Design agency AD Associates is working on two major interior design projects – one for Saga Cruises and the other for Crystal Cruises.
The London based company is providing a comprehensive service to Saga Cruises for the newbuilding, ‘Spirit of Adventure’ (pictured), a sistership to ‘Spirit of Discovery’ , which includes – overall design direction and project support, until the vessel is delivered.
Using AD’s expertise, ‘Spirit of Adventure’ will have a distinctive personality, offering a new, fresh and boutique style to the cruise market, the company claimed, adding that this has only been possible though Saga’s commitment to and understanding of delivering great design and service.
David Pickett, Saga Cruises New Build Director said, “We at Saga are delighted to be working with AD Associates, an agency that’s able to interpret and deliver on our commitment to high quality authentic design and customer service. Thanks to her bold and striking interiors, ‘Spirit of Adventure’ will be a true representation of the best of British innovation and flair.”
Chris Finch, AD’s CEO and founder, added; “Luxury has become more accessible to a wider demographic, therefore people are more discerning and design aware. Understanding the importance of design and its marketability, this presents an
opportunity to retain and attract new guests.
“Potential Saga guests are looking for aspirational interiors with personality that offer a relaxed and luxurious backdrop to fantastic and unrivalled service,” he said.
Nicola Preece, the agency’s Design Director said, “The interiors will embody the best of British contemporary design. The approach is bold and adventurous, eclectic, and with carefully curated use of colour, offering variation, big scale patterns and a layered palette.”
AD Associates has designed a wide array of spaces for ‘Spirit of Adventure’ including: The Living Room – a social space with a bar at the heart of the ship; the Amalfi –an Italian restaurant; Khukuri House –a Nepalese dining venue, plus the guest cabins.
As for Crystal Cruises, the company was involved with the extensive refurbishment of the ‘Crystal Serenity’.
The luxury cruise vessel underwent her most extensive refurbishment project, lasting nearly four weeks at at Lloyd Werft, Bremerhaven in Germany.
‘Crystal Serenity’ , which can hold 980 guests, underwent a transformation under ‘The Evolution of Crystal Luxury’ banner, following the refurbishment of ‘Crystal Symphony’ in October’ 2017.
On board, the Stardust Club was carefully refreshed, resulting in an atmospheric venue, most notably, a revised seating configuration, which now facilitates the hosting of the Stardust Supper Club, which can accommodate up to 108 guests each evening.
New accent lighting and technological upgrades, a complete reupholstering of banquettes and loose seating, replacing the timber dance floor, together with a new carpet design transformed the Stardust Club.
Of the four areas that AD was responsible for, the Palm Court underwent the most extensive uplift. Preece explained, “It was important for us to stay true to Palm Court’s elegant identity whilst also transcending the space in line with Crystal’s vision of contemporary luxury.”
The revitalised Crystal Dining Room became Waterside. A warm, welcoming entrance with marble flooring leads into a modernised, contemporary space with clean lines, divided by attractive feature screens and boasting a new seating configuration for increased tables of two and four.
A new chandelier feature is a key focal point within the dining room.
Formerly Tastes, the Silk Kitchen & Bar has been refurbished, serving Asian cuisine throughout the day. To match the menu, the interior is Asian-inspired with an elegant alfresco feel making for a bright yet intimate atmosphere.
Silk’s soft redesign mirrors the same successful design concept that AD created for ‘Crystal Symphony’s’ Silk restaurant, this time solely through the introduction of furnishings and dressings of the same scheme.
Preece described the refurbishment projects to be, “a fun experience, that require a slightly different way of thinking. We make smart design decisions for maximum impact.”
