10 High-Design Cruises

Best known for its river cruise ships, Viking is gaining recognition for its ocean vessels, including the first ship, Viking Star, which began sailing in 2015. Since then, three sister ships have been christened, including Viking Sea. Each ship design emanates Scandinavian influences in the color palette of pale blues and pure whites, as well as in the light-colored woods. One of the more striking interiors is the Wintergarden lounge, an open, airy communal space stylized to feel as though you are sitting under a forest canopy. More specifically, the Tree of Life.

AmaWaterways has long been drawn to interior designs and color schemes that evoke warmth as a way to welcome guests aboard their home away from home. Vibrant colors, like corals, goldenrods and teals, as well as soft textures can be found throughout the fleet, including on their newest ship, AmaKristina. From bright, patterned linens in the staterooms to chic, turquoise sofas in common spaces, even fruit tree-printed booths in the main dining room, guests will find that interiors across the ship burst with color and personality.

Hurtigruten ships have been cruising the coast of Norway for more than a century, and just this last year, they gave several of their ships, including the 590-passenger MS Nordkapp, a much-deserved Scandinavian-style makeover. The new "Arctic Interior" design is relaxed and informal, yet comfortable and sensibly luxurious. Using raw materials, like driftwood and slate, as well as natural colors, like navy, forest green and burgundy, the ships take their cues from the sea, fjords and greenery, even fishing villages, that can be seen throughout the voyage.

The newest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, Majestic Princess, is not only the largest ship, accommodating more than 3,500 passengers, but it’s also one of the most stylish. Interiors throughout the ship infuse a blend of design elements, like mosaic tile floors and custom floral carpets, as well as metallic glass and embedded wooden décor. From the staterooms to the dining rooms, the Majestic Princess exudes elegance. Book an evening at the Crown Grill, which boasts a delightful private dining space set amongst racks of fine wines.

Windstar Cruises’ three Wind-class yachts, including Wind Surf, have a distinct style that makes passengers feel as though they’ve set sail on a private yacht. A neutral color palette of sand and marine shades, a contrast with the warm wood finishes, creates an upscale, nautical feel. Wind Surf is the largest commercial sailing vessel in the world, able to sleep 310 passengers, and is in the process of getting new sails. Look for custom tote bags made from the recycled sails in the ship’s gift shop.

The luxurious Celebrity Edge will be the first of Celebrity Cruises’ new class of ships in a decade. Expected to debut in December 2018, Celebrity Edge will introduce several new upscale stateroom options, including Edge Villas, two-story cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook private terraces and plunge pools, and two-bedroom Iconic Suites set on top of the ship. A new Edge Stateroom design will include an "infinite veranda" that brings the outside in, enabling guests to step out to the water’s edge.

Uniworld’s newly renovated S.S. Joie de Vivre strives to make passengers feel as though they are on a floating pied-a-terre in France. As the ship travels the Seine from Paris to Normandy, handcrafted furniture, original artwork and signature accents inspired by 20th-century Parisian design, give passengers a truly French experience. On-board restaurants play into the theme, including Le Bistrot, the ship’s Parisian-style sidewalk café, which serves up a menu of flavorful French cuisine and was designed with windows that allow for open-air ambiance.

The newest ship from Silversea, Silver Muse, exudes understated European elegance, stemming from its Monaco roots, while embracing design that is both luxurious and intimate. Silver Muse has decentralized dining on board the ship, replacing the main dining room with eight restaurants, including the first at-sea Relais & Chateaux restaurant. The circular Silver Muse lobby serves as the main entrance onto the ship, giving passengers a first-look at the stylish elegance that feels more like a small luxury hotel than a cruise ship.

Due to begin sailing in June 2018, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Bliss, is expected to impress with the largest racetrack at sea, open-air laser tag and delectable new restaurant concepts. However, it’s the ship’s more luxe experiences that should attract more discerning travelers. The Haven by Norwegian, an exclusive section of the ship, includes spacious suites, pillow-top mattresses and a private courtyard with a retractable glass top. Many suites even have floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies to enjoy the seascape.