Hotels at sea: The 11 ship designs completely changing the way we cruise

THE LOOK Set to sail in December 2018, the new Edge class of ships will set a new benchmark in ship design. Collaborating with renowned British designer Kelly Hoppen on the interiors and architect Tom Wright, famed for Dubai's Burj Al Arab, considered the world's most luxurious hotel, on the exterior has facilitated a ship with the feel of a modern boutique hotel, accessories included.

The spacious penthouse suites and Edge villas, which offer glass box-like ocean views as well as a private plunge pools look like something from high-end real estate listings in New York or London.

Expect Eames lounge chairs, leafy potted plants, vases with fresh flowers, and a good dose of velvet soft furnishings in indigos, greens and purples. "We've proved that you've got to finish a room with accessories in the same way as you would on land," says Hoppen.

The pool deck has been transformed into a resort deck. No longer will cruisers plonk themselves on deckchairs surrounding the pool, instead they will face the ocean with the deck cascading down toward the big blue. "Right from the start it's all been about the destination view," says Wright.

Celebrity calls the look modern luxury and according to Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and chief executive of Celebrity Cruises, it's suited to affluent 35 to 54 year olds, and affords the opportunity to introduce cruising through good design to those that may not have thought this mode of travel was for them.

NEED TO KNOW A seven-night western Caribbean voyage during Celebrity Edge's inaugural season departing Fort Lauderdale on January 6 or 20, 2019, costs from $1449 per person twin share for an interior cabin. Balcony staterooms start at $2239 per person twin share and you'll also receive a choice of one free onboard extra: a free beverage package, onboard credit or a free unlimited internet package. See www.celebritycruises.com.au, phone 1800 754 500

THE SHIP Scenic Eclipse, Scenic

THE SHOWSTOPPER The opulent timber-lined Owner's Penthouse Suite at the bow of the ship on Deck 9 has a 60 square metres curved terrace with a private jacuzzi.

THE LOOK Scenic's first-ever discovery yacht will take to the seas in August 2018 and promises a 6-star experience for 228 guests. Overseeing the whole interior design process has been Karen Moroney who has derived inspiration from a number of the world's leading luxury hotels.

Each suite has been handcrafted to feature the finest in design and fittings, including an abundance of natural timber and soft lighting. Verandah suites feature separate sleep zones and Panorama Suites offer curved outdoor terraces.

Spanish architects, Oliver Design was tasked with the exteriors, including an indoor/outdoor pool with a retractable roof in the stern as well as two helipads. Scenic Eclipse has been designed with an abundance of outdoor areas that provide a window out onto the destinations. The 450-square-metre luxury spa draws inspiration from Scandinavian design and features plunge pools and Jacuzzi.

NEED TO KNOW Scenic Eclipse, the World's First Discovery Yacht – will embark on her maiden voyage from Istanbul to Venice on August 31, 2018. The maiden voyage for Scenic Eclipse, from Istanbul to Venice on August 31, 2018, has sold out. The second trip is from Venice to Barcelona, departing September 14, 2018 with a Grand Deluxe Verandah $9695 per person, twin share. See www.scenic.com.au/eclipse

THE SHIP Virgin I (unofficial name), Virgin Voyages

THE SHOWSTOPPER While no specific details will be available until November 2017, expect the cool vibe of the Ace Hotel in the cabins which has a pared-back retro feel with Pendleton blankets, bespoke art, guitars and possibly turntables with vinyl records in every cabin – Virgin Records only!

THE LOOK Richard Branson is looking to revolutionise the look and feel of cruising with the launch of Virgin Voyages in 2020. One of the taglines for the new cruise line is "where irresistible style has finally found its sealegs".

Virgin has employed a "creative collective" to work on the interiors including those behind the Ace Hotel, New York and New Orleans, design firm Roman and Williams as well as Design Research Studio, headed up by trailblazer in lighting and interior design, Tom Dixon.

With this sort of look, the cruises are no doubt trying to appeal to hip Generation Xers and Millennials – the future cruisers. In Virgin-speak, passengers will be called "sailors" and destination stops will be tailor-made for the young and hip. They promise a pared-down experience; an "escape from the chaos" adding that there will not be a casino onboard nor a crèche.

The first of the 2700-passenger ships will sail out of Miami to the Caribbean.

