“Studio B” was the ground-breaking first in a series of five multifunction performance venues designed for Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager-class ships.

This multi-purpose entertainment venue is an interchangeable, multifunction, 900-seat arena featuring the first ice rink at sea.

With its retractable deck cover, telescopic seating and a raised stage, the space can be reconfigured as a theater, skating rink or television studio.

Performances include ice shows, game shows, stand-up comedy and live music. Studio B is outfitted with rigging that flies performers over the ice.

The theatre’s entrance brings patrons past RCTV, Voyager’s television station. The audience then passes glass-walled video, lighting and sound booths at the top of the arena. From there, audiences have a dramatic view of the ice and the stage beyond. A giant video wall, supplemental monitors and theatrical lighting create a multi-media experience, which have set a new standard for the cruise industry.

The ships were built as design/build projects by the Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Turku, Finland. Wilson Butler’s consultant team included theatre consultants Fisher Dachs Associates and Jaffe Holden Acoustics.

La Scala Theater, Voyager of the Seas

Award Winning Design
“Best Overall Interior Design on a Cruise Vessel”, UK’s Cruise + Ferry Awards 2001

Project Info
Cost: not available
Complete: 2000
Scope: Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Oversight
Client: Royal Caribbean International
Staff: Scott Wilson, AIA; Scott Butler, AIA; Barbara Sherman, IIDA; Tom Hains

arts / entertainment

cruise ships / hospitality

“Wilson Butler...have provided invaluable designs that have exceeded our high expectations....Their creativity and knowledge has been a critical factor in our decision to work with them in the future.”
Harri Kulovaara, Sr. VP, Marine Operations, Royal Caribbean International, Miami, FL