Art Cruises

5 OF THE BEST

Clockwise from bottom left (this page): Portuguese blue tilework, or azulejo; Olsen Art Studio, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines; Van Gogh’s grave; Monet’s garden in Giverny

CRUISES FOR ART LOVERS

Follow in the footsteps of famous painters or brush up on your own skills with an art-themed cruise. Jeannine Williamson picks out sailings that are guaranteed to inspire your artistic side

1Hone your skills in the studio FRED OLSEN CRUISE LINES

This summer, The Olsen Art Studio was introduced on Fred Olsen’s newest ships, Borealis and Bolette. Classes go hand in hand with new Signature Experiences – in particular Itinerary Insights and Scenic Discoveries – that are available on every cruise. These are used as the basis for tutorials in the new studios, such as painting the Northern Lights in watercolour in Norway and an embroidery class in Funchal, Madeira, which is renowned for its needlework. An 11-night In Search of the Northern Lights sailing, round-trip from Liverpool on Borealis, costs from £1,499 per person departing November 13, 2022 (fredolsencruises.com).

2Create lasting impressions in France AMAWATERWAYS

You’ll feel like you’re stepping into a painting at Monet’s garden in Giverny, where willow trees, the Japanese bridge and, of course, water lilies were immortalised in his work. This cruise also features an Artists’ Walk through Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh completed 70 of his final paintings, and pretty Honfleur, which is regarded as the birthplace of Impressionism. Other stops include Rouen Cathedral, captured on canvas by Monet, Lichtenstein and Turner. A seven-night Impressions of the Seine & Paris, Paris to Le Havre sailing on AmaDante starts from £2,355 per person departing April 1, 2023 (amawaterways.co.uk).

3Make mosaics on the Douro EMERALD CRUISES

Glazed blue ceramic tiles, or azulejos, adorn everything from houses to churches and railway stations in Portugal. After learning traditional mosaic painting and design techniques from a local expert in a class held on the ship, you can try your hand at decorating a clay tile and then take it home as a unique souvenir. The itinerary also visits Espaco Mira, which showcases upcoming Portuguese artists in a pair of former warehouses in Porto. Seven-night Secrets of the Douro, round-trip from Porto sailing on Emerald Radiance, starts from £1,253 per person departing November 26, 2022 (emeraldcruises.co.uk).

4Head up to an artist’s loft OCEANIA CRUISES

The Artist Loft can be found on Marina and sister ship Riviera and is a haven for anyone looking to explore their creative side, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned painter. Talented artists in residence offer step-by-step instruction in an array of arts, including painting, drawing, sculpture and photography. Immortalise awe-inspiring destinations visited ashore such as the Acropolis in Athens or the grandeur of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. The seven-day Turkish & Hellenic Gems, Athens to Istanbul cruise on Marina, costs from £1,939 per person departing May 4, 2023 (oceaniacruises.com).

5Capture spectacular memories SCENIC

Lyon, the French cultural capital, is also famous for silk production. On this sailing you can attend a workshop and paint a piece of silk in an individual design to take home. Other stops include Arles, where the bridge is instantly recognisable from Van Gogh’s paintings. Back on board there’s a class to learn how to paint in his style, inspired by water and reflections on the Rhone. The 10-night Spectacular South of France, round-trip Lyon cruise on Scenic Sapphire costs from £2,538 per person departing April 11, 2023 (scenic.co.uk). Clockwise from top left (this page): Oceania’s Artist Loft; AmaDante; discovering silk in Lyon; Pont Van Gogh, Arles; sunset on the river, Porto