Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo America (CSI Americas) offers the cruise ship interiors community the space to connect. For the global community working across continents and time zones, the opportunity to share space and connect in person is invaluable. That is why the CSI+ Lounge, sponsored by Studio DADO, was such a popular space for meetings and content at CSI Americas this year.
The venue was stylishly outfitted in a graphic carpet from Monn Carpets, and featuring furniture and accents from Vietri, Architecture Grille, Humble and HRDS best stand winner Kenneth Cobonpue. In addition to the conversations taking place between old colleagues and new partners, several content sessions drew crowds.
Insights at the lounge
The first was hosted by the lounge’s own sponsors, Studio DADO, who kicked off the proceedings in signature style with a round of liquor-laced ice cream. Visitors networked and enjoyed the zesty desserts until the speakers took to the floor. Yohandel Ruiz, Founding Partner, Studio DADO, invited Janice Davidson, Chief Brand Officer Regent Seven Seas Cruises & Oceania Cruises to discuss their latest project together. The pair were joined by Steph Armengol, Vice President, Hotel Operations Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, who acted as moderator. The speakers explored how slow travel, rather than tech-laced hospitality, gives guests the luxury experience they seek. Walking the audience through their work on Seven Seas Grandeur, the trio defined slow travel as something ‘mindful and meaningful’, and that is a pillar of forward-thinking design.
On the second day, the CSI+ Lounge hosted Design mega trends: ‘the why’ behind design for meaningful cruise experiences. Hosted by Lindsay Keir, Director of Marketing, II BY IV DESIGN, the speakers discussed how brands can create deeper real-life experiences that go beyond IG moments, align with brand strategy and still generate revenue opportunities. Speakers were: Ana Faria Delfino, Senior Director Design & Innovation, Royal Caribbean Group, Charles Steadman, Director, F&B Experience and Strategic Partnerships, Virgin Voyages and Janice Davidson.
Knowledge hunters could roam throughout the two day event, sampling everything from logistical insights over at the How to Work Smarter session at the HRDS Lounge, to forecasts from the refurbishment market’s leaders, including Joseph Miorelli, Royal Caribbean, and Lisa McCabe, Carnival Cruise Line, on Akula’s booth. Visitors looking to be at the forefront of hotel and resort design journeyed through to two-day HRDS conference track, gaining insight and inspiration from Marriott International, Grupo Vidanta, Hilton, Sandals, The Parker Company, Carroll Adams, Beyer Brown, Wilson Pacific Development, and many more.
Hear more from Studio DADO
CSI+ members can hear more from Studio DADO by tuning in to their recent online event, In conversation with Oceania Cruises & Studio DADO. Yohandel Ruiz was joined by Antonio Donato, Director Owner Supply & Logistics and Olivia Marquis Duvall, Manager, Entertainment Operations, both of Oceania Cruises. The trio discussed the changing needs of a modern entertainment venue, hybrid and flexible leisure spaces and how operations informs design.