interiors on MSC Bellissima

Cruise ship design firm YSA Design has created the interiors for two eateries onboard MSC Cruises’ MSC Bellissima. The ship, which was christened in early March, offers the Hola! Tapas bar run by Michelin-star chef Ramón Freixa, as well as the Jean-Philippe Maury Chocolaterie. 

The Hola! Tapas bar combines traditional tapas with a modern Spanish restaurant, giving guests the choice of bitesize appetisers and Spanish wines in an informal setting or a formal dining experience. YSA Design has created a sleek and minimalist space with high-quality materials to deliver an authentic Spanish experience.

“We are bringing the boldness of contemporary industrial styling to the cruise shipping dining experience for the first time,” said Trond Sigurdsen, chairman of YSA Design. “The metallic structure on the ceiling and the chandelier of copper pots that hang from it are particularly striking and completely change the perception of the area.”

Industrial details, combined with rough bricks and copper pots, give a warm and inviting ambience, and these tactile materials also bring an authentic feel to the space. A wine tasting area at the entrance underscores the sophistication and trendiness of the Tapas Bar.”

YSA has also created an open space for the Jean-Philippe Maury Chocolaterie, which comprises a chocolate shop, Italian coffee bar and a ‘chocolate factory’ where guests can create personalised chocolate gifts.

“As well as warmer tones and a striking wall of golden pyramid tiles, MSC Bellissima includes a new leitmotif of the exclusive designer jewellery outlet, reinforced by Maury’s signature ‘hero’ chocolate sculptures in a slowly revolving, eye-catching display case that protrudes into the promenade,” said Sigurdsen. “Meanwhile, the café section has been organised into intimate booths that we nicknamed the ‘Orient Express’ during the design process.”