Furnishing memorable island stops Robos Contract Furniture is playing a key role in a two-phase upgrade at Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay island. Sascha Bosch tells Alice Chambers more Robos team members fitting cabanas on Great Stirrup Cay during its first phase of refurbishments Many of the major cruise operators are committing significant capital to private destinations featuring beaches, food and beverage venues, and excursion offerings. Each island is designed to reflect the cruise line’s brand and is brought by working directly with partners. Robos Contract Furniture has been producing custom-made furniture for almost 50 years and has partnered with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) for 25 of them. The relationship began when Robos supplied restaurant furniture via German shipbuilder Meyer Werft before evolving into direct collaboration on NCL’s Jewel-class ships. It was therefore a natural choice for NCL to engage Robos when upgrading its private island in The Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. The island has operated as a private destination for NCL guests since 1977. A new series of upgrades began in 2025, building on previous works completed with Robos in 2016. The renovation will enhance multiple guest areas, including the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, a heated pool with swim-up bars, and a waterpark scheduled to open in summer 2026, for which Robos is also supplying furniture. “We first worked on Great Stirrup Cay in 2016, so it is familiar territory,” says Bosch. “NCL prefers bespoke designs and functionality, which we deliver through custom solutions, whereas many competitors offer fixed sizes and designs.” Delivering the first phase presented logistical challenges. “The heat and long hours in direct sun were demanding for our Dutch team, and it was essential that installation work did not disrupt guests visiting the island,” says Bosch. “However, it was a great experience to be part of the NCL team.” As new attractions and amenities are introduced to the island in the second phase of the project, Robos will continue to ensure seating areas, cabanas and lounges match the wider development. “We have delivered bespoke cabana furniture designed to enhance comfort while meeting the island’s aesthetic, durability and operational requirements,” says Bosch. “Purpose-built environments are increasingly central to how cruise lines differentiate their private destinations, and the custom pieces from Robos integrate with the environment while supporting the premium experience NCL aims to provide.” Great Stirrup Cay is just one in Robos’s current portfolio. “Our teams are frequently involved in fitting out newbuild ships,” says Bosch. “Most recently, this has included Orient Express Sailing Yachts’ Corinthian, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Xcel and NCL’s Norwegian Aqua. We are also due to start work on NCL’s Norwegian Luna and MSC Cruises’ MSC World Asia. It is an exciting time to work in the industry!” INTERVIEW 141
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