The Art of Regal Princess The interior of Regal Princess is substantially the same as the interior of her sister ship Royal Princess. Created by Teresa Anderson, who headed Princess' design team for many years, and interior architect Giacomo Mortola, this design is both contemporary and glamorous while still remaining in good taste. It combines sumptuous materials such as marble, metal and a variety of woods with thoughtful lighting to produce a chic but relaxed atmosphere. The best example of this is the three deck high Piazza, which is spectacular while still being warm and tasteful.
Although the ship has some 4,000 works of art, Regal Princess' art collection is subservient to the overall interior design. The artwork either acts as a focal point in a larger design or as supporting decoration. It is rarely takes center stage as in an art museum. The most visible works are the sculptures. In the lobby between the Guest Services Desk and the Shore Excursions Desk, there is a brass and glass sculpture that forms the centerpiece of that area. Speaking of centerpieces, a hand-blown Murano glass sculpture is the centerpiece of the Chef's Table in the Allegro Dining Room. There are a number of original murals in the public areas. These include scenes of Venice by American artist Marian Westall, which are placed behind the Guest Services Desk and behind the Passenger Services Desk. Along the same lines, to support the musical theme of the main dining rooms (which are named Concerto, Symphony and Allegro), there are murals of classical musicians performing. These murals are there to contribute to the pleasant, cultured atmosphere of these rooms rather than as artistic statements. The place where the art does its best to come out from the shadow of the décor is in the stair towers, i.e., the staircases running between the decks. On the landings between the decks, there are paintings, prints and giclees by various contemporary artists. Some - - but not all - - of these artists (e.g., Emile Billet, Patrick Guyton) have or have had a connection to Park West Galleries, which operates the art gallery on Regal Princess. The works in the stair towers cover a wide variety of styles, ranging from abstraction to traditional realism. Particularly noteworthy was Ty Wilson's series Abstract Female Nudes, which recalls Matisse's figure drawings. Also of note was Diego Bormida's Memories, a traditional painting of Castel Sant' Angelo in Rome. The various cruise lines have taken different approaches to decorate the corridors outside the passenger cabins on their ships. For example, Holland America often hangs photos of its historic ships in the corridors. Royal Caribbean has posted various types of unique works ranging from traditional native art to Pop Art. Some others have used prints. On Regal, Princess has hung enlargements of photographs taken by passengers. These are travel pictures showing various picturesque destinations. Many are quite beautiful and make you feel good about traveling. They also stimulate the desire to travel in the future. Inasmuch as Princess is in the travel business, they thus serve a corporate purpose beyond just covering the walls. Furthermore, because they are photographs taken by passengers, the fact that Princess has hung them on its ships promotes the family feeling between the line and its customers. |
Above:The centerpiece sculpture in Regal Princess' forward lobby.
Below: The chandelier in the Piazza. 
Examples of art in the stair towers: Ty Wilson's Abstract Female Nudes (above) and Diego Bormida's Memories.
|
Cruise ship art collection review - Princess Cruises - - Regal Princess