Hospitality interiors experts Richmond have been commissioned to create the interiors for P&O Cruises’ largest ship so far, the Britannia. For the first time, P&O Cruises has approached the entire interior design scheme differently, handing over every aspect of its cabins, suites and public areas to one design agency.With a portfolio including some of the world’s finest five-star hotels, Richmond have a wealth of experience in creating superlative interior schemes internationally. Their portfolio includes hotels such as the luxurious Langham hotels in London and Chicago, the award-winning Four Seasons Gresham Palace in Budapest, the recently opened Four Seasons Moscow, and Corbin & King’s first acclaimed hotel, The Beaumont, in London’s Mayfair.
Richmond’s latest challenge combines the excitement of cruising with the sophistication and comforts of a five-star hotel. Richmond have approached this project in the same way they would a luxury hotel, with their understanding of the requirements of the modern day traveller playing a key role, in what promises to be a ‘modern classic’ from P&O Cruises.
The interior design scheme originates from P&O Cruises heritage, with a quintessentially British sense of style and glamorous, classical touches; yet, it incorporates new innovations and concepts in dining, technology and entertainment to appeal to new audiences, as well as resonating with P&O Cruises loyal customer base.
The three-tier Atrium is the social heart of the ship and offers a refined, flexible and sophisticated social setting, with an elegant sweeping staircase connecting the decks.
Richmond applied their experience in hotel design by creating a space similar in function to that of a hotel lobby: a central zone where the social life of the ship comes together. The Atrium space is much larger than in any previous P&O Cruises ships and Richmond have maximised its use by offering a Market Café, with patisserie from master patissier Eric Lanlard, delicatessen and gelateria to be enjoyed during the day, and the Blue Bar, on the opposite side of the lower deck, which comes to life predominantly at night, as well as a number of sophisticated shops located in the middle retail deck, relaxing coffee bar and wine expert Olly Smith’s The Glass House wine bar.
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