Cruise & Ferry Interiors 2021

5 2 FEATURE: COLL ABORATION Photography courtesy of TUI Cruises Chris Colvin, Marines Sales Manager at Ulster Carpets Finding the ideal floor covering “Sustainability, durability and design are all key areas to consider when selecting floor coverings. You can easily fulfil all three criteria by choosing a wool-rich Axminster carpet. Axminster weaving offers in-built durability, enhanced performance, greater colour consistency and increased design possibilities that, when combined with the qualities of wool, provide a clear alternative to man-made options. These key selection criteria are assured whether a shipowner selects a bespoke design option – such as the carpet we created for the Viewing Lounge on TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff Herz (pictured) – or one of Ulster Carpets’ contract stock solutions, including the recently launched Natura range.” What to look for in surface materials “Upholstery fabrics on passenger ships must fulfil the International Maritime Organization’s FTPC8 – Fire Retardant Standards. Likewise, surfaces must be highly resilient and resistant to abrasion, light, tears and much more. In addition, the materials must be sustainable and durable so they are long-lasting. And, of course, materials with a beautiful design and a pleasant feel are more attractive to guests.” Bruno Lehmann, Vice President of Interior Continental - Surface Solutions at Konrad Hornschuch