51 in suites, cabins and public spaces. Extensive pre-planning and coordination between the cruise line, shipyard and contractors made this volume of work possible within the timeframe. Cruise brands are placing greater emphasis on the full lifecycle of materials used in refurbishments. The goal is to ensure interiors remain hardwearing, functional and aesthetically appealing until the next scheduled dry dock. Materials such as recycled metals, reclaimed wood, PET-based fabrics and ocean plastic-derived surfaces are all fully compliant with marine safety standards while also delivering lasting durability. Many second-use materials embody the principles of circular design, as they are either repurposed from previous applications or engineered for reuse at end of life, like the Bloom Back carpet – a collaboration between Aquafil and Radici Marine (read more on page 98). This circular approach extends the value of materials beyond a single lifecycle, enabling more sustainable, resource-efficient ship interiors and supporting cruise lines’ wider sustainability targets. The three-week dry dock on Crystal’s Crystal Symphony at the San Giorgio Del Porto shipyard in Genoa, Italy, in November 2025 overhauled public and dining areas. A&K Travel Group, which saved Crystal from liquidation in June 2022, aimed to create a more luxurious onboard experience in order to generate a higher yield per passenger. The atrium and restaurants were refitted by Italian outfitter Gerolamo Scorza with wood panelling, stone and glass finishes – materials which can be repurposed at the end of their life onboard Crystal Symphony. The refit also reconfigured selected suites. Turnkey contractors provide cruise lines with fully integrated refurbishment project management, which includes coordinating hundreds of workers and suppliers simultaneously. Their single, cohesive approach allows them to offer advanced logistics planning, digital planning and simulation of the construction sequence and rapid-install systems to ensure projects run efficiently and are completed on time and within budget. They also deliver real-time tracking of progress and any deviations, allowing for faster decision-making and greater project control. MJM Marine was among the first single outfitting contractors to manage a cruise ship refurbishment project, as it took charge of work onboard Azamara Cruises’ Azamara Pursuit. The outfitter refreshed the vessel’s public spaces and dining venues at Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 2018. These advances in how ships are built, what they are built with and how projects are managed mean interior outfitting has shifted from a reactive upgrade process into a proactive, strategic tool – one that extends vessel life, advances long-term operational and environmental goals, and enhances the guest experience. “ Cruise brands are placing greater emphasis on the full lifecycle of materials used in refurbishments” The atrium onboard Crystal’s Crystal Symphony features wood, stone and glass finishes, all of which can be repurposed when removed Photo: Crystal
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