The MSC World Europa chandeliers project represents a breakthrough in experiential technology at sea. By merging automation, engineering, and artistry, TAIT transformed a decorative element into a fully interactive performance platform, creating moments that astonish and engage guests on one of the world’s largest cruise ships.
The scale and setting of this project demanded unique problem-solving. Cruise ships present a far more challenging environment than a land-based theater: spatial constraints, structural limitations, and constant movement from the ocean all affect the performance of automated systems.
Within those conditions, TAIT designed and delivered six Swarovski-clad crystal chandeliers—four static and two with performer flying capabilities—with more than 20,000 crystals in total.
Unlike conventional chandeliers, two of these structures were built to safely accommodate performers. Each chandelier not only lifted up and down but also contained an internal mechanism that allowed the performer inside to move independently. To achieve this safely, TAIT engineered a bespoke guide system that kept performers centered regardless of chandelier movement and designed locating pins to lock the chandeliers in place when not in use. These safeguards ensured repeatable precision and peace of mind for both operators and talent.
At the core of this innovation is the TAIT Navigator Automation Platform. The chandeliers were integrated with BT2 winches and controlled by the epiQ console, which uses the ergonomic iQ interface. This combination allows operators to program complex, synchronized motions with ease, while ensuring reliability under the demanding conditions of maritime performance.
The result is not just a striking centerpiece, but a dynamic stage element that makes the dining experience unique. When a performer ascends within a chandelier, showering light across the Panorama Lounge, the moment is no longer just spectacle—it is a carefully orchestrated experience that blurs the line between décor and live action.
Experiential technology is at its best when it transforms passive observation into a shared experience. On MSC World Europa, the chandeliers do exactly that. Guests are not simply looking at a decorative installation, they are witnessing a kinetic performance where light, motion, and human performers interact in unexpected ways. In one example, a performer can rise into the air to pour champagne, engaging directly with the audience, as interactive elements turn a lounge into a type of theater with performance elements.
While automation in themed entertainment is not new, the context and execution here are unprecedented. Delivering a precision-controlled, performer-safe flying system within the spatial limits of a ship while also integrating tens of thousands of fragile crystals required engineering ingenuity. The custom guide system developed for this project is an industry-first, ensuring performer stability inside a moving chandelier.
Equally innovative is the use of epiQ consoles across the vessel. MSC World Europa became the first MSC ship to feature this system, streamlining automation control across multiple venues. The intuitive interface has already earned praise from onboard crews for its user-friendliness and reliability, setting a new benchmark for maritime entertainment.
This project exemplifies how experiential technology pushes boundaries by combining spectacle, safety, and interactivity. The chandeliers are more than lighting fixtures; they are dynamic, responsive performance tools. They merge design and technology into a unique system that elevates guest experiences in ways previously unseen at sea.
The innovation lies not only in the technical achievement but in how that technology amplifies storytelling and audience connection. By embedding performers within the chandeliers, the project creates a deeply engaging moment that fuses architecture, high-concept dining, automation, and live entertainment.
The MSC World Europa chandeliers redefine what is possible in cruise ship entertainment. Through advanced automation, bespoke engineering, and artistic vision, TAIT created a kinetic centerpiece that showcases performance and demonstrates how experiential technology can transform even the most traditional of objects into interactive, unforgettable experiences.
Partners
- James Chapman - Client Liaison, Biz Dev Executive - TAIT
- Will Robert - PM - TAIT
- Tony Dent - Lead Mechanical Design- TAIT
- Timba Smith - Mechanical Design - TAIT
- Torryn Smith - LED Design - TAIT
- Dave West - Fabrication - TAIT
- Leon Thomas - Fabrication - TAIT
- Cameron Dawes - Lead Scenic Build - TAIT
- Nathan Plumb
- Jordan Levitt - Install Team - TAIT
- Donald Young - Install Team - TAIT
- Thanasis Anagnostopoulos - Install Team - TAIT
- Ettienne Olivier - Install Team - TAIT
- Mark Outram - Install Team - TAIT
- Thomas Wilson - Install Team - TAIT
- Luke Freeborough - Programme Manager - MSC
- Ben Wilson - Architect Manager - MSC
- Marco de Jorio - Concept Design - de Jorio Design International
