The ART of Cruising

Are you an art lover or someone who enjoys gazing at a beautiful landscape scene or pondering an abstract design? You may decide that museums and galleries are a good option for exploring different ports of call on your cruise, but you might also consider spending an afternoon at sea, exploring the many art pieces exhibited on your ship. Most cruise ships have a richly curated collection of artwork from a variety of artists and disciplines to enhance your onboard experience. I encourage you to take note, as so much of the ship's art goes far beyond interior decorating and matching a generic painting to the fabric of the couch in your cabin.

Galleries at Sea

Let's start with the obvious. You may be surprised to see a full art gallery on your ship, but it's the perfect place to start your art tour. Gallery staff will be available to talk to you about some of the art and artists you will see on display. Also, if you are interested in purchasing a piece to take home, the gallery is one of the only places where the art on display can be bought. Most ships have a gallery, but the quality and cost varies from one cruise line to another. Prices of artwork are often in-line with the average cruise fare of each ship. Still, despite the monetary value of the work on display, onboard galleries are a relaxing, pleasant and thought-provoking way to spend some time during a day at sea.

Art Gallery on Princess Cruise Line

Art Gallery on Disney Cruise Line

Art Gallery on Norwegian Cruise Line

Art Encounters Onboard

Some of the 'wow' moments we have when boarding or exploring a cruise ship will certainly include both large and dramatic sculptural art pieces, as well as smaller pieces that lend an air of elegance, culture and interest to the ship's decor. Many larger pieces will be centrally located on a main promenade or atrium, while smaller wall-hanging pieces will adorn staircases and hallways. In fact, if it wasn't for the photography in the hallways, I would have had a very hard time locating my cabin on my last cruise. I knew I was a couple of doors away when I saw the photo of two skateboarder girls. You may walk right past these in your rush to get to the belly-flop contest, but it is worth allotting some time to a slow crawl down the stairs from the highest decks to low.

Helix Interactive art by David Canogar on Quantum of the Seas

The Crossing by Paul Villinski gives rides on glass elevators even more visual appeal

Mixed Media Artworks Adorn Stairways

Original Photographs Remind You Where Your Cabin is Located Down Long Hallways

Art as Souvenir

In addition to the possibility of purchasing pieces on display at the ship's gallery, cruise lines offer more ways to go home with artwork that will also provide you lasting memories of your trip. Some cruise ships have art auctions where you can purchase works from a variety of artists. Royal Caribbean provides a lecture about the work of Thomas Kinkade, "painter of light", as well as an opportunity to purchase limited edition prints from the Kinkade Studio and Trust. They often have great deals and they are duty-free! But the real charm is getting some limited edition works of art that will adorn your home. Some of Royal Caribbean's ships also have shops featuring the designs of Romero Britto. Both artwork and stylized merchandise by the artist can be purchased onboard.

Romero Britto's Design Shop Onboard Allure of the Seas

D I Y Cruise Art

Aside from crafting and jewelry-making activities onboard your cruise, there are endless opportunities to compose beautiful photographs or sit with a sketchpad or even watercolors to capture some of the beauty you experience on your cruise. You could plan time for this, of course, and pack the supplies you need. My father always enjoyed sitting on the deck at sunset, to take photos just as the sun began to sink below the horizon. There are many other visually interesting objects and tableaus you will discover either onboard or during your port excursions that will make beautiful and dramatic pictures to display after your trip. So don't rush through too fast—keep your eyes peeled for all the art and artistic moments to be found on your next cruise.

Dad's Sunset Photography