The lobby and staircase of the MS Excellence Crown.

A remarkable welcome on board

Alpha Design Projects invited us to join the design and construction process of the new hybrid river cruise ship, MS Excellence Crown, which was already underway. Our brief was clearly defined: the interior design of the central lobby, including the reception desks, and the striking multi-deck staircase.

In collaboration with Alpha Design, Plamen van Dijk developed a cohesive spatial concept focusing on circulation, sightlines, dimensions, lighting and the connection between the various decks. The other interiors on board were designed by a different architect and were outside the scope of our commission.

Geometry, Line and Light

The central staircase is the distinctive focal point of the lobby. The atrium and ceiling feature fluid contours, which are combined with custom-designed graphic balustrades, warm textured walls and a sculptural lighting feature extending vertically across multiple levels.

The reception desks have also been designed to be an integral part of the space. The convergence of materials, geometry and lighting creates a distinctive reception environment that conveys a clear identity and spatial experience to guests from the moment they enter.

The concept was developed into a manufacturable interior that aligned with the ongoing shipbuilding work within an exceptionally short design process.

New-generation river cruise ship

The central staircase is the distinctive focal point of the lobby. The atrium and ceiling feature fluid contours, which are combined with custom-designed graphic balustrades, warm textured walls and a sculptural lighting feature extending vertically across multiple levels.

The reception desks have also been designed to be an integral part of the space. The convergence of materials, geometry and lighting creates a distinctive reception environment that conveys a clear identity and spatial experience to guests from the moment they enter.

The concept was developed into a manufacturable interior that aligned with the ongoing shipbuilding work within an exceptionally short design process.

Built by Concordia Damen in Werkendam in 2025, the Excellence Crown belongs to a new generation of river cruise ships. This 135-metre vessel combines a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with battery energy storage, solar panels, shore power and heat recovery.

The hydrodynamically optimised hull and energy-efficient and intelligent control systems also contribute to lower energy and fuel consumption. The vessel was built to Green Award Gold standards.

In this technologically advanced setting, the lobby, with its central staircase, forms the spatial heart of the onboard reception area.

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 created in collaboration with: Alpha Design Projects B.V.
• Shipbuilding: Concordia Damen
• Realisation: 2025
• Other interiors: outside the commission by Plamen van Dijk | Design Studio