User Picture

  • 1-866-234-7350 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
  • 11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
  • 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruisetour | Norwegian Cruise Line
  • 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruisetour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
  • 20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
  • 11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
  • View All Results
  • Preferences
  • Latitudes Rewards
  • Special Offers
  • Personalized Recommendations
  • Make reservations before you cruise
  • 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

Norwegian Escape

The Art of the Cruise: Q&A with Park West Gallery

Interview with Park West Gallery

Wondering what a cruise ship art auction is all about? First: it’s exhilarating, exciting and educational, even if you don't know a thing about art. Second: it’s about learning to appreciate the finer things in life, which can include surprisingly affordable art - the ultimate of all vacation souvenirs! Imagine hanging a Thomas Kinkade in your living room or a colorful Peter Max at your office. Wow, what a great cruise memory you’ll be able to enjoy every day! Third: Did I mention there’s free champagne?

You don’t have to be an art aficionado to buy what you love. Some of the Park West Gallery artists that have captivated me over the years include French painter Jean Claude Picot and Salvador Dali’s Divine Comedy series, as well as artists Tomasz Rut from Poland and Shari Erickson of Atlanta.

Let’s learn more about the art of the cruise! Here’s my Q&A with Stoney Goldstein , Vice President of Sales for the land-based Park West Gallery of Southfield, Michigan. Since 1969, Park West has had the pleasure of helping over 2 million clients start a love affair with collecting art. They ship about 6,000 artworks to their clients every single week and proudly offer auctions on every ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, including the new Norwegian Bliss .

Explore Art on Norwegian Cruise Line Ships with Park West Gallery

I don’t know anything about art and I’ve never attended an onboard auction before. What’s your advice?

The wonderful thing about art is that you don’t need to know anything to enjoy it. The best advice we can give is, “Follow your eye.” You will know when a certain work of art connects with you—you’ll just feel it. And, once an artwork catches your eye, don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Besides the art auctions, do you offer any other events onboard?

We’re always very excited about our shipboard programming. These aren’t just art shows—they’re events! On a seven-day Norwegian Cruise Line itinerary, we will usually offer around three unique auctions, each with a different theme and featured artwork. You can come, have a glass of champagne on us, and watch the auctioneer go. If you’ve never attended a live auction before, it’s quite an experience. Everyone who attends receives a small promotional artwork and then we do raffles for larger works throughout the auction.

But we don’t just do auctions. Throughout a weeklong cruise, we also usually hold three to five different art seminars, receptions, or exhibitions. Our art experts might take you through 30,000 years of art history in 30 minutes or they might host a “night at the museum” evening art gala. Our goal is to make art engaging and fun for everyone.

I’ve heard that art is expensive.

We pride ourselves on carrying artwork that will fit every budget. If you just want one small painting for your living room or if you’re completely redoing your corporate offices, we have an incredible variety of artwork available.

In fact, we recently rolled out an all-new e-gallery to all of our onboard galleries. If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for on the ship, one of our personal art consultants can help you browse over 2,300 works in our digital galleries. We even have a tool that will allow you to try out different frames on each work in our e-gallery, so you can know exactly what it will look like when you get it home.

Explore Art on Norwegian Cruise Line Ships with Park West Gallery

What art mediums will passengers see onboard Norwegian Cruise Line ships? Are there any new techniques?

Park West offers a huge variety of artistic mediums—unique paintings of all kinds, watercolors, etchings, graphic works, lithographs, sculptures—the list goes on and on.

Our artists are constantly experimenting with new and exciting mediums. We have two new mediums, in particular, that our artists and collectors absolutely love. One is called dye sublimation, where the artist uses an advanced technique to transfer their image onto glass, metal, or plastic surfaces. That’s related to our other new medium, the caldograph, where the artist bonds their image onto a wooden panel—it’s a modern twist on a classic medium. (“The Mona Lisa” was actually painted onto a wood panel!)

Are some art mediums more popular than others? 

Our clients love variety, so it’s hard to say if one medium or size is more popular than another. We sell art of all shapes and sizes. On Norwegian Cruise Line, we definitely see a lot of interest in artwork from Peter Max, Lebo, and Guy Harvey, which makes sense because all three have painted the hulls of Norwegian ships. It’s no surprise, after seeing a work of art that big, that a cruiser might want to take a piece of that home with them.

For more information, read: A Closer Look at the Hull Art on Norwegian Cruise Line Ships .

I need an insider tip: what are your favorite up-and-coming artists you can get enough of?

Park West is always adding to our family of artists. Recently, we’ve fallen in love with the work of Matt Beyrer , who creates these breathtaking paintings on wood that really incorporate the grain of the materials he’s working with. In terms of up-and-coming names, we also adore Orlando Quevedo , a gifted magic realist from Cuba, and Alexandre Renoir , a brilliant landscape artist who is actually the great-grandson of the famous Impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Explore Art on Norwegian Cruise Line Ships with Park West Gallery

Why should I buy art onboard when I can buy it on land?

At Park West, we’re big believers that art should be for everyone. One way we put that into practice is by holding our art auctions on cruise ships. We don’t expect you to come to us—we’re going to bring the art to you. While you’re having the vacation of a lifetime, we want to make sure that you have access to some of the most beautiful art in the world. You can browse, you can learn more, or maybe you bring home something to brighten your kitchen or office. If you leave your cruise with a new passion for art, our mission is accomplished.

There seem to be some misconceptions about onboard art auctions, can you clarify?

A lot of people only know art auctions from movies, where they seem stuffy, snobby, and expensive. In reality, our auctions are the exact opposite. We want to welcome you. Come browse with us, have a drink with us, see the show, and ask us a million questions. We love it. And, with our 40/40/40 guarantee—where you can return any artwork for 40 days or exchange any artwork for 40 months—you don’t have to worry about post-vacation buyer’s remorse either.

Where can cruisers find out more about the artists Park West Gallery represents?

The best source of information is parkwestgallery.com . We have full biographies of all of our artists, galleries of their works, and feature articles and interviews where you can learn even more about them.

Does Park West Gallery offer physical land-based galleries?

Yes. Park West has a beautiful gallery in our hometown of Southfield, Michigan, which is also connected to the Park West Museum, a free-to-the-public museum where we display our private collections of old and modern masters like Picasso, Renoir, Rembrandt, and more. In addition to our home gallery, every year, Park West holds several traveling land events in vacation destinations all over the world. These are often made available to our VIP collectors and they can involve excursions, fine dining, auctions, and opportunities to meet some of your favorite artists.

Explore Art on Norwegian Cruise Line Ships with Park West Gallery

All images courtesy of Park West Gallery.

Cruise Etiquette: The Dos and Don'ts of Cruise Ship Art Auctions

Cruise Etiquette The Dos and Don'ts of Cruise Ship Art Auctions

Art auctions are a mainstay of big-ship cruise lines —and they usually run in a similar format: show up, drink a few glasses of free Champagne, take a numbered bid card, and peruse the artwork to be auctioned off. Make the right bid, and you'll go home with travel memories and a new piece to add to your collection.

On land, art auctions are mainly reserved for seasoned collectors in major cities. But what's extraordinary about a cruise ship is that everyday passengers can access the auction experience, says John Block, the Executive Vice President of Park West. Park West is the first and largest operator of at-sea art auctions aboard lines including Azamara, Royal Caribbean , Celebrity , Norwegian, Princess , Holland America , and Carnival . “The vast majority of our clients don’t live in the population centers where major galleries concentrate–we’re offering an opportunity to choose from a wider selection of art," he says. The artwork auctioned on cruise ships also sells at a variety of price points, creating a broad appeal to travelers, Block notes. You might drop a few hundred dollars, or even hundreds of thousands, depending on the cruise line and destination, which can both factor into the art available for auction.

