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.
The world’s biggest celebration of cruise ship interiors, Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) Awards supported by Global Headline Sponsor Kalmar, has announced their list of finalists. More than 80 design studios, cruise lines and suppliers are in the running to take home the cruise ship interiors industry’s top accolades. The awards will take place at the CSI Awards & Networking Lounge, Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo (CSI Europe), London ExCeL, on Thursday 05 December.
The team at SMC Design are delighted to announce that we are finalists in not one but four categories for two of our most recent projects:
Best Dining Space – Irth – Cruise Saudi – Aroya Cruises
Best Refurbished Space- – Meast – Cruise Saudi – Aroya Cruises
Best Stateroom – Balcony Cabin – NYK Cruises – Asuka III
Best Suite – Royal Suite – Cruise Saudi – Aroya Cruises
Voting opens on Tuesday 22 October 2024 and closes on 08 November. Click here to vote now >
CSI Europe is open Wednesday o4 December, 10:00am – 5:00pm & Thursday 5 December
10:30am – 5:00pm with the CSI Awards taking place 4:00pm – 5:00pm on Thursday 5 December.
Find SMC Design at CSI Design Expo Europe on stand 612!
Our thanks to Moroso and Kvadrat for the SMC Design team workshop this week hosted at the Moroso showroom in London.
Moroso and Kvadrat have been working together since 2016 and this workshop gave us great insight into how the perfect match between fabrics and products happens. It was fascinating to find out more about the exciting journey of a textile from fibre to product. We had a blast designing our own miniature Ruff armchair, originally by Patricia Urquiola, using a selection of the exquisite Kvadrat upholstery textiles collection.
We also learned more about Kvadrat’s new Time Recycled curtain, Remix Flow by Giulio Ridolfo upholstery and Guest by Louise Sigvardt upholstery textile crafted from 100% recycled polyester. Kvadrat’s commitment to chemical safety means that all of their products are now completely free from Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS-free) too – a fantastic benefit to offer to our clients.
We look forward to the next workshop and thanks again for having us Moroso & Kvadrat.
Discover the topics, sessions, and industry experts that will be inspiring the aisles of CSI Design Expo Europe, 4-5 December 2024.
This year, the CSI team have introduced two dedicated conference tracks. These tracks have been carefully curated to dive deeper into key industry topics:
– Interiors Track: Discover cutting-edge design approaches, sustainability strategies, and breakthrough projects shaping the look and feel of tomorrow’s ships.
– Hospitality Track: Explore the latest in guest experience innovation, from technology-enabled service, to creative dining concepts that are redefining cruise ship hospitality.
On the Interiors Track, SMC Design’s Managing Director, Andy Yuill, will be on the panel, on Wednesday 4 December 2024, 10:40am – 11:10am, held on the SMC Design stand 612 discussing ‚Transforming key spaces: Innovative approaches to refurbishment.‘
The session will be moderated by Jaakko Mäkikalli, CEO, Makinen. Also on the panel will be: Jessica Payne, Interior Design Manager from Windstar Cruises & Henning Jongebloed, Head of Sales at Meyer Re.
On the Hospitality Track, SMC Design’s Associate, Apostolos Benevas, will be on the panel on 4th December, 1:00pm – 2:00pm, Location: Stand 1002 – CONDUCTR for ‚Lunch & Learn with Blooloop: Perspectives on entertainment’s newest trends‘
This content session-cross-networking event explores new innovative ways of designing venues on board to deliver memorable collective experiences. Kicking off with a panel discussion, attendees will get an insight into what’s new in products and a brands perspective on entertainments newest trends.
Moderated by Charles Read, Managing Director, Blooloop
Speakers:
Ben Wilson, Head of Architecture & Concept Design, MSC Cruises
Peter Cliff, CEO, CONDUCTR
Apostolos Benevas, Associate, SMC Design
Start planning your visit by checking out the CSI Design Expo Europe schedule of content and registering for your free pass to join us on 4 – 5 December at ExCeL London!
Our thanks to Dafydd Watkins, Head of Global Cruise Sales at Panaz, and the Panaz team for hosting a great event this week at their Clerkenwell Showroom. The Panaz range of fabrics fulfil International Maritime Organization & MED (Marine Equipment Directive) upholstery and drapery requirements. Thank you to Panaz for helping us to stay at the forefront of fabric design when it comes to the careful considerations required for our industry both from a sustainability standpoint and fire safety regulations.
Dafydd shared his expertise, highlighting Panaz‘ position as a world-leading marine fabric supplier. From navigating stringent safety guidelines to tackling the unique challenges of designing cruise ship interiors.
