P&O showcased Britannia to the Cruise trade last weekend and I was one of the lucky ones to be invited on board
Britannia lived up to expectations with grand statements like the spectacular Starburst in the atrium, the attention to detail went as far as the ship’s signage, multi million pound artwork and the Contemporary Boutique hotel-style décor throughout the ship, cabins and suites
There have been many collaborations with Celebrity chefs, Designer Spa and Bathroom products such as Elemis and White Company and now there has been much hype about the collaboration with Britnnia and the Richmond designers responsible for the design of the world’s finest five-star hotels, such as the luxurious Langham in London and Chicago, the award winning Gresham Palace in Budapest, the recently opened Four Seasons Moscow
Design collaborations are not a new concept, NCL Norwegian Escape enlisted Guy Harvey to design the ship’s hull artwork and MSC Fantasia has the most amazing Swarovski crystal staircase
Oceania Cruises’ Marina and Riviera offer luxury suites completely appointed from furniture and fabrics to lighting and bedding using the acclaimed Ralph Lauren Home collection giving contemporary unique style
As design becomes more cutting edge we are sure to see more big names – maybe MSC or Costa will link up with the Versace hotel chain or Fred Olsen with a typical British designer like Stella McQueen or maybe Cunard with Liberty – who knows what we will see next!