Cunard Appoints Interior Design Firm for Queen Mary 2 Refit

Major 2016 refit being developed in collaboration with British design company SMC and thousands of Cunard guests

SOUTHAMPTON, England, Sept. 15, 2015 /CNW/ -- Cunard has appointed SMC Design to lead the development of Queen Mary 2's interior spaces in preparation for her forthcoming major refit in 2016. The Cunard flagship will undergo a multi-million 25-day (27 May – 21 June) extensive refurbishment that will see new interior designs and new guest experiences introduced on the most iconic ship in the world as she begins the next chapter in what has already been an illustrious career.

This announcement follows on from the recent well-received news that Queen Mary 2 will gain 15 new single cabins and an additional 30 Britannia Club cabins during the refit and that the very popular kennels will be expanded to cater for the high demand this unique facility already attracts. Today's announcement about the appointment of SMC Design will be the first of several unveilings the company has planned underlining the importance of the work to be undertaken on Queen Mary 2. SMC Design was founded in 1994 and is a London-based design consultancy that specializes in the maritime sector.

The 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's Managing Director Andy Collier was in fact part of Queen Mary 2's launch design team at the beginning of the Century when she was the first Atlantic liner to be built for over 35 years.

The new Queen Mary 2 designs will focus on updating iconic art deco lines and subtly introducing classic Deco touches inspired by Cunard's rich heritage. The original Art Deco masterpiece Queen Mary has been one of the sources of this inspiration with the new interior designs bringing Cunard's decorative and glamorous past into the 21st Century.

The new designs aim to give the interior spaces clear identity and character with some strong traditional Cunard colours introduced as features and off-set against more neutral Queen Mary 2 tones. With new signature colour schemes, new carpets, new furniture as well as more decorative fixtures and fittings installed throughout the largest ocean liner in the world, the design approach is set to ensure the flagship retains her leading position.

"Cunard has a unique rich heritage in both the nautical and design fields and we have researched into these and looked to incorporate aspects of pattern and design into our plans," said Andrew Collier, SMC Managing Director. "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 emphasize the feeling of understated elegance. Clean lines and simple designs will instill a sense of glamour and relaxation. We are very excited to be part of the project to bring a new look and style for the world's most famous ship," Collier added.

And it's not just design experts who are helping to shape the future of Queen Mary 2. Over the last eighteen months 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 and the valuable opinions from the people who know Cunard and Queen Mary 2 better than anyone is actively being incorporated into the exciting and extensive development plans that will be revealed over the coming months.

"Queen Mary 2 is the pride of the Cunard fleet. With SMC's proven maritime design expertise, invaluable input from thousands of Cunard's discerning, international guests, and 175 years of history as our foundation, we look forward to even more exciting design innovations on the already legendary Queen Mary 2," said Richard Meadows, president, Cunard North America.

For more information about Queen Mary 2, and to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard toll free at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com.

About Cunard

Cunard, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and the epitome of British refinement since the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard voyages bring together like-minded travellers who seek a civilised adventure and relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Today, Cunard offers the only regularly scheduled Transatlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which it began in 1922.

World's Leading Cruise Lines 

Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

About SMC Design

SMC Design, based in London, produces diverse and unique interior design solutions for their international client portfolio. Understanding and developing their client's individual brand identity and unique style is what they consider their greatest responsibility. Creative inspiration is found in historic, current and future design trends, creating designs that are relevant, timeless and engaging. Working closely with the FF&E, Art Consultancy and Graphics Departments, their holistic approach results in considered and cohesive design. Visit www.smc-design.com or call [phone] for more information.

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For additional information about Cunard, contact:
Jackie Chase, Cunard Line, 661-753-1035, [email protected]
Maria Andriano, MGA Media Group, 212-251-1015, [email protected]

SOURCE Cunard