Consider design aesthetic when choosing which cruise line you'd prefer

[steverhodes]

When you are going to be on a small ship for a week or more with a limited number of public rooms, you should ask yourself what sort of surroundings you prefer. There is NO right answer.

 

What seems wonderfully elegant to one person may seem horribly gaudy to the next. It's a personal preference but something you should consider before booking.

 

Someone just posted a picture of a Uniworld dining room. I took that picture and put a picture of the Viking dining room above it.

 

 

 

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[capriccio]

When you are going to be on a small ship for a week or more with a limited number of public rooms, you should ask yourself what sort of surroundings you prefer. There is NO right answer.

 

What seems wonderfully elegant to one person may seem horribly gaudy to the next. It's a personal preference but something you should consider before booking.

 

Someone just posted a picture of a Uniworld dining room. I took that picture and put a picture of the Viking dining room above it.

 

 

 

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I don't know about Viking but every Uniworld ship has a different decor (all busy :D) so if decor is a determining factor, take a look at the pictures of the interior of the ship you are interested in sailing before making a reservation. I will say that our homes are decorated more like a Viking ship than a Uniworld ship but we enjoy the difference. Note too that Uniworld's cabins are more subdued than the public areas and their beds and bedding are magnificent.

[wheezedr]

When you are going to be on a small ship for a week or more with a limited number of public rooms, you should ask yourself what sort of surroundings you prefer. There is NO right answer.

 

What seems wonderfully elegant to one person may seem horribly gaudy to the next. It's a personal preference but something you should consider before booking.

 

Someone just posted a picture of a Uniworld dining room. I took that picture and put a picture of the Viking dining room above it.

 

 

 

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Agree there is no right answer but also think that this is not a major issue or deal breaker. Far more significant are itinerary, dates, price, quality of food and drink (also subjective), types of tours and available amenities. While the Uniworld is a little over the top for me, if everything else favored a cruise on that boat the fact that I had to sit in that DR for a couple of hours would not deter me.

[notamermaid]

Thank you, Steverhodes,

 

that is a good direct comparison and I know which one I would choose. I was on a Viking ship some time ago and had a quick look round the lounge - courtesy of an employee. Although decorated with lovely Christmas decorations at the time, the Nordic "barren" (IMO) impression still came through. On a cruise I would feel more on holiday with plush furniture / more colour in the colour scheme, i.e. not white and cream as dominant shades.

 

I very much enjoy the old-worldly blue and brass maritime stuff so I felt very much at home on the Belvedere. I do like the colour schemes on the Riviera Travel ships as well (had a look round their website). CroisiEurope is also nice in the lounge, I visited a ship on an open-day presentation. It was slightly French in style - what you would expect from a French company - and not overdone at all. It was not like a boudoir. I am not so keen on the Arosa clour scheme from what I have seen, but I would travel with them, nevertheless.

 

notamermaid

[Cyber Kat]

When you are going to be on a small ship for a week or more with a limited number of public rooms, you should ask yourself what sort of surroundings you prefer. There is NO right answer.

 

What seems wonderfully elegant to one person may seem horribly gaudy to the next. It's a personal preference but something you should consider before booking.

 

Someone just posted a picture of a Uniworld dining room. I took that picture and put a picture of the Viking dining room above it.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

LOL - my thoughts run very similar. While there were a number of factors that came into play when I choose Viking for our river cruise, the design of their ships was one of them. I just love the design. We have a Viking Ocean booked and I can't wait to sail on that ship as well - for the very same reason!

[steverhodes]

LOL - my thoughts run very similar. While there were a number of factors that came into play when I choose Viking for our river cruise, the design of their ships was one of them. I just love the design. We have a Viking Ocean booked and I can't wait to sail on that ship as well - for the very same reason!

 

I've wanted to take an Ocean Cruise to Alaska, so a few years ago I twice researched all possible cruise lines in detail. I knew I had no interest in ones where guys dressed up for dinner with ties or sport coats (even if only occasionally), that had kids on boars, that had thousands of guests or that felt like a floating carnival or casino.

 

I never found any that matched what I felt were my simple criteria, which is basically I wanted a Viking River experience but on the ocean. Thankfully Viking begins service there in 2019. We have plans to go in 2020 with them on it, although booking 2020 is not yet possible.

[Karry66]

I'm afraid for my introvert self, the more elaborate dining room would cause anxiety. Thanks for calling this aspect of choosing to our attention.

