After an exhilarating evening at the Reunion Party, sponsored by Kalmar and Njord’s Ark, Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe (CSIE) launched a successful first day at ExCeL London! But, before the doors even opened, the VIP Lounge was buzzing with action during the CSI Plus Networking Breakfast, hosted by Joi-Design. Industry experts from leading cruise lines, including Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Seabourn and more, mingled with design studios, shipyards and outfitters, as well as IMO certified suppliers over coffee and pastries.
At 10am, CSIE welcomed the entire European cruise interiors community to ExCeL London. The expo hall quickly filled up with attendees from cruise lines, design firms, shipyards, outfitters and IMO certified suppliers from across the globe. In attendance were representatives from Carnival Cruise Line, Fred Olsen, Mystic Cruises and more.
Cutting-edge exhibits
Attendees took to the show floor to see the most innovative products and services from CSIE’s 200+ cutting-edge exhibitors. The stands on display were certainly impressive, particularly Ice Cool Design, who brought their innovative new product, Hielo, to the show. These aluminium wine bottle coolers are not only 92% more carbon neutral than a regular ice bucket, but also come in various colours. These were available on the stand for visitors to interact with.
Attendees were also eager to visit Eumar Design’s stand, where many of their sleek bathroom designs were on display. Visitors got the chance to interact with their new lightweight wash basin, GelCeramic Lightweight, which has been nominated for the Sustainability Award at CSI Awards, being held during day two of CSIE. This basin is fuel saving and environmentally friendly, with the opportunity to save up to 50,000kg of waste per cruise ship!
Kettal’s stand has been bustling with activity due to its latest furniture and bathroom collections, including its world’s first Laminated Acrylic IMO Fabric. Additionally, the Makinen stand was celebrating women in maritime, as its women’s team were proudly wearing Finnish fashion.
Additionally, for those who couldn’t wait until the Wednesday Happy Hour, Somec Group held a small drinks reception at their booth, where visitors could be seen mingling over a glass of wine and making connections whilst enjoying delicious snacks.
Over on Bolidt’s stand, the winner of the Bolidt Design Challenge 2021 was announced today! Thorben Stubbe was celebrated as the winner for its sustainable and innovative design, the algae lifecycle floor.
An inspirational conference
Cruise Conversations Live, Cruise Ship Interior Design Expo Europe’s two-day conference, also kicked off this morning. At 11am, the conference hall was packed with delegates eager to catch the first keynote session, Design Leadership: Trends Forecasting, moderated by David McCarthy from Independent Maritime Advisors. Andy Yuill (SMC Design), Anne Mari Gullikstad (YSA Design), and Juha Rista (dSign Vertti Kivi & Co) joined him in the discussion. They explored the latest in cruise interiors trends, offering their insights as leading designers within the industry. Audiences came away with a comprehensive understanding of innovative ways to use materials, colour trends and palettes, as well as how wellbeing can be incorporated into design concepts. Speakers also explored the growing demand for residential ships, and how design can accommodate spaces for a variety of different functions.
We need to design ships as a residential, live in place where you can both work and relax, living in for a longer term.
Anne Mari Gullikstad, CEO and Senior Architect – YSA Design
Numerous networking opportunities
Throughout the day, visitors were also presented with many opportunities to make meaningful connections with the cruise lines, design studios, IMO suppliers and shipyards in attendance. One key opportunity was our networking lunch event, hosted in the VIP Lounge. This was sponsored by Aros Marine, Aquarius Interiors, Balsan, Interfloor, FIPRO, Makinen, Marine Interiors, Pfleiderer Group, Spires Art, and YSA Design.
Then, after a busy day of conference sessions, live product demos and meeting exhibitors, guests were able to kick back and relax once again with the Happy Hour Drinks Reception, sponsored by Aros Marine, Balsan, Interfloor, FIPRO, Makinen, Marine Interiors, Pfleiderer Group, Spires Art, Tirolo Srl, Viky & Pippa, and YSA Design. Visitors, exhibitors and speakers all united in the show hall to unwind after a busy day with complimentary beer and wine.
With so many things to see and do, day one at Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe was certainly one to remember! We have enjoyed seeing the entire cruise interiors industry reunite under one roof for the first time in two years for a day of connecting, learning, and collaborating.
Refresh your knowledge, source suppliers for your next project, and connect with representatives from world-leading cruise lines at Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe. Find out all about the next event here.