Aida Lora joined Royal Caribbean Group in June 2019. With 10 years of experience in architectural and interior design, Aida has participated in the design of hospitality, educational and recreational projects in Asia and the Caribbean. Aida is a strong advocate for the interior design profession has been involved in the Miami Design community and have been a board member of the IIDA South Florida Chapter. Her ability to connect with the young designers has led her to participate in several mentorship programs for junior designers and is part of the Advisory Board of the Interior Architecture program at Florida International University (FIU), Miami. An American born with Dominican blood, Lora has a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the Dominican Republic and a Masters in Interior Architecture, from FIU. She is a registered interior designer in the State of Florida.

Andrea Bartoli has been in the cruise industry since 2002, starting his career as a Hotel Technical Supervisor at Costa Crociere. During this time Andrea realised his passion for the shipbuilding sector and since then has moved through the ranks at Carnival Corporate Shipbuilding where he has worked since 2015. Andrea has most recently taken the role of principal manager of outfitting, where he is responsible for newbuilding, refitting, and the drydock of passenger ships, working with all major shipyards. Andrea has had the pleasure of working on more than 50 cruise vessel projects, deliveries, and refurbishments, cementing him as an industry veteran and making him an ideal addition to the Awards’ judging panel.  

Since 2014, Antonio Di Nenno has been the lead architect for MSC Cruises’ new building department. Prior to his role with MSC, Antonio worked in the yacht design industry. In his current role, Antonio is involved in the development of all the new prototype ships designed for MSC Cruises, following the process from the concept design to the delivery. Antonio focuses his attention on the design and outfitting of guest cabins and public areas in order to ensure that the ship’s interiors are in line with MSC Cruises’ vision of the cruise experience. Antonio will lend his industry prowess to the CSIA as a judge.

After serving in a consulting role for three years, Dee Cooper officially joined Virgin Voyages in 2015 and currently holds the role of senior vice president of design and customer experience. As a founding member of the Virgin Voyages team, Dee’s creative vision has helped guide the brand since its inception. In her role, Dee leads the Design Creative Collective, a team of some of the world’s most noteworthy modern interior designers – none of whom have ever designed for the cruise industry before. Dee carefully handpicked each designer and tasked them with reimagining how a holiday at sea could look and feel. Dee’s ability to handpick the very best in design talent makes her an ideal judge for the Cruise Ship Interiors Awards (CSIA), where she will assist her fellow panelists in selecting the most exceptional interior design from the past two years.

Independent consultant within the maritime industry specialising in project management for Revitalisations and Newbuilds. Fiona’s first taste of the sea was sailing with her father who was then the Purser on board SS Oriana The Queen of the Seas in the early seventies. Fiona believes this gave her the desire to run away to sea… Since joining Royal Caribbean in 2014, Fiona has progressed to be their first female Project Manager for multi-million dollar “Amplification” projects. During her years with Royal, I have helped to identify and instil better processes within the team, embracing a more LEAN approach. Fiona was fortunate to mentor and assist with the personal development and training of the Area Managers within an ever-expanding department, to enable them to understand the business and brand needs as well as an awareness class and statutory requirements.

Francesca Panatta is a designer with crossfunctional skills, acquired through experiences at various stages of a project’s life cycle. After graduating in Yacht and Cruise Vessel Design, Francesca moved the first steps into the cruise sector in 2011, working with Partner Ship Design on the new building of AIDAprima. In her freelancing phase, Francesca has worked on residential and hospitality projects, as well as on ferries´ refit. In 2018 she joined Carnival Maritime, first as Hotel Project Manager and then as Hotel Superintendent, and has overseen refit and R&M works for the AIDA brand. She recently moved to Holland America Group, where she now covers the position of Interior Manager, Special Projects. Francesca is mother of two young boys and a lifelong learner, currently studying for an MBA in Sustainable Management, and is eager to share her knowledge and learn from others to work for an inclusive and sustainable cruise industry.

