Between land and sea

By Editorial Staff - 6 September 2023
Vescom, xiliawood have participated in the project

The lookout over the sea allows one to gaze at its nuances at all hours of the day, sailing to the rhythm of the waves, yet the sensation for viewers is superimposable as ever to the perception of remaining firmly on land. Piero Lissoni and his project team focused precisely on that duplicity, a constant oscillation between land and sea, to enhance the cruise experience with a domestic style. Thus was born The Haven, an exclusive eight-deck area within the giant cruise ship Norwegian Prima of the Norwegian Cruise Line. The project includes luxury rooms and suites, a restaurant, lounge, bar, and outdoor spaces with a clear residential matrix: the design and comfort of mainland accommodations are intertwined and contaminated with those more traditionally associated with boating, resulting in a sort of five-star hotel in movement.

Starting with the design and choices of interior elements, the idea was to define a new esthetic and design code, interpreting the “experience of the sea” in a different and innovative way. An emblematic example of this project are the floor-to-ceiling windows present in the lounge areas open to all guests, the suites (107 in The Haven), and the private penthouses, whose flair and characteristics are inspired – among other things – by the architecture of cities around the world.

The Haven Deck - Francesco Caredda, courtesy Lissoni & Partners Le vetrate a tutta altezza, che si ispirano alle architetture moderne come i grattacieli, permettono di avere un’ampia visuale sul blu del mare e dell’oceano.

The rooms themselves, which range from 34 to 195 sq. m and can host from two to eight guests, most convey this sense of intimacy desired by the architects, evoking the home. The intent is to welcome guests in a space that they can perceive as their own – personalized and tailor-made. Most of the furnishings are custom-designed – from the coffee tables to the seating, from the beds and rugs to the sofas, to cite a few examples – and share a deco inspiration and French-derived decorations. Ten suites feature balconies with a whirlpool tub, set up as true gardens with a sea view.

The choice of palette and materials, among them wood and marble, also references nature: the vertical surfaces of some of the cabins are in a sage green fabric, a shade that gives the rooms a relaxing, calm atmosphere that is also found in the reception and bar area. The spacious lounge is connected with the external part of the deck dedicated to the solarium and is articulated in numerous contiguous areas with couches and tables for moments of rest and conviviality. It has an almost circular bar top as its centerpiece, whose lateral counterpoints are represented by green oases protected inside glass structures up to the ceiling.
This space, despite its size and its 42 seats (not counting those at the bar counter), gives the idea of being within one’s own domestic environment, with full-height shelves, paneling in the same style as in the rooms, and marble elements.

The Haven Deck - Francesco Caredda, courtesy Lissoni & Partners Il bar, di forma quasi circolare, può essere considerato il fulcro dell’intera lounge: da qui è possibile osservare il mare ma anche apprezzare gli elementi di ispirazione déco e i riferimenti dell’interior design.

Lissoni & Partners also designed the interiors of The Haven restaurant, whose indoor part seats 138 and the outdoor another 48. Backlit volumes in corrugated glass resembling large lanterns are just a few of its identifying elements.

From this viewpoint over the sea, it is easy to experience a sense of estrangement between life at sea and everyday life, but without sacrificing the beauty of hospitality and the amenities of a cruise ship.

Starting with the design and choices of interior elements, the idea was to define a new esthetic and design code, interpreting the “experience of the sea” in a different and innovative way.

The Haven Deck - Francesco Caredda, courtesy of Lissoni & Partners | The interiors of the common spaces and the private cabins and suites have a residential style and design, giving this area of the ship designed by Lissoni & Partners an intimate and welcoming atmosphere like that of home.

The Haven Deck - Francesco Caredda, courtesy of Lissoni & Partners | The full height windows, which are inspired by modern buildings such as skyscrapers, provide sweeping views of the blue of the sea and the ocean.

The Haven Deck - Francesco Caredda, courtesy of Lissoni & Partners | Some of the lounge areas, with coffee tables and custom-made tables, are organized around floor-to-ceiling greenhouses.

The Haven Deck - Francesco Caredda, courtesy of Lissoni & Partners

The Haven Deck - Francesco Caredda, courtesy of Lissoni & Partners | The boiserie is the protagonist of the lobby that gives access to the elevators: characterized by a coating with great tactile, esthetic, and functional value, it enriches and embellishes the space.

The Haven Deck - Francesco Caredda, courtesy of Lissoni & Partners | The nearly circular bar can be considered the centerpiece of the entire lounge: from here, it is possible to observe the sea and appreciate the deco-inspired elements and interior design references.

The Haven Deck - Francesco Caredda, courtesy of Lissoni & Partners | The restaurant, with an indoor and outdoor space, was realized with the intent to center the gastronomic and travel experiences of guests, immersing them in a space – in the indoor part – punctuated by unique backlit, ribbed glass volumes.

The Haven Deck - Francesco Caredda, courtesy of Lissoni & Partners | The Penthouses, enhanced by custom-made wood paneling, are equipped with king-size beds, luxurious bathrooms with a Jacuzzi, a living room, and a large balcony from which to admire the splendid sea views.

The Haven Deck - Francesco Caredda, courtesy of Lissoni & Partners | Specializing in the design and production of cladding systems, which have wood as absolute protagonist, Xilia has developed Inlay, a boiserie using the inlay technique, on a design by Lisson & Partners. The interlocking process allows different elements to be connected on the same surface, obtaining an ornamental geometric design made of Canaletto walnut essence. Designed to embellish the headboard bed paneling of the 107 suites of The Haven, this product also enhances other details of the cabin

The Haven Deck - Francesco Caredda, courtesy of Lissoni & Partners | The custom-made furniture and an attentive selection of materials and finishings give the cabin rooms a sensation of warmth and familiarity.

The Haven Deck - Francesco Caredda, courtesy of Lissoni & Partners | To obtain atmospheres with a natural, textural, and elegant effect, Vescom selected its vinyl upholstery in the Kilby and Albert patterns for the rooms and common areas like the restaurant. In some of the spaces, the colors are those in the catalogue; in others, like the cabins, the Kilby upholstery is in a delicate custom color, made especially for the project. Its appearance is inspired by linen, to accentuate the feeling of warmth in the room.

Client: NCL Norwegian Cruise Line
Completion: 2022
Interior Design: Lissoni & Partners
Main Contractor: Fincantieri

Photography: Francesco Caredda, courtesy of Lissoni & Partners

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