Nothing says “masterpiece in progress” like a sea breeze and a sun-drenched canvas.

So why stare longingly at paintings of waves when you could travel the waters that inspired them? Cruises, dear creative spirits, are not just for buffet enthusiasts and sun worshippers—they can also make for perfect floating studios for artists seeking inspiration.

From sketching the azure domes of Santorini at sunset and capturing the brilliant white of the beaches in Bali, to imagining your next sculpture while floating past icebergs in the Arctic; the ocean (it turns out) can make for an excellent muse. So grab your paints, pack a sketchpad, and join us as we take a look at some of the world’s most artistically inspiring destinations reachable by water.

Monet’s Water Lilies along the Seine

Claude Monet famously said, “I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers.” After a few days on AmaWaterways’ river cruises through Normandy, you might owe your entire sketchbook to the lush, watercolour-perfect scenery that inspired the father of Impressionism.

Dock in Vernon and take a short trip to Giverny, where Monet’s house and gardens await. The iconic Japanese bridge arches over ponds crowded with water lilies, and light dances on the petals as if choreographed just for you. The greens are greener, the water more reflective, and the air thick with the kind of tranquillity that makes you want to pick up a paintbrush.

Onboard, there’s no shortage of scenic inspiration, as the Seine itself is an Impressionist painting come to life: tiny stone villages, riverbanks dotted with willows, and golden-hour light that could make even the most amateur scribbler look like a pro.

Members receive £150 off AmaWaterways bookings.

The surreal colours of the Norwegian Fjords

Norway is perhaps living proof that Mother Nature went through her own phase of surrealist experimentation. Hurtigruten's voyages along the Norwegian coast deliver landscapes that look like Salvador Dalí himself smudged his paintbrush across the scenery: jagged cliffs plunging into glacial blue waters, ethereal northern lights rippling across a violet sky, and tiny fishing villages painted in fire-engine reds and daffodil yellows. For budding painters and photographers, the fjords are a dream.

Onboard, Hurtigruten often invites guest lecturers and nature photographers who’ll happily offer tips for capturing these otherworldly landscapes. Who knows? Your next brushstroke could immortalise the hushed beauty of Geirangerfjord or the ghostly glow of Tromsø under the Northern Lights.

Members enjoy 5% off HX Hurtigruten expeditions.

The Mediterranean masters tour

If art history is your thing, then sailing the Mediterranean is a must. With Celebrity Cruises, you can hop from port to port, immersing yourself in centuries of creative genius.

Start in Florence, where Michelangelo’s David waits in all his chiselled glory. Head south to Rome for a neck-craning view of the Sistine Chapel ceiling and in Barcelona, the entire city becomes your muse thanks to Gaudí’s mind-bending architecture—the Sagrada Família, in particular, is like no other cathedral in Europe.

Between ports, the Mediterranean’s dreamy sunsets, turquoise waters, and pastel-coloured harbours provide the kind of onboard scenery that begs to be painted. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, a cruise here will keep your inspiration flowing as steadily as your all-inclusive beverage package.

Members receive 10% off all Celebrity Cruises.

Bali and beyond

If you’re searching for inspiration that speaks to the soul as well as the senses, head east. Ambassador Cruise Line offers itineraries to Indonesia, where Bali in particular emerges as a spiritual haven for creative souls.

Bali’s landscapes are a masterclass in natural beauty—verdant rice paddies sculpted into rolling hills, temples carved with intricate detail, and beaches where volcanic black sand meets fiery orange sunsets. For sculptors, potters, or mixed-media artists, this is a paradise where nature and artistry collide. You can even visit local Balinese workshops to watch artisans at work, chiselling stone and carving wood with generations of skill passed through their hands.

The onboard experience is equally conducive to creativity. After all, there’s nothing like the rhythmic lull of the ocean to help shape your next big idea—or sand sculpture, for that matter.

Members enjoy 10% off Ambassador Cruise Line bookings.

Baltic Inspiration: art and architecture in Northern Europe

Fred. Olsen cruises offer the chance to explore the Baltic’s treasure trove of artistic inspiration, where history and creativity combine in dazzling harmony. Cities like Tallinn, Helsinki, and Stockholm are alive with colour, texture, and stories begging to be turned into art.

In Tallinn, Estonia’s medieval Old Town feels like stepping into a Gothic fairy tale, complete with cobbled streets, spired churches, and red-roofed towers—the perfect setting for sketchers and photographers alike. Helsinki, meanwhile, delights with its blend of Art Nouveau architecture and striking modern design. Then there’s Stockholm, whose Gamla Stan (Old Town) glows in warm ochres and ochres under Nordic light, making every corner an artist’s dream.

Fred. Olsen’s intimate ships and relaxed itineraries mean you’ll have time to slow down, find the perfect perspective, and immerse yourself in the Baltic’s creative pulse—whether through a canvas, a camera, or a notebook.

Members receive 10% off Fred. Olsen cruises.