 

 

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[H2Otstr]

I also like the sleek, Scandinavian style of Viking, both river and ocean cruise ships. I have traveled a couple times with Uniworld and the décor doesn't bother me, but I find the furniture in the lounge to be very uncomfortable. It's nice that we all have so many choices of who we want to travel with since one size does not fit all.

[CPT Trips]

OH my!

Looks like where the Sundance Kid met Miss Etta. Or where Toulouse-Lautrec found inspiration.

[SuiteTraveler]

Viking is Scandinavian design. "Scandinavian design is a design movement characterized by simplicity, minimalism and functionality that emerged in the 1950s in the five Nordic countries: Sweden, Finland, Norway, Iceland and Denmark. " https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scandinavian_design

So...how does this type of design contribute to an "immersive experience" on a cruise on the Rhine, Danube or through France or Portugal?

 

This thought kind of reminds me of Disneyworld, where you are in Florida but might be staying at the African themed Animal Kingdom lodge or Polynesian Village! I wonder if in the future there might be a river cruise company that does Caribbean Island themed ships for Europe to appeal to Caribbean cruisers? For the lounge it could have a Tiki Bar and they could get an agreement with a Beach type restaurant bar such as Margaritaville or Carlos and Charlies...Just thinking about how this could work...

 

So then we take it to the other extreme, Uniworld, which does modernized Belle Epoque decor in Europe and every ship is completely different - with fabrics, wallpaper, furniture styles and art from the areas in which they are cruising, so it feels more like an on land luxury hotel experience. The Belle Epoque period between 1871 and 1914 was so named as it was a time of great peace and prosperity in Europe prior to WWI. At least with Belle Epoque decor, the period is over and the design is what it is and won't change and I do think that many do think of this period as one of the greatest in Europe with a combination of modern amenities, yet beautiful design as seen in the paintings of Monet, Van Gogh and Renoir. So the advantage of this decor is that the style won't change - ever - because it is a done deal. The disadvantage is that some people will find it too elaborate and that will make them feel uncomfortable. But people who are really into interior design will totally get what these ships are about and appreciate the details from the countries they are visiting.

 

Or we can go contemporary on the Crystal Mozart which features current Contemporary Design (which will inevitably and unfortunately feel very dated in a few years - but I intend to enjoy this while it is still fresh and new!)

 

In the US we have Steamboat type river cruises with American Colonial decor.

 

So, what is the design scheme on other brands of river ships? I love exploring this idea! I can imagine all kinds of different theme ships! How fun!

[SuiteTraveler]

I've wanted to take an Ocean Cruise to Alaska, so a few years ago I twice researched all possible cruise lines in detail. I knew I had no interest in ones where guys dressed up for dinner with ties or sport coats (even if only occasionally), that had kids on boars, that had thousands of guests or that felt like a floating carnival or casino.

 

I never found any that matched what I felt were my simple criteria, which is basically I wanted a Viking River experience but on the ocean. Thankfully Viking begins service there in 2019. We have plans to go in 2020 with them on it, although booking 2020 is not yet possible.

 

Why on earth wouldn't you take one of these? Given the dining is a bit more upscale and specific to Alaska, but these are small ships that are 100% casual, no casinos, few to no kids most of the time.

https://www.uncruise.com/destinations/alaska-cruises

[SuiteTraveler]

OH my!

Looks like where the Sundance Kid met Miss Etta. Or where Toulouse-Lautrec found inspiration.

 

Actually, it is more likely based on the Schonbron Palace or Hofbrun Palace in Vienna Austria since this ship is all about MariaTheresa of Austria. The furniture and decor are clearly Viennese in style.

 

Bordello style would, by design, always include a great deal of red all over the walls and usually on the furniture as well, not the blues and golds which are throughout the SS Maria Theresa. Here's one of the staterooms:

 

[SuiteTraveler]

Here's the Maria Therese's atrium:

[steverhodes]

Why on earth wouldn't you take one of these? Given the dining is a bit more upscale and specific to Alaska, but these are small ships that are 100% casual, no casinos, few to no kids most of the time.

https://www.uncruise.com/destinations/alaska-cruises

 

Those ships are way too small. I'd really worry about seasickness. Also, I don't like the rooms on them at all.

[steverhodes]

Here's the Maria Therese's atrium:

 

 

 

I would much prefer to walk up these Viking stairs pictured below than those above. The ones above are way too over the top. Too kitschy for me.

 

 

 

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[CPT Trips]

I'm having trouble finding the red here.

 

[Host Jazzbeau]

I'm having trouble finding the red here.

 

 

It's the light in the window [not shown] :evilsmile:

[Cyber Kat]

But people who are really into interior design will totally get what these ships are about and appreciate the details from the countries they are visiting.