As for the pieces on display, expect to find artwork across various mediums, and artists that range from the big hitters—WyLand, Peter Max, Pablo Picasso—to more contemporary and even up-and-coming names. Some perennial favorites from Park West’s cruise galleries include Itzchack Tarkay, Anatole Krasnyansky, Chris Derubeis, and Emile Bellet.

Suffice to say, it's a fun way to spend an afternoon at sea, but there are a few things to know before you step up and raise a paddle. Consider this a crash course on participating in art auctions on cruise ships, from suggested etiquette to the fine print.

A selection of art from Park West which runs atsea auctions aboard cruise lines like Celebrity.

A selection of art from Park West, which runs at-sea auctions aboard cruise lines like Celebrity.

How it works

At the start of the event, auctioneers will explain the difference in package prices. Some art is handed over on the ship for passengers to take home themselves, while some is sold inclusive of framing and shipping, and others are sold without those inclusions. Usually, they'll try to add to the excitement before things get rolling with giveaways, added-value deals, and—of course—by talking up the art on show. Each auction will also kick off with clear instructions on bidding.

Once the auction is completed, buyers will sit down with art gallery staff to work out delivery details, select a frame (you don’t have to keep the one the art is displayed in), and go over the purchase contract. At auctions run by Park West, sales tax for the passenger’s state of residence applies. For US residents, there’s no import duty levied on artwork imported to the United States.

Staff will also offer an appraisal at a reasonable price for insurance purposes—but keep in mind these appraisals are not third-party, and are retail value appraisals, or a survey of what other galleries and sellers are asking for similar works. The appraisals are not independent estimates of the current fair market value of the art, which are significantly more involved and expensive.

What to look out for

Several cruise lines eschew art auctions, including Oceania , Crystal , Windstar , and Regent Seven Seas Cruises . Disney Cruises has transitioned to gallery sales—mostly of Disney-themed prints and animation cells—with prices clearly displayed. Many cruise lines, like Celebrity and Holland America Line, have also transitioned to more art appreciation, although they continue to also offer the onboard art auctions.

Why the shift? Over the years, unhappy buyers have filed lawsuits against cruise lines or the onboard art auctioneers, claiming the value of the artworks had been inflated. Other buyers alleged that the artworks they purchased were forgeries, and were ultimately able to get refunds without lawsuits, but only after media coverage .

Most of the legal complaints related to cruise ship art auctions are not recent–previously, expensive telephone service and slow internet on cruise ships made it much harder to research art values before purchasing. But with the advent of faster cruise line WiFi, which is often bundled into cruise fares, there’s been less buzz as of late surrounding unhappy cruise art buyers. Park West has also made changes to their sales process . Onboard art sales used to be final, but the company now allows buyers to cancel their purchases outright with the auctioneer before they disembark at the end of the cruise. Afterwards, buyers have up to 50 months to exchange their art or return it for a credit.

At the end of the day, it’s important for passengers to view onboard art sales as a retail purchase—not an investment piece—and to be wary of auctioneers who focus too much on the resale value of artwork. This is essentially an interactive shopping experience. It’s up to the buyer to perform their due diligence before putting down their money. Prospective buyers can run a quick check on the internet for the work of art they’re considering to see if the same print is being sold at a lower price ashore, or if the artist is known for diluting the value of their works for authorizing too many production runs of a piece.

As long as passengers keep their eyes out for any red flags, cruise art auctions can be a great way to purchase art you may not have access to otherwise. Plus, Park West hosts onboard education and enrichment seminars—naturally focused on the artists and art types available for sale during the auction—so there are chances to learn about what's for sale before you have to make decisions.

Cruise Cotterill

  • Tips & Advice
  • Destinations
  • Cruise Lines
  • Cruise News

Picture

  • Special Offers
  • Travel Advisors My Account

Enjoy Painting Courses and Workshops With Our Onboard Artists

Throughout your journey, an onboard artist-in-residence will offer step-by-step watercolor and mixed-media instruction to budding artists as well as seasoned professionals.

Art Immersion Cruises

Cape Codder Cruise

Cape Codder Cruise

Boston, MA to Boston, MA

Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise

Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise

Portland, OR to Clarkston, WA

Florida Gulf Coast & Keys Cruise

Florida Gulf Coast & Keys Cruise

St Petersburg, FL to St Petersburg, FL

Yankee Seaports Cruise

Yankee Seaports Cruise

Boston, MA to New York, NY

What sets us apart

Our Small Cruise Ships

The newest and most modern in America

Personalized Service

Attentive and gracious service

World Class Cuisine

Customized by our master chefs

All-Inclusive

All meals & snacks, cocktails & beverages, enrichment & excursions, tips & fees

Spacious Staterooms

Largest staterooms in the industry

Private Balconies

Unobstructed views, breathtaking scenery

Onboard Enrichment

Musicians, historians and naturalists

An American Experience

American-made, crew and destinations

 alt=

Processing…

Request A Free Cruise Guide Modal

Begin planning your U.S. cruise adventure with American Cruise Lines today. From the coast of Maine, to the mighty Mississippi and Pacific Northwest, our Free Cruise Guide provides detailed information about all of our more than 50 U.S. itinerary options.

This is the announcement bar for Poornima to test the Close Button.  It will expire May 31 2024.

  • Pre-Cruise FAQ
  • Onboard FAQ
  • Post-Cruise FAQ
  • Cruisetours FAQ
  • Special Offers Sign Up
  • Cruise Deals

You have been logged out

Your window will update in 5 secs

Princess ® Fine Arts

A souvenir that lasts a lifetime.

Princess® Fine Arts offers extraordinary art auctions and exhibitions featuring word-class artists from around the world, along with enriching lectures and special events.

Find art that speaks to you

Art is personal. The pieces you display express who you are, where you’ve been and what matters to you. The gallery team at Princess Fine Arts can help you find the ideal artwork for any situation, whether you’re looking for a gift for a loved one, redecorating your home or office or in need of a memento from your voyage. Special financing is available, so you never have to leave the perfect piece behind.

Artists as unique and varied as you are

Our onboard galleries feature works from a variety of artists, from Baroque geniuses like Rembrandt to modern masters of light and mood like Thomas Kinkade. Plus, with our exclusive E-Gallery, guests can easily browse our full collection of over 10,000 works of art.

Join in on the auction — or just enjoy the show

Our live auctions — complete with sparkling wine — are invigorating events with prizes, unique works of art and the buzz of conversation of fellow art lovers. If you’re looking to deepen your experience, drop by one of our art seminars or artist exhibitions and delve deeper into the world of fine art.

Create your collection with confidence

Princess Fine Arts is operated by Park West Gallery, with over 50 years of service excellence. Your satisfaction is what matters most, which is why we offer the Princess Fine Arts 50/50 Satisfaction Guarantee. When you purchase a work of art through Princess Fine Arts, you can exchange that artwork at any time within 50 months. It’s that easy.

We ship worldwide

Princess Fine Arts offers worldwide shipping and custom framing options. No matter where you live, we will make sure your artwork arrives at its new home just the way you want it.

You May Also Like

Enriching activities.

