The CSI+ community went aboard for their second ship tour of the year, and their second event in Hamburg. More than 70 cruise ship interior designers, suppliers and buyers enjoyed a warm welcome on board Hurtigruten’s coastal cruiser MS Otto Sverdrup. CSI+ Ship Tours include a guided tour of the ship’s public spaces and cabins, a presentation from key members of the cruise line’s design and hospitality leaders and a taste of the brand’s hospitality with networking lunches and drinks.

The ship tour may have taken place while MS Otto Sverdrup was docked in Hamburg’s Cruise Center Baakenhöft but Norway was the star of the day. MS Otto Sverdrup’s itineraries focus primarily on the Norwegian coast. As André Pettersen, Chief Product Officer & Hotel Operations, Hurtigruten, explained in his opening presentation to the gathered CSI+ Members and VIPs, Hurtigruten are highly focused on serving Norwegian culture, with a hefty helping of sustainability. The team source over 80% of the food and drink served in the ship’s restaurants locally, selecting from 157 local suppliers the cruise line consider ‘extended family’. The materials used in the 2016 refurbishment included wood and stone sourced from Norway, and the furnishings were reflective of Norwegian home style.

André also introduced the SeaZero concept to his fascinated audience; the goal to create and set sail with a zero-emissions ship by 2030. He made clear that this was a goal that suppliers must also prioritise if they hoped to be a preferred supplier to Hurtigruten. Afterwards, when one supplier in the audience asked how they might impress André he listed lightweight recyclable materials, galley equipment that facilitated less emissions and other products that would help them reach their SeaZero goals.

Exploring the spaces

After André’s presentation, Hurtigruten’s CSI+ guests toured the ship. This gave suppliers the perfect opportunity to experience products like theirs in action, and cruise line designers the chance to see how other brands work their magic. The tour featured the Science and Exhibitions Centre, which is often host to lectures and learning activities, the deck, the wellness area, the cabins and the speciality restaurant. Visitors even chatted with the captain on the bridge, as he regaled the crowds with tales of navigating the Norwegian fjords. 

After the CSI+ community of cruise ship interior designers and suppliers enjoyed a delicious, locally sourced meal at MS Otto Sverdrup’s main restaurant, Flora, they gathered in the Exhibitions Centre to hear from André, Kim Bjørge Hofslundsengen – Vice President Hotel Operations and Captain Kemmet. Together they fielded questions from the CSI+ team and the audience.

SeaZero and the implications of sustainable interior design for the guest, the interior designer and the cruise ship supplier dominated the conversations. Kim explained that they need suppliers that ‘think outside of the box’. André highlighted how hotel operations was the most challenging area of emission reduction, as it is responsible for 40% of the energy used. He also discussed the challenge of creating something equipped for the longevity of sustainability – something that is sustainable in 20 years’ time as well as right now.

Trend alert

Here are some of the standout themes from the conversations led by the Hurtigruten team:

The New Luxury

For Hurtigruten, luxury travel has a new vibe. They have put formality to one side in favour of a ‘family vibe’, with a focus on education and meeting like-minded people.

Slow Travel

Hurtigruten realised that the slow travel trend resonated with their guests and tapped into their ability to deliver authentic and storytelling experiences. 

Sustainable Design

Everything Hurtigruten do, from F&B supplier selection to interior materials to the SeaZero concept, is pointed towards creating a sustainable future in cruising.

Hear from the Guests

Here is what one visitor from a shipyard had to say about the tour of MS Otto Sverdrup.

It was great to meet the people representing the suppliers and outfitters. Got to know new outfitters. Got to discuss new products with suppliers that I already use. Now I have a better understanding of the state of the industry by listening to other concerns and sharing mine.

Ricardo Dantas e Sá, Architect, Meyer Werft GmbH

Additionally, we heard from our VIP Members representing various cruise brands:

It was a very nice networking event with lots of people who are thriving for improvement for the industry and additionally a great hosting company with a lot to learn from. Thank you!

Lena Mantel, Project Manager Design Newbuild, TUI Cruises GmbH

And of course, the amazing CSI+ suppliers had their own thoughts on the event too:

I loved it. I made new connections with clients and learned a LOT about a brand I didn’t know so well in Hurtigruten.

Dafydd Watkins, Panaz

The CSI+ team extends our warmest thanks to our community for attending and a special thank you to our sponsors for this event:

Robos Contract Furniture

DormaKarba

All images (C) Alexander Rudolph.

Plus Members Get More

Wish you could have been there? CSI+ Members have plenty more to look forward to this year. Head over to the events page to see what’s next in our educational online events and our international mixers and networking events.