Sail into your Passions

Forget everything you thought you knew about cruises. This isn’t just another vacation. This is an exclusive invitation to a world where your passion for craftsmanship isn’t just understood… it’s celebrated, amplified, and transformed. For too long, your unique talent has been confined to your workshop, your studio, or your quiet corner. But what if you could connect with a vibrant, like-minded community that gets you? What if you could immerse yourself in an environment where inspiration flows as freely as the ocean breeze?

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    Click here to meet Marlaine

    Your Guide to the Magic of Dolls at Sea

    Dolls at Sea 2026: An Unforgettable Artistic Voyage with Marlaine Verhelst!

    Embark on an unparalleled creative journey with our exclusive doll-making workshop, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea!

    This is a unique opportunity for artists of all skill levels to immerse themselves in the world of doll artistry, guided by a true legend.

    We are thrilled to announce that this extraordinary workshop will be hosted and personally instructed by Marlaine Verhelst, a world-renowned artist who has been actively creating dolls for over forty years. Marlaine’s unparalleled expertise and passion will inspire and elevate your craft, offering insights and techniques honed over decades.

    Over the course of this luxurious cruise, you will enjoy fifteen hours of hands-on instruction, where you’ll craft a charming stump doll complete with a meticulously sculpted head, expressive hands, and a beautifully designed, simple costume. This is more than just a workshop; it’s a masterclass in bringing your artistic visions to life.

    Throughout the class, you’ll delve deep into the art of sculpting and painting doll heads and hands using high-quality, air-drying Creative Paper clay. All necessary materials will be provided, ensuring you have everything you need to unleash your creativity. Just bring your artistic spirit and a desire to learn!

    Limited Enrollment: Secure Your Spot Today!
    To ensure an intimate and highly personalized learning experience, only limited number of students will be allowed to attend this exclusive workshop. This limited enrollment guarantees ample one-on-one time with Marlaine Verhelst, allowing for tailored guidance and in-depth feedback. Don’t miss this rare chance to learn from a master in a small, supportive setting. Spaces are filling up fast – secure your place on this transformative artistic voyage now!

    At the end of this inspiring week, we will host a special exhibition to proudly showcase everyone’s beautiful creations. Imagine your handcrafted doll displayed alongside those of your fellow artists, a testament to your newfound skills and artistic expression. This celebratory event will be a highlight of the cruise, offering a wonderful opportunity to share your achievements and admire the diverse talents within the group.

    Investment in Your Artistic Passion, the price for this unparalleled workshop experience is $400 per student. This fee covers all instruction, materials, and the unique opportunity to learn from Marlaine Verhelst in an intimate setting. (Please note: This price is for the workshop only and does not include cruise fare or other travel expenses.) Discover Your
    Dream Itinerary!

    Ready to explore the exciting destinations and daily adventures that await you on this Mediterranean journey?

    Click the button below to view the full itinerary and start planning your unforgettable artistic escape!

    View Exciting Itinerary (March)
    View Exciting Itinerary (July)
    Create a Group with Us

    Dolls at Sea

    Mediterranean Itinerary Adventure

    Day One – Friday, Mar 20th, 2026
    Check into Hotel San Giorgio, Via G. Amendola, 61, 00185, Civitavecchia, Rome, Italy.
    Hotel San Giorgio is a beautiful 4-star hotel situated in the heart of the historic Civitavecchia. Staying here, guests will have easy access to many popular attractions such as Forte Michelangelo.

    Visit the Doll Hospital. Hidden away in a small shop near the bustling Piazza del Popolo in Rome, lies a fascinating and enchanting place known as The Dolls’ Hospital. This unique establishment, also known as Restauri Artistici Squatriti, is not just a repair shop, but a museum of sorts, dedicated to the restoration and preservation of delicate and ancient dolls, figurines, and marionettes.

    Symposium by Marlaine, and brief discussion about what is in store for our Dolls at Sea by Andrew

    Day Two – Saturday, May 21st
    Free to explore Rome, Coliseum, etc. and evening dinner Doll meet up in Rome.
    The train is highly suggested as you will have the opportunity to see other parts of Italy along the way to Rome!

    Day Three – Sunday, May 22nd
    The famous Rome Flea Market – Porta Portese, Via Portuense & Ippolito Nievo, 00153 Rome, Italy (Trastevere)
    Telephone: 0623143456

    Rome Porta Portese Market Hours
    The Porta Portese market opening hours are every Sunday only from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

    NOTE:

    1. We sail at 6:00 p.m. and you need to be at the pier by 3:00 p.m. check-in and embarkation. The Flea Market is one hour to 1 ½ hours from the Hotel so give yourself plenty of time to get to the hotel and pick up your bags, which means you must have checked out of the San Giorgio prior to your trip to Rome.