Relaxing days & enriching experiences

Entertainment

Movies, music, magic, comedy and more

Princess Casino

Discover the fortune of time to play

Effective July 1st. Due to new regulations, prices now include all taxes and fees. Learn more

cruise artist

Art Classes on Cruise Ships

cruise artist

Get creative the next time you're at sea. In an effort to expand onboard entertainment offerings, cruise lines are adding an assortment of art-themed activities from art studios to painting classes. If you're interested in art classes on cruise ships, here's what to expect from the major cruise lines.

On This Page

Celebrity cruises, crystal cruises, oceania cruises, p&o cruises, uniworld river cruises.

cruise artist

Scrapbooking is not just for your grandma anymore. Celebrity offers scrapbooking classes, often on sea days, where travelers of all ages can put together themed pages to house favorite memories from their trip. Travelers can take the book home and fill it with their vacation photos. All the necessary supplies are included.

If you're interested in crafting something from glass, sign up for one of the glassblowing classes on the line's three ships (Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Eclipse) that have the glass studio. Several classes are offered on each sailing where instructors help travelers of all ages create their own masterpiece.

Crystal's Odyssey Art at Sea program provides travelers with the opportunity to try out painting, sculpting and craft making on select sailings. For a fee, passengers can hone their skills with the help of talented guest instructors.

Some of the line's many enrichment lectures delve into the world of art history and specific artistic techniques.

cruise artist

The Artist Loft aboard Oceania's Marina and Riviera is a space where aspiring artists can hone their skills and test their craft at sea. Talented instructors serve as "artists in residence," and participants can try painting, drawing sketches or putting together collages. For best results, don't miss the first class and make a point to attend all subsequent classes in order to finish a project onboard.

Watercolor painting classes are a popular activity during sea days aboard most of P&O Cruises' ships. Dedicated instructors help participants finish their masterpieces.

On many of its river cruise sailings, Uniworld flies in an expert photographer or artist to lead free classes for passengers. Travelers can learn how to find the right lighting and angles for their photos and how to edit them for online or print use. Painting and sketch classes are even more special when conducted on the top deck as the world floats by. The paint and wine workshops are, of course, especially popular.

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

  • Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
  • Back to Main Menu
  • Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
  • Cruise Deals
  • Weekend Cruises
  • Last Minute Cruises
  • Family Cruises​
  • 2024-2025 Cruises
  • All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
  • Cruise Dining
  • Onboard Activities
  • Cruise Rooms
  • The Cruise Experience
  • All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
  • Cruise Ports
  • Shore Excursions
  • Perfect Day at CocoCay
  • Caribbean Cruises
  • Bahamas Cruises​
  • Alaska Cruises
  • European Cruises​
  • Mediterranean Cruises​
  • Royal Destinations
  • Cruise Planner
  • Make a Payment
  • Check-In for My Cruise
  • Beverage Packages​
  • Shore Excursions​
  • Book a Flight
  • Dining Packages​
  • Royal Gifts
  • Required Travel Documents
  • Transportation
  • Book a Hotel
  • Redeem Cruise Credit
  • All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
  • Boarding Requirements
  • Future Cruise Credit​
  • Travel Documents​
  • Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
  • Transportation​
  • Perfect Day at CocoCay​
  • Post-Cruise Inquiries
  • Royal Caribbean
  • Celebrity Cruises

Art Auctions

{{dresscode }}

Restrictions

{{experience.ageRestriction}}

{{experience.heightRestriction}}

{{experience.weightRestriction}}

{{experience.ageRange}}

How to reserve

{{experience.howToReserve}}

How to purchase

{{experience.howToPurchase}}

{{info.title}}

{{info.body}}

My Personas

Code: ∅.

cruise artist

Cruise Artistes International

For high standards on the high seas, a  complete entertainment company serving, the cruise industry, providing entertainment services for cruise lines across the world since 1996., highly skilled staff with prior onboard entertainment and corporate management experience..

Cruisearts Promo

OUR PAST & PRESENT CLIENTS 

AMERICAN CRUISE LINES.png

Now part of American Queen Voyages

WINDSTAR.png

BACK TO TOP

logo main

A Guide to Cruise Ship Art Auctions

Hidden amongst the water slides, rows of sun-drenched deck chairs and surf and turf dinners is one aspect of a cruise vacation too many people are overlooking; art auctions. You may not embark on a cruise vacation specifically for the auctions, but many cruisers find them to be fun, engaging and informative activities on par with everything else found on board the modern cruise ships of today. From the colorful pop art of Peter Max and Romero Britto to the detail and precision of a Picasso lithograph or a Rembrandt etching, there’s something for everyone when you explore a gallery at sea curated by a professional art auction service like Park West Gallery. 

Park West Gallery curates countless auctions each year on board major cruise lines like Carnival, Celebrity, Norwegian, MSC, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises and the gallery understands how to make the experience a memorable one for both casual art fans and dedicated collectors. A new pre-register initiative recently announced by the gallery is aimed at growing interest and appreciation for art in the cruise industry.

Cruise Ship Art Auctions

Park West Gallery offers a wide selection of art | Photo: Park West Gallery

Cruise Ship Art Auctions: What to Expect 

After a morning spent enjoying Eggs Benedict and catching a few rays on the lido deck, cruisers often wander through an onboard lounge to find it’s been magically transformed into an art gallery. Since 1969, Park West has been the leading provider of art for cruisers and their team is second to none when it comes to a fun and engaging experience. 

From the moment you walk into a cruise ship art auction, the goal is to inform, inspire and entertain. Wait staff circle the room with bubbling flutes of champagne as people peruse the selections before the auction begins. There’s no obligation to bid on anything if you don’t want to! Many come to get out of the sun for a bit, sip their champagne and learn a thing or two about art and an auction from the best in the business.

Cruise Ship Art Auction

A Park West Auctioneer | Photo: Park West Gallery

  A lot of curious cruisers who find themselves attending an art auction on board the ship like to chat with their fellow cruisers about the art, the ship, the cruise line and the experience as a whole. It’s a great place to meet someone new! 

RELATED: 10 Reasons to Buy Art on a Cruise Ship

One thing most don’t realize about art auctions is how fast-paced and entertaining they actually are. Auctioneers can be downright mesmerizing when they command the room and start taking bids. It may sound like nonsense, but an auction chant, or bid calling as it is sometimes called, is actually the auctioneer repeating the current bid and raising the price for the next bidder. Should no one else bid higher after a few moments, the work is sold! 

Cruise Ship Art Auction

Gallery staff can answer all your questions | Photo: Park West Gallery

In case you do see a work you like, pre-registering for the event makes a lot of sense. When you pre-register at Park West’s website, cruisers can get $50 worth of buying credits towards a work of art as well as a free gift from the gallery! 

Learn About the Art Before the Auction 

If you find yourself exploring the ship during the first few days of the cruise, make sure you check out the art gallery and view some of the collection set to be auctioned off. The friendly and informed gallery staff are more than happy to show you around the gallery and answer any questions you may have about an artist or individual work. For novice art enthusiasts, this is a great way to familiarize yourself with each work and perhaps find one that catches your eye. 

Cruise Ship Art Auction

You never know when a work of art will catch your eye | Photo: Park West Gallery

90% of Park West’s art comes from partnerships with living artists and occasionally the artists drop by the cruise ship auctions to surprise their collectors. Whether you’re looking for something nice for a wall back home or you’re curating an art collection of your own, learning about each work prior to the auction is one of the best things to do! If you’ve cruised before on the same ship, always head back and see the gallery again as the selection changes and something new may stand out! 

Go for the Experience! 

For many, cruise ship art auctions are something new and exciting that doesn’t come up very often in daily life. Cruising is about having fun and experiencing new things, so why not check one out on your next cruise vacation! Don’t forget to log onto the Park West pre-registration website and choose which line you’re sailing with for an extra $50 in buying credits and a free gift!

