All Aboard: The Cruise - Part 1

So, this was a thing – a gig as an Artist in Residence on one of the leading luxury cruise lines. Three back-to-back cruises. 31 days in all. That’s a lotta boat time.

And what could be more wonderful? An opportunity to share my passion for the importance of a creative outlet with hundreds of new acquaintances...at sea. Truly amazing!

Packing was curious. How much is too much, I wondered. Several weeks later, I now have the answer. But at the beginning, knowing the Muse and I were packing for two and knowing we were responsible for supplying many of the art supplies to last for 31 days, the fact that we presented ourselves for embarkation without multiple steamer trunks was impressive.

The ship was beautiful and had only sailed twice before. Very thought out, very lux, very new, very everything, with remarkable food at every hour of the day, remarkable service and staff at every hour of the day, and remarkable, some might say unbelievable, some might even say shocking, people watching every hour of the day. Apparently, we all define the phrase Casual Elegance very, very differently. 

We discovered the Artist Loft, our creative home-away-from-home for the next month, and a truly wonderful space it was. We settled into our stateroom and unpacked our very thorough wardrobes. At last, it was officially time to hoist the anchor, or whatever it is they do, and set sail. All aboard indeed…   

“Make voyages! Attempt them… there’s nothing else.” 

— Tennessee Williams