    2. We will more than likely be arranging a shuttle bus to leave from the hotel at 05:30 a.m., as the train does not leave until 7:00 a.m. and then one must transfer to the subway. I will advise everyone once I have decided with the hotel.

    Day Four – Monday, May 23rd
    At Sea with Marlaine
    Sculpting Classes – 08:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

    Day Five – Tuesday, May 24th
    Corfu, Greece

    Day Six – Wednesday, May 25th
    Kotor, Montenegro
    We plan on visiting many shops that sell dolls, etc.
    Additional Doll Class – for anyone who needs additional instruction and construction time.

    Day Seven – Friday, March 27th
    At Sea with Marlaine
    Painting, Varnishing, Putting it all together – 08:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

    Day Eight – Saturday, March 28th
    Naples, Italy
    We have a very special trip arranged to visit Artist Anna Espositio of www.feltromagie.com
    Anna is a very talented felt artist who will be giving a presentation about her work and you will have a wonderful opportunity to purchase some of Anna’s pieces which may complement your current collection.

    Day Nine – Sunday, March 29th
    Civitavecchia, Italy
    Early morning breakfast and disembarkation. However, I would like to have a breakfast together.

    Dolls at Sea

    Northern Europe Doll and Craft Adventure!

    MSC Magnifica

    Sailing from Jul 19, ’26 – Jul 26, ’26,  7 nights

    roundtrip:

    from Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany

    visiting six ports of call;

    Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany

    Ronne, Denmark, Riga, Latvia,Visby, Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden Copenhagen, Denmark, Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany

    PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A VERY EXCITING TENTATIVE SCHEDULE AT THE INTINERARY INTENSITY LEVEL OF NEAR HIGH. 

    Day 1 – Sun 07/19/2026 – Departs at 7:00 PM

    Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany

    We plan on visiting some small shops, etc.  in Warnemunde such as;

    Kinderland Hoffmann: A highlight for hobbyists, with a vast array of dolls and toys in a whimsical setting. It’s steps from the port along the promenade—perfect for a morning visit. Location: Mühlenstraße 30, 18119 Warnemünde.

    Harbor Market in Warnemünde: Daily in high season along the Alter Strom, with stalls offering souvenirs, handmade goods, and local specialties. It’s right by the port, so easy to browse for artisan items amid the seaside atmosphere.

    Neuer Markt in Rostock: Historic square with occasional vendors, especially weekends—could have crafts or flea market vibes on a Sunday. Train-accessible and worth a stroll for any pop-ups

    Private Doll Group Cocktail Hour

    Day 2 – Mon 07/20/2026 – Docked from 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM

    Ronne, Denmark

    A favorite vacation spot for residents of Denmark and a great crafts location!  We plan on two activities during this short time we are in Ronne.

    1. Visit to Ronne see link https://bornholm.info/en/roenne/
    2. Doll making workshop – Hours to be decided.

    Day 3 – – Tue 07/21/2026 – Docked from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

    Riga, Latvia

    We will visit the studio of doll artist Tatjana Grishaeva (see relevant picture) in Riga town.
    She will show us her work and will give a demonstration of her technique. Tatiana mainly makes dolls with dog heads. This is called anthropomorphic.

    https://www.facebook.com/tatjana.grishaeva

    Day 4 – Wed 07/22/2026  – Docked or Tender from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.  The docking in this port is subject to the dock availability

    Visby, Sweden

    We have the following tentative activities planned while in Visby;

    • Kvinnfolki https://www.kvinnfolki.com/artisans
      A lovely shop near the harbor featuring handcrafted items by local women, including teddy bears and other soft fabric items—potential for soft toy creators with crossover into doll couture.
    • Design & Crafts Gotland https://gotland.com/companies/design-hantverk-gotland-2/
      Offers yarns, home goods, and sometimes workshops in crafts a good choice for our doll group interested in textile-based doll accessories or outfits.
    • Visby Summer Studio Events
      Each summer, many local artists open their studios to the public, offering opportunities for personal interaction, demonstrations, and possibly arranging shortened private session.
    • Gotland Museum
      Great for a cultural session with context—though not doll-specific, the museum exhibits local history and craft traditions, enhancing the experience.

    Day 5 – Thu 07/23/2026 – Docked or Tender from 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM The docking in this port is subject to the dock availability

    Stockholm, Sweden

    Okay, so we are looking into the possibiility of visiting workshops of “Reborn Doll” Artisans, and should hear back within a few weeks.  Apparently, this is a growing trend in Sweden , with a few artisans making exact scale lifelike babies.  

