You will always see people gathered around the shores and in their condos, taking photos of the cruise ships and waving to passengers. At inaugural sailings, naming ceremonies, and special events, the hype is even more pronounced, with loads of viewers from ship to shore.
In 2013, acclaimed artist Peter Max began a unique tradition for Park West artists.
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Widely known for his pop art, Norwegian Cruise Line and its partner, Park West Gallery, commissioned him to paint the hull of the Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship. The art covers an impressive 40,000 square feet.
This was not the first time Max was asked to paint a large vehicle as he painted the fuselage of Continental Airlines’ Boeing 777 super jet in 1999 and even did a massive world’s fair mural and other giant paintings. But it was the first time a cruise company commissioned a renowned artist to wrap its package in their special style.
Max’s artwork on the Breakaway features a Statue of Liberty head because this ship’s homeport is New York City. It also depicts the skyline of Manhattan and a planetary scene with musical notes. The Breakaway is just another way that Max can share his signature style internationally and now along the seas.
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The Norwegian Cruise Lines Breakaway is a colorful sight from the shore.
Danielle Rosen
David Lebo and the Norwegian Getaway
Postmodern Cartoon artist, David “Lebo” Le Batard was commissioned to paint the mural on the Norwegian Getaway in 2014. The work features a mermaid lifting the sun over ocean waves.
His art represents “humanity’s connection to the sea”. Lebo’s use of symbolism is presented with the inclusion of pelicans on the ship, which is supposed to represent safe passage. His background with murals in Miami guided the work that he did on an even larger scale on the Norwegian Getaway spanning over 1,000 feet.
The ship sails out of Miami, and Lebo, being a Miami resident, was able to see his artwork daily along with a lot of the population of Miami as it sails away with each voyage. Sadly, Lebo passed away, but his legacy of artwork lives not only on the streets of Miami but now on the ocean water on the impressive Getaway.
Norwegian Cruise Lines Escape features a color scene from the sea.
Danielle Rosen
Guy Harvey and the Norwegian Escape
Guy Harvey continued Park West Gallery’s and Norwegian Cruise Line’s trend to adorn the Norwegian Escape in 2015. It will come as no surprise that Norwegian Cruise Line sought out Guy Harvey to use his incredible talent as an artist to paint the hull of the Norwegian Escape.
Harvey’s background as a marine biologist, photographer and diver has contributed greatly to his unique marine art which blends seamlessly with the ocean on a cruise ship. The mural includes endangered marine animals including stingrays, whale sharks and marlins. The cruise ship artwork spans over 1,000 feet from bow to stern.
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His art on a cruise ship perfectly represents what he stands for and by extension what Norwegian, as a cruise line, stands for: conservation of the ocean. Through the Ocean Foundation, Harvey’s passion for educating people about the ocean and its conservation is sponsored by both Norwegian Cruise Line and the Park West Foundation.
These partnerships are presented perfectly on the Norwegian Escape. The foundation funds scientific research on marine conservation, and the display of Harvey’s work of art extends its foundation’s visibility in a novel way.
Wyland and the Norwegian Bliss
The last of the ships to be decorated, the Norwegian Bliss, was painted by Park West Gallery artist Wyland in 2018. Another marine biologist and artist, Wyland, is known for his trademark whales. In the 1980s, he began painting life-sized canvases of whales on buildings. His signature whales are now adorned all over the hull of the impressive Norwegian Bliss.
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The cruise ship sails out of Seattle and sails to Alaska. Along with Max, Lebo and Harvey, his artwork is also represented in the Park West Gallery on cruise ships on Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America.
These master artists and majestic vessels get the chance to showcase their signature styles all over the world. Who will be the next artist to showcase their artwork on a giant cruise ship?
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Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at [email protected] or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
