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The Art of the Cruise: Q&A 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 .

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.

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.

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.

All images courtesy of Park West Gallery.

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

By Scott Laird

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 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.

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.

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Art for Cruises

Curating Art for Cruise Ships

As international art consultants, Artelier delivers expert art curation for cruises, including custom art and complete cruise art collections. With our extensive expertise in providing art for superyachts and hotels, we understand how to meet the expectations of luxury cruise guests. Our art consultants source and  commission artists to create bespoke art for cruise spaces, such as cruise lobby art, restaurants and art for spas.

Services for Cruise Art

Art Consultancy for Cruises

Understand the Project Vision

Each cruise art project has a unique context, interior design scheme and brand principles. Artelier consults with project teams to establish a deep understanding of the vision for the cruise ship art, and how this can be communicated through accessories and art for the cruise.

Contextual Art Research

Through in-depth research, Artelier unearths thematic ideas for the cruise art project, incorporating them in the cruise ship's paintings, sculpture commissions, and feature walls.  This thematic approach offers a rich basis for a coherent cruise ship art collection. 

Concept Development & Curation

Artelier identifies key locations for art in the cruise – including art for the cruise lobby, art for the leisure and spa areas, and cabin wall art. We decide on how to display art in the cruise, and specially curate the onboard art so that it creates maximum impact in each room. 

Art Specifications & Detail Design

We review each artwork location in the cruise ship to establish sizes for artworks, and finalise the design of custom art commissions. As art consultants for cruises, we provide creative direction and technical expertise like art framing, art installation and fire safety.

Art Procurement & Commissions

Our consultants oversee sourcing accessories and art for the cruise and manage the art commissioning process, providing specialist art market insight and art fabrication expertise in order to ensure the highest standards of quality across the cruise art project. 

Project Management

Providing turnkey project management for cruise art projects, Artelier coordinates and supervises each stage of producing custom art for cruise ships.  As art consultants for cruise projects, we monitor time-scales and ensure all safety regulations are adhered to.

Logistics & Installation

Artelier's art consultants manage team liaison and offer full support in organising logistics for delivering art for luxury cruise ships, including: labelling, packing, shipping, import and export documentation for hotel art, delivery and specialist fine art installation services on site.

Our Scope of Services are tailored to each project

Discover Case Studies

Contemporary Paintings

Marble & Bronze Sculptures

Custom Art Installations

Bespoke Wall Murals

Sculptural Vases & Accessories

Wall Art Commissions

Multimedia Art

Feature Walls and Finishes

Locations for Art in Cruises

Art for Cruise Lobby

Art for Master Suite

Art for Cruise Spa

Art for Stairwell

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Key Types of Artwork for Cruises

Further information.

Whichever stage your hotel project is at, Artelier can advise on creative direction and artwork concepts. We can provide a turnkey art service, overseeing the project from initial ideas to installation – contact us to learn more about how we can tailor our services to you. 

Why choose us? Based on the personal experience of working on the courts of the founder of our company, as well as many years of experience working with artists, we will competently advise you on the plan of working out the demonstration material and other elements of professional training. We also advise and supervise the preparation of documents necessary for departure and boarding the ship. In case of unforeseen situations, you can contact us at any time and ask for help.

What musicians do we work with? We provide jobs to musicians who are professionally proficient in a jazz or classical orchestra instrument, with a level of spoken English. We are also interested in vocalists of various genres who will be able to perform in the ship's lounge or theater.

Thanks for the quality and professionalism. You are number one. Health and prosperity to you!!! Andrii Boichuk TRUMPET

Working on passenger liners is not a job, but a dream! You will have the opportunity to perform in a unique atmosphere. Modern cruise liners are equipped with incomparable halls. You are presented to the attention of a worthy audience.

How to start? By filling out the questionnaire when registering on our website. The information received through the questionnaire will be processed by our manager and will be able to select preliminary employment options for you. Then he will contact you to discuss the details. Fill form

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Best Cruises for Art Lovers

From Europe and Asia to Australia and New Zealand, our state-of-the-art cruise ships bring you to some of the world’s most beloved masterpieces. Discover paintings, sculptures and architecture from iconic artists, and let their talent inspire your next adventure. Here are the best cruises for art lovers with Princess®.

Best Cruise Destinations for Art Lovers

From auctions and galleries to museums and exhibitions, find art on cruise ships and ashore with Princess. Our best cruises for art lovers take you to iconic cities that are brimming with creativity and talent, including:

Rome, Italy

Get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most treasured art collections during a visit to the Vatican Museums. Tour the Pinacoteca and travel through time as you admire artwork from the Middle Ages through the 19th-century in Italy . Or stroll through the Sistine Chapel and gaze up at Michelangelo’s masterpieces that decorate the ceiling and walls.

No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the Louvre, the largest art museum in the world. From Egyptian antiquities to Islamic art, the museum is a mecca of over 70,000 pieces of art — including sculptures, paintings, drawings and prints — all spanning various countries and time periods. 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

With an art collection that contends that of the Louvre, Russia’s Hermitage Museum is a gold mine in every sense of the word. Revel in the works of Da Vinci, Monet and Renoir as you wander the halls with an art historian, who can share unique facts along the way. During one of our best cruises for art lovers, spend time in the Gold Room, explore the Treasure Room and marvel at marble masterpieces by Michelangelo, like the Crouching Boy.

