By
Rebecca Gibson |
Costa Cruises has appointed New York-based hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany as creative director for its two newbuilds, which will be delivered in 2019 and 2020.
Under Tihany’s leadership, Costa will assemble an ‘elite group of designers’ to execute the vision for the next generation of ships inspired by its ‘Italy’s Finest’ philosophy. The vessels’ layout will reflect suggestions from Costa guests, creating a more efficient use of the onboard space and an enhanced passenger experience.
“We are fortunate to have Mr Tihany, the world’s pre-eminent hospitality designer, as creative director for our next-generation ships,” said Neil Palomba, president of Costa Cruises. “Our ‘Italy’s finest’ concept represents the roots and the identity of Costa Cruises. It deals with the best things that our country has to offer: passion, quality, hospitality and, of course, style. I am confident that Mr Tihany will create a unique style for our new ships, that will help us to offer our guests unforgettable and happy holidays.”
Tihany, who has created interiors for some of the major hotels and restaurants worldwide, recently designed the majority of the public spaces on Holland America Line’s new Pinnacle-class ship Koningsdam, which will launch in April. This year also marks the launch of his first complete cruise ship design project onboard Seabourn’s newest vessel Seabourn Encore.
“It is a rare honour to narrate a design story from the director’s chair,” said Tihany. “The fact that this opportunity creates a partnership with Costa Cruises is all the more extraordinary. The phrase ‘Italy’s Finest’ not only describes the design concept, but wholly embodies the Costa brand.”
Costa’s two 180,000gt newbuilds will be the first in the industry to be powered by LNG fuel while at sea. They will be built by Meyer Turku in Finland alongside two similar 6,600-passenger ships that will sail for Costa Group’s German brand AIDA Cruises.