Liz Richardson, SMC Design Associate, said, „Ensuring we keep our team regularly updated in order to deliver the best FF&E solutions for our clients is key. Thanks to Panaz, we’re now even more equipped with information and samples that we can add to our sustainable library – a library that we believe sets us apart in the cruise & ferry industry when it comes to FF&E sourcing.“
Débuting in March 2026, Norwegian Luna represents the next evolution of Norwegian Cruise Line’s iconic Prima Plus Class, combining innovation, luxury, and cutting-edge technology. The team at SMC Design are delighted to work on the interior design of this superb new addition to the NCL fleet.
Inspired by the relationship between the moon and the tides of the ocean, Norwegian Luna is the sistership to Norwegian Aqua. At 1,056 feet long, 156,300 gross tons, and accommodating approximately 3,550 guests at double occupancy, Norwegian Luna will boast a 10% size and capacity increase from previous Prima Class ships.
Once in a blue moon, you experience something unforgettable. On Norwegian Luna™, the newest ship in the NCL Prima Class, you might find that a blue moon happens more often than you’d think. Norwegian Luna has thoughtfully designed spaces for every phase of your holiday. There’s an Aqua Slidecoaster when you’re ready to turn things up and perfectly appointed Oceanview and Balcony Staterooms when you’re ready to turn down. So, your whole group can do exactly what you’re in the mood for — even if those moods change with the tides.
SMC Design recently received the 2024 Shippax Ro-Pax award for their part in the design of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s (IOMSPC) new ferry, Manxman.
Congratulations to Ship operator & owners, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s (IOMSPC), Shipyard, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, Houlder naval architects and the team at SMC Design on the award win. This award recognises Manxman as the best and most innovative Ro-Pax (roll-on/roll off freight and passenger ferry) vessel in its class in the world for 2024.
SMC Design are proud to have been involved in the interior design of such an innovative project. Andy Yuill, MD of SMC Design was there to collect the award at the ceremony that took place in conjunction with the Shippax Ferry Conference, held on board BALTIC QUEEN, in Sweden, 13-15 May, 2024.
The jury knows the ins and outs of all the ships and the trends in the industry, something that makes the Shippax Award so truly unique. It may therefore be considered as the most prestigious trade award in the combined ferry, ro-ro and cruise industry.
The Shippax award jury tries to assess qualifications based on experience, personal visits, GA-plan examinations as well as collecting research material. The jury travels with the ships anonymously and the impartial result of the jury is extensively discussed amongst them prior to the ultimate decision. About the Manxman, the Shippax jury said,
„Being the first newbuilt vessel commissioned by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company after a 25 years’ break, Manxman stands out as a truly innovative Ro-Pax in the ‚medium range‘ segment with crossing times of around four hours.
Thanks to a clever use of space, she successfully caters for the needs of very diverse categories of passengers – actually even giving her operation to the Isle of Man a touch of cruising.
Surprising features of Manxman include balcony cabins (else rarely found onboard ferries, all the more on relatively short crossings), the Paws Pet Lounges and the Executive Club Lounge with its outstanding mixture of sofas, armchairs, table seating and fully reclining sleeping pods. She also dedicates much space to families. Despite a relatively modest size she manages to combine entertainment, room for families and quiet spaces. Technologically, the hybrid diesel electric propulsion helps to improve efficiency and to reduce emissions.
Having contracted the Manxman in Korea, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company illustrate that even smaller Ro-Pax operators can successfully manage newbuilding projects in Asia, thereby combining British ship design excellence with the efficiency and experience of Far Eastern shipbuilding.“
Our client, IOMSPC Managing Director Brian Thomson said: „It is a huge honour that Manxman has been recognised for this prestigious award. It is a credit to everyone in the company and we are proud of designing, delivering and operating such an excellent vessel, which is the largest, most-modern and best-equipped ferry the Island has ever had.“
As guests step into Sukhothai, they are instantly transported and immersed into the heart of Thai culture. The lighting in the restaurant is soft and atmospheric, with dynamically crafted pendant lights which reflect that of bamboo and rice paper casting a warm glow.
The flooring has a striking geometric pattern which is then flanked with dark rich concave timber panels, these are up lit to give a sense of grandeur and importance throughout the space.
Feature walls are adorned with vibrant silk tapestries inspired by the arts and crafts and serene landscapes of Thai culture, adding a pop of colour and vibrancy to the space. Bamboo accents, such as decorative screens and ceiling panels, further enhance the ambiance, evoking the natural beauty of Thailand.
The seats are rich and plush giving a luxurious feel throughout the space, whilst the artisan table tops and cutlery layout give an authentic feel to the dining experience.
Overall, the interior design of the Thai restaurant is a celebration of Thai culture and heritage, offering guests an immersive dining experience that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
Due to set sail in April 2025, watch this space for more updates on Norwegian Aqua soon.
