93 deliver the ‘wow’ factor every time a guest eats there. Something that seasoned cruise guests often mention is the sense of community onboard ship. It’s common to get to know fellow passengers and we like to embed those opportunities into our design concepts. For example, a floor-toceiling chandelier or a custom mural can be a fantastic conversation starter. We also have a deep understanding of the real estate we’re working with. There may be as few as 1,200 guests or as many as 6,000 onboard a vessel, but we always want our spaces to feel personal and comfortable. Shipboard dining venues expect only one or two sittings of guests each night (whereas land-based restaurants expect many more), so they are intimate settings. Guests can spend all evening at dinner, which means they get to know their servers and fellow diners and often come away with a new set of friends. Consequently, we handselect furniture that is as elegant as it is comfortable, and we look at every millimetre of every layout and path to make their experience as pleasant and memorable as possible. To empower teams to deliver the highest level of service, we must also consider back-of-house operations when designing restaurants. On a ship, a single kitchen might produce dishes for two or more restaurants, but the galleys are often smaller than they would be in a land-based restaurant serving a single menu. We use 3D modelling technology to look at the paths of guests, servers and staff from every angle, virtually walking through the space to develop the optimal layout. Next, we ensure that we meet regulations for everything from flooring to the ceiling and lighting materials, appliances and construction processes to the letter. Finally, we make sure to give the highly trained service professionals the space, tools and amenities they need to perform their roles well. Whether it’s in Le Bistro onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Prima or the Grand Dining Room on Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Vista, these design strategies translate into dining experiences that are deeply memorable for more than just the menu. Yohandel Ruiz is a founding partner of Studio DADO Seven Seas Grandeur’s Compass Rose features stylised piers with interlocking vaults reminiscent of an enchanted forest, hand-painted murals of willow trees, bas relief textures and curated art The three floor-to-ceiling chandeliers in Le Bistro on Norwegian Prima will leave an enduring memory for guests
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=