The lobby and staircase of the MS Excellence Crown.

A remarkable welcome on board

Alpha Design Projects asked us to join the design and construction phase of the new river cruise ship MS Excellence Crown. Our brief was to design the lobby, including the reception desks and central staircase.

The other interior spaces on board were designed by a different architect and were not included in our remit.

Plamen van Dijk developed a cohesive concept for the lobby and stairwell, commissioned by Alpha Design. The concept focused on routing, sightlines, dimensions, lighting and the spatial connection between the various decks.

Geometry, Line and Light

The stairwell is the recognisable centrepiece of the lobby. The atrium and ceiling feature flowing contours, which are combined with custom-designed balustrades, warm relief walls and a sculptural light installation extending across multiple decks.

The reception desks were designed to be an integral part of the lobby. This created a clear and representative reception environment within an exceptionally short timeframe, combining geometry, comfort and refinement.

Project credits

  • Project: MS Excellence Crown
  • Design assignment: a lobby containing reception desks and a central staircase.
  • Design: Plamen van Dijk Design Studio Commissioned by and in collaboration with: Alpha Design Projects B.V.
  • Shipbuilding: Concordia Damen
  • Realisation: 2025
  • Other interiors: outside the commission by Plamen van Dijk | Design Studio
Client
  • Alpha Design Projects
Location
Werkendam
Project scope
  • 300 m²
Project Type

Hospitality design