My name is Martin Hendrata. I have participated in many MSC Cruises newbuild projects as an Architect Manager. Challenges feed my curiosity and creativity. I currently work on the Contemporary World Class vessels and manage the process from design to building completion stage. I frequently coordinate with the interior and exterior design teams, in addition to our site team, our sound, light & multimedia team, the shipyard and the ship’s contractors. I also work closely with the operational managers from our headquarters who provide us with briefs and directions.
Over the years, my responsibilities have often stretched to defining FF&E, signage, artwork and planting schemes as well. This has widened my interests and created opportunities to engage with the best suppliers in the industry. Discovering new suppliers who are unique and who contribute a different approach to ship design can add huge value to my work. Equally, I love to maintain contact with those with whom our company already has an excellent and long standing relationship and who have proven their worth in both past and current projects.
After much thought and consideration, here’s my own personal top ten cruise ship suppliers, including must-see exhibitors at CSI Europe 2024. Although, it goes without saying that there are many others worthy of being on the list:
Meet the Exhibitors
Bolidt, Stand 712
Since 1964 Bolidt Synthetic Products & Systems has built up a world-wide reputation in the maritime industry. The high technical standard of the composite shipdeck coverings gives Bolidt an important advantage.
I first came across Bolidt in the late 90’s whilst working as an architectural assistant in Amsterdam. Their sustainable, hardwearing, hygienic and aesthetic floor solutions were – and still are – a hit amongst designers. It is rare nowadays to find a cruise ship that does not use Bolidt on their indoor or outdoor decks. Once on board, they always have solid control of their installation procedures and take the utmost care in following them. Bolidt also knows how to entice their customers with new ranges. Decorating teddy bears with the material – as they did during last year’s exhibition – is a wonderful, interactive way to attract more attention to their product range.
Humble Lights, Stand 403
Every area feels more intimate with subtle mood lighting in the right places. Humble makes creating ambiance easy with long-lasting wireless lamps.
In the past few years, we incorporated more battery-powered table lamps into the design of our venues. Humble Lights came up with a refreshing new range of these lamps that are not only of an ideal size but also easy to store with a long-lasting battery life and, most importantly, eye-catching looks. In fact, their offering is a breath of fresh air amongst the lighting companies in the marine industry. Amazingly, you can also secure these lamps to the wall and install them outdoors!
Loloey, Stand 719
Since 1963 Loloey carpets have been delighting Italian-design enthusiasts seeking out personalized creations and top-end craftsmanship.
I haven’t worked much with Loloey, but my colleagues recommend them and their carpet designs. Italian carpet design made for an Italian ship does sound fabulous as a tagline, and I will be intrigued to learn more about their products.
Njords Ark, Stand 813
Elevating the cruise experience through furniture.
I first got in touch with this Danish furniture company several years ago when we were upgrading our World Class cabins and suites. Njords Ark’s service and patience in getting it right was extraordinary. We found their design support to be first rate and appreciated their flexibility in providing any possible furniture type and model available at a competitive price.
Sunbury Design, After Hours Sponsors
Sunbury Design create beautiful and inspiring fire retardant fabrics for commercial interiors around the world. They specialise in producing high quality fabrics meeting IMO and worldwide standards for contract upholstery, curtain and soft furnishing applications.
As a family-owned company, Sunbury Design has a similar work ethic to MSC Cruises. As a long-established brand in the UK, they have been supplying the cruise industry for a number of years with fabrics and artificial leathers that meet the industry’s most demanding requirements. Their friendly, reliable and responsive customer approach is highly regarded in the industry, and I will continue to support their growing number of recycled ranges.
Tigerplay, Stand 550
Innovative designs, extraordinary service – welcome to Tigerplay. For more than 20 years they have been designing, developing and manufacturing game changing play spaces for children of all ages.
I recommended Tigerplay’s products when I was still working as a senior interior designer in London, and am delighted that they will be showcasing their products and services at CSI Europe. Their forward thinking philosophy suits our evolving requirements for children’s areas, and I look forward to exchanging ideas with them soon.
Meet the CSI+ Members
Chelsom
Chelsom has become one of the leading designers, manufacturers and suppliers of decorative contract lighting to the international marine sector working on projects with all leading marine operators.
This company needs no introduction to the design industry. Chelsom’s lighting ranges are consistently elegant, and their catalogue always captures a wide range of lights that are contemporary in style but also look timeless. You can always find something for every desired style. We are fortunate to always have Chelsom to turn to when we require a quick lighting solution in various suites or public venues.
Gessi
Gessi is a family-owned company founded in 1992, dedicated to providing private well-being through innovative and stylish products.
It is no secret that Gessi’s bathroom accessories are like works of art. I recall that one of the highlights of our previous collaboration was when we specified a rain shower solution with an infinity mirror at the top. I could say three words to describe their range: sophisticated, revolutionary and inspiring. Scrolling through their catalogues and new ranges is always a joy!
Kvadrat
A leader in design innovation, Kvadrat produces high-quality contemporary textiles and textile-related products for architects, designers and private consumers across the world.
When it comes to cruise ship interiors, selecting the right textile for both style and durability is paramount – both for furniture upholstery and curtains. Kvadrat always delivers and stands out with products that represent modern, organic designs that have guaranteed longevity and high performance in demanding marine settings. I enjoy working with their sales team and regularly use a variety of their products in our projects.
Panaz
Panaz are global designers and manufacturers of high quality, flame retardant, technical fabrics and wallcoverings, specialising in the Hospitality, Healthcare, Cruise and Corporate sectors.
Panaz continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the industry. In addition to their sustainable approach in applying dry ink printing, we also value their wide range of marine certified upholstery fabrics. Their practical project support is of particular note because they provide us with portable charts to use everywhere we go.
I cannot wait to meet all suppliers in the upcoming CSI Exhibition in London. I am excited at the prospect of being there and talking to them directly about their products, and how they can be used in a marine environment. Apart from attending conferences and speed networking on behalf of my company, you will find me strolling around at the exhibition – in and out the booths!
Want more of this?
Check out the Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) Design Expo Europe blog for more design insights and the latest industry updates. CSI Design Expo Europe is a specialised conference and exhibition catered exclusively to the European cruise interior design industry, with a unique focus on Europe’s luxury ocean, river, and expedition cruising. The next event will be taking place on 4 – 5 December 2024 alongside the Sustainable Design Summit at Excel London.