Boasting more than 20 years’ experience in the cruise industry, Stephen T. Fryers has worked extensively on newbuild, refurbishment, and major conversion projects for some of the world’s leading cruise lines in the marine industry, with his main area of expertise being interior fit-outs. Throughout his time operating in the cruise interiors industry, Stephen has gained vast experience and knowledge in project management of cruise ship construction projects.
Opening the Cruise Ship Interiors Conference, Stephen will be sharing his vast expertise with attendees in the session ‘Cruise Industry Outlook: Leaders Debate’ on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. With just 7 weeks left until we open the doors to the Miami Beach Convention Center, we took the chance to catch up with Stephen and quiz him on all things cruise, from his journey into the marine industry to what he’s looking forward to achieving at the inaugural event.
Thanks for speaking with the Cruise Ship Interiors Expo team today! Tell us about your current role and what it entails on a day-to-day basis?
Currently, I’m working as project manager for the Celebrity Equinox and Silhouette revolution projects. On a daily basis, I am involved with detailed project planning, shipyard negotiations, technical matters, design coordination, contractor negotiation, overseeing purchasing and executive reporting. Along with the aforementioned projects, I am in endless meetings!
What inspired you to venture into the marine industry?
I came into the industry by accident. It was never a conscious career move, but I am very grateful that the industry found me!
With the number of newbuilds and revitalization projects going on in the industry, material and equipment suppliers are having a hard time keeping up with the demand.
Can you tell us about any key opportunities or challenges faced by the cruise ship interiors industry at present?
With the number of newbuilds and revitalization projects going on in the industry, material and equipment suppliers are having a hard time keeping up with the demand.
Tell us about a recent project that was particularly challenging, interesting, or unique in some way.
Show me a project that doesn’t have these characteristics! Each project is unique, has its own particular challenges and, from a working perspective, is interesting. That’s why we love this industry, no day is the same and no project is the same.
In the cruise interiors industry, forecasting trends for the years ahead is vital to stay on top of the game. What trends are you expecting to emerge in the next few years?
I believe the industry will begin to become “greener” with its products and technology. This is already a standard within land-based construction projects, so it is only a matter of time before the cruise industry embraces it. The opportunities are enormous and if you can show the cruise lines how it can save them money then it’s a no brainer for them, not to mention the marketing aspect of being a green ship.
Using just three words, how would you describe the current state of the cruise interiors industry?
Growth and opportunity.
Come June you’ll be speaking in the Cruise Ship Interiors Conference. Without giving too much away, can you tell us what we might expect from your session?
Hopefully, we will have some very interesting topics and questions raised by the audience that will stimulate thought-provoking discussions from the speakers and provide insight on their individual perspectives.
Finally, we have to ask, what are you most looking forward to at the inaugural Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Miami?
Meeting and talking with other industry professionals in an environment that is strictly focused on cruise ship interiors.
Don’t miss Stephen T. Fryers speaking on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at 9.50am alongside experts from Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises.
Want to know more about our conference speakers? Read up on the names behind the agenda in our series of speaker Q&As!