NEED TO KNOW Virgin Voyages' first ship is expected to arrive at Port Miami in 2020 for Caribbean itineraries. See www.virginvoyages.com

THE SHIP Seabourn Encore, Seabourn

THE SHOW STOPPER Inspired by a luxury private yacht; the design of The Grill by Thomas Keller is all rounded banquettes, tan leather swivel chairs and ceilings of curved wood.

THE LOOK Utilising world-renowned designer, Adam D. Tihany, Seabourn Encore has been created to feel like a luxury yacht, carrying 600 guests across 300 suites, all with private balconies.

It's clear that Tihany is a fan of curves. He has reimagined the Observation Bar to offer an even better view with a large semi-circular skylight to cast sunlight or moonlight over the bar area. And The Retreat is set underneath a canopy that shields guests from the elements, with a central whirlpool ringed with private cabanas that double as individual luxury living rooms.

What is most impressive is Tihany's collaboration with international emerging art pioneer Tal Danai of ArtLink to provide a world-class art collection on board. Built around the theme of the 'journey of cultural exploration', artworks include hand-made traditional crafts, photography, custom-made sculptures and video art.

The collection features work from 50 artists across the globe, including China, England, the United States, Brazil and France.

"Art is an important element of the design experience, especially in places where guests stay for an extended period of time. Sophisticated travellers expect to engage with their surroundings in an intellectual and meaningful way," Tihany says.

Geared to the ultra-luxury market, all suites have private verandahs with granite bathrooms featuring separate bath and shower, and a walk-in closet.

NEED TO KNOW Seabourn Encore prices start from $14,999 per person for a 24-day voyage from Singapore to Sydney, departing November 10, 2017. See www.seabourn.com

THE SHIP Pacific Explorer, P&O Cruises

THE SHOWSTOPPER As is the trend on land, there will be a small bar onboard with access via a secret door, called The Bonded Store serving Archie Rose's handcrafted spirits. Vintage spirit bottles adorn the walls and plush deep green armchairs fill the room.

THE LOOK Partnering with Sweden's Tillberg Design group has been a phenomenal success in transforming the look and feel of the P&O fleet. Joining Pacific Eden and Aria in June will be a Pacific Explorer, the refitted Dawn Princess.

In collaboration with P&O President Sture Myrmell, the Tillberg team including in-house designer Petra Ryberg took inspiration from hotels, bars and restaurants in Australia.

"We wanted to create more of a residential feel – stylish yet comfortable, and that's really created a differentiated look," says Myrmell.

Lounges, high table banquettes and the all-important accessories including vases, plants and lamps give the ships a relaxed feel. Sture notes that humour plays a role in the design.

"We don't take ourselves too seriously, it's elegant but not too intimidating, we're lighthearted, for example an artwork might feature an admiral in a gold frame with the head replaced with that of a bird or lion."

Pacific Explorer looks like Eden and Aria but takes the experience a step forward with more food outlets, as well as waterslides, a waterpark and lawn bowls. The average age of a P&O cruiser is 44 years old, but their ships attract all from families, couples and retirees. "We appeal to everyday Australians," says Myrmell.

NEED TO KNOW The first Pacific Explorer cruise is a 10-night Discover Vanuatu cruise departing June 22, 2017. Fares start from $1399 per person quad share. See www.pocruises.com.au

THE SHIP Viking Sky, Viking Ocean Cruises

THE SHOWSTOPPER Designed to disguise the retractable sliding glass ceiling, the light timber branches that sprawl across the roof of the Wintergarden is a spectacle. Passengers can take afternoon tea in dappled sunlight under the canopy.

THE LOOK Like its sister ships, Viking Sky, the latest in the fleet of Viking Ocean Cruises, has the pared-down Scandinavian look with clean lines, light woods, woven textiles and an abundance of natural light.

Interior designer Richard Riveire pays homage to Nordic heritage with local artworks adorning the walls and astronomical maps, the ancient Viking navigational method, a recurring theme throughout.

"Anyone who enjoys travelling and finding new things will enjoy these ships. I like to think that there is an added bonus for those that like great design ... you get that too," says Riveire.

Here, the ocean is the hero. There's a glass-backed infinity pool offering views across the sea, and the huge windows and skylights in the indoor areas afford ample views.

