Cruise executives, designers and product manufacturers share how careful product selection and reimagining the entire design process can help shipowners create longerlasting, more cost-effective and more environmentally friendly passenger ship interiors. Rebecca Gibson reports Passenger ship owners are very familiar with the challenges of interior design. They want aesthetically appealing and comfortable spaces that flow well and elevate the onboard experience for guests, but also need to minimise costs and ongoing maintenance requirements, while ensuring the interiors remain fresh and relevant for as many years as possible. In addition, they are facing increasing consumer and regulatory pressure to use more environmentally sustainable materials and minimise waste. To overcome these challenges, shipowners are prioritising products that are designed to last. However, finding them is not always easy. “To choose the right product, we must find a balance between cost, ease of maintenance, aesthetic appeal, sustainability features, durability and cleanability, all while ensuring each material complies with regulations set by organisations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO),” says Jessica Payne, interior design manager at Windstar Cruises. “We weigh up the benefits of each product’s features, choosing those with long lifetimes for cost savings, consistent brand standards and minimal waste.” Gabriele Maria Cafaro, CEO of Italybased outfitting firm Marine Interiors, advises shipowners to choose well-made products that are durable, timeless and easy to maintain, repair and refurbish. “It is clear that good quality materials, combined with proper maintenance and care by onboard teams, ensure extended durability,” he says. Morbern Europe, for example, supplies coated fabrics that can last a decade or longer without any obvious signs of wear and tear if crew follow general maintenance rules. “Recent research in bio-based and postconsumer raw materials have allowed Designed to last FEATURE Forest Group’s aluminium, ultravioletresistant curtain rail systems can withstand daily use without discolouring 44
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