[ 94 ] THE SHIP OF THE FUTURE The Fusion-class offers something for every taste. There are passengers who will use the 90-minute crossing time to recharge, eat or perhaps sit back relaxed, sipping their favourite drink in the bar. Others want to recover, disconnect and empty their head after sitting long hours behind the wheel. The youngest passengers and teenagers are entertained in dedicated play zones spread around the ship while adults can try their luck on one of the slot machines. Earlier ferry generations typically had passenger-dense public spaces with rows of uncomfortable seating and hardly any outside deck space, pushing passengers to let their money roll in the onboard shops, restaurants and bars. Today’s passengers have different expectations and P&O Ferries conducted in-depth market research to create a customer-centric product. P&O Ferries was an early adopter of dedicated premium lounges, introducing the Club Lounge in the late 1980s. It is a paid proposition where passengers sit in tranquil, comfortable surroundings far away from noisy teenagers running back and forth across the decks. Complimentary refreshments were included but customer research learned there was a need to also offer complimentary quality food. So, the Club Lounge onboard the Fusionclass is split into two zones, a dining area and a relaxation area. Located on the Dover-end of Deck 9 and accessed from the adjacent stair lobby, the Club Lounge is all about offering a truly premium experience in a high-end ambience. An intimate and comfortable setting is created by using a muted colour scheme and carefully designed lighting. Even the outdoor areas are designed to replicate the exclusive feel inside with ‘luxury’ outdoor seating. To follow through with the brass finishes of the partitions, pendant lights, table lamps and table legs etc., the outside promenade deck benches have brass finishes. At the entrance to the Club Lounge are sanitary facilities comprising a separate shower. The hot and cold buffet tables together with the hot and cold drinks buffets separate the dining section from the more exclusive, full-width lounge section with deep sofas, lounge chairs, comfy glove-shaped swivel armchairs and booth seating with lumbar support on the side and back so as to either sit face-to-face or enjoy the beautiful view outside. Yet another nice design detail concerns the pattern of the ‘wallpaper’ which has been repeated for the partitions. THE QUIET LOUNGE – A FIRST ON DOVER–CALAIS Adjacent to the Club Lounge is one of two Quiet Lounges. An oasis of serenity, both lounges are located on the portside (in the “ Located on the Doverend of Deck 9 and accessed from the adjacent stair lobby, the Club Lounge is all about offering a truly premium experience in a high-end ambience. An intimate and comfortable setting is created by using a muted colour scheme and carefully designed lighting”
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