Exceptional cruise ship interiors are rarely defined by a single striking space. Instead, they are the product of a multitude of different decisions made in concert: balancing beauty with operability, reading guest expectations correctly, and holding a coherent vision together across a project that can take years to complete. For Petu Kummala, assistant vice president of interior design and architecture, newbuilds and refurbishments at Carnival Cruise Line, getting that combination right starts with embracing the variety of experiences a cruise ship can offer.
“That’s the beauty of cruise ships when it’s done right,” says Kummala. “Our ships are vibrant and diverse – we have everything from a lively barbecue restaurant and a speciality steakhouse to entertainment venues, elegant cocktail bars and world-class production shows. There’s something for every guest and every occasion.”
Achieving that variety without losing coherence means matching the design of each space to its purpose.
“Having such different spaces onboard one vessel can easily lead into a design which looks like a quilt built from different pieces without any thought of the whole,” explains Kummala. “We work closely with my team and our design partners to ensure these unique spaces still fit within a continuous ‘story’ so they feel intentional and like they’re meant to be together.”
The next requirement, Kummala says, is practicality. Spatial limits, operational efficiency and durability all shape design decisions in ways land-based designers rarely have to consider. Getting this balance right is what allows a design to last. “Balancing innovation and beauty with operational practicality is crucial, not just for everyday function but for longevity,” he says.
Kummala sees the long lifecycle of newbuilds, refurbishments and repair and maintenance work as a built-in learning opportunity. Each project his team completes provides new information to use in the next, and a fleet the size of Carnival’s offers plenty of opportunity to grow skills. “Design always evolves,” he says. “Everything you learn gets applied to the next design – it’s valuable progress.”
A concept sketch of Carnival Celebration’s atrium by Petu Kummala
Delivering the best possible interior also means designing for the guest a ship will have five or ten years from now, not just today. Expectations have shifted considerably in recent years, both at sea and on land. “Today’s guests are more design- and experience-aware than before,” says Kummala. “Social media, travel content and exposure to exceptional hospitality around the world has elevated their expectations significantly. Guests are not only looking for beautiful spaces but also meaningful experiences, flexibility and authenticity.”
Trends inform that thinking, but Kummala is wary of chasing them outright, particularly given how long a ship stays in service. “We evaluate trends, but you can’t follow them,” he says. “If you do, you’re always following. Hospitality, dining concepts, retail and entertainment experiences all influence how we design spaces that remain relevant for years to come.”
Ultimately, though, Kummala measures the best interiors against one standard above all: function. “Great design begins with a properly designed layout – one that not only looks beautiful, but also works seamlessly," he says. “A space might be visually stunning but if it doesn’t function properly, whether in guest or service flow, it ultimately falls short of being an exceptional design.”
He points to the Grand Central atrium on Carnival’s Excel-class ships as proof of the principle in practice. Unlike the traditional cruise ship atrium, which is typically symmetrical and located in the centre of the vessel, Grand Central is positioned on the side of the ship, with asymmetrical lines and varying deck shapes.
“This design creates a dramatic three-storey space that is fully connected to the sea, while also improving guest flow through to the other side of the space,” explains Kummala. “This allows some guests to engage in the activities taking place inside the atrium, while at the same time allowing others to pass through seamlessly at their own pace.”
Creating these spaces isn’t a process that happens in isolation. Delivering an interior that meets every one of these standards depends on coordinating designers, architects, operators, engineers and shipyards from concept through to construction. As the shipowner’s design lead, Kummala oversees that process end to end, working alongside internal stakeholders and design partners and finalising materials and details through the mock-up phase, to keep the finished space true to both the original vision and the practical realities of operating a ship.
“Building a cruise ship is one of the most collaborative design endeavours I can think of,” he says. “It brings together designers, operators, engineers and shipbuilders, all working towards a common goal: creating an exceptional ship and delivering memorable experiences for our guests.”
Outstanding spaces
CFR invited interior designers to nominate best-in-class venues onboard new and recently refurbished ships
Retreat Sundeck, Celebrity Solstice
“The new Solstice Retreat Sundeck, designed for Celebrity Cruises’ suite-level guests, offers exclusive outdoor seating and shade, a private large Jacuzzi and unobstructed views from the top deck.
BG Studio’s goal is to revitalise the sundeck experience by adding a new bold geometric black-and-white bar and a large Jacuzzi to create a vibrant, social centre. Bold colour and nautical-inspired striped patterns invigorate and liven the space.
Expanding outward, the energy softens into lounge spaces with sun loungers, plush round daybeds and private cabanas giving an upscale residential feel. This intentional spatial flow maximises the deck and brings guests together effortlessly, allowing them to transition between lively interaction and quiet relaxation.”
Melissa Pereira, Senior Interior Designer and Project Manager, BG Studio
Compass Rose, Seven Seas Grandeur
“The Compass Rose dining room on Seven Seas Grandeur is our stand-out space. Regent Seven Seas Cruises challenged us to create something magical, a place that guests would find unforgettable. Compass Rose feels like an enchanted forest, starting with a glass waterfall at the entry and a series of stylised piers that gives the effect of dining under a canopy of twinkling stars. At night, fibre optics embedded in the glass make the room feel as though it has disappeared into a night, so it’s just you and the stars. Hand-painted murals, marble textures and back-illuminated onyx give everything a magical, sophisticated charm.”
Yohandel Ruiz, Founding Partner, Studio DADO
Expedition cabin, Magellan Discoverer
“Magellan Discoverer’s expedition cabin successfully balances refined aesthetics with exceptional functionality. Its calm, contemporary palette and clean architectural detailing create a warm, residential atmosphere while maximising the connection to the spectacular polar landscape.
Every element has been thoughtfully considered – from the integrated storage within the settee base to the hydraulic lift-up bed system, which provides hidden storage without compromising comfort. Replacing the traditional bed skirt with an antimicrobial faux leather bed base significantly enhances durability, simplifies housekeeping, reduces maintenance and improves hygiene while lowering operational effort and energy consumption.
Together, these thoughtful design features make this cabin a sophisticated, highly practical space.”
Nedge Louis-Jacques, Managing Partner, Senior Vice President of Design, Tomas Tillberg Design
Main Dining Room, Sun Princess
“The Main Dining Room is one of the defining spaces onboard Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess, setting a new standard for contemporary cruise dining through its remarkable scale and architectural presence. Designed as more than a place to dine, it serves as a vibrant social destination where guests can gather in an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.
Expansive volumes and dramatic double-height glazing frame panoramic ocean views, filling the interior with natural light and creating a seamless connection to the surrounding seascape. A refined palette of materials, lighting and carefully considered detailing brings warmth and elegance to the space, while the thoughtfully planned layout balances operational efficiency with guest comfort, allowing the venue to accommodate a large number of diners without compromising the quality of the experience.
Standing apart from traditional cruise dining rooms, the Main Dining Room combines impressive proportions, architectural transparency and a contemporary design language, making it one of the ship’s most iconic and memorable public spaces.”
Anna Silvesjö, Partner, Group CEO, Viken Group