Dolls at Sea 2026
Meet Marlaine
Your Guide to the Magic of Dolls at Sea
“My guide is to keep it simple and not stick to conventions.” — Marlaine Verhelst
Set sail on a voyage where creativity knows no bounds! We’re beyond excited to introduce Marlaine Verhelst a world renown doll artist and the creative mastermind behind Dolls at Sea
Your unforgettable adventure awaits you on open waters and ports of call.
For more than four decades, Marlaine has enchanted the world with her whimsical, beautifully expressive dolls and animals. Drawing inspiration from fairy tales, puppetry, theater, and the timeless artistry of illustrators like Arthur Rackham, her creations capture the playful mischief, deep humanity, and quiet wonder that reside in all of us.
“Dolls are what I do best. I make dolls because they are so close to human beings. You can truly be touched by them.”
— Marlaine Verhelst
From a young age, Marlaine’s passion for creativity was undeniable — whether through writing poems, sculpting clay, or crafting intricate doll clothes. After studying illustration at the Art Academy, a fateful meeting with a teacher’s handmade dolls unlocked her passion. Since that moment, she’s devoted her life to the art of doll-making, working with textiles, publishing two celebrated books (Fantastic Fairy Tale Dolls and Dolls and Animals), and exhibiting her work around the globe.
Learn more about Marlaine’s famous Paris workshops:
Known for her dolls — often described as three-dimensional illustrations of imaginary stories — Marlaine’s work features soulful expressions, delicate hands, and a charming touch of humor in each character. Whether sculpted from porcelain or papier mâché, every piece invites you to imagine your own tales and adventures.
We believe in the magic of exploring new destinations, building deeper connections, and creating lifelong cherished moments.
Here, every voyage is a journey towards togetherness, designed to grow bonds and shared laughter amidst the backdrop of the world’s most breathtaking seascapes.
Set Sail for Stories, Magic, and Dolls with Marlaine!
“Step into a storybook at sea with Dolls at Sea, a one-of-a-kind creative cruise experience led by internationally renowned artist Marlaine Verhelst.”
With over 45 years of expertise in sculpting expressive, whimsical dolls and animals, Marlaine brings her imaginative world aboard for an unforgettable artistic retreat. Often called “three-dimensional illustrations of imaginary stories,” her dolls reflect a delightful mix of fairy tale charm, emotional depth, and a touch of quiet mischief. As a proud member of the National Institute of American Doll Artists (NIADA), Marlaine’s work has captivated audiences worldwide — and now, she invites you to set sail with her on her very first cruise workshop.
Call Captain Andrew today,
+1-516-399-9259, your personal cruise director.
Email:
andrew@hobbycruises.com
marlaine@hobbycruises.com
Classes and Cabins are limited.