 

 

 

FYI & FWIW I studied at the NY School of Interior Design. And while I can appreciate certain design periods from an aesthetic point of view within that period, I prefer not to live with them.

 

Are you by any chance a teacher?

 

 

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[notamermaid]

Ok, here is the Belvedere, you can have a look at the photos in the gallery. It was what I would call understated maritime theme with blues, creams, browns and brass in a contemporary interpretation: https://transocean.de/schiff/ms-belvedere/profile

 

I like that.

 

The Maria Theresa staircase reminds me of my first workplace, it had a similar staircase up to the first floor where my office was. Very impressive! And yes, for French boudoir there would need to more red in it.

 

notamermaid

[SuiteTraveler]

Ok, here is the Belvedere, you can have a look at the photos in the gallery. It was what I would call understated maritime theme with blues, creams, browns and brass in a contemporary interpretation: https://transocean.de/schiff/ms-belvedere/profile

 

I like that.

 

The Maria Theresa staircase reminds me of my first workplace, it had a similar staircase up to the first floor where my office was. Very impressive! And yes, for French boudoir there would need to more red in it.

 

notamermaid

 

The Belvedere is very pretty! I do like the nautical style - it reminds me of one of my dad's ships!

[Cyber Kat]

Ok, here is the Belvedere, you can have a look at the photos in the gallery. It was what I would call understated maritime theme with blues, creams, browns and brass in a contemporary interpretation: https://transocean.de/schiff/ms-belvedere/profile

 

I like that.

 

On this I agree - it's lovely!

[SuiteTraveler]

FYI & FWIW I studied at the NY School of Interior Design. And while I can appreciate certain design periods from an aesthetic point of view within that period, I prefer not to live with them.

 

Are you by any chance a teacher?

 

 

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No I am definitely NOT a teacher.

 

I think for vacation it's fun to stay someplace that actually matches the area in which you are traveling or to go to the other extreme like what has been done at Disneyworld with all of their theme hotels that provide an immersive fantasy experience that goes along with what Disney is all about. After all, it's just vacation - you don't have to "live" with it. I appreciate all types of interior design but I do find it weird when the design of a place doesn't really relate to the location at all.

Edited May 30, 2017 by SuiteTraveler

[SuiteTraveler]

I would much prefer to walk up these Viking stairs pictured below than those above. The ones above are way too over the top. Too kitschy for me.

 

 

 

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To me, these stairs on the Viking ship look like they could be in any 1950's through 1970's building but they really belong in Scandinavia. There's nothing about them or even the art work in the background that indicate where you are. I think that's the problem I have with ships or hotels that all look the same. Can you honestly tell me that you could look at this photo 10 years from now (without any inscription about where it was) and be able to say just based on the image what country you were in or even what river you were on when it was taken other than that you were on a Viking River Cruise, if that?

[Wings55]

When we booked our first river cruise last year we considered the style or decor of the various cruise lines. Our tastes run toward simple clean lines. We settled on Scenic for many reasons and their modern style was one of them. After our cruise ended we agreed we had choosen wisely.

Just today we booked our second river cruise and this decision was based solely on a terrific promotional price. We'll be sailing with Uniworld this time. Their 'style' is the complete opposite of ours but I have no doubt we will enjoy this cruise too.

I think it's great there are so many options to choose from. While they may not all appeal to me, someone else probably loves those choices and who am I to criticize what others prefer? Too each his/her own.

[SuiteTraveler]

When we booked our first river cruise last year we considered the style or decor of the various cruise lines. Our tastes run toward simple clean lines. We settled on Scenic for many reasons and their modern style was one of them. After our cruise ended we agreed we had choosen wisely.

Just today we booked our second river cruise and this decision was based solely on a terrific promotional price. We'll be sailing with Uniworld this time. Their 'style' is the complete opposite of ours but I have no doubt we will enjoy this cruise too.

I think it's great there are so many options to choose from. While they may not all appeal to me, someone else probably loves those choices and who am I to criticize what others prefer? Too each his/her own.

 

I think you are smart to try different cruise lines. I'm sure Scenic was lovely and the thing about Uniworld is that it will be completely different so when you look back at your photos, you'll be able to look at a photo on Scenic and say "That's the time we cruised on X river" and then look at a photo on Uniworld and be able to say "That's the time we cruised on Y river". Many of the people who were on Uniworld had been on several other lines as well and enjoyed the variety. My husband and I are not people who tend to go on one line on the ocean nor on rivers. Have a great time on your forthcoming adventure!