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SMC Design to lead major interior refit of Queen Mary 2

SMC Design to lead major interior refit of Queen Mary 2
Cunard has appointed London-based 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 pounds 25-day extensive refurbishment, scheduled between May 27 and June 21 next year, that will see new interior designs and new guest experiences introduced. The work will be undertaken at Blohm+Voss shipyard.

In addition Queen Mary 2 will gain 15 new single cabins and an additional 30 Britannia Club cabins during the refit and the 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 of the work to be undertaken on Queen Mary 2.

SMC 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 part of Queen Mary 2’s launch design team when she became the first Atlantic liner to be built for over 35 years.

The new Queen Mary 2 designs will introduce completely new areas and venues to the ship, from staterooms to dining, as well as refreshes to existing areas.

Throughout the development process, three principles have been key: ensuring the designs give each area a distinct and confident look and feel, that the areas are intuitive to use with layouts optimised for guest use and that they harness the iconic heritage of Cunard.  

The original art-deco masterpiece and Cunard legend Queen Mary has been one of the sources of inspiration for the new interior designs.

Over the last 18 months Cunard has been consulting and testing different ideas with thousands of past and future guests the findings of which are an important element of the work being undertaken in preparation for refit.

Angus Struthers, Cunard director, says:  ‘As well as being the most famous ship in the world Queen Mary 2 is the most important and iconic so it is essential to keep her in excellent condition and ensure that what she offers is continually ahead of the rest. SMC Design has an unrivalled reputation and, having worked with them on several prestigious Cunard projects in the past, we have every confidence in their ability to produce a revitalised and stunning flagship in 2016.’

Collier added, ‘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 emphasise the feeling of understated elegance. Clean lines and simple designs will instill as sense of glamour and relaxation. We are very excited to be part of the project.’