River cruising is back! With more than 18 new vessels debuting in European waters this summer, the European river cruise market is as lucrative as ever. However, with a variety of new offerings available, cruise lines must provide passengers with an onboard interior that reflects their destination while complementing onshore excursions to overall encompass a truly immersive experience. In this article, we explore some of the newest river cruises with stunning interiors that enhance their itineraries.
S.S La Venezia
Debuting in June 2021, the S.S La Venezia is a top-to-bottom overhaul of Uniworld’s former River Countess. Having been stripped down to its steel frame, the ship was entirely rebuilt to add more suites, new dining venues, and a unique design which reflects its destination. Now, the 110-metre-long ship can host up to 126 guests on its Venice-based river cruises. Structural changes saw the addition of two grand suites, a private dining room with a demonstration kitchen for hosting cooking lessons, and a seating banquet with shade umbrellas running down the centre of the top deck.
To complement its location, S.S La Venezia is brimming with Venetian design. The ship’s interior was in part inspired by the work of celebrated Italian artist and textile designer Mariano Fortuny. As a result, many of the ship’s designs using fabrics sourced from design and textile house Fortuny. This inclusion perfectly complements the ships’ exclusive excursion, a trip to Fortuny’s private showroom and gardens.
Additional layouts capturing the essence of Venice include the lobby which pays homage to the city in the 1930s. This stylish space features marble and brass-inlaid parquet floors, handmade fabrics and furniture, an elegant chandelier and stunning Murano blown glass shell lamps. Other notable designs within the ship include a long glass wall etched with the Venice landscape. This separates the lounge from a smaller, more private seating area, the Panini Lounge.
ms Andorinha
Custom-designed by Tauck’s riverboat partner Scylla, ms Andorinha is a brand new 80 metre riverboat built to accommodate 84 guests on its three cruises across Portugal’s golden Douro River. This UNESCO world heritage site is famed for its vineyards, which have heavily influenced ms Andorinha. These inspirations can be found in both its excursions, which include wine tasting, and in its interior design. Here, various lighting fixtures resemble vines from the many vineyards along the Douro River.
When they are not visiting the many towns and villages along the Douro River, passengers can also enjoy a Portuguese experience on board. ms Andorinha showcases locally crafted furniture and lighting fixtures which complement the azulejo tile inspired interior. Homage to these bold, Portuguese tiles can be found throughout the ship in its colour schemes and artwork. Azulejo tiles decorate both the walls and flooring of one of its restaurants. These interiors serve as the perfect backdrop for local entertainment and cuisine, encompassing a true Portuguese experience. ms Andorinha will debut on the Douro River in August 2021.
Avalon View
Scheduled to sail in July 2021, Avalon View is Avalon Waterways’ latest river cruise vessel. As one of Avalon Waterways’ newest and biggest vessels, it will carry up to 166 passengers along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. Avalon View lives up to its name by providing passengers with many options to enjoy beautiful European scenery on board. Its “Panorama Suite” balcony cabins feature wall-to-wall windows that open fully to create an open-air balcony within the cabin. Additionally, guests can sit back and watch the world go by at The Panorama Lounge. This is a social and entertainment hub surrounded by 180 degrees of floor-to-ceiling windows. A seating area on the top deck also offers panoramic views for passengers to enjoy.
But it’s not just about views. Avalon view offers a wide range of active excursions for passengers both on board and ashore. These are complemented by its fitness centre, activity centre and Avalon Adventure Host who assists with excursions and activities. The activity centre provides complimentary bicycles, Nordic walking sticks, and other fitness equipment making Avalon View fully equipped for its action-packed shore excursions. These include guided jogging tours around Amsterdam, as well as opportunities to bike, paddle or hike through the ships’ scenic destinations.
From river to ocean cruises, Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe exhibitors can assist in designing stylish cruise interiors to suit any need. Find out about our next show and register here for your chance to meet with the cruise ship interiors community and kickstart your next project.