George Scammell is Director, Interior Design – Princess Cruises.

A global hospitality design leader, George has extensive experience in the hospitality, cruise, and leisure entertainment industry.  Leadership positions include VP of Global Design for Wyndham Worldwide, Principal for CORE architects, VP of Design for ForrestPerkins, and Design Management for Walt Disney World Resorts.  George earned his bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Florida State University, is a licensed Interior Designer, and a Professional Member of both the American Society of Interior Designers, and the International Interior Design Association.

Jon Ingleton is the executive editor of Cruise & Ferry Review and Cruise & Ferry Interiors. Jon led the team that launched the magazine almost 25-years ago and in 2011 he acquired it on behalf of Tudor Rose where he is currently managing director. In addition to directing the company’s other publishing activities, Jon has editorial responsibility for Tudor Rose’s Cruise & Ferry suite of products. In this role Jon tracks key developments and trends in the cruise and ferry sectors, leads our association memberships and related activities, represents the magazine at global events and fulfils regular editorial assignments on a range of topics. Please visit www.cruiseandferry.net and www.Tudor-Rose.co.uk for more information.

My is the Director of Interior Design for HA Group and leads the design department overseeing three prominent cruise brands: Holland America Line, Princess Cruise Line and Seabourn. My’s design experience is diversified across Refurbishment and Newbuild.

As a globally recognized thought leader, My’s repertoire of achievements span both land and sea. She is known for her internationally acclaimed award-winning designs as well as being a public speaker on topics close to her heart such as Sustainability and Leadership.

On the topic of inspiration, My says, “inspiration to me is not a noun. It’s more of a mindset. I’m as inspired seeing the colors of leaves while walking in my neighborhood as I am looking at fashion in different cities that I visit around the world. The key is to always keep your eyes open and not have tunnel vision. That mindset assures you will always feel inspired”.

Petra began her career by studying interior design in Sweden from 2010-2012. During her studies, Petra Petra, originally from Sweden, has been practicing Interior Design in multiple geographical locations. Starting her career with land-based projects working for Wilson Associates in North America and for HBA in London. The introduction to ship design came via Tillberg Design of Sweden which led her to heading up the design department for P&O Australia for the last 6 years in Sydney. Petra just embarked on a new journey starting her own design firm called STUDIO BERG+. 

Having held a keen eye for design and creation since childhood, Petu’s career began at Kone-Plan OY/Deltamarin Group, a firm that specialises in ship design and engineering, where one of his clients was Carnival Cruise Line. That is where he met Joe Farcus, the legendary designer who was involved in creating the interiors of all Carnival’s ships from 1975 until his retirement in 2013. When Farcus offered Kummala the opportunity to join his firm, Kummala says that it took less than 10 seconds for him to make his decision. After working on 17 Carnival, nine Costa and few other brands’ ships, Kummala launched 358 Design, which he still operates. But in 2015, Carnival asked him to join its staff, where he is now director of interior design & architecture. Selected for his many years’ experience operating in the cruise industry, Petu will lend his valuable expertise to the CSIA judging panel.

Sascha Lang is Vice President, Architectural & Design – New Build and Innovation, Royal Caribbean Group, and is assigned to the Royal Caribbean International brand. Sascha joined Royal Caribbean Group in September 2019.

He has over 25 years’ experience in hotel design management and has worked with leading hospitality groups in Europe, the Middle East, India, Africa and Asia-Pacific. Well-regarded by professional associates within the hospitality industry for his ability to creatively integrate the development of hotels and interior design concepts, Sascha has extensive experience in hotel and mixed-use development, acquisitions and due diligence, project development and management, concept development, interior design and technical services.

A Swiss national, Lang has a degree in architecture and studied building construction and structural engineering. He holds a degree in business administration as well as a diploma in hotel management from the Belvoirpark Hotel Management School in Zurich.