Monarch, the 73,941 gross ton cruise ship that was built in 1991 for Royal Caribbean International, underwent an extensive refit prior to entering service with the Spanish company this spring, with Trimline engaged to work on the construction of a new Club Lounge; removing the existing interior of the Jade Sushi bar on Deck 12, and refitting to the designs drawn up by EM Studio, the UK based turnkey service provider said in a statement.
After visiting the ship in Nassau to carry out surveys, the Trimline team returned to base to plan the refit. There were a few complex elements to work around, including an awkwardly placed funnel, which required Trimline to manufacture a back bar, working to an extremely precise set of measurements to ensure a perfect fit.
Once the planning was complete, an extensive programme of works commenced with a complete strip out of the existing fixtures, fittings, electrical and plumbing installations. The refit commenced with the installation of new bulkheads around the funnel area with new hot and cold serveries, and the back bar and front bars, with accompanying plumbing and electrical work to suit the new bars, sinks, refrigerators and lighting.
The Trimline team removed existing full width glass and steel handrails, and two large glass window panels, which were replaced with two doors to the deck. They installed a brand new “yacht” style balustrade and handrail system across the centre of the space to divide the two floor heights, and a new central feature display unit. After screeding and carpeting the area surrounding a 2.2 metre glass wall, they installed two new display bookcases at the forward end of the wall, one on each side, and fitted four full-height solid oak louvred panels.
Moving onto the main entrance to the bar, the team removed a small pantry/clearing area, refitted the deckhead, over-clad the bulkheads with planked oak panelling and solid oak trims, and installed new Amtico flooring. Once the main refit was complete, the team carried out various decorating works around the area, including painting, fitting Strataflex wallcoverings, and soft-furnishings on columns and the front bar rail. A pair of bespoke stainless steel gates were manufactured and fitted on the outside deck, creating a stunning entrance to the new and exclusive sunbathing area.
The team were highly commended for their work on this project by EM Studio, the designers of the new Club Lounge. Director Eric Mouzourides commented “I can’t thank Trimline enough for their work on this project. They completed the work to a high standard, within the timeframe required, and conducted themselves in exemplary fashion, despite working in difficult conditions, with temperature and humidity taking their toll. Very impressed!”
This project took place in Nassau, Bahamas, over a 17-day period, and was completed by a 14-strong Trimline team, managed by Tim Gallagher. Gary Oliver, MD of Trimline commented “We’re delighted with the feedback from the designers of the Club Lounge, which serves to reinforce why Trimline’s project teams are held in such high regard for the quality of their work, and also their work ethic, which sees them constantly striving to excel, no matter what conditions they have to work in. Tim and his team worked extremely hard to ensure that this refit went smoothly, and we are rightly proud to put our name to the work.”
