Taking a holiday is an opportunity to get away from the slings and arrows of life and relax and forget about work for a week or two. For most of us, it's easy enough to switch off by putting our office, laptop or workspace behind us. Over the last year or two Archway Carpets owner, Darrell Smith has taken several cruises around Europe. The problem for Darrell, however, is that there is a lot of different carpets on a cruise ship. It means, it is somewhat difficult for him to fully flip the switch to off.
It’s true: Darrell strokes carpets while on holiday
Even on holiday – the Carpet Guy is, well, still very much in carpet mode.
To illustrate our point, this is a picture taken by Darrell's wife, Vicki, last year. It clearly shows her husband stroking a carpet on a P&O cruise ship. Darrell, at the time, was not aware his picture was being taken. Vicki reliably informs us that carpet stroking, while on holiday, is common. Not only that, Darrell will often send a raft of carpet images back to the Marketing Dept here at HQ, which we are only too happy to share. It all means though - even on holiday – the Carpet Guy is, well, still very much in carpet mode.
Thanks to Vicki, who works for Fred Olsen, the Smiths have already enjoyed two voyages this year (2019). In October, it was a French River Cruise and then a Scottish cruise in May taking in the stunning surrounds of the Isles of Orkney and Mull.
A Scottish Welcome: a piper and a ‘big man’
It is with the latter trip that we focus on with the five-night voyage to Scotland on Fred Olsen's aptly named Balmoral cruise ship. According to the company's website, the Balmoral is the largest of their 'ocean-going cruise ships, yet is still small enough to navigate size-restricted waterways'. With 710 rooms, six restaurants, 510 crew it can hold up to 1325 passengers at any one time. If that and the views were not enough, there are also a superb program of entertainment, lectures and classes laid on to ensure the Smiths and co had a great time.
Fred Olsen’s Balmoral Cruise Ship
Even with the vast array of activities laid on by Fred Olden, Darrell could be seen walking around the ship head down looking at the carpet and flooring. How this might've looked to his fellow passengers, we will never know.
Carpets used intelligently…
Interior design aims to provide people with something aesthetically pleasing while also being an efficient solution for a space. All the elements - whether that's furniture, colour and soft furnishings - need to work together. In Darrell's opinion, Fred Olsen does this exceptionally well with carpets being used to not only look great but work intelligently to guide people around the ship.
Onboard communal space carpets
There is also an opportunity to have fun with design, as seen in the nautically themed images below. In the restaurant, carpet patterns mimic the flow and movement of water while on the viewing platforms interlocking ropes decorate the floor, while in a bar, the tools of the sea are illustrated throughout the carpet. If you ever needed reminding you're on the Balmoral ship cruising around Scotland's rugged and glorious coastline, there are a selection of tartan carpets around the ship too.
The Carpets on the Cruise
Please click on the images to expand…
We asked Darrell, what kind of carpet is best for this kind of environment; an environment that sees an awful lot of foot traffic and the odd spill or two. "For communal areas like restaurants, corridors and welcome areas, a manmade carpet is ideal. It's hard-wearing, and it's easy to clean, plus, non-wool carpets are great for working with vibrant colours and flamboyant designs". Where Archway Carpets has worked with hotels, wool carpets still have their place in hospitality. They are often used in bedrooms as they offer comfort and warmth underfoot.
Orkney, Scotland
Of the cruise and visiting Scotland, Darrell loved it. He said, "Scotland was magnificent, and the people were great, and the onboard entertainment was superb!" With wife Vicki in the biz (and who wouldn't want a partner working for a holiday company), it means it won't be long before Darrell gets away on another cruise.
Although Darrell isn't able to completely switch off from his day job, it does tell us one thing though. He is passionate about what he does, whether that's at work or on holiday.
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