Travel, Teach, Live in Europe and Middle East
Many cruises have some kind of theme, from gastronomy to golf. Travelers are entertained by on-board activities or lectures by special guests and the topic dictates which ports the ship calls at on its journey. A number of art-themed cruises in the Mediterranean are geared toward art teachers, calling at cities with art pedigrees and world-class museums, while classes on board provide information on the collections and even art classes.
The Matisse Cruise
The Matisse Cruise is run in the spring by specialist travel company Martin Randall. It starts in Malaga, Spain--birthplace of Matisse's contemporary, Picasso--and ends in Nice, the city in which Matisse died. At every port there are organized trips to museums and art collections (some private), giving teachers a chance to see and learn about some of the most noted art the Mediterranean region has to offer. In addition there are visits to other cultural attractions in Barcelona, Antibes and Palma de Mallorca. Guest lecturers on past cruises have included Hilary Spurling, a Matisse biographer and Professor Christopher Green, who teachers at the Courtauld Institute in London.
Martin Randall
Voysey House, Barley Mow Passage
London W4 4G,
011-44-208-7423355
Capitals of Art and Architecture
Crystal Cruise's Capitals of Art and Architecture trip starts in Barcelona before travelling onto the Cote d' Azur, finally calling at the Italian cities of Florence, Rome and Venice. Shore excursions focus on art history, museums and the beautiful architecture found in these towns, while lecturers provide the on-board entertainment, building on teachers' existing art knowledge. Departure in 2011 is at the end of August, and will be on board the company's largest ship, the Crystal Serenity.
Crystal CruisesCrystal Cruises
2049 Century Park East
Suite 1400
Los Angeles, CA 90067
011-866-4466625
Cultural Cruise
The Cultural Cruise, run by MSC Cruises, focuses on art appreciation with lectures providing detailed information about the cities visited en route. Experts give talks on artists or specific works of art and art appreciation courses are offered on board. There are two departures scheduled for late 2010, in October and December, with other cruises likely to be planned in early 2011. All follow a similar circular route, from Genoa, Italy, to the south of France, Barcelona and back to northern Italy via Rome. Teachers will experience the historic art within the Vatican City and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
MSC Cruises
011-207-0922888
Queen's House
55-56 Lincoln's Inn Fields
London WC2A 3LJ