From colorful murals to modern architecture, Melbourne is the epicenter of urban art. Tour the city with a local graffiti artist by your side and visit Hosier Lane, the unique backstreet where artistic imaginations run wild. Visit the Upper West Side Gallery and the bohemian styles of Fitzroy and Collingwood. At the end of your excursion, visit a local studio in Australia to meet the artists and leave inspired by their creativity.

Although Barcelona was once home to artistic giants like Dalí, Miró and Casals, its most famous resident was Pablo Picasso. Embark on a journey through his life at the Picasso Museum, home to over 4,000 pieces of artwork. Begin in his youth years at the Madrid Academy and end at his later work in the 1970s. Watch closely as his ever-changing use of colors, shadows and highlights reflect his financial and personal hardships, as well as inspirations during each period.

From mosques to manuscripts, discover Turkey’s various treasures as you travel to some of Istanbul’s best sights. Visit the Süleymaniye Mosque and admire the multi-colored tiles, pearl-lined shutters and stained-glass windows that furnish its interiors. Or revere religious art, Turkish carpets and carved wood from the Ottoman Empire at the Istanbul Art Museum.

Best Onboard Activities for Art Lovers

The art exploration doesn’t have to end when you get back on the ship. With an extensive gallery on board, revel in colorful pieces and learn about each artist during our lectures. You can even discover the thrill of buying art on cruise ships at our auctions. Head home with a variety of work from world-renowned creators like Thomas Kinkade, Peter Max and Michael Godard. If you buy any art, cruises ship them right to your door. Or delight in the many other art forms we feature on board — like Broadway-style productions, live music and street entertainers in the Piazza, as well as comedy and magic shows.

These next masterpieces aren't Degas or Dali-designed, but we consider them true works of art: Cruise ships that bear the Princess name and carry our guests to beloved art-filled destinations around the globe. We hope to welcome you aboard one of our crowning jewels soon!

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

Norwegian Breakaway—also known as the “Peter Max cruise ship.” (Image courtesy of Meyer Werft.)

In 2013, artist Peter Max watched a cruise ship pull into a New York City harbor.

It was a big day. The ship— Norwegian Breakaway —was one of the largest cruise ships in the world, and Norwegian Cruise Line had asked Max to do something unprecedented.

They had commissioned Max to paint the hull of their new ship. But this was no ordinary mural. Max’s artwork would cover approximately 40,000 square feet of Breakaway’s hull, making it one of the most massive projects of the artist’s career.

It was also the first time a cruise line had ever asked an internationally famous artist to paint one of their ships. This was uncharted territory, but, as Norwegian Breakaway arrived in New York, Max and everyone else in attendance could tell that this was no ordinary ship.

Breakaway wasn’t just a cruise ship—it was an icon.

In honor of Breakaway’s amazing achievement, we’ve assembled this brief history and a fascinating collection of images showing how the “Peter Max cruise ship” came to be.

Norwegian Breakaway under construction (Image courtesy of Meyer Werft)

Finding the Right Artist for Breakaway

It all started in 2011. Norwegian reached out to Max to see if he might be interested in creating a composition for Breakaway’s hull. Looking back, it’s easy to see why Max’s name was at the top of their list.

Max’s innovative Pop art had made him a household name in the 1960s, appearing everywhere from “The Tonight Show” to the cover of LIFE Magazine. Thanks to his trademark bold imagery and uplifting designs, Max was a perfect fit for Breakaway’s exuberant atmosphere.

Peter Max hull art, in progress, on Norwegian Breakaway. (Image from Norwegian Cruise Line, via LiveBoat USA. )

If that wasn’t enough, Max had some relevant work experience too—back in 1999, he had painted the fuselage of a 157-ton Boeing 777, so he was used to working “big.”

According to Max , when Norwegian approached him with the Breakaway project, “I really got inspired painting this amazing ship when I heard about its size. It’s one of the biggest ships ever to be parked in New York City. I couldn’t believe it.”

Peter Max’s signature on the work-in-progress Breakaway. You can see the top of the hull art’s iconic Statue of Liberty head in the lower left corner. (Image from Norwegian Cruise Line, via LiveBoat USA.)

Peter Max Art on a Cruise Ship Scale

Max spent weeks crafting an original design for Breakaway, based on his cosmic aesthetic and his passion for his hometown of New York. When it was ready, he sent it off to Norwegian and waited.

“They loved it,” said Max. “I was ecstatic.”

In progress shot of the Max hull art being applied in the Meyer Werft shipyard. (Image from Norwegian Cruise Line, via LiveBoat USA.)

Artisans prepare to add Peter Max’s iconic New York skyline to Breakaway’s hull. (Image from Norwegian Cruise Line, via LiveBoat USA.)

Almost two years later, on April 25, 2013, renowned German shipbuilder Meyer Werft delivered Breakaway to Norwegian, with Max’s unforgettable artwork adorning the hull. A crew of talented artisans, under Max’s direction, had spent months bringing his colorful designs to life along the ship’s exterior.

The brand-new Breakaway sailed from Rotterdam, Germany to Southampton, England until it was ready for its first transatlantic voyage to its eventual home in New York.

Six years and thousands of voyages later, Breakaway is still one of the most distinctive and recognizable cruise ships in the world.

