Ships Azura Aurora

Azura and Aurora refit exclusive

Two of our beloved ships are being treated to refits this spring. We spoke to SMC Design, the company behind the refurbishments, to find out what changes are in store

4 min 24 Apr 2025

Editorial Team

Author

Refurbishing a cruise ship is no ordinary job. Few companies know that better than London-based SMC Design, who have brought their extensive maritime interior design expertise to the recent refits of our ships Azura and Aurora. Here, they tell us about what inspires them, what challenges them, and which delightful details they’re most excited for you to spot on your next holiday.

Q. As a designer, where do you begin with a ship refit?

A. An initial ship visit is essential for gathering detailed information, taking photos and understanding the ship’s architectural features and interiors. During this visit, we engage in in-depth discussions with the client, who shares guest feedback and insights on how different areas are used throughout the day, helping us refine and develop the project brief.

 

Q. What parts of Azura and Aurora will see the biggest changes in these refits, and how will they enhance guests’ holidays?


A. The refit of both ships will significantly enhance the existing spaces. Overall, there’s been an uplift in the upholstery colours selected for the venues. These updated colour palettes are carefully designed to evoke specific emotions that align with the character of each area. In larger spaces, colours have been grouped strategically to offer visual wayfinding aids and create unique, individual zones.

 

Azura’s refit has primarily focused on refreshing interiors with new carpets and upholstery, alongside practical updates such as the addition of numerous handwash stations in the Verona and Venezia restaurants.

 

Aurora’s upgrades include enhancements to open deck and pool furniture, with particular attention given to the Riviera Pool, which will feature new designs within the pool. These redesigned spaces have atmospheres that reflect their names, evoking distinct characteristics and ensuring guests enjoy a fresh and memorable experience as they explore the ship.

 

We want these thoughtful changes to make the journey as enjoyable as the incredible destinations themselves.

The Oriental, Azura, P&O Cruise ships.

Q. What role do guests play in the refit process?


A. The guest experience is at the heart of the conceptual stage of the refit. It’s important for guests to feel a sense of familiarity with their surroundings, and to enhance their connection to past cruises rather than significantly alter it.

 

We always take into consideration guests’ appreciation of, or concerns about, a venue. Their feedback helps us to formulate and home in on details such as a chair’s ergonomics – seat height, overall weight, or whether it should have a swivel base or legs to provide greater flexibility in how the venue is used. Their experience helps us create spaces that are diverse, for couples or individuals seeking privacy and larger groups enjoying the venue together.

 

Q. What’s the most challenging part of refitting a cruise ship?


The most challenging aspect is also the most beneficial. Each venue already has an established and distinctive theme, whether reflected in the architectural finishes or the colour scheme. The challenge lies in ensuring that the updates remain cohesive with these existing elements. However, having a predefined theme provides a framework to work within, making the design process more streamlined and efficient.

 

Q. Where do you find design inspiration?

A. We draw creative inspiration from historical, contemporary and emerging design trends, crafting spaces that are relevant, timeless and engaging.

 

New carpets play a significant role in a refit, and creating unique designs for distinctive venues is a privilege. For example, at Oriental Restaurant on Azura, we designed a new carpet inspired by the existing artwork, which features large painted studies of flowers, primarily chrysanthemums, and etched radial patterns on the glass dividing screens. To ensure harmony with the existing decor, we maintained a colour palette that complements the existing curtains, wood panelling and detailed ceiling. The resulting carpet design features geometric circles, semicircles and quarter circles.

 

Another example is Masquerade bar on Aurora. We designed a new carpet and sourced new soft furnishing fabrics. Feedback showed that the space needed more personality, leading us to explore the theme of masquerade masks. Contemporary adaptations of this concept revealed a strong connection to male peacocks and their striking feathers. From this narrative, we developed a vibrant design scheme. The carpet features bright, iridescent colours inspired by the shimmering hues of peacock tail feathers, while the monochrome upholstery subtly echoes the dappled texture of their plumage. Accents of royal blue trims evoke the striking tones of a peacock’s head and crest, coming together to create a dynamic atmosphere.

Manhattan Lounge, Azura

Q. What parts of these projects are you most proud of?


For both ships, the carpets are the standout feature. A new carpet has the greatest impact on any space, instantly setting the tone and telling the story of the venue, whether it’s a restaurant or a show lounge. It hints at the kind of experience guests can expect as they enter, visually heightening their anticipation.

 

At SMC Design, this is where we can truly let our creativity shine. We carefully consider the layout of each space and determine how the pattern’s scale can be adapted to different areas, or whether distinct zones should feature defined rug-like sections. The intended mood of the space – whether to invigorate or relax – greatly influences the concept, as does the thoughtful use of colour and intricate detailing to elevate the design.

 

Q. What’s your favourite space on each ship and why?


Choosing a favourite space is always a challenge – it’s like choosing a favourite child! Each one has unique aspects that make it special, and they’re all so distinct in their appeal. But we’ll try…

 

Azura

The transformations in both Oriental Restaurant and Manhattan Lounge are particularly noteworthy, bringing a fresh and inviting appeal to these popular areas. Even smaller updates, like the bar front and floor design for the outdoor Breakers Bar, make a significant impact. Although limited to this aspect, the design introduces a modern touch while evoking a warm, tropical ambience, with subtle hints of soft shoreline ripples and gently moving water.

 

Aurora

Once again, the transformations across all the refit areas will be significant. However, one of our favourite spaces is the outdoor Pennant Bar on deck 12, overlooking the Terrace Pool at the aft of the ship.

The ship’s architecture features stunning tiered, curved open decks that beautifully capture the romance of ocean travel. The Pennant Bar itself boasts a spectacular outdoor deck, centred around a beautifully bowed bar crafted with glossy woods and chrome details, evoking the timeless elegance of classic Riva yachts.

To build on this narrative, we introduced a revised furniture layout with the Amalfi Coast’s colours inspiring new outdoor chairs and tables. These additions enhance the atmosphere, creating the feeling of sitting at a charming waterfront café along the Italian Riviera.

 

Q. Are there any new design features you’d love for guests to spot?

It’s always nice if the small details are noticed.

 

Azura

On a refit, upgrading existing infrastructure isn’t always feasible. We were asked to select bedside table lamps for the cabins and suites, and we designed a bespoke solution. This not only matched the existing ceiling light shade but also incorporated a pivotal reading light on the stem and integrated USB ports in the base. These thoughtful touches significantly enhance the guest experience.

 

Aurora

For Sindhu, we were tasked with providing new dining chairs that would harmonise with the existing scheme. Rather than selecting a new wood finish that might not match any of the existing tones, we collaborated with the chair manufacturer to develop a completely bespoke stain. The result is a stunning deep red finish that beautifully complements the shimmering accents in the upholstery fabric.

Superior Deluxe Double cabin, Azura

Feeling inspired?

View all Azura and Aurora cruise holidays here.