37 Kone Lifts onboard MSC Grandiosa, I spent hours observing how guests responded to it. I gained valuable real-life insights that I wouldn’t have been able to gather from my desk and this feedback gave us the confidence to fully implement the system on MSC Grandiosa and other ships.” Young and his team also develop a ‘lessons learned’ document for each newbuild. “We go onboard the ship about six months before it’s delivered and start noting down what is working well and what could be easily improved for the next new vessel,” he says. “We update this document again when we do all the inspections at the time of the ship’s delivery, and then we go back onboard after it’s been operating for three to four months to speak with crew and guests.” One of Young’s top priorities is to find new ways to introduce more sustainable products and materials on each successive ship. However, he must weigh up multiple factors before making an investment. “Ideally, we’d choose the most environmentally sustainable materials and products every time, but we need to tick a lot of different boxes to create comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, safe and compliant ships that meet guest expectations, whilst also ensuring we remain profitable,” says Young. “For example, we might find a material made from recycled plastic that meets all our sustainability requirements, but it may not have the mandatory International Maritime Organization certifications, or it may be prohibitively expensive.” Currently, it’s difficult to strike the right balance between all these factors. However, Young is optimistic that it will become easier as more suppliers find innovative ways to move towards the circular economy. “Today, many suppliers are still in the early stages of exploring how they can The suites onboard MSC Euribia are designed with high-end furnishings, lighting and fixtures to offer a luxurious, yet comfortable space, for guests to relax
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