Shamilee Vellu checks out Celebrity Edge’s revolutionary design, which offers travellers a tantalising look into the future of luxury cruising
In an age when every mode of transport, from taxis to even private jets, has experienced disruption, it stands to reason that an old holdout – cruising – would prove ripe for a complete rethink. Naturally, a key motivation for change is to hit that much-coveted millennial sweet spot: Cruise lines have trotted out everything from on-board mixology classes to yoga retreats, and Uniworld recently debuted two river cruisers centred on millennial-minded decor, activities and technology. Ultimately, with an estimated 30 million cruise-goers expected to hit the high seas in 2019 (according to Cruise Lines International Association) and what seems like a bigger ship unveiled every other month, the race is on for cruise operators to overcome the stereotype that cruising is only for retirees, and that it – to put it bluntly – just isn’t cool.
Can it be, though? Industry stalwart Celebrity Cruises (celebritycruises.com) thinks so, and it has put its money on the new US$1 billion Celebrity Edge, which I, an avowed non-cruiser, have been invited to experience during its christening (by Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, no less) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
It turns out I’m not the only cruise novitiate on board – far from it. To actuate its groundbreaking vision, Celebrity Cruises approached a starry line-up of boldface creatives such as Kelly Hoppen, Jouin Manku, Patricia Urquiola, Tom Wright and Scott Butler – some were long-time collaborators, but there were also several who had never set foot on, much less designed, a cruise ship. The result is a masterwork that showcases not only new-to-market technologies, but also stunningly fresh spaces by designers who gleefully threw out the rule book for what a cruise ship should look like.
RETURN TO GLAMOUR
Bu hikaye Prestige Singapore dergisinin March 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Prestige Singapore dergisinin March 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Sailing Into A Dream
Scenes from the fantasy feature Game of Thrones come to life in the otherworldly landscapes of the Arctic Circle.
Here Come The Sun Seats
Italian furniture has long held the crown for blending luxurious, sophisticated design with impeccable craftsmanship.
ABSOLUMENT FAB
France's premier fair for fine-art and antiques returns for its third edition inside its new home in the Grand Palais.
Through the Director's Lens
Filmmaker JIA ZHANGKE and his protégé RAFAEL MANUEL share their perspectives on life, cinema and their current projects.
THE CUTTING EDGE
Having long played quiet supporting roles in the gem industry, gem cutters are finally having their day in the sun. Four acclaimed independent master gem cutters share more about their love of the craft and the creation of their best pieces.
Spheres of Power
Following up on the gold- and titanium-focused Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams launch collection, the superstar now turns to pearls for a softer, but no less striking, second act.
Horological Masterpieces Reimagined
Beyond the wrist, these timekeepers transcend all traditional boundaries.
WILD IMAGINATION
Cartier's latest category-spanning Panthère de Cartier novelties showcase the endless ways in which the panther continues to inspire.
READY FOR ACTION
The latest watch to come from the celebrated Richard Mille and McLaren partnership looks set to be another trailblazing timepiece.
THE RIGHT ANGLES
Twenty-five years after the launch of its last new collection, Twenty-4, Patek Philippe introduces the Cubitus range.