Regent's Seven Seas Grandeur
Regent's incredible new ship Seven Seas Grandeur, launched in November 2023, is home to a multimillion-dollar contemporary art collection on board, displaying over 1,600 works that include Picassos. Explore with included, interactive tours, taking in everything from the huge tapestry that hangs above the atrium stretching nearly seven floors high, to the Tree of Life, a stunning cherry blossom sculpture.
The pièce de résistance, though, is a seven-inch tall Fabergé egg created in partnership with the famed jeweller and Sarah Fabergé (great-granddaughter of jeweller Peter Carl Fabergé). Titled Journey in Jewels, this permanent exhibit at sea has been specially commissioned, taking over a year to create, with sea greens, deep blues, turquoise and pearl across a waterfall-like base. The egg will remain on board and art lovers can go one up with a special Spotlight Voyage on the Mediterranean in July 2024 hosted by Sarah Fabergé herself.
Artist sketch of Fabergé egg on Seven Seas Grandeur
Silversea's Silver Nova
Another ship with a formidable collection of artwork, the collection on board Silver Nova is the largest of any ship in the history of Silversea: an 1,800 piece, curated collection of works by 59 artists that includes installations, sculptures, antiques, Murano glass vases and more.
Highlights include The Messina collection, 38 bronze sculptures by sculptor Francesco Messina; the 'suite corridor' focusing on geographical regions such as Asia and Africa; and Otivm, playing on Silversea's wellness programme Otium, with Roman-inspired artworks in the spa space and two Otium suites.
Yoruba Crown by Delphine Diallo on Silver Nova
Oceania Cruises' Artist's Lofts
Oceania's Artist's Lofts on the newest ships Marina, Riviera and Vista, as well as the extraordinary collection of art on board, are perfect for both budding artists and art fans, with the engaging artist-in-residence meeting guests and giving complimentary art lessons in the Artist's Loft and escorting guests on tours.
On board, Riviera showcases more than 2,000 pieces by both famous and emerging artists - many of which were commissioned by former Oceania President Frank Del Rio himself - including a signed Picasso lithograph on Deck 5 and other Picassos in the Grand Bar. Marina is also home to Picassos as well as Damien Hirst's "Spin" in the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, with both ships home to a handcrafted Lalique Grand Staircase. Newest ship Vista offers hidden gems throughout the ship, including in bathrooms and staircases, from sculptures to incredible glass designs.
Artist Loft on Vista
Queen Victoria, Cunard
Cunard's Queen Victoria plays host to a 2-million-dollar art collection, including more than 500 works by British sculptors, glass artists and painters. The onboard gallery Clarendon offers a programme of live painting demonstrations, artist appearances, seminars, receptions and exhibitions including works by L.S. Lowry and Pablo Picasso.
Perhaps the ship's most famous and treasured onboard artwork, though, is the three 1840-era etchings by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of their three dogs.
Clarendon art gallery on Queen Victoria
MS Europa 2, Hapag-Lloyd
Hapag Lloyd are known for their art-themed itineraries but the luxury MS Europa 2 is also home to nearly 900 contemporary works including those by British pop-art artist Damien Hirst, David Hockney and Gerhard Richter.
All artwork on board has been curated by International Corporate Art, with art tours held on every cruise as well as artists and gallery owners on board. You'll find most of the pieces in public areas but some extra-special works can be found in the suites, including pieces by Damien Hirst, David Hockney, Donald Sultan and Bram van Velde.
Artwork in Sansibar bar on MS Europa 2
If you'd prefer a cruise specifically themed around art, Ponant's art cruise in June 2024 in partnership with the Pinault Collection - which is housed in Venice's famed Palazzo Grassi gallery - features onboard lectures from photography specialists as well as the chance to enjoy private art gallery visits.
On the rivers, AmaWaterways have a whole host of art-inspired cruises with their Impressions of Paris and the Seine and Colours of Provence cruises, that'll see you visit renowned sites such as Monet's home and gardens in Giverny and art-filled cities like Rouen.
