Posted: 6 Dezember, 2024

SMC Design win two CSI awards

We are immensely proud to announce that SMC Design have won two Cruise Ship Interiors Awards. The two categories won were Best Dining Space for Aroya Cruises’ Irth and Best Stateroom for ASUKA III’s Balcony Cabin. The awards were announced on 5th December 2024 at a prestigious awards ceremony held at the Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo in London.

Congratulations to Cruise Saudi & NYK Cruises.

Winner - Best Dining Space – Irth, Aroya Cruises by Cruise Saudi.

This award highlights the extraordinary culinary venues onboard offering stunning ambience and experiential design. The award category was open to all dining spaces onboard, including main dining rooms, themed venues, and speciality restaurants.

Irth, the flagship Saudi restaurant of Aroya Cruises, offers a dining experience featuring dishes crafted from fresh local produce sourced from Saudi Arabia’s five regions. Designed by SMC with input from the Saudi Ministry of Culture, Irth’s décor authentically reflects Saudi heritage through traditional arts and crafts.

The restaurant is divided into four zones:

- Entrance and culinary narrative: Introducing Saudi’s rich culinary landscape.
- Local produce and retail: Highlighting regional ingredients and products.
- Saudi coffee experience and show kitchen: Featuring traditional coffee preparation and dishes like Tandoor-baked breads.
- Main dining area: Including a performance space and private dining.
Five tapestries representing Saudi’s regions celebrate local farmers, while Acacia wood furnishings and branded products such as Saudi coffee and olive oil enhance the restaurant’s authenticity. Guests can enjoy freshly roasted regional coffee blends and a menu inspired by Saudi landscapes and architecture, with warm tones and textures. Olive trees and illuminated tapestry-inspired ceilings create a welcoming ambiance, reinforcing Irth’s dedication to showcasing Saudi heritage.

Winner - Best Stateroom – Balcony Cabin, ASUKA III by NYK Cruises.

In the summer of 2025, the 52,200-ton, 385-cabin ASUKA III is scheduled to sail along the coasts of Japan, overseas long cruises and world cruises, with a style designed to appeal to those new to cruising as well as experienced guests.

Under development for over 3 years, the ASUKA Balcony Cabin combines contemporary style with a clever use of space to create an exceptional guest experience that is both elegant and functional. Contrasting wood tones, natural textures and a residential furniture style cleverly combine to ensure a simple, welcoming style without compromising on comfort. Subtle accents in kokihanada blue and Aokin bluish gold embrace guests from the moment they step inside, enhancing the relationship with the ASUKA brand.

The ASUKA Balcony Cabin incorporates several individual features specifically for the Japanese market including a walk-in wardrobe and kitchenette, and a bathroom that maximises storage whilst allowing for a full-size seated bath. A large desk area provides guests with the opportunity to combine pleasure with business should the need arise. Dual-language signage also features throughout, highlighting the level of detail evident within all aspects of the cabin.
Thank you and well done to all of the SMC Design team involved. Last but not least, we would like to thank the Cruise Ship Interiors team, the judging panel, the award sponsors and all who voted for us.
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