Every stateroom has a private verandah and features bathrooms textured with a lightweight limestone-like ceramic. Kingsize beds are adorned with a throws featuring traditional Marius weave.

The 930-capacity Viking Sky is classified as a "small ship", it's for over-18s only, there's no casino, nor formal nights. Next in line, the Viking Sun will set sail on November 2017.

NEED TO KNOW A 15-day Viking Homelands ocean cruise is price from $9999 in a Deluxe Veranda for May 1, 2018 departure. See vikingcruises.com.au/oceans

Andrea Black travelled to the Seatrade Cruise Global conference and the preview of Celebrity Edge in Florida as a guest of Royal Caribbean. See www.royalcaribbean.com.au

FIVE MORE FUTURISTIC FEATURES PLANNED FOR CRUISE LINERS

MAGIC CARPET, CELEBRITY EDGE

What looks, at first glance, like a tennis court-sized stylish bar and lounge elevated above the top deck on the starboard side of Celebrity Edge also serves as a cantilevered floating platform to transfer cruisers to their launch from ship to shore. See celebritycruises.com

OCEAN MEDALLION, PRINCESS CRUISES

Not only will this 50-gram wearable device get you into your stateroom, the Ocean Medallion promises to deliver a new level of personalised service including wayfinding, food and beverage on demand, and an array of entertainment experiences. It debuts on Princess Cruises' Regal Princess in November 2017. See ocean.com

EXTRA-WIDE PROMENADE DECKS, MSC SEASIDE

On MSC's new ship set to launch in November 2017, the open-air promenade deck is so wide they will feature outdoor seating for restaurants, as well as space to sunbathe, jog and cycle around the ship. See msccruises.com.au

INFINITE VERANDAH, CELEBRITY EDGE

Behold more cabin space. With the push of a button, a floor-to-ceiling window in an Edge stateroom can retract to create a glass railing together with folding French doors, if a balcony is desired. Because of the roominess, bathrooms are now bigger and there's more storage space.

THE PANTRY, P&O CRUISES

It's been around for a few years but the concept of The Pantry continues to evolve with no more mess hall-style buffets with a choice to dine on high tables or banquettes among pot plants and room dividing shelves. Pacific Explorer will add another dining option to their Pantry with Caribbean Princess launching its own World Fresh Marketplace. See pandocruises.com and princess.com

COOL CREW: THE TOP DESIGNERS CHANGING CRUISING

TOM WRIGHT, CELEBRITY EDGE

The lead designer for public spaces on Celebrity Edge, architect Tom Wright of WKK has over 30 years experience, including Director for Dubai Jumeirah Beach Resort Development, where he designed the Burj Al Arab Hotel. He's working on a new project now, which is set to change the skyline of Cyprus.

ADAM D. TIHANY, HOLLAND AMERICA, SEABOURN

A renowned hospitality designer, Tihany has worked on the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, One & Only Cape Town, Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice and Four Seasons Resort Dubai. He has brought his expertise to the seas with the interior design of MS Koningsdam and Seabourn Encore.

KELLY HOPPEN, CELEBRITY EDGE

From transforming private yachts to the various homes of the Beckhams, Kelly Hoppen is a sought after interior designer who also worked on the LUX Belle Mare hotel resort in Mauritius and The Murmuri in Barcelona. The collaboration with Celebrity Edge is her first foray into cruise ship interior design.

RICHARD RIVEIRE, VIKING AND OCEAN CRUISES

A design professional for 30 years, Riveire's high profile projects include two Presidential Bungalows at the Beverly Hills Hotel and the renovation of the Team Disney headquarters building. He has also designed award-winning furniture and products. Riveire has worked across Viking's longships and Ocean Cruises.

PETRA RYBERG, P&O CRUISES

Ryberg was the Project Manager and head designer for Tillberg Design, the company that helped to create the unique look and feel of Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden. She is now Head of Design for P&O Cruises based in the cruise line's Sydney headquarters. Petra has also worked on designing resorts for Ritz Carlton, Hilton, and Conrad.

Sydney-based travel writer Andrea Black specialises in travel relating to design, history, architecture and music. Her favourite design period is mid-century modern so when she saw that Eames lounges and elevated martini glass-shaped hot tubs are to feature on the new Celebrity Edge, she found her perfect match on the high seas.