HUISSEN, Netherlands -- One handwritten note instructed visible screws to be covered. Another said a wallpaper edge should be smoother.
The notes were in mock-up cabins at Willemsen Interieurbouw, a company specializing in ship interiors, representing what will eventually be onboard Celebrity River Cruises' ships.
A dozen or so yellow sticky notes were posted throughout the room -- above the dresser, on light switches, on the doors -- sharing feedback and ideas to improve the river cruise cabin.
The cabin, decorated in neutral hues and featuring a king-size bed, was already stylish and looked great, but for the Celebrity product-development team, "great" wasn't good enough.
Until a final design is approved, the product-development team, led by Jeannette Coto Dou, will edit, tinker and scrutinize each light plate, wallpaper choice and linen. The final choices will be onboard the Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker next year. After their debut, Celebrity plans to introduce four ships per year and operate 20 ships by 2031.
During a visit to Amsterdam this month, a small cohort of media and travel advisors were invited for a sneak peek at the progress Celebrity has made in its river venture, including the tour of two cabin mock-ups.
Celebrity plans to develop a fleet of sister ships that have small differences. What was seen on the tour exuded a refined and luxurious approach to design, with ample storage space.
Bill Coyle, vice president of agent engagement at KHM Travel Group in Brunswick, Ohio, said Celebrity's designers were "taking the right steps to make the product fantastic."
The desk in the cabins, in particular, was a draw for him because of the expansive workspace. He also appreciated Celebrity's blending of traditional and contemporary design.
Sneak peek at Celebrity River Cruises' cabins
Advisors did voice concerns about Celebrity's approach to innovation. Coyle said he was "a little concerned" about the design of the ship's entry, which will deviate from the standard.
Typically, the first thing cruisers see when they step onboard a ship is the lobby and reception area, but on the Celebrity ships they'll "walk right into Cafe al Bacio and the Martini Bar," said Michael Scheiner, Celebrity's chief marketing and product officer.
"And that's intentional," he said. "When they board, we want guests to walk in and feel like they're at home."
The ships are inspired by Celebrity's Edge class of ocean ships, where Cafe al Bacio and the Martini Bar are beloved spaces.
Coyle, who said he is "a traditionalist when it comes to river cruising," was not won over by Celebrity's unique ship entrance but said his clients will be eager to get onboard.
Beth Schulberg, owner of Cruise & Travel Specialists in Lake Oswego, Ore., found the cabin model to be beautiful but said she was concerned that the king-size bed in every room would make for a tight squeeze.
She recommended that Celebrity place the king beds in larger rooms and intentionally market the larger bed as a selling point.
"Other than that, I thought everything was great," she said.
Every centimeter counts
Celebrity has brought together multiple partners for its river cruise venture.
Willemsen is constructing the interior, Zwijnenburg shipyard is building the hull and TeamCo Shipyard is putting everything together.
Marcel Zweers, TeamCo's managing director and owner, said the Celebrity ships are the most innovative ones that the company has worked on. He said Celebrity is laser-focused on maximizing space; every centimeter counts.
Guests won't find a spa, fitness center or bikes onboard a Celebrity river ship. Instead, the line has chosen to make room for six bars and restaurants, a high number for a river ship.
And then there's the lightweight hull, which Toine Willemsen, CEO and owner of Willemsen Interieurbouw, said will enable Celebrity to "sail as long as possible in a dry season."
The problem of low water levels can be a pain point in Europe river cruising, forcing ships to alter routes if they can't navigate the river. A lighter ship will make it easier to sail on lower water.
"You need to build light," he said. "And that is completely new. It's not something that we talk about with other clients."