75 Expedition cruise brands and operators of smaller, boutique vessels often sail to some of the world’s most remote and striking destinations. These ships frequently operate far from major ports, which means they are without ready access to spare parts or specialist resources for weeks or even months. Many of these ships are bespoke in design and interior fitout, which makes sourcing replacements for damaged items a significant challenge. Passengers aboard these ships tend to be well-travelled, discerning and accustomed to a high standard of service. For them, even minor imperfections can have a marked impact on the perceived value for money. Complaints commonly focus on the quality of cabins and public areas, with worn finishes or damaged interiors diminishing the overall experience. In this context, Magicman’s global, on-site repair and restoration services are particularly valuable. With more than 30 years’ experience, the company provides swift, precise restoration solutions, which are especially beneficial for expedition operators in remote regions. These services help to maintain the premium appeal of vessels, ensuring that even when far from homeports, ships remain in excellent condition. Unlike larger cruise ships, small expedition vessels generally lack extensive onboard facilities teams or stockpiles of spare parts. They require repair solutions that are fast, flexible and easy to deploy to remote locations – with minimal operational disruption. Magicman’s approach is tailored to these needs, helping shipowners to preserve the visual quality and integrity of interiors without causing significant downtime. At Magicman’s R&D facility on the south coast of England, the team assesses and compares repair and restoration products sourced from a variety of industries worldwide. Working closely with clients, the team identifies challenges relating to substrates and finishes and develops solutions to address them effectively. A recent innovation is Magicman’s collaboration with Tuffskin. Even with the finest sealing products, marble and natural stone surfaces can quickly become etched by liquids. Applying Tuffskin after polishing and sealing significantly extends the life and finish of these materials, helping them retain a pristine appearance for years. In the expedition cruise sector, where operational challenges are compounded by geographical isolation, having a reliable partner capable of delivering remote repairs is not merely advantageous – it is essential. Such services reduce downtime, preserve the guest experience, ensure regulatory compliance, and ultimately deliver significant cost savings. In this context, Magicman’s expertise represents a strategic asset to operators rather than a simple expense. COMMENTARY Repair and protect Magicman can restore damaged surfaces, furniture and fixtures onboard passenger shipping vessels, no matter where they are in the world MARK HENDERSON Mark Henderson has been chief executive of Magicman since 2001 after 15 years as a marine engineer in the Royal Navy Magicman’s team can restore damaged materials such as leather, wood, stone or fabric to their original appearance
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