NCL Breakaway—a.k.a. the Peter Max cruise ship—prepares to leave the Meyer Werft shipyard in 2013. (Image courtesy of Meyer Werft)

Fifth Anniversary

In 2018, Breakaway celebrated its fifth anniversary and it became clear that art lovers, cruise fans, and Norwegian were all pretty proud of the innovative ship.

Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, released a statement that said, “We are very excited to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Norwegian Breakaway as she has been an iconic addition to the New York City skyline since her christening in 2013. We have continued to uphold the long-standing tradition of featuring original artwork on our hulls since Norwegian Dawn in 2002. In 2012, we took it to next level when we worked with our partners at Park West Gallery to commission renowned New York artist, Peter Max, to paint the hull of Norwegian Breakaway.”

Norwegian Breakaway—the “Peter Max cruise ship”—leaving the Meyer Werft shipyard in 2013. (Image courtesy of Meyer Werft)

To further commemorate the ship’s anniversary, Norwegian has something special planned—they sent Breakaway on a trip around the globe.

“We are thrilled to showcase the colorful work of Peter Max around the world for the first time,” said Stuart in 2018. “Norwegian Breakaway will spend her summer season cruising the Baltics before making her way to the Big Easy where she will sail out of Port New Orleans in the fall.”

Breakaway’s Legacy

A world tour seems like an appropriate honor for a ship like Breakaway. Few could’ve predicted how the “Peter Max cruise ship” would become an industry trendsetter.

Since Breakaway’s launch, Norwegian has continued to showcase the designs of world-class artists on the exteriors of their cruise ships, including the art of David “Lebo” Le Batard on Norwegian Getaway, Guy Harvey on Norwegian Escape, and Wyland on Norwegian Bliss, among others.

But it all started six years ago with Peter Max and Norwegian Breakaway.

“Who else but Peter Max could have made that dream a reality?” said Morris Shapiro, Gallery Director for Park West. “Yes, other artists have painted cruise ships, but Max blazed the trail and set the standard, as he’s done for decades, to further implant his indelible stamp on the history of art. A stamp that will never be erased.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE “PETER MAX CRUISE SHIP”:

• Revealed! Norwegian Breakaway Hull Art by Peter Max
• First Look: Norwegian Breakaway Float Out [Video]
• A Meeting with Norwegian Breakaway’s Hull Artist, Peter Max

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Celebrate Your Inner Artist With These Enriching Cruise Programs

Creative thinkers, unite!

You might not know that cruise ships aren’t only about relaxation and exploration . They can also be a hub for creativity.

Art is a universal language, one that’s celebrated on land and at sea alike. Cruise ships are no exception.

There’s nothing like a calm sea, a warm sun, and an escape from stress to help you tap into your creative side.

Many cruise lines incorporate art into their ship’s culture and entertainment— whether it be through exclusive gallery viewings, classes, or even art-themed excursions!

Whether you’re an art connoisseur or a creative hobbyist, you’re bound to enjoy the artsy programs and events that make these cruises even more enriching.

Silversea Cruise Lines

Having a hard time choosing which Silversea cruise ship to choose?

If art is your goal, you’ll want to consider The Silver Moon, Silver Muse or Silver Spirit, as each of these ships host a gorgeous arts café.

Each arts café has a relaxing, trendy ambience, complete with an exclusive curation of art and sculptures by artists from around the world.

During the day, you can enjoy a relaxing environment great for sipping a cup of coffee and contemplating life while enjoying an ocean view. In the evening, the arts café turns into a glamorous cocktail lounge.

If photography is more of your medium than paintings and sculptures, check out the Silver Cloud ship. While it doesn’t have an arts café, it does have a fully equipped photography studio!

Check our Silversea Cruise listings today »

Carnival Cruises

It’s one thing to leave a vacation refreshed, but what if you can head home refreshed and educated?

Gain a deeper understanding of art to bring home and share with your friends with the Carnival Cruise Lines art seminars , games and more.

The Art 101 lecture series takes you through the history of art, starting as far back in time as the first known cave paintings. You’ll journey through time to explore the eras of Renaissance, Baroque, Surrealism, and Pop Art.

Loosen up a little while testing your newfound art knowledge with Carnival’s art games. Compete with other passengers with hands-on art trivia and skill competitions, or go head-to-head with the art-themed battle of the sexes at the art gallery .

Carnival Cruises also offers art-themed excursions like the art and architecture tour , where you’ll cruise to Rome and tour the inspiring offerings of the world-famous Tibertine Villas .

The Tibertine Villas house Tivoli Gardens and other Roman ruins. Dive deep into ancient culture and enjoy a one-of-a-kind photo op while you’re at it.

View our Carnival Cruise offerings »

Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises offers a fully immersive art experience with their Masterpiece European Voyages .

Europe hosts some of the world’s most famous art pieces of all time — everything from the works of Van Gogh to the statue of David and beyond.

Crystal Cruises offers dozens of cruise options that take you through Europe’s hot-spots for art and art history.

Travel to Lisbon, where you’ll have your mind blown by the delicately-crafted architecture and stunning colored tiles on every block. Make some stops at the world-famous museums that house works by innovators such as Rembrandt and Degas.

Or perhaps you’d prefer a trip to Amsterdam, where you can have an in-person viewing of Van Gogh’s Japanese- and French-inspired piece Almond Blossoms. Or take a peek at the state of contemporary art in one of Amsterdam’s many galleries for more modern pieces.

The options are endless!

