Following a successful first day at Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe, attendees joined us bright and early at ExCeL London for another day of networking, connecting with suppliers and cruise line representatives and gaining key insights at Cruise Conversations Live Europe. Read on for our day two highlights…
Day two of Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe commenced with the Designers’ Networking Breakfast. Between 9 – 10am, representatives from leading cruise lines, design studios, shipyards and outfitters, as well as IMO certified suppliers, socialized in the VIP Lounge over a delicious breakfast spread. The Designers’ Networking Breakfast was sponsored by Aros Marine, Balsan, Bromic Heating, FIPRO, Interfloor, Makinen, Marine Interiors, Njord’s Ark, Pfleiderer Group, Spires Art, Tirolo Srl, and YSA Design, who were all in attendance.
An enlightening conference
Once again, the conference theatre was packed with delegates ready to hear more insights from the cruise interiors industry’s leading experts at day two of Cruise Conversations Live Europe. Anu Shaw (Kudos Dsign) moderated the first session of the day, Spotlight on Smaller Ships: Interior Design on Expedition Vessels. She was joined by panellists Fredrik Johansson (Tillberg Design of Sweden) and David Sagrista (Mystic Cruises) in an exploration into the ways in which design can support the expedition cruise experience, with a particular focus on how Mystic Cruises has implemented this. Attendees were treated to insights into how destinations can be implicitly incorporated into design concepts, and the role design plays in delivering an altogether more intimate, customised experience for guests.
Expedition cruise design is changing. This is driven by the clients, who now have higher expectations. In the past, the ship design didn’t matter, the focus was wholly on the expedition itself, but now, guests want more luxury vessels. The design must be seamless and cohesive, supporting the experiences guests have both on board and on land, while also reflecting the destination.
Fredrik Johansson, Partner and Executive Director – Tillberg Design of Sweden
An action-packed show floor
While another day of enlightening conference sessions took place, exhibitors mingled with visitors from leading cruise lines and shipyards. Once again, the stands on display were impressive! CSI Awards finalist Abitex displayed their exciting new ‘hero’ products. This included B-CHEW, their nomination for the Innovation Award. This cutting edge fabric is made of a new material, bi-elastic, which is manufactured in Italy using 100% recycled plastic bottles. It is fire retardant, can be used both indoors and outdoors and is available in over 50 colours!
CSI Awards Design Studio of the Year finalist SMC Design also boasted a striking stand! The friendly faces at this stand were excited to meet the new faces at Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe and meet with the many cruise lines in attendance.
One stand that boasted a dazzling display was Archiglass. Their many colourful and textured glass wave designs were on display for visitors to enjoy and interact with. These included a glass table, a textured wave mirror, as well as some large glass panels with engraved designs, such as a whale. Archiglass also provided the glass awards for the CSI Award ceremony.
There were many new sustainable products launched at CSIE, including Bloom FB, a new carpet produced by Radici. This Italian produced carpet is made using 100% regenerated nylon, and is customisable starting from 100 square metres, making it ideal for any cruise interior project.
Another exhibitor visitors were eager to visit was Girones, who had an impressive display of their beautiful textiles on their stand today. This included their sophisticated eco-friendly GoGreen fabrics, which are available in a variety of colours and designs to transform any cruise ship interior!
Balsan’s stand was also not to be missed! Visitors were wowed by their carpet displays, which featured new generation carpets from Balsan’s latest collection. These are made using 100% polyamide, and are UV resistant, recyclable, durable, and are available in 56, customisable colours and designs!
More unrivalled networking opportunities
Once again, visitors, exhibitors and speakers were given the opportunity to connect at the Networking Lunch hour in the VIP Lounge. This was sponsored by Aros Marine, Aquarius Interiors, Balsan, FIPRO, Interfloor, Makinen, Marine Interiors, Pfleiderer Group, Spires Art, Tirolo, and YSA Design. Taking advantage of a varied spread of free lunch, exhibitors were seen mingling with attendees and speakers alike. While getting our lunch, we could hear conversations on some of the points brought up in the morning’s Keynote Session, plans being made for that evening in London, and compliments on McGuire Glass’ stand.
An industry-wide celebration
At 3pm, representatives from leading cruise lines, design studios, shipyards and outfitters, as well as IMO certified suppliers gathered in the conference theatre for CSI Awards 2021, supported by Global Headline Sponsor Kalmar.
After enjoying delicious pre-show drinks hosted by Trimline, attendees were greeted by Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo CEO Toby Walters in his welcoming speech. Then, CSI Awards began, with winners being announced in three categories that recognise the individuals, teams, and companies who have navigated their way through the last 18 months in a way that has inspired others, innovated, and gone over and above what is expected of them. These awards, sponsored by Allgood, C&C Sign Makers, Cruise & Ferry Interiors, CSI Plus, Eumar Design, Hera, Kalmar, Passenger Ship Interior & Refurbishment Review, Trimline and Vistona, include The Community Champion Award, Design Studio Team of the Year and The Innovation Award, to name a few.
Finally, as CSI Awards and Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe came to a close, visitors left ExCeL London having gained new knowledge, made vital connections, celebrated the industry, and garnered inspiration for their next projects.
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.