The S.S. Marlene Design Story

We can’t wait to launch the S.S. Marlene, named for European-born actress Marlene Dietrich, on the rivers of Europe next year. To bring you a peek behind the scenes on the design process of the ship, we talked to lead designer Liane van Leeuwen for a bit more about the inspirations and decisions that make this ship unique. Keep reading for her answers—and some renderings of the interior spaces—below!

For those of our readers who are not familiar with the icon that is Marlene Dietrich, why don’t you give us a little introduction?
Marlene Dietrich was a symbol of glamour and seductiveness, and an advocate of the right for women to dress as they wished—often challenging gender norms with outfits that would have been considered masculine in her time, such as the tailored top hat and suit featured on the walls of the main dining room. She was progressive, open-minded and ahead of her time.

Her career started in Berlin in the roaring twenties, which is the period in which Art Deco design flourished. Her story gave me the opportunity to create a glamorous interior in the Art Deco style, which I’ve always had a fondness for.

Marlene Dietrich was born and raised in Germany, not moving to the United States until her late 20s to support her blossoming film career. Does this heritage factor into choices you made in defining the look of the ship?
For this ship, the German Art Deco style was the primary source of inspiration. Because Japanese art was also a popular influence for Art Deco designers, I enjoyed bringing some of those elements aboard as well—hence the cherry blossom branch in the dining room.

How is designing a luxury “Floating Boutique Hotel” like the S.S. Marlene different from designing any other cruise ship?
Because the ship tells a personal story, its design is tailored to reflect that narrative. The materials and detailing of the interior are of a much higher standard than on other ships. The art objects and decorations were specifically created and selected for Uniworld. This makes the ship an almost museum-like experience, transporting you to another era. An incredible and unforgettable experience!

Marlene Dietrich spent time as both an actress and a cabaret singer, how do those two sides of the actress come through in the design?
Many movie posters have been incorporated into the interior design. The back lounge in particular tells the story of her career as a singer. There are several iconic Marlene LP covers on the wall and there is even an old record player with her records!

If you had to pick one favorite thing about the S.S. Marlene, what would it be?
I can’t choose just one, so I’ll have to tell you two things. First: the lobby with the magnificent chandelier and the dramatic, two-story accent wall that holds the elevator. I think guests won’t soon forget the first moment they step aboard the ship.

The other thing, and maybe this is an interesting choice, but I love the wallpaper we’re using for the public toilets. Beautiful, colorful wallpaper with cranes and blossoming trees—it just goes to show you that no space is overlooked on a Uniworld ship!

Dark, polished wood is featured heavily on the S.S. Marlene—and her sister ships, the S.S. Emilie and S.S. Audrey—can you tell us a bit about this Uniworld signature?
The Uniworld ships showcase the quality of traditional craftsmanship. It’s wonderful that this craftsmanship hasn’t been lost! Thanks to these beautiful, authentic materials, the interiors will withstand any trends and retain their high quality for a very long time.

Can you tell us about the colors and patterns you’ve chosen for the ship?
The Art Deco style, which originated in the 1920s and 1930s, is an ode to modernity and technological progress, luxury and glamour. It is known for its emphasis on simple, streamlined shapes and symmetrical designs. Geometric patterns such as zigzags, triangles, and sunbursts are characteristic of the style and provide a sense of elegance. The base of the interior consists of black and white combined with a lot of wood. Rich colors like gold, silver, and deep jewel tones such as deep purple, dark red, emerald green, ochre yellow, and petrol blue are used.

Is there anything you’d like to say to our guests about the S.S. Marlene?
I hope you all have just as much fun aboard the S.S. Marlene as I did while designing the ship!

Note: The contents of this article are accurate as of the publication date. Uniworld itineraries and inclusions are subject to change at any time.