View our Crystal Cruise offerings today »

Celebrity Cruises

Talk to any other artsy people who have been on a Celebrity cruise , and chances are the first thing they’ll mention are the art classes and shows.

The hot glass show , for example, is a unique demonstration in which glassblowers share the process of creating glass art.

The process alone is fascinating. Molten glass is placed on the end of a tube, into which the artist blows to expand the soft glass, then uses a variety of tools to shape it into whatever their artistic eye desires.

Once you’re hooked, you can even try it out yourself at the hot glass class !

You can also enjoy the universal art of scrapbooking with fun new twists at the Celebrity Cruise scrapbooking classes .

You’ll be given all the supplies needed to turn your vacation memories into a tactile scrapbook displaying your unique artistic style.

View our Celebrity Cruise offerings today »

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Artists of every level are welcome at the Norwegian Cruise line painting classes .

Each class has a capacity of only 12, which means a much greater chance of having your questions answered and getting some pro tips from a trained instructor. Because of the small class size, you’ll want to sign up in the library as soon as you can.

The classes take place on sea days, so you won’t have to worry about missing any excursions. Cruises with more sea days mean more painting classes!

Activities for each class varies. One class, for example, gives you all the supplies and guidance you need to paint your own version of a painting they present. Participants are encouraged to add their own unique flavor.

View our Norwegian Cruise offerings today »

Cruises for All Kinds of Creatives

Cruise lines everywhere know that a relaxing and exciting cruise exploration is the perfect time to get creative. Whether you like to observe art, build on your skills, or both — chances are, they’ll have an offering you’ll love.

New lands, new faces and now, new skills. What more could you want from a cruise?

If the only missing piece for you is music, you’re in luck. Cruise ships offer plenty for music lovers as well.

Don’t believe us? Take a look at these thrilling music festival cruises to try this year »

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Music cruises to set sail on the high seas in 2024 and 2025

Editor's Note

Rocking and rolling is not how most people prefer their cruise ships. However, if you're sailing on a music-themed cruise, rock 'n' roll is the vibe you want as you soak up some sun and cruise the world with thousands of like-minded music fans.

Music-themed cruises cover a wide array of styles, including rock, metal, country, Broadway, disco and blues. They offer a complete immersion into the world of each genre. You'll enjoy close-up encounters with your favorite artists during performances and meet-and-greets and find a sense of community from being with other fans for multiple days at sea. (Not to mention, you'll get to visit beautiful destinations in the process.)

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Note that these specialty music cruises sell out — often as soon as cabins are made available. All sold-out cruises we're featuring offer a waitlist you can join. You'll be notified if someone cancels, as well as be among the first to be alerted of on-sale dates for future sailings.

Below are 11 music-themed cruises in 2024 and 2025 that are bound to create epic memories, whether your vibe is crowd-surfing during a rock show or belting out show tunes with Broadway's best.

Note: Unless otherwise noted, cruise fares are per person, based on double occupancy, and include cruise basics like meals, select nonalcoholic beverages (water, juice, coffee and tea) and use of the fitness center, hot tubs, pools and casino, among other onboard amenities.

Soft drink and alcohol packages are available for an extra fee. Theme cruise events, such as concerts, are included, though some limited-access special events often cost extra. Fares were valid as of writing but are subject to change based on availability.

Malt Shop Memories Cruise

Cruise ship : Nieuw Amsterdam Date : Oct. 27-Nov. 3, 2024

The good ol' days can now be found sailing the Caribbean on the Malt Shop Memories Cruise. Set to take over all decks of Holland America 's Nieuw Amsterdam, the '50s and '60s music cruise will sail from Fort Lauderdale to Phillipsburg, St. Maarten, and Tortola, British Virgin Islands, with four days at sea.

Favorites set to perform on board include The Beach Boys, The Four Tops, Chubby Checker, The Coasters, Darlene Love and The Chantels. Highlights among the ship events range from a senior prom and a sock hop to game shows and karaoke.

The Malt Shop Memories Cruise is filling up fast. Rates for available cabins start at $2,349 per person for an inside cabin.

How to book : Reserve a cabin for this cruise on the Malt Shop Memories Cruise website or by calling 844-855-6258. If your preferred cabin category is currently sold out, you can join the waitlist here .

Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise

Cruise ship : Independence of the Seas Date : Dec. 9-14, 2024

Maybe one stop in Jamaica isn't enough, and reggae vibes are calling your name. If so, the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise might appeal to you. This five-night cruise on Royal Caribbean 's Independence of the Seas, organized by Jamrock Productions and Rose Tours, will travel round trip from Miami to Montego Bay and Ocho Rios in Jamaica.

The entire list of performers for the December 2024 voyage hasn't been released as of this writing but so far will include Stone Love, Steelie Basement, Westafa, Seani B and Spexdaboss.

You can also take part in themed parties, soccer and domino tournaments and Jamaica-themed film screenings when you're not enjoying ship amenities like a FlowRider surf simulator, a rock climbing wall, waterslides and a bar arcade.

Welcome to Jamrock's prices start at $1,359 per person for an inside cabin, not including $399 in additional fees and taxes.

How to book : Reserve a cabin for this cruise on the Rose Tours website or by calling 215-663-8800.