    Stay tuned.  .  .

    Day 6 – Fri 07/24/2026

    Day At Sea

    Doll Workshops will be scheduled for both morning and late afternoon.

    Day 7 – Sat 07/25/2026 – Docked from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

    Copenhagen, Denmark

    We are excited to visit.  .  .

    A wonderful Doll maker Julia Dmukh.  A Ukrainian artist who lives in Copenhagen and works at her craft in Denmark, Copenhagen.  Julia is a multi talented artist that crosses many mediums by creating friends of the dolls, like her sheep, minaiture teddy bears, ducks, etc.

    https://www.facebook.com/juliatelierdk/

    We will visit Julia’s studio, where she will demonstrate her special spun cotton technique that is very popular in Eastern Europe.

    Julia’s shop : https://www.facebook.com/copenhagenantiquetoys

    What has really propelled Copenhagen into a strong doll culture seems to be the usuage of Dolls in several puppet theaters and the biannual puppet festival, so with this exciting discovery in mind we are planning the following two sensational events.

    We are very excited to visit.  .  .

     A well known master craftsperson, artist and puppeteer Ana Dyrby https://annadyrby.com/

    Day 8 – Sun 07/26/2026 – Arrives at 7:00 AM

    Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany

    We are planning an exciting doll exhibition after breakfast and prior to disembarkation.  

    Doll Exhibition

    &

    Doll Prizes and raffle for a Doll!

    🚢 Do you want to sail your hobby?

    We would love to organize a spectacularly memorable group cruise and adventurous itinerary which will provide you with even greater insight into your special interest.

      Vacation

      What are Hobby Cruises?

      Imagine a vacation where every moment is tailored to your passion. Hobby Cruises are specially curated voyages that bring together individuals who share a common interest. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, these cruises offer an unparalleled opportunity to learn, create, connect, and celebrate your favorite hobby in an inspiring and luxurious setting.

      From masterclasses with renowned experts to collaborative workshops and exclusive events, our cruises transform a typical getaway into an enriching and unforgettable experience. Forget the ordinary; embark on an extraordinary journey where your hobby takes center stage.

      A REVOLUTIONARY JOURNEY FOR EVERY ARTISAN

      Whether you sculpt, paint, weave, carve, stitch, or mold... whether your medium is wood, metal, felt, glass, leather, or something entirely new... Dolls at Sea is your gateway to an unparalleled experience. Don't let the name fool you. While we honor the exquisite art of doll making, this journey is for anyone who lives and breathes the creative spirit.

      Imagine: Days filled with exhilarating discussions, collaborative projects, and the kind of networking that sparks lifelong friendships and groundbreaking ideas. You'll mingle with some of the most talented artisans on the planet, sharing secrets, techniques, and the sheer joy of creation. This isn't just about learning; it's about evolving.

      CROSS MEDIUMS. EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS. IGNITE YOUR PASSION

      This is your chance to explore the thrilling adventure of 'crossing mediums.' Discover how the principles of one craft can unlock breakthroughs in another. A leather crafter might find inspiration in the delicate work of a porcelain artist. A woodworker could revolutionize their technique by observing the intricate details of felt artistry. The possibilities are endless when you open yourself to new dimensions of creativity. We've meticulously curated this experience to bring together individuals who share a deep appreciation for the crafts. This isn't just a cruise; it's a crucible of creativity, designed to inspire, challenge, and elevate your artistic journey.

      ARE YOU READY TO JOIN THE ELITE?

      This is more than a trip; it's an investment in yourself, your craft, and your future. Spaces are limited, and the opportunity to connect with this caliber of talent is rare. Don't let this ship sail without you. If you're serious about taking your passion to the next level, if you crave connection, collaboration, and unparalleled inspiration, then this is your moment.

      Your Creative Renaissance Awaits

      The masters are gathering. The ship is ready. The only question is...

      Will you be there when history is made?

      Dolls at Sea – Where Passion Sets Sail

      P.S. Spaces are limited by the very nature of intimate, hands-on collaboration and unique itinerary. The kind of deep connections and learning that happen here simply isn't possible with hundreds of people. When we're sold out, we're sold out. Period.

