WHY WOOL IS THE GOLD STANDARD FOR CRUISE SHIP INTERIORS

The cruise ship industry is experiencing a moment of unprecedented expansion, currently valued at USD $7.67 billion and poised for further growth. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the sector is set to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year and is projected to grow by 11.9% by 2031. 

As cruise lines continue to elevate their offering, every design element is carefully considered to deliver an impactful experience marked by enduring comfort. 

At the heart of these floating luxury hotels is lavish carpeting, a foundational element. Creative Matters is proud to have designed custom carpeting for some of the world's most prestigious cruise ships, including Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Summit, Wonder Of The Seas, Spectrum Of The Seas, Icon Of The Sea and more.  

Currently, the industry adheres to an 80% wool and 20% nylon blend, which is selected due to its perceived durability. However, when selecting materials for cruise ship interiors, 100% wool is not just a sustainable choice — it’s the ultimate choice.

To deepen our insights, Creative Matters surveyed leading industry experts to better understand their perceptions of wool carpeting on cruise ships. Let’s explore. 

THE 80/20 INDUSTRY STANDARD

The cruise industries’ relationship with 80/20 blend carpeting is longstanding. This combination was established to balance durability with wool’s natural benefits and it has become the standard. 

Brintons comments in our survey reflect the general consensus in the industry, “The addition of 20% nylon in the yarn blend increases the durability of the carpet”. While this blend has proven effective, Creative Matters has seen that 100% wool carpeting can perform just as well in high-traffic environments, both in terms of longevity and appearance retention. 

Recent testing run by the International Wool Textile Organization recently confirmed 100% wool woven Axminster carpets are as durable as carpets with an 80/20 blend.  

As cruise lines focus on net-zero carbon commitments, exploring 100% wool carpeting is a solution Creative Matters continues to recommend.

The gracefulness of wool extends far beyond its aesthetic appeal – it delivers unmatched performance. From its inherent flame resistance, superior acoustic qualities and exceptional longevity,  wool outperforms synthetic alternatives. 

Creative Matters’ Clémence Hardelay, Director of Design Europe and expert in marine interiors, shares, “The industry is exhibiting growing interest in wool for many reasons, including its unrivalled comfort and performance. Creative Matters is proud to be at the forefront of this shifting priority to more eco-conscious design. We guide our clients through the process of choosing the best fibre and demonstrate why wool is the gold standard for cruise ship interiors.”

Clémence Hardelay, Director of Design Europe and marine interior expert

WOOL IS NATURALLY FLAME-RESISTANT AND STAIN-REPELLENT

Wool has a high ignition temperature of 570–600°C. It needs more oxygen to burn than is usually available. If it catches fire, it usually smolders and doesn't support a flame for long. Wool produces less smoke and toxic gas than synthetic fibres, and its cell membrane structure swells when heated, creating an insulating layer that prevents flames from spreading. For these reasons, wool naturally meets the strict standards for ship interiors set by IMO/MED safety regulations.

There are other advantages too. Unlike synthetic alternatives, wool resists static electricity buildup, which is a hazard on ships. Wool also absorbs moisture without becoming damp and has natural stain-resistant qualities.

Claudia Machado, Manager Architectural Design at Royal Caribbean Cruises shares, “The beauty of the wool carpet is that it can be spot-cleaned with a simple detergent. After cleaning, the fiber won’t shrink or stretch making the treated area go unnoticed.”

Custom Cabin Carpet Onboard Wonder of the Seas

WOOL DELIVERS ACOUSTIC AND PRIVACY BENEFITS

Beyond its exceptional safety features, wool elevates the onboard experience with unparalleled acoustic benefits, dramatically reducing noise levels compared to hardwood flooring. This makes broadloom wool carpets the ultimate choice for cruise ship cabins, where tranquillity and comfort are paramount. By absorbing sound, wool enhances privacy and serenity, ensuring a more restful and permissive atmosphere for guests. Beyond functional advantages, wool carpets offer the ultimate underfoot sensation of warmth and luxury.

From a design perspective, wool rugs can accommodate highly customized or individual designs to match patterns and certain interiors. This makes them perfect for big designs using strong colours that often feature in public areas of a vessel such as casinos and bars. They’re also a natural choice for wayfinding and zoning certain areas of a vessel and can be designed and installed with this in mind.

Custom Floor Covering Onboard Celebrity Edge

WOOL IS A NET-ZERO HERO

The Cruise Lines International Association has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon cruising by 2050, making true sustainability more essential than ever. Yet not all eco-based claims are true – for example, many polymer-based carpets marketed as recyclable are nearly impossible to reprocess due to the difficulty of separating wool fibres from synthetic ones. Wool, in contrast, is a natural fibre that is far easier to repurpose and dispose of responsibly.

As noted by Claudia Machado, Manager Architectural Design of Royal Caribbean Cruises, “I would say that the focus should be on the afterlife of the carpet. More awareness or focus is needed on recycling or repurposing programs.” 

Wool’s one-of-a-kind combination of durability, safety and sustainability makes it the best choice for cruise ship interiors. At Creative Matters, we continue to advocate for wool as the material that not only elevates the design of premium cruise ships but also aligns with the industry's long-term sustainability goals. With wool, the cruise industry can achieve luxury, performance, and a future that prioritizes the planet when designing its spaces. 

Explore our marine custom portfolio here.