Robe Lights Up Carnival SunshineA new Robe moving light rig has been installed in the 800-capacity Liquid Lounge main theatre space aboard the Carnival Sunshine cruise ship, which stages a host of large-scale production shows, themed performances, and other entertainment events. This was undertaken during an extensive refurbishment of the vessel while in dry dock at the Chantier Naval de Marseille in Marseilles, France, earlier this year. The lighting upgrade included the installation of 84 Robe moving lights -- 40 PAINTE Spots, 34 LEDBeam 350s, and ten FORTES -- into the venue. It was overseen by Carnival's line fleet supervisor for lighting, Silviu Ardelean, and Carnival's entertainment manager for lighting, Alex Nelson. The project was coordinated for Robe's maritime division by the global sales director for maritime, Tony Perez. The venue is known for hosting Carnival's Playlist Productions shows, which are slick, high-energy, Broadway-style performances with unique themes, elaborate costumes, and cool choreography, often revolving around popular music genres, decades, or iconic artists. These are designed to offer guests a range of different entertainment experiences throughout their cruise, so the lights work hard and must be versatile. The Robe products have replaced the previous moving light rig, which was installed aboard the Carnival Sunshine during its last major refit in 2013. Ahead of making the decision, a series of demonstrations was organized with several manufacturers, plus assorted lighting designers who work across the Carnival fleet. "We wanted a good cross-section of opinion and also to drill down properly into the technology during these sessions," Nelson says, adding that the search was for workhorse fixtures. Brightness was a prerequisite as the theatre now has a large LED backdrop and digital scenery; previously, it worked with traditional backdrops and cloths. Obviously, the plan was to install an all-LED rig. PAINTE appealed on size and weight, and because it has a sealed optical chamber, which helps protect the optics from dust, smoke residue, and other detritus, making the units easier to clean and maintain. The units are installed on the over-stage bars with some upstage on the deck, with LEDBeam 350s also part of the overhead rig. FORTES are in the front positions, used as followspots and for key lighting. "We wanted something super bright with great CRI, and FORTE was spot on!" Nelson says, with Ardelean adding that the beams look "fantastic," cutting through the haze. Nelson notes the existence of plenty of headroom on the FORTES as they are not running at anything like full intensity. The LED engines are billed as having long lifespans thanks to Robe's TRANSFERABLE ENGINE (TE) technology. That the TE is manufactured by Robe provided further peace of mind in terms of future availability. Ardelean notes that a new Robe rig was installed and has been running aboard the Carnival Magic ship for over a year with no issues. The Carnival Magic installation marks the first time either Ardelean or Nelson recalls having a lighting system that worked 100% straight out of the box and has continued to do so for over a year. "The quality and reliability are there with Robe, and that's one reason we keep returning to the brand. We know these products will last a long time," Nelson says. The theatre lighting installation was completed by Carnival's technical crew over ten days, with David Horner brought in to program the main show lighting. Perez adds, "Working with Alex, Silviu Ardelean, and the entire CCL team is truly an honor! I have huge respect for them for many reasons, and most importantly, it is their integrity and willingness not to settle for cheaper technology. Robe lighting is a leader and pioneer in the entertainment and leisure lighting industry, which is why organizations like Carnival keep returning to engage in more business." 
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