You may also like

Cruising to Myanmar

A Page in Time… Yangon’s colonial past.

A Page in Time… Take a walk through Yangon’s colonial past By Kevin Revolinski A Myanmar tra

MSC Preziosa

MSC Preziosa: Cosmopolitan Cruising

Cruise Ship Review: MSC Preziosa Gear up and then unwind through memorable moments aboard MSC Prezio

St. Thomas

Like a Local: US Virgin Islands

LIKE A LOCAL Livin’ in the USVI By Carol Bareuther Sure, there are guidebooks that list every rest

cruise artist

American Liberty Christening Ceremony

cruise artist

Explora Journeys Presents Immersive Experience at 37th America’s Cup

cruise artist

Here’s What’s Included with Your Cruise Fare

cruise artist

First Look at Windstar’s Brand-New Star Seeker 

cruise artist

Press Releases

Calling up-and-coming artists, royal caribbean launches art program to debut on icon of the seas  .

First Up in the “Artist Discovery Program” Will be a Spotlight on Local Caribbean Artists

MIAMI, March 10, 2023 – Royal Caribbean International has launched a search for iconic artistry to bring the Caribbean spirit to life on the iconic canvas that is the world’s best family vacation, Icon of the Seas . In the new “ Artist Discovery Program ,” up-and-coming artists from destinations the cruise line visits can vie to put their work on display for millions of vacationers who will set sail for years to come. The program’s purpose is to infuse every region’s spirit and culture into the curated art collections on board ships, in order to highlight and celebrate the very destinations and their people at the heart of Royal Caribbean’s memorable vacations. Beginning in the Caribbean , local artists can send their submissions starting today and through April 4 here .

“The Artist Discovery Program is a project close to our hearts at Royal Caribbean International because the destinations we visit are family. And it’s only fitting that we begin our search for up-and-coming artists who are in the Caribbean; it’s where we got our start more than 50 years ago,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Vacationers want to immerse themselves in the places they visit. This is a way to spotlight the beauty of the local cultures and people in the places they see and enjoy every day on their cruise, beginning with large-scale canvases on a first-of-its-kind adventure – Icon of the Seas .”

The first group of budding artists, making up the Artist Discovery Program: Caribbean Edition , will be commissioned to paint nine large-scale murals in three highly visible locations: the Royal Promenade neighborhood , the heartbeat of the new ship; among the first sights guests see at Icon’s main entrance; and within the Suite Neighborhood . Each piece will invoke the vibrancy of the Caribbean , joining the collection on board that will include an array of pieces created by Caribbean artists or inspired by the region.

Every artist will receive a grant from the cruise line, ranging from $20,000 to more than $100,000, to see their vision through. Later this year, as artists in residence, the winners will work closely with the Newbuilding team behind Royal Caribbean’s renowned ships to bring their concepts to life in Turku, Finland, where Icon is under construction.

To vie for a spot in the first edition of Artist Discovery Program, artists must submit the following:

  • Five samples of conceptual work: The work must be original and may not currently be published or on display.
  • A brief artist statement that helps explain their work, inspiration and other details regarding the pieces submitted.
  • A copy of their resume.

Icon  is the  first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation . From the  beach retreat  to the  resort escape  and the  theme park adventure , the brand-new getaway  delivers  every kind of family and vacationers their version of the ultimate family adventure. In store is an all-encompassing lineup of firsts and next-level favorites across  eight neighborhoods . Between the adrenaline-pumping thrills at the new  Thrill Island  neighborhood and unrivaled ways to chill at neighborhoods like the new  Chill Island  and the luxurious four-level  Suite Neighborhood , adventurers bonding with their families or getting away with friends will have all the ways to stay and play their way.

The first Icon Class ship  will sail year-round,  7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations  from  Miami . Every cruise will visit Royal Caribbean’s top-rated private island destination,  Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, and a mix of destinations  like Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Basseterre, St. Kitts.  More details about  Icon  are available at  www.RoyalCaribbean.com/Icon .

Future editions of the Artist Discovery Program will be announced at a future date. Additional information on the program can be found here.

About Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean International , owned by Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel that features the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to 240 destinations in 61 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay , the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 20 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.

Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com . For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

Related Videos

cruise artist

Related Images

March 2023 – Royal Caribbean International launches the new “Artist Discovery Program,” beginning with a Caribbean edition that will debut on Icon of the Seas in January 2024. Up-and-coming artists in the destinations the cruise line visits can vie to spotlight their region’s culture and people with the opportunity to put their work on display for millions of vacationers on board Royal Caribbean ships.

Related Stories

Icon’s Captain Henrik Shares the Top Things to Do on the New Ship

Everything You Need to Know about Perfect Day At Cococay

8 Hours in Labadee, Haiti 

  • Israel-Gaza War
  • War in Ukraine
  • US Election
  • US & Canada
  • UK Politics
  • N. Ireland Politics
  • Scotland Politics
  • Wales Politics
  • Latin America
  • Middle East
  • In Pictures
  • Executive Lounge
  • Technology of Business
  • Women at the Helm
  • Future of Business
  • Science & Health
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • AI v the Mind
  • Film & TV
  • Art & Design
  • Entertainment News
  • Destinations
  • Australia and Pacific
  • Caribbean & Bermuda
  • Central America
  • North America
  • South America
  • World’s Table
  • Culture & Experiences
  • The SpeciaList
  • Natural Wonders
  • Weather & Science
  • Climate Solutions
  • Sustainable Business
  • Green Living

Tom Cruise descends from stadium roof in daring Olympic finale

Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise made a dramatic appearance at Sunday night's Paris 2024 closing ceremony, descending on a wire from the Stade de France roof.

Spectators shrieked in delight as the Mission: Impossible star, dressed in leather jacket and gloves, lowered himself into the stadium while his compatriot H.E.R. performed on guitar.

To mark the handover to Los Angeles, which will host the Olympics in 2028, Cruise was seen in a pre-recorded film travelling through Paris and onto the US.

There he journeyed to the legendary Hollywood sign and unfurled the Olympic colours. The ceremony in Paris marked a formal "au revoir" from this year's host city.

Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, said the Paris Games had been "sensational".

In his closing speech, he praised athletes for their "simply amazing" performances, saying they showed "what greatness we humans are capable of".

He continued: "During all this time, you lived peacefully together under one roof in the Olympic Village. You embraced each other. You respected each other, even if your countries are divided by war and conflict. You created a culture of peace.

"This inspired all of us and billions of people around the globe. Thank you for making us dream. Thank you for making us believe in a better world for everyone."

  • 'Sensational' Paris Olympics come to an end
  • Everything you need to know about LA 2028
  • Ten viral moments from the Paris Olympics
  • Paris 2024: The final medals table

Cruise's feat during the closing ceremony was performed as musician H.E.R. jammed on an electric guitar - having moments before delivered a rocky rendition of the US national anthem.

He proceeded to take the Olympic flag from one of the stars of Paris - American gymnast Simone Biles - before the thrilled audience watched him zip away on a motorbike.

cruise artist

The pre-recorded clip showing his journey to LA was soundtracked by California natives Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The funk-rock hitmakers then delivered a live performance of their classic track Can't Stop on a palm-fringed beach in Los Angeles. Other acts included Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg, who performed with Dr Dre.

Snoop - who is from LA himself - was a regular fixture at the Games, which culminated with the US topping the medals table after a dramatic win in Sunday's final event, the women's basketball final.

