Engineering Firm Revamps Cruise Ship in Spectacular Redesign

A marine engineering company based in Southampton has assisted in the renovation of a cruise ship.

SMS Group backed the AIDAdiva throughout her seven-week refurbishment project in Marseille, France.

This marked the initial renovation under the fleet-wide 'Evolution' programme.

The upgrade of the 252-metre long ship, which can accommodate up to 2,050 travelers, involved fitting new technologies, enhancing cabins, and enlarging recreational spaces.

Nearly 100 skilled professionals from the SMS Group took part in this project.

They focused on joinery, decor, fitting out the galley, tile work, HVAC systems, and wiring installations.

This facilitated the establishment of three additional public spaces and the refurbishment of another two.

David McCarthy, the operations director at SMS Group, commented: "Even with the size of the project and the intricacy of the tasks involved, I'm pleased that we met the challenge head-on and successfully provided these iconic facilities for AIDA."

The commitment and teamwork among our reliable partners and the client undeniably contributed to its success.

"Big thanks to both."

The renovation involved a full strip-out and reconstruction of the French Kiss, East Fusion, and Tokyo Bar aboard the AIDAdiva.

The pubs and eateries were equipped with new buffet areas, serving line counters, waitstaff stations, and handwashing points.

The areas were further improved through the rearrangement of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and fire safety systems, complete modernisation of the electrical lighting setup, along with the addition of ornamental illumination.

The Ocean Club Bar and Game Centre underwent full refurbishment, including bespoke wall treatments, repainting of the ceiling, installation of new mirrored side panels, an extended elevated flooring area, and the addition of new resin surfaces.

Custom-made furniture and built-in bench seats were also incorporated.

Headquartered at the Western Docks, SMS Group conducts operations across eight sites in the UK and has an additional location in Tampa, Florida.

Dan Lockyer, the director of outfitting at SMS Group, stated: "The expansion of our team and improved capacities enable us to undertake projects of such magnitude; as we keep growing, we will maintain our emphasis on large-scale initiatives."

I've thoroughly enjoyed working alongside the AIDA Team — from top to bottom, they have excelled.

The AIDAdiva is an AIDA Cruises vessel belonging to the Sphinx class.