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

Book Today, Space Limited.

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:

Learn More

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.

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

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:

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.
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.

🚢 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.

Call Captain Andrew today,
+1-516-399-9259, your personal cruise director.

Email:

andrew@hobbycruises.com
marlaine@hobbycruises.com

Classes and Cabins are limited.