Paris Olympics: Tears and Triumphs

EPA Tom Cruise is mobbed by athletes in the Stade de France

Cruise, also known for Top Gun, is renowned for performing his own stunts.

Over the last decade or so, these have included scaling Dubai's Burj Khalifa and dangling on the outside of a plane as it took off, both for the Mission: Impossible series.

Artistic director Thomas Jolly complemented Cruise's feat with another cinematic-feeling segment. A hushed, darkened stadium watched as a troupe of dancers rolled five giant rings across a stage, ultimately assembling the Olympic logo.

The gloomy sci-fi aesthetic was finally punctured by an up-tempo performance from French band Phoenix, who tore into two hits. They were surrounded by athletes who climbed up on stage, to the consternation of the stadium announcer.

EPA Cruise stands on the motorbike as he rides through a corridor of spectators

Cruise's role was perhaps Paris's worst-kept secret. Rumours had been in the press for days - even before he was photographed in the stadium itself on Sunday evening.

The 62-year-old was spotted several times in Paris during the Games fortnight, cheering on the US team in the swimming relay and watching multi-medal-winning American gymnast Simone Biles in action.

"It's awesome," he told Reuters news agency at the time. "Great stories, great athletes. It's incredible what they do."

Artistic director Jolly was also responsible for the Olympics' ambitious curtain-raiser last month. This featured a parade of boats along the River Seine and a comeback performance from singer Céline Dion.

Getty Images Tom Cruise poses for a selfie with a fan in Paris

  • Need help? 1-888-751-7804 1-888-751-7804
  • Let Us Call You CALL ME
  • Drink Packages
  • Flights by Celebrity℠
  • Hotels by Celebrity
  • Manage Reservation
  • Shore Excursions
  • Upgrade with MoveUp

cruise artist

  • My Tier and Points
  • Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

  • South Korea
  • New Zealand
  • Grand Cayman
  • St. Maarten
  • U.S Virgin Islands
  • New England & Canada
  • Pacific Coast
  • Antarctic Ocean
  • Panama Canal
  • Transatlantic
  • Transpacific
  • Cruise Ports (+300)
  • Mediterranean
  • Perfect Day at CocoCay
  • All Inclusive
  • Bucket List Cruises
  • Cruise & Land Package
  • Groups & Events
  • New Cruises
  • Popular Cruises
  • Specialty Cruises
  • Destination Highlights
  • Group Excursions
  • Private Journeys
  • Shore Excursions Overview
  • Small Group Discoveries

CARIBBEAN ESCAPES & WEEKEND CRUISES

  • 360° Virtual Tours
  • Celebrity Apex
  • Celebrity Ascent NEW
  • Celebrity Beyond
  • Celebrity Constellation
  • Celebrity Edge
  • Celebrity Eclipse
  • Celebrity Equinox
  • Celebrity Infinity
  • Celebrity Millennium
  • Celebrity Reflection
  • Celebrity Silhouette
  • Celebrity Solstice
  • Celebrity Summit
  • Celebrity Xcel COMING SOON
  • Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

  • Celebrity Flora
  • Celebrity Xpedition
  • Celebrity Xploration
  • The Retreat
  • Suite Life. Elevated.
  • Iconic Suite
  • Penthouse Suite
  • Reflection Suite
  • Royal Suite
  • Signature Suite
  • Celebrity Suite
  • Aqua Sky Suite
  • Horizon Suite
  • Sunset Suite
  • View All Suites
  • Concierge Class
  • Galapagos Accommodations
  • Eat & Drink
  • Entertainment
  • Spa & Wellness

Introducing Celebrity Xcel℠

  • Cruising 101
  • Cruise Fare Options
  • Cruise Tips
  • First Time on a Cruise
  • What is Included on a Cruise
  • Future Cruise Vacations
  • Accessible Cruising
  • Captain's Club Rewards
  • Cruise Insurance
  • Flights by Celebrity
  • Manage Cruise
  • The Celebrity Store
  • Travel Documents
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Celebrity Cruises

So much more than a suite

  • Summer Sale - 75% Off 2nd Guest
  • 3rd & 4th Guests Sail Free
  • Free Caribbean Veranda Upgrades
  • Galapagos 20% Savings + Free Flights
  • Resident Rates
  • Exciting Deals
  • View All Offers
  • All Included
  • Cruise & Land Packages
  • Dining Packages
  • Photo Packages
  • Wi-Fi Packages
  • View All Packages
  • Captain's Club Overview
  • Join the Club
  • Loyalty Exclusive Offers
  • Tiers & Benefits
  • Loyalty Status Match
  • Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature® Card

Summer Sale

Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings of up to $150.

WORLD-CLASS ARTISTS

  • Innovations

Park West’s onboard auctions and exhibitions showcase some of the most famous artists in the world, including popular contemporary figures like Romero Britto, Michael Godard, Kre8, Ashton Howard, Nano Lopez, Mark Kostabi, Ron Agam, and more.

They also have unbelievable artworks available from past and present art world masters. Take a walk through each onboard art gallery and you might come face-to-face with original works by Pablo Picasso, Peter Max, Yaacov Agam, or Salvador Dalí. Some of our ships now feature Park West’s new Museum@Sea collections, where you can experience masterworks on loan from actual museums—artwork like Picasso’s original ceramics or Dalí’s Divine Comedy illustrations.

All Park West Gallery artwork comes directly from the artist or their estate, so authenticity is guaranteed. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just an eager art fan, there is something for everyone on board

REGISTER EARLY FOR CELEBRITY’S ONBOARD ART AUCTIONS. GET A $100 BID CREDIT AND A FREE GIFT.

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

Photos: Classic cars cruise through San Francisco to celebrate lowrider culture

Hundreds of gleaming lowriders pulled up to the Palace of Fine Arts for the annual Kings of the Street car show.

A brightly colored car with its hood open, showcasing intricate detailing. A man and woman conversing nearby.

  • Copy link to this article

For the first time since California decriminalized lowrider cruising earlier this year, San Francisco’s annual Kings of the Street car show rolled through the Palace of Fine Arts before heading to the Mission in what organizers bill as the biggest cruise in the U.S.

For Roberto Hernandez, Saturday’s event showcasing 2,000 classic cars was surreal considering how marginalized the subculture was when he founded the San Francisco Lowrider Council more than four decades ago.

“For me, it’s a dream come true to do it at the Palace of Fine Arts,” he said. “I know 30 years ago, 40 years ago, they would never let us be here.”

Times certainly have changed.

 alt=

For generations, the largely Latino lowriders enthusiasts were racially profiled by police, Hernandez recounted. Then, in 1979, a group of them sued San Francisco, which culminated in an agreement to let the cars cruise along Mission Street.

Since then, lowrider culture has expanded across the globe.

“Now, lowriders are in movies, they’re in commercials,” Hernandez said.

Locally, he said he’s heartened to see the car culture embraced as part of the city’s identity, making appearances in major events like the Golden State Warriors championship parade.

A woman in a crowd has long dark hair tied with a black bandanna, large gold hoop earrings with "Evelina" and a rose, multiple ear piercings, bold makeup, and sunglasses on her head.

Mother-daughter duo Tristessa Branco and Nevaeh Branco joined fellow car enthusiasts on Saturday to show off their gleaming 1962 Impala. The elder Branco said when she grew up, lowriders were a male-dominated fixation.

“I like that more women are out there,” Tristessa said. “We’re showing ’em that we can do it, too.”

While the younger Branco preferred last year’s venue at the Embarcadero to the Palace of Fine Arts, she said it started growing on her as the day wore on.

