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, associate 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. “I 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.” 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 experienceaware than before,” says Kummala. “Social media, travel content and exposure to exceptional hospitality around the world have 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 on the side of the ship, with asymmetrical lines and varying deck shapes. Petu Kummala of Carnival Cruise Line speaks with Alex Smith about the importance of collaboration, coherence and practicality in creating exceptional interiors Best in class “ Balancing innovation and beauty with operational practicality is crucial, not just for everyday function but for longevity” 136 FEATURE
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