148 EVENT PREVIEW: CSI EUROPE Interior investments As the annual CSI Europe event approaches, Abi McMahon from Elite Exhibitions provides insight into the cruise ship interiors market and what to expect in Hamburg My Nguyen of Holland America Group speaking at the 2025 edition of CSI Europe While the newbuild sector of the cruise ship interiors market has long been responsible for the biggest investments when it comes to creating compelling guest experiences at sea, the recent spate of fleet modernisation announcements has gone some way to rebalancing the books. Royal Caribbean International and AIDA Cruises announced extensive fleet enhancement projects in 2018 and 2024 respectively, with the former revealing in 2026 that it plans to invest €700 million ($811 million) across seven ships. Following in their footsteps, Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line all committed to their own fleet modernisations in the last 12 months. The latter has priced its investments across six ships at around $500 million. Cabin upgrades are a focal point across all the fleet modernisation programmes, with Celebrity Cruises, AIDA Cruises and Azamara all updating or adding suites and refurbishing staterooms. They will likely be looking at everything from fabrics and furnishings to bathroom upgrades and balconies. Most fleet modernisation programmes currently underway are introducing new ways to build the connection between guests and the sea. For example, Norwegian coastal operator Hurtigruten added new outside cabins to Midnatsol during its 2026 renovation, while Holland America Line is extensively reworking staterooms and suites. The brand will also introduce 30 purposebuilt staterooms with private furnished balconies designed for solo travellers. Cruise lines are also investing to upgrade public spaces and dining concepts, driven by guests’ desires for outdoor dining. Teams working on the extensive redesigns and sourcing products for these fleet modernisation programmes and newbuild vessels can seek inspiration at Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe (CSI Europe), which will return to the Hamburg Messe + Congress in Hamburg, Germany, on 2-3 December 2026. The event will feature over 300 International Maritime Organizationcertified exhibiting suppliers, outfitters and design studios. Cruise lines, design studios, shipyards and procurement teams can explore the show floor and learn more about the latest products, innovations and services in the market. Dozens of Europe’s finest manufacturers will display their outdoor furniture, from restaurant tables
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