Cruise ship : Carnival Magic Date : Jan. 19-25, 2025

For fans of rock and metal music, ShipRocked is a popular sailing organized by Ask4 Entertainment. The 2025 edition aboard Carnival Cruise Line 's Carnival Magic will start in Miami and include stops in St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay, the line's private island in the Bahamas.

There will be multiple stages for performances throughout the ship. The 2025 lineup will be announced soon, though top bands like Dead Poet Society, Black Stone Cherry, Highly Suspect and I Prevail performed during past cruises. Fans can enjoy one-on-one time with their favorite groups at scheduled meet-and-greets with all the bands.

Prices for ShipRocked's 2025 cruise start at $1,600 per person for an inside cabin. The fare includes access to all performances and meet-and-greets with artists.

How to book : Although this cruise is sold out, there is a waitlist. For future sailings, book through the Ask4 Entertainment Reservations portal or by calling 888-402-2754. A deposit is required to secure your spot. Ask4 Entertainment strongly suggests buying travel insurance.

Groove Cruise

Cruise ship : Allure of the Seas Date : Jan. 23-27, 2025

Electronic dance music fans 21 and older can turn up on this early 2025 Whet Travel sailing from Miami aboard Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. The cruise visits Falmouth, Jamaica.

The lineup includes major headlining acts Eric Prydz, James Hype, Meduza and Nicole Moudaber, plus a remarkable list of performers, such as Aimmia, Cristoph, Crystal Skies, Dada Life, James Kennedy, Mitis and Pretty Pink.

Along with multiple music sets, Groove Cruise hosts fun theme party nights focusing on everything from an '80s prom to fire and ice.

Cabins on Groove Cruise start at around $1,549 per person for an inside cabin.

How to book : At the time of writing, the ship was mostly sold out, with fewer than 200 cabins available to book. To add your name to waitlists and be among the first to know about future sailings, head to Whet Travel's website or call 877-438-9438.

The Country Music Cruise

Cruise ship : Nieuw Amsterdam Date : Jan. 19-26, 2025

Adding more than a bit of boot-scootin' country to the cruise life, The Country Music Cruise takes over Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam for a weeklong jamboree at sea. The voyage leaves from Fort Lauderdale, with stops in Key West, Florida, and Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.

The artist lineup of country music favorites includes John Michael Montgomery, Deana Carter, The Bellamy Brothers, Neal McCoy and Lacy J. Dalton. This is your chance to meet and greet the country stars, join in on jam sessions and attend panel discussions. If you like to kick up your heels, you'll have plenty of opportunities for line dancing, Texas swing and two-stepping.

Cabins for The Country Music Cruise are sold out, but you can add your name to the waitlist. Rates start at $2,399, plus taxes and additional fees totaling $365, per person for an inside cabin.

How to book : To join the waitlist, head to StarVista Live's website or call 866-476-2879.

Chris Jericho's Rock 'N' Wrestling Rager at Sea

Cruise ship : Norwegian Gem Date : Jan. 31-Feb. 4, 2025

Wrestling and rock fans will love this Sixthman cruise with wrestler and musician Chris Jericho. For the fifth installment of Chris Jericho's Rock 'N' Wrestling Rager at Sea, cruisers will sail on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Gem from Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

The 2025 lineup hasn't been announced yet beyond two musical guests, Fozzy and Kuarantine. The sailing will offer autograph sessions and host four days of wrestling matches featuring wrestlers from All Elite Wrestling.

Rates for Chris Jericho's Rock 'N' Wrestling Rager at Sea cruise start at $1,100, plus taxes, per person for an inside cabin.

How to book : Cruisers eager to jam and sit ringside can learn more on Sixthman's website or by calling 877-379-9174.

Outlaw Country Cruise 9

Cruise ship : Norwegian Gem Date : Feb. 22-28, 2025

If you're a little more country than rock 'n' roll, maybe a cruise with a country twang is the right vacation for you. In February, Norwegian Gem will host the ninth installment of the popular Outlaw Country Cruise. This Sixthman voyage will sail from Miami and stop in Nassau, Bahamas, and St. Thomas.

The ship features five different venues where notable country acts like Old Crow Medicine Show, John Hiatt, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle and Carlene Carter will perform. Along with endless concerts, passengers can enjoy activities like yoga classes and film screenings.

The cruise is sold out and is waitlist only. Rates start at $1,465 per person for an inside cabin.

How to book : For more information or to join the waitlist, check out Sixthman's sign-up page or call 877-379-9189.

Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea X

Cruise ship : Norwegian Gem Date : March 21-26, 2025

For blues and jazz fans, Sixthman also offers the Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea X cruise, which sails from Miami and stops in Harvest Caye, Belize, and Costa Maya, Mexico. Aboard Norwegian Gem, passengers will have access to ship amenities like pools and a casino in addition to special music events.

The lineup for the cruise features musicians like Joe Bonamassa, Samantha Fish, Eric Gales, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Larkin Poe and Thunderstorm Artis. More artists will be announced closer to the sail date.

There will also be collaboration shows from some of the artists on board, as well as autograph sessions for fans to meet their favorite musicians.

Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea X is sold out and waitlist only. Join the waitlist, as cancellations do occur. You'll also be among the first to be alerted about future sailings. The rates for the 2025 cruise start at $1,630 per person for an inside cabin.

How to book : To join the waitlist, visit Sixthman's sign-up page or call 877-379-9170.

