Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

2 1 4 SMC Design ended 2019 with the delivery of MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. There’s much more to come in 2020 REPORT From French bistro to Bahamian beauty A PRIVATE I SL AND EXPERIENCE In order to create Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, over 6,800 metric tonnes of scrap metal were removed and replaced by more than 75,000 plants and shrubs. Guests will be able to enjoy a range of activities on the island, including paddle boarding and traditional Junkanoo parades. All four of MSC Cruises’ US-based ships – MSC Armonia, MSC Divina, MSC Seaside and MSC Meraviglia – will call at the destination. Design note: B ack in 2018, SMC Design was approached by MSC Cruises to create a brand new concept for its first designation resort. Situated in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is designed to immerse guests in the natural beauty of their surroundings, on a unique private island. Guests can connect with the natural world and its beauty, feel the warmth, fun and hospitality of the Bahamian spirit while diving into an ecologically intelligent atmosphere. SMC began its work with a series of workshops, working alongside MSC Cruises to study the destination and get to grips with how to achieve designs that resonate with the local culture. The location was key to the design brief as the client wanted to use the vibrancy and heritage of the landmark location, as well as the character of the Bahamian soul. The vision of MSC Cruises was to create an experience of an authentic Caribbean marine reserve. Tasked with enhancing the design of the various public areas, SMC considered the interior and exterior design and the individual branding and artwork for each venue. It also created an overall wayfinding concept, adding a level of interest to the guest’s journey. “This certainly was a wonderful design opportunity,” says Mike Abbott, design associate at SMC Design. SMC delivered a diverse range of public venues with bright contrasting exterior colours to give character to the building facades. Specially considered interior finishes create character and atmosphere within each venue. Externally, SMC created pockets of fun-loving areas for small groups with playful outdoor furniture, from oil drum chairs to hand- painted chess tables for guests to indulge in famous Bahamian cocktails, while capturing the scenic views over the marina. The signage throughout makes use of a variety of bold typography and lively illustrations, creating an urban retro style that complements the surrounding design.