“It’s different,” she said. “I’m getting used to it.”

A woman is sitting in the driver's seat of a light green classic car with her arm resting on the open window. A "P" parking sign and people are visible in the background.

That organizers mix up the location every year is part of the fun, said Jerry Griego, a former president of the SF Lowrider Council and, at 68, the self-described “oldest lowrider in San Francisco.”

“It’s always good to have something different, man,” the San Francisco native said while standing beside his 1963 Lincoln Continental drop-top painted in a hue he called Inverness green. “Sometimes it’s better, sometimes it’s not so better. … But some people love it, I’m sure, and some people don’t.”

Unlike last year, when the sun shone for the better part of the car show, the fog obscured the bay in the background.

But Robert Peña — who brought a 1967 Camaro Rally Sport for what marked his sixth time at the event — said he was hoping the sky would brighten up enough to glint off the impeccably polished cars and give everyone a nice view of the Bay Bridge.

“We had it for 20 minutes,” he said with a laugh. “I should’ve taken a picture then.”

The image shows a white car performing a dramatic hydraulic lift stunt, tilted on one side. Nearby, colorful lowrider cars are parked, and people are watching and taking photos.

Filed Under

  • 1-855-932-1711
  • My Account Hello Credits My Account Exclusive Offers Log out

Aerial view of the McKinley Chalet Resort near Denali National Forest in Alaska

Holland America Denali Lodge

Denali Square is the bustling center of our very own Holland America Denali Lodge. Here, you can share a meal and good times at Karstens Restaurant; stroll the boardwalk and visit our artists-in-residence cabin; shop for handcrafted local goods; enjoy the Music of Denali at the Gold Nugget Saloon; or gather around the evening campfire and make s’mores under the open sky.

An Alaska Retreat

Denali Square is best described as both a hub and a retreat for Holland America Line guests at the doorstep of Denali National Park.

cruise artist

Relax in an Exclusive Alaska Retreat

River near McKinley Chalet Lodge, Denali, Alaska

Gateway to a National Treasure

Amphitheater at Denali Square, Alaska

Denali Square Amphitheater

Artist carving wood, Alaska

Our Artists in Residence

Taste alaska at denali square.

Feast on such local favorites as fettucine with freshly caught Alaskan king crab, caribou burgers and barbecued salmon, and wash them down with a local brew. 

Karstens restaurant, Denali Square, Alaska

Celebrate the Day’s Adventures

Musician playing guitar in front of audience.

Music of Denali Dinner Theater

Accommodations at holland america denali lodge.

Holland America Line’s exclusive Denali Lodge is growing!

Demali Suite Deluxe room at McKinley Chalet Lodge near Denali National Park

More Room, More Amenities

The premier denali experience.

You can upgrade to a Deluxe Room in Denali Square starting at $49 per person, per night, or enjoy a private balcony and premier amenities with a Denali Suite starting at $99 per person, per night.

To learn more or to book your Alaska + Denali Land + Sea Journey today, call 1-877-932-4259 or your Travel Advisor. 

  • Expeditions
  • Complimentary Brochures
  • Avignon to Lyon
  • Lyon to Avignon

Lyon & Provence

  • From $2,499
  • 7 Guided Tours
  • Dates & Pricing
  • 2024 2025 2026
  • Avignon to Lyon Lyon to Avignon

Lyon & Provence Map

Map of Lyon & Provence itinerary

Tour lands of fine wine & cuisine

cruise artist

Sail along the scenic Rhône River through the beautiful French countryside. Discover Roman Provence at Les Arènes d’Arles and the Pont du Gard. Explore the world’s largest Gothic palace at Avignon’s grand Palace of the Popes. Excite your palate in Lyon, capital of French gastronomy. Savor local wines, hunt for truffles and see how chèvre cheese is made. Come witness the beauty that inspired artists like Cézanne and Chagall on this eight-day voyage.

Anniversary Sale

cruise artist

Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

Map of Lyon & Provence itinerary

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

cruise artist

Pre: French Riviera

From $1,049 | 3 Nights

cruise artist

Pre: Aix-en-Provence

From $999 | 2 Nights

cruise artist

Post: Paris

From $999 | 3 Nights

cruise artist

Post: Paris Premium

From $1,599 | 3 Nights

cruise artist

Post: Burgundy’s Vineyards

From $1,699 | 3 Nights

cruise artist

Post: Geneva

From $1,049 | 2 Nights

cruise artist

Post: Scenic Alpine Railways

From $2,799 | 5 Nights

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

  • Order a Brochure
  • Special Offers
  • Sweepstakes
  • Travel Advisors
  • Media Center
  • Investor Relations
  • Health & Safety Program
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

  • Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

  • Scandinavia
  • British Isles & Ireland
  • North America
  • Caribbean & Central America
  • South America
  • Mediterranean
  • Quiet Season Mediterranean
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • World Cruises
  • Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

  • Great Lakes
  • Longitudinal World Cruises

2024-2027 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from August 1-31, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland, European Sojourn and Capitals of Eastern Europe, Paris to the Swiss Alps, Cities of Light, London DDAY & Paris, Rhine & Main Explorer. Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full by August 31, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025 : Pay in full by September 30, 2024. 2026 : Pay in full by March 31, 2025. 2027 : Pay in full by November 30, 2025. Offers expires August 31, 2024.

$25 DEPOSIT:  $25 DEPOSIT: For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to January 2025 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to March 2025 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $799 per person or Business Class air from $3,499 per person based on select gateways and dates. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the Viking Air Plus page.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract .

AIR OFFER RESTRICTIONS:  Offer expires August 31, 2024.

NOTE: U.S. flights depart one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.

More From Forbes

How stavanger became norway’s street art capital.

  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to Linkedin

Joining a street art tour is a great way to dive into the culture in Stavanger, Norway.

Aside from being Norway’s energy industry hub, Stavanger is also renowned for its picturesque white, wooden houses. These charming structures, numbering in the thousands, are scattered throughout the city, with a particularly high concentration in the historic district of Gamle Stavanger.

The city's pristine white facades create a timeless, quaint atmosphere. Yet, amidst this traditional setting, a vibrant street art scene has emerged, infusing Stavanger with a burst of color and creativity. This striking contrast between the classic wooden houses and the bold expressions of street art adds a distinctive character to the city.

How Stavanger’s Street Art Scene Began

Driven largely by the Nuart festival, Stavanger's street art scene is vast and varied. The city’s street art ranges from vast eye-catching murals to more subtle work designed to blend in or interact with the physical environment.

Fine Art graduate Martyn Reed moved from London to Stavanger in 1995, and that’s where the story starts.

Eye-catching street art can be seen all over Stavanger, Norway.

“I was part of a loose art collective whose practice explored concepts of power, who had it, how did they use it and who did they share it with. I was naturally drawn to working in public space although the concept of street art hadn’t yet taken hold,” says Reed.

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Thursday, August 22

Oprah endorses kamala harris at dnc: her political history—and rare endorsements—explained, bill clinton takes crack at trump’s hannibal lecter references in dnc speech.

But it wasn’t until six years later when Reed discovered the work of Banksy at an event that things began to develop. He was surprised at the lasting impact the meeting had on him: “I thought if this work could do this to me, it could do it to anyone. I returned to Stavanger and established Nuart the same year.”

Reed eventually assumed responsibility for curating Nuart, and notes that once the festival shifted its focus exclusively to street art, the impact on the city was immediate.

Street art in central Stavanger, Norway.

