Welcome aboard! This edition of our newsletter is all about how a small team with big ambition created something spectacular for one of the world’s largest cruise ships—the Icon of the Seas. Read on to discover how we brought a luxurious vision to life and why craftsmanship still matters in a world of mass production.
🚢 Feature Story: The Bubbles Bar, Champagne Cooler
When you think of a cruise ship like the Icon of the Seas, you’re probably picturing the vast ocean views, top-tier entertainment, and luxurious accommodations. But behind the scenes, we had the opportunity to create one of the most refined and practical features of the ship—the champagne cooler that now graces the ship’s Bubbles Bar.
Crafting Elegance: Our Journey from Concept to Completion
It all started with a vision from Royal Caribbean architects to design a cooler that wasn’t just functional but also a statement piece. They wanted something that would stand out in the Bubbles Bar, an eye-catching element that would draw attention, especially considering the sheer scale of the ship.
Working closely with I.S. Makinen Oy, we went through several rounds of design iterations, from concept sketches to detailed AutoCAD drawings.
Especially we need to bring highlight the amazing artist and blacksmith Tauro from Estonia, who followed the dream of the Bubbles bar architect. He hand draw these amazing below designs until the right one was found, then add it to modern AutoCAD and then the manufacturing started.
The final product? A polished, hammered metal cooler with a tiered design, allowing champagne bottles to sit proudly at a height that enhances the presentation.
Material: Polished stainless-steel with a hammered finish, giving it both a modern and timeless feel .
Functionality: Not just beautiful but practical. The cooler was engineered with a built-in drainage system, ensuring no spillage during those endless champagne toasts.
Handmade Excellence
Every piece of this cooler was handcrafted, using centuries-old blacksmithing techniques. Skilled team lead by Tauro worked tirelessly to ensure that the final product not only matched but exceeded expectations. This wasn’t just about making a cooler; it was about creating a piece of art that fits perfectly into the larger architectural vision of the Icon of the Seas .
🛠 Behind the Scenes: The Blacksmith’s Workshop
We documented the entire process of designing, crafting, and installing the champagne cooler. From the clinking of hammers on metal to the final polish, every moment was captured to showcase the dedication and skill involved.
🔧 Fun Fact: The champagne cooler wasn’t just designed for style; it was carefully engineered to ensure the champagne stays chilled, without the need for additional refrigeration systems. The hammered metal not only looks gorgeous but helps regulate temperature naturally.
Stay tuned for our full behind-the-scenes video, coming soon to our website! It’s the perfect way to see how even the smallest details make a big splash on a mega cruise ship.
💡 What We Learned: Small Details Make the Biggest Difference
Crafting for a project as massive as the Icon of the Seas taught us an important lesson: every detail counts. While the champagne cooler is just one element of the ship, it adds to the overall luxury experience for guests. Here’s why the small things matter:
Brand Experience: On a cruise ship, every interaction is an extension of the brand. Our cooler not only keeps the champagne chilled but also aligns with the ship’s broader aesthetic.
Guest Satisfaction: Guests may not realize the thought that goes into each feature, but they feel it. Whether it’s seeing a perfectly chilled bottle or enjoying the elegance of the design, these small moments enhance their overall experience.
Craftsmanship Is Timeless: In a world of mass production, handcrafted pieces stand out. The cooler is a reminder that traditional craftsmanship will always have a place in high-end environments.
🥂 Final Thoughts: Cheers to the Icon of the Seas
It’s not every day you get to contribute to something as monumental as the Icon of the Seas. This project was a true labor of love for our team, and we couldn’t be more proud of how the champagne cooler turned out. It’s a small part of a much larger experience, but it proves that craftsmanship, attention to detail, and collaboration are still key ingredients in creating something unforgettable.
Want to see the champagne cooler in action? Check out our behind-the-scenes Instagram reel here and catch a glimpse of how this elegant piece came to life on one of the world’s largest cruise ships.
Stay tuned for more projects like this, where we continue to push the boundaries of design and functionality, one handcrafted piece at a time.
📬 Sign Off
Thank you for joining us on this journey! As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to learn more about our work on the Icon of the Seas. We’re excited to share more of our stories with you in future editions.
P.S. Love what you see? Share this newsletter with your friends and colleagues, and let’s keep the conversation going!
Want to see more projects like this or you need your own bubbles bowl, then let us know!
Until Next time,
Argo Sildvee
Founder / DealMaker
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