The Broadway Cruise 3

Cruise ship : Norwegian Gem Date : March 31-April 4, 2025

Tony Award-winning Broadway stars are coming aboard for Sixthman's third Broadway Cruise, which will sail round trip from Miami to Cozumel, Mexico. Aboard Norwegian Gem, passengers will have access to ship amenities like pools and a waterslide, a climbing wall and a casino, plus many special concerts, events and insider panels.

The lineup for the 2025 Broadway Cruise hasn't been announced yet, though last year's cruise featured Tony Award winners like Christian Borle, Matt Doyle and Santino Fontana, as well as Broadway A-listers Phillipa Soo, Norm Lewis and Daphne Rubin-Vega.

Expect plenty of fun Broadway-themed events, including a Broadway pub crawl and show tune singalongs, plus autograph sessions for fans to meet their favorite Broadway stars.

Prices are not published as of this writing, but expect them to hover around $1,600 per person for an inside cabin.

How to book : To join the presale, visit Sixthman's sign-up page or call 877-379-9172.

'70s Rock & Romance Cruise

Cruise ship : Celebrity Summit Date : March 15-22, 2025

The best of the '70s lives on as music icons from that rockin' era show they've still got it on the '70s Rock & Romance Cruise. This weeklong getaway on Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Summit, organized by StarVista Live, will sail from Fort Lauderdale to Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico.

The lineup of '70s rock legends includes Air Supply, Kansas, The Guess Who, Melissa Manchester, The Family Stone and Dire Straits Legacy. They'll be performing, hosting events and attending special meet-and-greets.

The top-tier music acts join a long lineup of rock 'n' roll icons. The cruise will feature days filled with concerts, artist Q&A sessions, panel discussions and game shows.

Available rooms start at $2,449, plus taxes and additional fees of $365, per person for an inside cabin.

How to book : To book a cabin, head to StarVista Live's website or call 844-466-7625.

Ultimate Disco Cruise and Beyond

Cruise ship : Norwegian Pearl Date : Feb. 19-25, 2025

Jam out at sea to the greatest disco anthems as Ultimate Disco Cruise and Beyond returns for a fifth year in 2025. The six-night cruise is an immersive, nonstop music festival with legendary music acts performing and hosting events throughout Norwegian Pearl. The round-trip itinerary from Miami includes port stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.

The 2025 lineup includes Kool & The Gang, Shalamar, Lisa Lisa, George McCrae, Boogie Wonder Band, Rose Royce and other classic disco acts. In addition to more than 40 live performances, entertainment will include dance and costume parties, theme nights, dance contests and game shows. Passengers will appreciate the opportunity to go behind the music as artists sit for intimate Q&A sessions, panel discussions and meet-and-greets.

Prices for Ultimate Disco Cruise and Beyond start at $1,799 per person for an inside cabin, not including $300 per person in taxes and port fees.

How to book : Head to Ultimate Disco Cruise and Beyond's website to reserve your cabin soon, as the ship is filling up fast.

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FinanceBuzz

15 Incredible Cruise Ship Jobs (Get Paid To Travel!)

Posted: October 16, 2023 | Last updated: October 16, 2023

Traveling the world while getting paid to do it might sound like a dream, but it can be a reality if you take a job on a cruise ship.

Of course, this type of work isn’t for everyone — the hours can be long, and it may mean a lot of time away from home. But there are plenty of benefits as well.

If working for a cruise line sounds ideal, there are plenty of career opportunities on board. Here are 15 jobs that can help  boost your bank account  as you travel the world.

Editor's note:  All salary figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Activities coordinator

Even short cruises are packed with activities for travelers to engage in. Among other things, you'll find games, happy hours and live music.

An activities coordinator is similar to an event planner. In this role, you oversee things like recreation on board and coordinating shore excursion activities. The BLS does not offer wage information for this position.

If you want to start traveling more — and get paid to do it — this can be a good role to consider.

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It’s no secret that people on cruises like to drink. Many cruise lines offer a food and alcohol package as part of the booking process.

The amount of money you can make working as a bartender on a cruise ship varies greatly, depending on whether guests are expected to tip. But the average salary for bartenders is $29,380 annually.

Casino dealer

Working as a dealer at a cruise casino can be an exciting gig. These workers may oversee poker, blackjack, roulette, and more games.

Gambling service workers make $31,290 a year. However, as with tending bar, the actual wages for casino workers on a cruise can vary.

Many cruise ships have cafeterias and restaurants for when guests are in the mood for fine dining.

Cruise ship chefs may be involved in cooking and planning menus for guests and staff. Chefs or head cooks make $56,520 on average annually.

Deckhands help maintain the cruise ship. They may be involved in keeping these massive ships running, including cleaning and maintaining equipment, loading cargo, and getting passengers safely on board.

The experience required to work as a deckhand can vary greatly depending on the job description. The BLS does not offer salary information for this position.

Entertainer

Cruise lines hire all sorts of entertainers, from dancers to cover bands and magicians.

Working on a cruise ship can be a great way to hone and improve your craft or even take it in a different direction. The average wage for entertainers and performers is $29.67 an hour, which equates to about $61,713 annually.

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Entertainment director

Cruise ships also need people to manage their entertainers, particularly if the ship has a lot of shows and performances scheduled.

Entertainment directors may be involved in scheduling staff, planning performances, and doing administrative work. The average salary for entertainment/recreation managers is $67,220 annually.

Fitness instructor

Many cruise ships also offer various fitness classes, including yoga, Zumba, spin, and more.