“Unlike some major metropolises, there was no negative connotations attached to the culture because it was so different stylistically to tagging and graffiti. The city took to it immediately and we were able to curate the city in a very free and thoughtful way,” says Reed.

Nuart blossomed, unimpeded by bureaucracy or politics, and enjoyed its “golden years” from 2006 to 2016. Stavanger hosted most of the world’s leading names in street art, including Dotdotdot, Dolk, and Martin Whatson, with many of those works still visible in the city today.

A Commercial Break

However, the surging popularity of the more commercial aspects of the culture took hold on the scene. Together with the pandemic, it impacted Nuart’s ability to produce a festival, so the team put their initiative on hold .

Visitors arriving into Stavanger by cruise ship are greeted by this mural.

Nuart did continue to exist in the form of the Nuart Journal , a peer-reviewed journal with an immediate, open-access policy.

Nuart Returns To Stavanger

This year, Reed has announced plans to resurrect Nuart. He says the new body of work aims to “challenge the ‘Disneyfication’ of the culture in a thoughtful and entertaining way.”

A “back to basics” series of works, residencies and projects are set to be produced between September and December. The first glimpses are already visible on the streets, but you’ll need to look down to see them.

Rats, cats, and crows are among the street-level artworks to pop up so far. According to Reed, the crow signifies transformation and rebirth, something street art culture “desperately needs after a decade of ‘by the book’ mural festivals sponsored by corporate property developers.”

Nuart Festival has returned to the streets of Stavanger with small pieces that interact with the ... [+] physical environment.

At the time of writing, Nuart Festival’s Instagram account is the best place to see the unveiling of this new series, piece by piece.

It states: “although we’ll continue to applaud the technical and artistic skills of large scale murals and their place in the culture, we’re happy to be putting the cherry pickers away and bringing it back down to street level, to the grime and the dirt that created this pearl of a culture in the first place.”

Stavanger’s Top Street Art Locations

Local street artist ‘Algebra’ shared her recommended spots with Visit Norway , but explained that this will change over time: “The pieces are usually not meant to last forever. They're supposed to be covered up with new ones over time. The general rule is, the cooler the art, the longer it stays.”

Just wandering around Stavanger is the best way to experience the street art. Reed says doing this is how you’ve discover multiple smaller works that tours often miss.

That being said, he also recommends the tours offered by Region Stavanger and Guide Companiet , which offer an “excellent introduction” to the street art scene for people short on time.

Don’t Miss Norway’s Most Colorful Street

In stark contrast to the white buildings that define much of central Stavanger, Øvre Holmegate—known locally as Fargegaten (the Color Street) — bursts with color.

'Øvre Holmegate' is packed with colorful buildings.

In 2005, the street was just like any other until a local hair stylist wanted a more vibrant environment to attract more people to his salon—and other businesses on the street.

The street’s design seems haphazard at first glance, but the color combinations are actually the design of Scottish artist Craig Flannagan.

Join locals for a coffee early in the afternoon in one of the many sidewalk cafes, or visit later for a livelier atmosphere.

David Nikel

  • Editorial Standards
  • Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

  • False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
  • Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
  • Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
  • Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

  • Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
  • Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
  • Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
  • Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

  • Stay on topic and share your insights
  • Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
  • ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
  • Protect your community.
  • Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

YOU CAN BUY PARK WEST ART IN A VARIETY OF WAYS

How do i collect art with park west, the vast majority of our art is sold via auctions. you can find more details below., why no online pricing, prices fluctuate as our inventory changes. we ask that you speak to a representative for the most current pricing. package pricing is available as collecting in sets is encouraged., what if i can’t attend an auction, we do have a limited supply of artwork priced to sell directly. if you find an artwork you love online, contact our sales team by phone or email., talk to one of our experienced art consultants.

cruise artist

Let us help you start building your art collection today!

Contact our Gallery Sales team: [email protected]

1-800-521-9654 , Option 4 (US and Canada) +1 248-354-2343 (International)

HOURS: 10 am to 6 pm Monday-Saturday and 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday, Eastern Standard Time (EST)

OUR ART AUCTIONS ON CRUISE SHIPS TAKE PLACE ALL OVER THE WORLD

Discover the excitement of buying art on cruise ships and becoming an art collector at one of our cruise ship art auctions during your next voyage! We bring the art to you, allowing you to collect art, find the perfect gift, or redecorate your home, all while you’re relaxing on a dream vacation.

Park West currently provides art programs for the following cruise lines: Carnival, Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess Cruises,   Royal Caribbean , and Holland America .

cruise artist

VISIT THE GALLERIES IN OUR WORLD HEADQUARTERS

cruise artist

Park West Gallery’s world headquarters is located in Southfield, Michigan , just outside of Detroit, on a beautiful 3.5-acre site, including a natural pond and sculpture garden.  The classical Greco-Roman building houses galleries featuring artwork from renowned artists as well as a diverse collection from new emerging talent.

The address is: 29469 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, Michigan 48034

During gallery hours, there are always members of our staff available who can answer questions, assist with purchasing, or help interested parties explore Park West’s collections.

For more information or to schedule a gallery tour, call 1-800-521-9654, Option 4, or email  [email protected]

for breaking news, artist updates, and special sale offers

cruise artist

SIGN UP FOR THE PARK WEST NEWSLETTER

  • Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Receive exclusives, special offers, & more!

  • Career Opportunities

Join the Park West Mailing List and receive newsletters, sale updates, and $100 in Free Collectors Cash when you attend one of our live online auctions!

Terms & conditions apply

  • Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

IMAGES

  1. some cruise!

    cruise artist

  2. 6 Years Ago, Peter Max Transformed a Cruise Ship Into a Work of Art

    cruise artist

  3. 10 Works of Cruise Ship Art That Will Make You Want to Go on Vacation

    cruise artist

  4. 10 Works of Cruise Ship Art That Will Make You Want to Go on Vacation

    cruise artist

  5. 10 Works of Cruise Ship Art That Will Make You Want to Go on Vacation

    cruise artist

  6. Norwegian Cruise’s Newest Ship Sets Sail with Unforgettable Wyland Art

    cruise artist

COMMENTS

  1. Art Auctions on Cruise Ships and on Land

    Discover the excitement on one of our cruise auctions today! Our cruise ship art auctions are professional, entertaining, and more than anything else… fun! Explore the Art World by ship, enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience, and uncover the joy of owning fine art. Park West's onboard Art Teams are incredibly knowledgeable about our art and our ...

  2. Park West Gallery

    PARK WEST'S REPUTATION FOR EXCELLENCE. Park West Gallery is the world's largest art dealer, bringing the experience of collecting fine art to more than 3 million customers since 1969. No other company has the expertise, insight, or variety of art as Park West Gallery. Whether it's masterpieces from history's greatest artists or the ...

  3. We Went to an Art Auction on a Cruise Ship. It Was… Unusual

    Borotescu told us that the company operates on 100 cruise ships, and claimed that the art aboard the Navigator of the Seas alone was worth $3 million. Representing some 200 artists, the company ...

  4. 10 Works of Cruise Ship Art That Will Make You Want to Go on Vacation

    Marko Mavrovich: "Cruising the Grand Canal". "Cruising the Grand Canal" (2016), Marko Mavrovich. If you want to know how you can collect a work of cruise ship art—or learn more about our exciting cruise ship art auctions—contact our gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or [email protected]. IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN ...

  5. The Art of the Cruise: Q&A with Park West Gallery

    Let's learn more about the art of the cruise! Here's my Q&A with Stoney Goldstein, Vice President of Sales for the land-based Park West Gallery of Southfield, Michigan. Since 1969, Park West has had the pleasure of helping over 2 million clients start a love affair with collecting art. They ship about 6,000 artworks to their clients every ...

