When passengers step aboard a modern cruise ship, their first impressions are forged in spaces that feel less like corridors at sea and more like curated worlds. The team at CITA Design Studio work to shape those worlds. Guided by their mantra Icon of the Interiors, they treat every project as an opportunity to create a floating design icon that transcends trend and time. Read on to learn more about the design studio’s tips for creating compelling and elevated interiors.
Spatial storytelling that serves the guest
Guests increasingly measure luxury on board by narrative, not ornamentation. Designers could begin each project by mapping a journey arc from the anticipation of embarkation lounges to the serenity of private suites. Circulation routes, sight‑lines, even ambient sound are orchestrated to evoke emotion and foster intuitive way‑finding. The result is an interior that tells the ship’s story while quietly guiding guests through it.
Humancentric innovation, backed by research
To transform narrative into reality, they apply evidence‑based design tools—ergonomic simulations, virtual‑reality walk‑throughs, and post‑voyage feedback loops. Cita Design Studio opt for materials chosen for tactile comfort and long‑term durability and lighting schemes modulate circadian rhythms on extended sailings. This data‑driven approach lets us deliver high‑function icons across every vessel category—from boutique expedition ships where space is a premium to next‑generation mega‑liners that resemble vertical cities.
Sustainability as a design driver
In every project CITA Design specifies materials such as FSC‑certified wood, recycled aluminium, and low‑VOC finishes. By designing with modular furniture principles, they create interior schemes that can reduce refit waste by up to 40 percent. They also include future-proofing in their design concepts, anticipating smart‑glass façades and zoned HVAC systems that have the potential to cut public‑area energy use by a third. They believe that sustainability can amplify, not compromise, luxury.
Tailored design strategies that support sustainable efficiency
Sustainability isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. Designers must weave it into the unique operational demands of each vessel type. For example, one approach for large, ‘mega’ cruise ships is to transform grand atriums into interactive galleries using kinetic art and mixed reality installations. These immersive, low-footprint experiences replace heavier, maintenance-intensive decorative elements and engage digital-native passengers without consuming excess space or energy. On the other side of the size spectrum, expedition & explorer vessels, one approach is to prioritize lightweight, impact-resistant furnishings that reduce overall tonnage. making room for scientific equipment while also lowering fuel consumption. At the same time, they deliver refined aesthetics and comfort even in polar climates, ensuring both operational and experiential sustainability.
Materials & lighting at the edge of possibility
Cıta Design collaborates with material scientists to embed OLED panels into veneer, create terrazzo from post‑consumer glass, and develop marine‑safe bioplastics that mimic stone yet weigh a fraction. Dynamic white LED systems shift from cool to warm over a 24‑hour cycle, easing jet‑lag while highlighting architectural forms. These innovations are tools to deepen immersion and reinforce brand narratives.
Meaningful design is not defined by appearance alone, but by the emotions and efficiency it enables over time. In an industry that’s constantly moving forward, ship interiors must become more than static environments. They must adapt, tell stories, and anticipate change. Designers should embed this mindset into every spatial decision, ensuring they shape enduring experiences that resonate far beyond the voyage.
Want more of this?
Check out the Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) Design Expo Americas blog for more design insights and the latest industry updates. CSI Design Expo Americas is the world’s only exhibition and conference exclusively dedicated to connecting the buyers and suppliers of the cruise design industry. Register now to attend the next event, which will be taking place on 3 – 4 June 2025 alongside Hotel & Resort Design South and Cruise Xperience Innovation Summit at the Miami Beach Convention Center.