Interior design fit for a Disney princess

The magical transformation from bland boat to captivating cruise.

What do princesses, Disney, interior design and CSI Miami all have in common? Well, no prizes for guessing the link between the first two, and if you’ve twigged that CSI doesn’t stand for the Crime Scene Investigation unit of TV fame, you’re almost there.  

This CSI is, of course, the Cruise Ship Interiors expo for the Americas, 2023. This year it’s landing in the Sunshine State for two nights only – the 6th and 7th of June 2023 – and will bring cruise lines and shipyards together with exhibiting designers, architects, outfitters, and interior suppliers from across the cruise design industry. In a nutshell, it’s ocean-going interior design heaven. 

But how does this link up to Disney and its A-lister princesses?

Well, this year is the 100th birthday of the Walt Disney Company, which the talented illustrator founded with his brother Roy O. Disney on October 16, 1923. The celebrations are already kicking off – Disney 100 The Concert is touring the UK between May 31 and June 8 – but it was 2022 that witnessed the latest Disney launch in preparation for this year’s non-stop Magic Kingdom party. 

This was, however, no movie or brand-new Star Wars spin-off – it was the unveiling of the newest ship to join the Disney Cruise Line family, the Disney Wish. The Wish isn’t just any bog-standard cruise liner either, for this ocean-going beauty queen picked up the 2022 annual Cruise Ship Interiors Award for New Build of the Year – a real coup for Walt Disney Imagineering, as this is one of the CSI’s annual gongs honouring the best in the business, and covers both its Americas and Europe divisions. 

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand why Imagineering romped home with the trophy. From the world’s first Frozen-themed theatrical dining room, to taking part in an action-packed Avengers mission whilst trying to eat your hamburger, the Disney experiences onboard are not only exciting, but innovative and, as you’d expect, magical. 

The gift of Disney unwraps the moment lucky guests step onboard via the magnificent Grand Hall, where a full-size bronze Cinderella sets the tone for the journey. This then extends throughout the ship’s interiors, where narratively-designed spaces bring Disney’s trademark characters and stories to life. 

The ship also hosts the very first Disney attraction at sea – AquaMouse. The ride features immersive show scenes, music, lighting and special effects. These are all incorporated into a water bound journey down, around and off the side of the ship through 760 feet of twisting tubes before splashing down into a lazy river. The promised breathtaking views of the ocean will probably pass you by! 

The tradition of Disney storytelling can also be found inside all stateroom cabins which feature stunning artwork, as well as subtle touches that celebrate iconic Disney movies. From magic castles and enchanted woodlands, to the spirit of the sea, there’s no Disney stone left unturned. And all executed to a no-expense-spared standard.  

Our personal favourite, however, is the Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge, which becomes an adult-only experience during the evening. Here, Disney Imagineering has created a stylish space where guests watch the worlds of Coruscant, Tatooine and Batuu drift by, whilst sipping on intergalactic cocktails. 

This is, of course, interior design at its most unusual, its most creative, and without a doubt, at its most challenging. If ever there’s a seemingly impossible task, it’s imagining multiple spaces that aren’t just attractive backdrops, but are simultaneously experiences which constantly unfold.  

Do you often find yourself dreaming up the kind of ideas that can compete with this?

Then all of us at mustard ID are very keen indeed to speak to you. We have some amazing job opportunities for people who’ve got the talent to go far, so give us a call. The number you need is 0117 929 6060.