135 What are the most surprising changes that you have witnessed in the industry since the start of your career? The biggest surprise has been the speed with which the passenger shipping industry is able to adapt its hardware and software to overcome socioeconomic and geopolitical challenges, and to accommodate new cultural trends and technologies. In the past, the passenger shipping sector was very conservative and traditional but today it is a true icon of modernity. Although it has suffered ups and downs, such as during the Covid pandemic, passenger shipping is the flagship of the tourism industry and is destined to continue growing due to the ever-expanding source markets and destinations all over the world. Can you tell us what sources of inspiration have had the greatest influence on your work? For me, the best sources of design inspiration are different cultures and all forms of art. Nothing can train and stimulate our design sensitivities like pure architecture, music compositions, visual arts and travel experiences. To create a successful and harmonious interior design, you need to know how to meditate between different forms of artistic expression. Our customers can also provide us with inspiration in our incessant search for expressive new design models. For example, when we designed the new flagship mega yacht for the King of Oman, who rules over a country with an immense artistic history, it enabled us to strengthen our cultural knowledge. Each interaction with important clients represents an opportunity for growth, in every sense. Which third-party companies have you had the longest professional relationships with and what factors have been key to this longevity? It’s crucial to build and maintain good professional relationships with shipyards, contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders in the passenger shipping industry. We’ve collaborated with many of the big Italian and French shipyards over the years, most notably Fincantieri, T. Mariotti, Sanlorenzo and Chantiers de l’Atlantique. We’ve established similar partnerships with multiple suppliers, such as furniture brands like Paolo Castelli, Molteni and Minotti to name just a few. We’ve always found their teams to be highly competent and flexible. STIMULATING THE SENSES Marco de Jorio’s trips onboard wooden motor yachts with his father in the 1970s taught him the importance of creating sensory experiences that will leave a lasting impression for guests. “In the 1970s, natural wood was often still used for the keels and other elements of boats and its rich smell would pervade the interiors, creating a truly pleasurable sensory experience,” he says. “I still consider it one of the best smells in the world. I aim for my interior designs to deliver similar experiences for guests today.” De Jorio used a neutral colour palette, plenty of glass and plants to create a relaxing atmosphere in the MSC Yacht Club lounge onboard MSC World Europa
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