For qualified instructors, this can be a great way to stay healthy, make money, and travel the world all at the same time. The average fitness instructor makes $45,380 annually.

Hair/makeup artist

On cruise ships, hair and makeup artists may work in spas, providing services to guests looking to get pampered while on board, and may be needed to work with the ship’s performers.

The BLS groups barbers, hairstyles, and cosmetologists together and states an average of $33,400 annual salary for these workers.

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Hotel director

Since a cruise ship is essentially a floating hotel, many employees with experience working in hospitality are needed.

Hotel directors ensure that guests are comfortable and enjoy their experience. They may also be involved in planning and coordinating cruise activities.

The average salary for lodging managers is $61,910 annually.

Some cruise ships also hire nurses to provide care to passengers and cruise staff.

The amount of money nurses make on average usually depends on the type of nurse. Registered nurses (RNs) make $81,220 annually. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) make $54,620 a year.

Massage therapist

Many cruise passengers opt to take advantage of spa services. Massage therapists may work in a spa or travel to guests’ rooms with their equipment to provide massages.

Licensed massage therapists make just under $49,860 annually on average.

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Cruise ships also frequently employ security staff to ensure the safety of guests and crew members. These workers may patrol the ship regularly and respond to any issues that come up.

The average salary for security guards is $33,030 annually.

Eating often and well is a big draw for many cruise passengers. Ships often have several restaurants on board and employ experienced servers to staff them.

Pay for these workers can vary, depending on the cruise line’s tipping policy. The average salary for a server in the U.S. is $29,120 annually.

Sales associate

Part of the beauty of the typical cruise ship is that it’s kind of like a floating mall, filled with gift shops and retail stores galore. Ships often need many sales associates to staff these stores.

Again, depending on the cruise line and the job, the pay for these gigs may vary. However, BLS data puts the average salary for a retail sales worker at $30,750 annually.

That’s not huge money, but perhaps it's enough for students to get ahead financially during breaks between school years.

Bottom line

Working as a cruise crew member is certainly not for everyone — lodging for staff can be cramped, days can be long, and you might be away from home for weeks at a time.

But for those looking to tap into a new source of income as they travel, it just may be a win-win situation.

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Mars Science Laboratory Spacecraft During Cruise, Artist’s Concept

This is an artist's concept of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft during its cruise phase between launch and final approach to Mars. The spacecraft includes a disc-shaped cruise stage (on the left) attached to the aeroshell. The spacecraft's rover (Curiosity) and descent stage are tucked inside the aeroshell.

Along the way to Mars, the cruise stage will perform several trajectory correction maneuvers to adjust the spacecraft's path toward its final, precise landing site on Mars. The Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft will use the stars to navigate. A star scanner on the cruise stage will help keep the spacecraft on track by constantly monitoring its position relative to stars in our Milky Way galaxy. The cruise stage will have its own miniature propulsion system, consisting of eight thrusters to be fired on command using hydrazine fuel in two titanium tanks. It will also have its own power system, consisting of a solar array for providing continuous power. The vehicle will maintain stability by spinning about its central axis at two revolutions per minute.

The Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft is being prepared for launch during Nov. 25 to Dec. 18, 2011. Landing on Mars is in early August 2012. In a prime mission lasting one Martian year (nearly two Earth years) researchers will use the rover's tools to study whether the landing region has had environmental conditions favorable for supporting microbial life and for preserving clues about whether life existed.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, Calif., manages the Mars Science Laboratory Project for the NASA Science Mission Directorate, Washington.

More information about Curiosity is at http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/ .

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The Lost Art of Steamship Gossip

Passenger lists used to offer a voyage full of salacious chin-wagging. we could use some of that energy today..

When the British journalist Don Iddon boarded the S.S. United States in 1954, his first act was to locate a copy of the boat’s first-class passenger list. As he read it, his heart sank —sure, Harry Truman’s daughter, Margaret Truman, was on board, and so were a few prominent businesspeople. But the list, as he wrote later and Steven Ujifusa recounts in the book Seductive Journey: American Tourists in France From Jefferson to the Jazz Age , contained a distinct lack of “big names.” Where were all the movie stars?

With the rise of steamship travel in the 19 th century and into the 20 th century, passenger lists were a central feature of any long voyage—a prized preview among passengers of the kinds of people with whom they’d be rubbing shoulders throughout their journey. Lorraine Coons, a historian who wrote a book on steamship travel, told me that in her research she first notices them popping up around the 1880s. These lists, often color-coded by cabin class, were handed out to new arrivals, who invariably scoured them for names of celebrities. It didn’t matter whether your reputation was favorable or in disgrace—anyone with a high profile would make for good entertainment during the voyage. Journalists obtained copies too: When ships departed from port cities, local reporters ran articles listing out all of the most famous names on board.

What made these lists so unique is the sheer transparency they offered. Royals, politicians, and A-list celebrities were named alongside regular midtier passengers, a rare blending of social classes that, in 1910, prompted one writer to bemoan, “The very best people are set down cheek-by-jowl with the nobodies.” But that accessibility was also the beauty of the passenger list. There was no loophole for the richest travelers: If you wanted to ride on the boat, you had to be on the passenger list.

