92 INTERVIEW Spaces for everyone Gary Anslow of Norwegian Cruise Line shares with Laura Hyde how the cruise line is evolving its ship interiors into emotionally engaging spaces catering for different moods, energy levels and guest preferences Cruise lines are increasingly using interior design to shape the onboard experience in response to evolving guest expectations. No longer defined solely by aesthetics, today’s cruise ship interiors are designed as dynamic, multifunctional spaces that serve every kind of traveller, from solo adventurers to multigenerational groups seeking shared experiences. For Norwegian Cruise Line, this shift is driving a more deliberate approach to spatial planning and storytelling, with interiors that feel “intuitive, effortless and emotionally engaging, guiding guests naturally through their day without them having to think about it,” says Gary Anslow vice president and head of Norwegian Cruise Line UK and Ireland. “Design helps tell the story of the voyage. Norwegian Luna’s signature hull art, La Luna by artist Elle, sets the emotional tone even before guests step onboard, exploring themes of rhythm, movement and connection to the sea that carry through the ship’s interiors. “Onboard, the way spaces are planned influences how guests come together and how their day unfolds. Areas like Horizon Park are designed as natural gathering points, encouraging casual social interaction in an open-air setting. Similarly, the layout of Indulge Food Hall invites guests to explore global cuisine in a relaxed, informal way, while adaptable venues like the Luna Theatre transform seamlessly from theatre to nightclub for evening entertainment. In this way, design works quietly in the background to remove friction and enhance the overall sense of enjoyment.” Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri delivered Norwegian Luna in March 2026, and the ship will spend its inaugural season sailing Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. “The ship was designed with a ‘something for everyone’ approach, creating varied venues across the ship that feel natural rather than segmented,” adds Anslow. To support this approach, Norwegian organised the ship’s interiors into a series of distinct ‘neighbourhoods’, each with its own purpose and personality, designed to accommodate different moods, energy levels and guest preferences throughout the day. The Observation Lounge is a light‑filled space designed to maximise panoramic ocean views “ Design works quietly in the background to remove friction and enhance the overall sense of enjoyment”
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