Tillberg Design of Sweden (TDoS) wants to make daggy river cruise ships a thing of the past. The Swedish firm, part of the Viken studio, has unveiled a new 443-footer that takes design cues from sleek, stylish superyachts.
River cruise ships are typically low, flat, and boxy, as that shape allows them to pass under bridges and access narrow passages. Connect, which the studio says is the first of its kind, feels much less utilitarian in design. It eschews the space-saving square bow found on, say, a Viking ship in favor of a sharp reverse bow featured on many modern superyachts. It also showcases flowing lines and curves in place of the usual sharp corners, resulting in a more aerodynamic silhouette than other riverboats.
That bucking of convention continues inside. The material palette is more akin to that of a superyacht or high-end hotel rather than a traditional cruise ship, with natural timbers, textured stones, warm metals, and soft fabrics. The decor is not overly fussy or formal, but rather relaxed and refined. Large windows also allow the rivers themselves to become part of the onboard environment.
The Forum.
Tillberg Design of Sweden