  6. Cruise Etiquette: The Dos and Don'ts of Cruise Ship Art Auctions

    Art auctions are a mainstay of big-ship cruise lines—and they usually run in a similar format: show up, drink a few glasses of free Champagne, take a numbered bid card, and peruse the artwork to ...

  7. Cruise Cotterill

    Cruise Lines. Find out more about the many different cruise lines there are to choose from when booking a cruise holiday. View cruise ship artwork from talented world renowned artist Harry Cotterill, as well as cruise news, tips, advice and much more!

  8. 10 Reasons to Buy Art on a Cruise Ship

    Having a personal art collection is a wonderful hobby that many enjoy. Cruise ship art auctions are an opportunity to grow your own collection, no matter your taste in art. Park West curates works made from a variety of mediums and across various artistic styles. You can choose to accent your collection with unique pieces or follow a common ...

  9. Art Immersion Cruise

    Private Balconies. Unobstructed views, breathtaking scenery. Onboard Enrichment. Musicians, historians and naturalists. An American Experience. American-made, crew and destinations. Immerse yourself in Famous Art Galleries & Cities on an American Cruise Line Art Themed Cruise along the Florida Gulf Coast & Keys, Cape Cod, and more.

  10. Best Cruises for Art Lovers

    On a British Isles cruise with Princess — one of our best cruises for art lovers, history buffs and "plain 'ol tourists" alike — no trip to the Louvre would be complete without coming face-to-face with the Mona Lisa or the Venus de Milo, a Greek sculpture that dates back between 130 and 100 BCE. St. Petersburg.

  11. Art

    Experience Art. Step aboard a Celebrity ship and discover remarkable art galleries, filled with diverse works from some of the biggest names in the art world. Our long-time partnership with Park West Gallery, the largest art dealer in the world, not only brings a collection of incredible art on board each ship, but also their high-energy ...

  12. Cruise Ship Art: From Auctions to Appreciation

    Both Celebrity Cruises -- with 14,000 works of art across its Solstice-class ships alone -- and Holland America, with its Gallery Walk, offer self-guided digital tours using MP3 players and/or iPads.

  13. Fine Arts

    Princess Fine Arts offers worldwide shipping and custom framing options. No matter where you live, we will make sure your artwork arrives at its new home just the way you want it. Explore Princess Fine Arts onboard Princess Cruises. Enjoy world-class art auctions, exhibitions, lectures, and special events featuring renowned artists.

  14. Art Classes on Cruise Ships

    The Artist Loft aboard Oceania's Marina and Riviera is a space where aspiring artists can hone their skills and test their craft at sea. Talented instructors serve as "artists in residence," and ...

  15. Art Auctions

    Royal Gifts. Gift Cards. Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® Card. CruisingPower.com. Royal Caribbean App. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Art auctions allow you to experience the excitement of biding on selected art pieces from Park West Gallery. Experience world class activities onboard Royal Caribbean Cruises.

  16. Cruise Artistes International

    [email protected]. (+1) 985 809 1550 (Office) (+1) 985 373 3840 or (+1) 985 373 3641 (Mobiles) Cruise Aristes International is a Complete Entertainment Company Serving The Cruise Industry Since 1996. Best In Class-Service Both For Our Clients and Entertainers. Lloyds Register MLC Certified.

  17. About Park West Gallery

    The following cruise lines currently support Park West Gallery art programs: Royal Caribbean International, Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises. Over 2 million art enthusiasts have been connected to fine artwork and talented artists through Park West Gallery cruise ship art auctions, art ...

  18. A Guide to Cruise Ship Art Auctions

    Cruise Ship Art Auctions: What to Expect . After a morning spent enjoying Eggs Benedict and catching a few rays on the lido deck, cruisers often wander through an onboard lounge to find it's been magically transformed into an art gallery. Since 1969, Park West has been the leading provider of art for cruisers and their team is second to none ...

  19. Calling Up-and-coming Artists, Royal Caribbean Launches Art Program to

    MIAMI, March 10, 2023 - Royal Caribbean International has launched a search for iconic artistry to bring the Caribbean spirit to life on the iconic canvas that is the world's best family vacation, Icon of the Seas.In the new "Artist Discovery Program," up-and-coming artists from destinations the cruise line visits can vie to put their work on display for millions of vacationers who ...

  20. Disney Unveils Garden-Themed Zone on Its Largest-Ever Cruise Ship

    Disney Cruise Line has revealed some truly unique design details of Disney Imagination Garden, a sprawling space that will serve as the entertainment hub onboard Disney Adventure, set to debut in ...

  21. Tom Cruise abseils off stadium roof in daring Olympic finale

    Cruise's feat during the closing ceremony was performed as musician H.E.R. jammed on an electric guitar - having moments before delivered a rocky rendition of the US national anthem.. He proceeded ...

  22. Who performed at the Olympic closing ceremony? Snoop, Dr. Dre, Billie

    FILE - U.S. artist Snoop Dogg gestures during the men's skateboarding park finals at the 2024 Summer Olympics, on Aug. 7, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File) ... Actor Tom Cruise is pictured on the roof of the Stade de France during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Saint-Denis ...

  23. Artist

    Artists. Park West's onboard auctions and exhibitions showcase some of the most famous artists in the world, including popular contemporary figures like Romero Britto, Michael Godard, Kre8, Ashton Howard, Nano Lopez, Mark Kostabi, Ron Agam, and more. They also have unbelievable artworks available from past and present art world masters.

  24. Lowriders cruise through San Francisco for Kings of the Street

    For the first time since California decriminalized lowrider cruising earlier this year, San Francisco's annual Kings of the Street car show rolled through the Palace of Fine Arts before heading to the Mission in what organizers bill as the biggest cruise in the U.S.

  25. Park West Gallery Cruise Art Auction

    Currently, Park West Gallery runs art programs on the following cruise lines: Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Azamara, P&O Cruises and Royal Caribbean. Due to the company's strong relationships with major cruise lines and talented artists, Park West Gallery has helped over 1.8 million art collectors find the art the are ...

  26. McKinley Chalet Resort at Denali

    Denali Square is the bustling center of our very own Holland America Denali Lodge. Here, you can share a meal and good times at Karstens Restaurant; stroll the boardwalk and visit our artists-in-residence cabin; shop for handcrafted local goods; enjoy the Music of Denali at the Gold Nugget Saloon; or gather around the evening campfire and make s'mores under the open sky.

  27. Lyon & Provence

    2024-2027 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES: Offer applies to bookings made from August 1-31, 2024.Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland, European Sojourn and Capitals of Eastern Europe, Paris to the Swiss ...

  28. How Stavanger Became Norway's Street Art Capital

    Joining a street art tour is a great way to dive into the culture in Stavanger, Norway. Ruben Soltvedt / Fjord Norway. Aside from being Norway's energy industry hub, Stavanger is also renowned ...

  29. The Park West Experience

    The address is: 29469 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, Michigan 48034. During gallery hours, there are always members of our staff available who can answer questions, assist with purchasing, or help interested parties explore Park West's collections. For more information or to schedule a gallery tour, call 1-800-521-9654, Option 4, or email ...

  30. Paris Olympics 2024 closing ceremony best moments, highlights from Tom

    In true Top Gun and Mission: Impossible fashion, Tom Cruise escorts the Olympic flag from Paris to Los Angeles. ... French artist Yseult ends the Closing Ceremony the only way Paris knows how to. ...