47 that strengthen storytelling and enhance the passenger experience.” For TVV Marine Lighting, every lighting design begins with material, performance and lifecycle in mind. “It’s about purpose-driven design,” says Aldona Mäkinen, the company’s CEO. “Too often, interior concepts rely on standardised products that limit both creativity and long-term value, but we work closely with designers and shipyards to translate unique interior visions into technically compliant, project-specific lighting solutions.” Looking ahead, designers and operators see significant opportunities to further evolve onboard interiors. Greater emphasis is being placed on adaptability; spaces need to transition seamlessly between day and night and also cater for different guest demographics and experiences. “Hurtigruten has an ongoing evolution to meet and exceed guest expectations through innovative design and high standards,” says Pettersen. “We’re aiming to continue to offer unprecedented experiences to the modern-day traveller, focusing on prime quality and comfort while upholding a strong commitment to sustainability.” Additionally, the growing influence of design-conscious travellers is pushing operators to create environments that are more than just visually impressive; they must feel more personalised, intuitive and emotionally engaging. Guest feedback has shaped many of the design decisions for American Cruise Lines’ latest ship American Encore, which launched in May 2026, where signature suite designs have been improved following feedback from guests onboard other ships. The 139-square-metre suite at the bow of the ship spans from starboard to port and features a wraparound balcony, separate sleeping, dining and living room areas, a hotel-sized bathroom with a soaking tub and heated floors, and river views from every possible vantage point. “Many of our guests cruise with us for extended periods and wanted accommodations large enough to entertain and live in comfortably,” says Paolella. “Across our fleet, guests consistently prioritise comfort, space and elegance, so our design process balances introducing new onboard experiences with maintaining the features they value most from our brand.” Payne believes the rise in designliterate guests presents an exciting but challenging opportunity for marine interior designers to grow and evolve. “Guests are arriving onboard with real aesthetic opinions,” she says. “The biggest opportunity for evolving is in personalisation and adaptability, with spaces that can shift to serve different moods and moments. I’m also interested in continuing to thread sustainability through material choices in ways that feel intentional rather than incidental. There’s always the challenge of balancing creativity with the realities and operations of life at sea, but that constraint is part of what makes the design work interesting.” Meanwhile, Di Nenno believes MSC Cruises’ future designs must go beyond visual impact to deliver meaningful, “ Hurtigruten has an ongoing evolution to meet and exceed guest expectations through innovative design and high standards” André Pettersen Hurtigruten Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice features curtains and blinds from Aquarius Interiors Image: Celebrity Cruises
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