Cunard Appoints Leading Interior Designer For Queen Mary 2 Refurbishment 

Cunard has appointed SMC Design to lead the development of Queen Mary 2's interior spaces in preparation for her major refit next year. The Cunard flagship will undergo an extensive refurbishment over 25 days (May 27 – June 21, 2016) that will see the introduction of new interior designs and new guest experiences on the world’s most iconic ship.

This announcement follows recent news that Queen Mary 2 will gain 15 new single cabins and an additional 30 Britannia Club cabins during the refit, as well as more pet kennels. 

Specialising in the maritime sector, the SMC Design team has worked on many ships from small luxury yachts to some of the largest ships ever built. The company also has a history of working with Cunard ships past and present, leading previous refit projects of QE2, Cunard Countess and Cunard Princess while also being involved in the designs for its current fleet: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. SMC Managing Director Andy Collier was part of Queen Mary 2’s launch design team. 

The new Queen Mary 2 designs will introduce completely new areas and venues to the ship, from staterooms to dining, as well as exciting refreshments to existing areas. 

The original art-deco masterpiece and Cunard legend Queen Mary has been one of the sources of inspiration for the new interior designs, bringing Cunard’s decorative and glamorous past into the 21st century. With new designs featuring signature colour schemes, new carpets, new furniture as well as more decorative fixtures installed throughout the biggest liner in the world, the design approach is set to impress guests and ensure the flagship retains her leading position.

In addition, Cunard has been consulting and testing different ideas with thousands of past and future guests across the world. These ongoing consultations are an important element of the work being undertaken in preparation for refit. 

Cunard Director Angus Struthers said it was essential to keep Queen Mary 2 in excellent condition and to ensure her offering was always ahead of the competition.  

“The work undertaken so far has been an impressive collaboration between ourselves, SMC and Cunard guests to ensure we are taking the right approach with our flagship,” Mr Struthers said. 

“SMC Design has an unrivalled reputation and having worked with them on several prestigious Cunard projects in the past, we have every confidence in their ability to produce a revitalised, stunning flagship in 2016. Already a magnificent ship, Queen Mary 2 will become even more magnificent”.

SMC Design Managing Director Andrew Collier said the team had researched Cunard’s rich heritage in both the nautical and design fields and incorporated aspects of pattern and design into their plans. 

“Particular attention has been paid to taking inspiration from the original Queen Mary and our aim is to enhance existing designs as well as implement a decorative overhaul, looking to emphasise the feeling of understated elegance. Clean lines and simple designs will instil a sense of glamour and relaxation,” Mr Collier said. 

Information supplied by: Cunard Line.

Photos Credit : Brian Gaskin, Cruise The Seas Travel And Media, Cruising Australia.

Cruise The Seas Travel And Media, Cruising Australia The HOME Of Australian Cruising!