First Ever! “Sanctuary at Sea” using “Tropex” Fabricated Plants

In June 2006, Princess Cruises added a new member to their fleet, “The Crown Princess”. Among the plethora of non-stop on board activity, lies the first ever pocket of tranquility called the Sanctuary. A key element in achieving Serenity was the use of lush greenery throughout.

One of the biggest challenges faced  by our client was how to create an ambiance using plant material, which could withstand the elements of the ocean breeze, in some cases severe winds, salt air, high temperatures and humidity. The proposed plant material for this Sanctuary was to be on Deck 17 forward of a 113,000 ton Cruise ship.

Our client knew that live was not an option, and after careful research on their part, they ruled out Replica or silk, and ultimately turned to  Preserved TreeScapes International’s Tropex line of fabricated plant material. They worked together with PTI’s Design Consultant to coordinate product that would achieve the desired design and still withstand the elements.

The Sanctuary’s focal piece is now a Ficus tree that stands 13’ tall with a 13’ diameter Canopy and a 10” diameter trunk. This tree increases the ambiance after dark with its 400 weather resistant twinkle lights that are attached to the branches with the electrical wiring concealed in the trunk and powered from below deck through the bottom of the planter, which also protects it from the elements. There are also 2 more 10’ ficus trees as well as  10’ triple and 6’ double  stemmed Sago palms and 40‘ of Bamboo hedge were used along with multiple planters of podocarpus bushes placed stratigically throughout the Sactuary. All plant material and planters are bolted to the deck for safety reasons. The 4 planters of Sago’s and the Bamboo Groves have up-lighting to enhance their evening appearance. 
PTI fulfilled the Clients expectations and design goals by using innovative Tropex Products to create a very tranquil, calm and beautifully enhanced atmosphere, for both day and night, which is now enjoyed by hundreds of guests on a daily basis.

The Sanctuary has been so successful, the new Emerald Princess set to debut in April 2007 will house the exact replication of plant material as the Crown Princess Sanctuary.