Interior refurbishment company, SMS Group has supported the ‘AIDAdiva’ during her seven-week refit programme in Marseille, France.
This was the first of a fleet-wide refurbishment programme called ‘Evolution’.
The upgrade of the 252 m long vessel, which can carry up to 2,050 pax, included new technology, upgraded staterooms, restaurants and expanded suite of entertainment areas.
With close to 100 skilled personnel allocated to the work programme, SMS Group utlilised joiners, decorators, galley installation engineers, tiling, heating, ventilation and air conditioning [HVAC], lighting and electrical fitters in a turnkey operation to deliver three new public areas, whilst renovating a further two.
Headquartered at Southampton’s Western Docks, in the UK, SMS Group is a marine engineering services provider and an interior outfitter, trading from eight UK locations and one in Tampa, Florida, US.
David McCarthy, Operations Director, SMS Group, said: “Despite the scale of the programme and complexity of works, I’m delighted that we rose to the challenge and delivered these signature venues for AIDA.
“The dedication and collaboration between our trusted partners and client undoubtedly led to its success. Big thanks to both,” he said.
Dan Lockyer, Director of Outfit, SMS Group, added: “Our newly expanded team and enhanced capabilities allow us to deliver projects of this scale; as we continue to grow, our focus will remain on projects of significant scope.
It’s been a pleasure to work with the AIDA team – at every level, they’ve been great,” he said.
French Kiss, East Fusion and Tokyo Bar on the AIDA Cruises’ Sphinx-class cruise ship, each involved a complete strip out and rebuild; work in the bars and restaurants included new buffets stations and service counter lines, new waiter stations and new hand-wash stations.
Feature deckheads, including joinery and plaster work, involved bespoke furniture, banquette seating and upholstery.
There were more than 450 sq m of decorative, intricate floor tiling and upstands involved.
The spaces were also enhanced by reconfigured HVAC and fire prevention systems and a full electrical upgrade of lighting systems and newly installed decorative lighting.
Ocean Club Bar and Game Centre also benefited from a complete redecoration throughout, including custom wall finishes and a deckhead re-spray, new mirrored bulkhead sections, raised deck extension, new resin floors including the stunning tunnel entrance, new stainless steel skirting profiles throughout along with bespoke furniture and banquette seating.
