3 – 4 June 2025

Miami Beach Convention Center

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Schedule of Content

The schedule of content, in partnership with NEWH, covers the latest topics, trends, and projects emerging from the global cruise design market. Check out the full program and speaker line-up below.

Home » 2025 Conference & Workshop Program
Day 1

Tuesday 3 June

10.40am – 11.15am

HRDS Lounge

Does size matter?

This session discusses mega ships and the trend towards bigger vessels –

  • What are the customer trends which drive venues, spaces, attractions, programming, neighbourhoods & creating memorable moments onboard?
  • Designing family vacations, providing options for all demographics
  • The economics and cost per berth / ROI of designing interiors for bigger ships

Moderator

Rebecca Durante
Principal | Wilson Butler Architects

Speakers

Trevor Young headshot
Trevor Young
Vice President of Newbuilding | MSC Cruises
12.15pm – 1.00pm

HRDS Lounge

Reducing the mid-life waste crisis

  • Comprehensive refits at 10 – 15 years include replacing carpets and thousands of loose furniture items
  • AIDA Evolution: closed-loop carpet initiatives demonstrate full circularity in action
  • Breaking down barriers in furniture donations
  • Bringing circularity on board vessels for true sustainability outcomes 
  • Reducing the mid-life waste crisis can also meet the business case

 

Followed by Networking Lunch 1.00pm – 2.00pm

Speakers

Stefan Bez
CEO | Oceancircle
Marc Spingler
Director Hotel Maintenance Dry Docks & Refit | AIDA Cruises
Cristina Stefani
Marketing & Communication Strategist | Aquafil
Day 2

Wednesday 4 June

11.45am – 12.30pm

HRDS Lounge

Design inspirations which translate across cruise interiors + hotel landside projects

Land-based and cruise designers come together in conversations about key areas they can learn from each other. This session asks – how does each sector approach storytelling, authenticity and sense of place. And in the spirit of collaboration – where are the opportunities for working together, bringing different expertise to cross-fertilise designs?

Moderator

Sabine Grimes
Founder & Principal | Unison Group Inc.

Speakers

Tatiana Sheveleva
Co-founder | Chapi Chapo Design
Ana Maria Girtu
Director Cruise Hotel Operations | The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Javier Calle
Founding Partner | Studio DADO
2.15pm – 2.45pm

HRDS Lounge

Techniques to align refurbs with newbuild whilst still delivering on brand

  • What are the key considerations for deciding on scope of a refurbishment?
  • Future proofing designs in refurb projects, e.g. providing the right technical infrastructure in the right places
  • Rolling out new design features which connect the storytelling and extend the brand’s narrative across newbuild & refurb vessels
  • Updating materials and finishes

Moderator

David McCarthy
Operations Director | SMS Group

Speakers

Marc Spingler
Director Hotel Maintenance Dry Docks & Refit | AIDA Cruises
Gianluca Gugliotta
Senior Director, Vessel Refurbishment | Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
Liz Schneider
Principal Owner | Liz Schneider Interiors