The Sea Cloud Hussar to make its maiden voyage in the autumn
11. Jan. 2010 – When the Sea Cloud Hussar leaves harbour on its maiden voyage this autumn, the sailors on board will hoist sails with a total surface area of approx. 4,500 square metres. A golden eagle will decorate the prow of this 136 metre long and 17 metre wide cruise ship and the white hull slice through the waves at a maximum speed of 14 knots.
(Photo: © Sea Cloud Cruises)
(Photo: © Sea Cloud Cruises)
The world’s biggest three-mast passenger ship, the floating five-star hotel of the Sea Cloud Cruises shipping company, has room for 136 passengers in its 69 outside cabins. They are looked after by a crew of 90.
The interior design of the cabins, the library and the 180-degree panorama restaurant ensure that guests feel completely at home on board. It is the work of Partner Ship Design, a Hamburg-based company specialising in the interior design of cruise liners.
About the colours, Partner Ship Design General Manager, Siegfried Schindler, explains, “Our slogan is ‘Nature on Board’ and for this we mainly use spring and autumn colours.” Harmony is ensured by associated tones from the natural spectrum, i.e., yellow, orange, red, while contrasting colours, such as green, violet and blue, set interesting accents. The typical and rather cool maritime colour combination of white and blue has been avoided and the striking ambience of a sailing ship achieved through the use of mahogany and details such as brass fittings.
Luxury cruise ships do not differ greatly from luxury hotels when it comes to the choice of fabrics for the interior. “We use fabrics of all kinds. The only prerequisite is that they be made of Trevira CS, so they are highly flame retardant”, says Schindler. “However, they must also have an abrasion resistance of at least 20,000 cycles, which means that the soft furnishings will not have to be changed until after about five years.”
Given the weather conditions at sea, outside furnishings are a complete different matter. In this case, it is essential to use only fabrics certified by the International Maritime Organisation, which is only awarded after passing tests for fire behaviour and smoke density to ensure they are not inflammable. Lightfastness should be measured in accordance with the blue-lamp standard for areas such as the lido or sun decks and be at least seven (very good) or eight (excellent). Additionally, the surface should be water resistant because salt water can come over the side of the ship when the sea is rough or, even when the weather is fine, there is always the chance that a guest wearing a wet bathing costume will sit on a lounge chair.