      Why Choose Us

      Dolls at Sea

      Hobby Cruises Free Membership

      Create a Group with Us

      Prices, Fees and Terms & Conditions

      Sapphire Princess Single Occupancy Price

      Sapphire Princess Double Occupancy Price

      MSC Magnifica Staterooms & Suites

      Featured Cruise

      Sapphire Princess

      As you set your sights on the wonders of the world, let Sapphire Princess indulge your every whim. Over 700 balconies, world-class gourmet dining and dazzling entertainment options are just the beginning of your sea-going adventure. Dance the night away, enjoy casino gaming or relax and rejuvenate body and mind at the Lotus Spa

      Dining

      Passionate about our culinary craft, we’re committed to serving you mouthwatering, handcrafted dishes made from scratch throughout your voyage. Be sure to join us at one of our award-winning specialty restaurants to celebrate your next birthday, anniversary or milestone and enjoy tantalizing specialties.

      • Chef’s Table Experience^
      • Sabatini’s℠ (Italian)^
      • Churrascaria (steakhouse) 
      • Alfredo’s Pizzeria^
      • International Café
      • Vines (wine bar)^
      • Horizon Court (buffet)
      • Trident Grill (burgers & hot dogs)

      Activities

      Each day, a world of exciting activities awaits, from cooking demonstrations to dance classes, trivia contests and a range of enrichment programs, including our Encounters with Discovery at SEA™ speaker series from experts who offer insights into the places you’ll visit.

      • The Piazza
      • Shops of Princess
      • Art Gallery & Auctions
      • Photo & Video Gallery
      • Freshwater Pools & Hot Tubs
      • Sports Court (basketball, volleyball, tennis)
      • Lawn Court (golf putting and lawn games)

      Entertainment

      There’s always something happening on board — from heading to the Princess Theater for a lavish original musical production to enjoying a blockbuster movie poolside under the stars or simply relaxing in a lounge sipping a cocktail where a live band is playing your song.

      • Movies Under the Stars®
      • Original Musical Productions
      • Music & Dancing
      • Vegas-style Casino
      • Featured Guest Entertainers
      • Princess Theater
      • Skywalkers Nightclub
      • Club Fusion (dance club)
      • Churchill’s (cigar lounge)
      • Crooners Bar

      Wellness

      Everything you need to refresh body and mind is right on board. Indulge in a manicure, pedicure or a makeover in the salon, or a soothing massage in the Lotus Spa®. Or maybe it’s a brisk workout in the fitness center, followed by a little “me time” in The Sanctuary, a tranquil retreat reserved just for adults.

      • The Princess Luxury Bed 
      • SLEEP by Princess
      • The Sanctuary (retreat for adults)^
      • Lotus Spa®^
      • Lotus Spa® Fitness Center
      • Fitness Classes^

      Families

      Voted “Best Cruise Line for multi-generational family travel” by Porthole Cruise Magazine 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards, Princess fosters family reconnection over meaningful moments of discovery, relaxation and happiness, from grandparents to grandkids and everyone in between.

      • Stanley the Bear and much more
      • Movies Under the Stars®

      Youth & Teen Programs

      Princess® has developed wonder-filled Youth and Teen Centers with engaging experiences for cruisers ages 3 to 17. Named “Best Cruise Line for Families” by Travel & Leisure, our diverse programs offer every child and teen what they need to spark curiosity, fuel creativity and inspire an active life.

      • The Treehouse, ages 3 to 7
      • The Lodge, ages 8 to 12

      What Our Guests Say

      Testimonial

      It's always a joy to attend one of Marlaine's workshops! The unique and relaxed atmosphere of pursuing your hobby with students from all over the world is a wonderful and educational experience. Such beautiful dolls are made here! All of this in a beautiful setting, accompanied by delicious dishes served daily, makes this a week you'll remember for a long time to come.

      Cocky V.

      Combine these ingredients in a blender: Marlaine Verhelst's craftmanship, a touch of France, a vibrant group of participants, and a fantastic place to unleash your creatiivity. This is the recipe for a week of learning and creating, with a beautiful end result. Marlaine's enthusiasm and clear explanations complete the week, while also allowing room for your own input. I'll be back in France in 2026!

      Sylvia N.

      I really enjoy participating in workshops with Marlaine. The workshops are always prepared down to the last detail. Marlaine is a very good teacher. She can explain and demonstrate everything wonderfully, she pays attention to each participant. Her workshops are very friendly and full of good humor and laughter. I can recommend Marlaine wholeheartedly as a lecturer, teacher and as a great person.

      Jana P.

      "The music cruise was absolutely incredible! I met so many talented musicians and learned techniques I never would have discovered on my own."

      Sarah M. Music Enthusiast

      "As a professional chef, I was amazed by the level of expertise and the unique culinary experiences offered on this cruise."

      Marcus R. Professional Chef

      "The gaming cruise exceeded all my expectations. The tournaments were intense, and I made lifelong friends who share my passion."

      Alex T. Gaming Enthusiast

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