Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2021

1 4 7 YSA Design has used skylights, expansive windows and clever lighting to make Viking Idun’s foyer feel spacious, despite the vessel’s small size River Cruises, for instance, builds its European vessels with a flatter, wider bow similar to that of a freight barge, leaving room for an additional forward area. This venue – named Aquavit Terrace – now features on all Viking Longships and has been designed by YSA to offer 180-degree scenic views. The low square footage of river ships also affects the types of itineraries cruise lines can offer. “Onboard entertainment spaces are limited, and guests spend more time on land,” says Krefting. “While ocean- going passenger ships are essentially all-inclusive resorts on the water, river cruise vessels are more like small, floating hotels. Passengers disembark in the heart of town and visit the local bars, restaurants, shopping centres, museums and theatres.” This kind of holiday experience benefits from a stronger relationship between a ship’s identity and the itinerary it serves, says Krefting. Hence, styling and vessel interiors must be in complete harmony with brand aspirations. “YSA creates an authentic experience for guests by designing interiors to reflect the culture and architectural style of the region the ship is cruising in, but we also consider the preferences of each audience,” he says. “While European passengers generally prefer an onboard experience more representative of the area they’re visiting, the American market tends to cherish its home comforts, so flexibility is crucial.” Other regional considerations are related to necessity rather than style. However, this can sometimes result in a more harmonious design. “For example, in China, Southeast Asia and Egypt, heat and humidity demand mosquito nets to prevent uninvited visitors from tarnishing the onboard experience,” explains Krefting. “Fortunately, when implemented properly, mosquito nets can be used to emphasise the exotic atmosphere that cruises in these destinations provide.” Krefting believes that one unanticipated outcome of Covid-19 may be that it encourages growth trends in smaller-scale river cruising which outpace its ocean- going counterpart. “New drivers include a greater willingness among domestic tourists to try out the cruise experience and a preference for cruising that is never far from a point of disembarkation. “River cruises have traditionally catered to older generations, so operators have always placed special emphasis on safety and hygiene. As an example, we worked with antimicrobial materials on Viking River Cruises’ ships long before the Covid-19 outbreak. Now, these types of holidays are attracting younger audiences and, post-pandemic, this clientele is likely to prioritise these matters too.” Krefting adds that cruise operators are likely to further enhance safety and hygiene, especially in terms of air quality and onboard testing and isolation facilities. “These solutions will help river cruising to return to pre-pandemic guest occupancy levels, hopefully in the very near future. With its relative safety and economic advantages, this form of tourism will go from strength to strength.” CFR