Today we no longer really have a comparison—those cryptic, initialed upgrade monitors at the terminal gate don’t quite scratch the same itch. On airplanes, travelers are reduced to shuffling through first class while trying to surreptitiously spot a famous face. Increasingly, even that has become difficult, as celebrities flee to full-scale private suites and terminals before boarding their flights via VIP programs that whisk them to and from the plane. For the truly intrepid, there is one way to track a celebrity’s travel movements, through publicly available private jet flight data—and the likes of Taylor Swift and Elon Musk have attempted to quash it.

Although a return to the officially sanctioned nosiness of the steamship era is unlikely, in today’s hyperstratified world, where the wealthiest can pay for the privilege of privacy, we could probably use a little bit of that social transparency. Those old passenger lists helped puncture, at least briefly, the classed dynamics of travel—offering everyone on board equal access to gossip. There was no harm in a little bit of intrigue about your fellow passengers. And who knows: Maybe getting our hands on a list of names could make an international flight a bit more bearable today. A little speculation about the other high-powered travelers on board could ease the tension at high altitudes, inside what is historically a pressure cooker of resentment.

In the context of a weekslong steamship voyage, it was perhaps inevitable that passenger lists would become objects of careful study. In the early 20 th century, the glamour of an international voyage got travelers only so far. Once passengers were away from shore, one of their great challenges was to stave off boredom. Some ships offered lectures ; others engineered musical bands out of ship staff; the Île de France had a bowling alley. What activities the vessels didn’t offer, passengers often cobbled together for themselves. Steamship travelers organized theater programs, boxing tournaments, or large balls. At night, they blasted dance music from gramophones.

And so gossip became a commodity. Many passengers took to self-publishing their own steamship newspapers, covering the personal histories of those on board. Some ship newspapers published blind items about passengers. The historian Martyn Lyons discovered that in the margins of one surviving copy of the Tamar Times, a reader had hazarded guesses about which traveler each blind item referred to. Analyses of passenger lists often appeared in these newspapers too. On one ship, a passenger published a single-issue newspaper called The Rolly-Poly, which included an analysis of all the passengers on the list: “Of the women, all are wives except 78 who aspire to be.” Even the elite consulted these lists to choreograph their social interactions, lest they accidentally get stuck in a conversation with someone unrefined.

That the lowly passenger list could become a focal point speaks to just how dull these journeys were. Passenger lists were not Wikipedia entries: They were bare-bones documents, generally offering names and nothing more. A few steamship operators, Coons told me, did also list travelers’ place of residence, but most were strictly limited to names. Passengers were forced to spin out the (perhaps embellished) backstories of the celebrities on board by pooling together their own spotty memories.

Despite these limitations, observers found ways to sleuth out the rich and famous. A name preceded by a title like “Baroness” signaled a person of importance, and so would the size of each passenger’s entourage. It wouldn’t be uncommon for a rich person’s name to be listed alongside “two nurses and a governess.” One passenger list, for instance, noted the presence of “J.K. Smith and valet.” The medical professor William Thomas Corlett recounted the feeling of disappointment in the quality of the guests on board a ship he rode—that is, until he consulted the list. Only then did he note with pleasure the presence of “Herr von This and Herr von That,” as he put it, “together with a sprinkling of Barons and a Baroness or two.”

Not every steamship company loved the passenger list. Some devised ways to keep their steamships as exclusive as possible so that passenger details wouldn’t spread to the public. The S.S. Carolina , for instance, did not let passengers book partial journeys , for fear it would bring in middle-class clientele and lead to leaks of the passenger lists. Basically: You had to afford the whole trip, or you couldn’t board.

Yet the passenger lists that did reach the public have, in recent decades, taken on an outsized importance. Genealogists and historians alike now rely on passenger lists to track how people moved across the world. Amateur genealogists on Ancestry.com regularly take advantage of passenger lists to trace their roots. So does our most famous chronicler of family history, Henry Louis Gates Jr. In retrospect, these documents also charted social transformations: It wasn’t uncommon for immigrants to include a new name when boarding a steamship, or for trans passengers to embrace their preferred gender. I thought a lot about passenger lists while researching Zdeněk Koubek, a high-profile Czech athlete who transitioned gender in 1935, for my forthcoming history book The Other Olympians . In 1936, when Koubek was newly living as a man, he visited New York, and he appeared in the passenger list alongside his new gender: “Mr.”

I’ll allow that passenger lists may no longer make sense in our tech-surveillance world, where even a simple series of names would get scraped by algorithms. But I think we’ve lost some sense of camaraderie without them—lost that thrill of unfurling the manifest and wondering what you might find. These lists could impress, or they could disappoint, but they always entertained. In 1901 Mary Lawrence, a wealthy Bostonian, leafed through the first-class passenger list of the steamship Oceanic . She was excited to see the name of Otho Cushing, an illustrator and cartoonist whose work she knew. “Here at last was one interesting fellow traveler,” she wrote in her diary, according to the book Seductive Journey .

Nearly a decade later, however, when she rode the same steamship again, the list was not so colorful. Lawrence was crushed. “There was not a soul on the passenger list that we had ever heard of before,” she complained. Today Lawrence’s certainty that the list was a complete account of the passengers on board is striking. It didn’t seem to occur to her that there could be loopholes for people who could pay, that you could scrub your name from the manifest if you were famous enough. And perhaps those loopholes really didn’t exist. Steamships had classed cabins, sure, but there was no special treatment for celebrities: At sea, everyone was on the list.