Cruise for Creatives: The Art Residency Experience at Sea
A hybrid between a residency and a retreat for artists who want clarity, inspiration, and a refreshing reset for what comes next.
March 13–21, 2027
Aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady
This is not just a cruise. And it’s not a rigid residency either.
It’s a guided 8-night experience at sea designed to help you step away from daily life, reconnect with your creative direction, and move forward with more clarity, energy, and purpose.
Created for artists who need clarity, not more noise
So many artists feel pulled in too many directions. They are trying to create, market, stay motivated, and figure out what comes next — all while feeling mentally and creatively drained. This cruise gives you structured space to step away, get clear, and reconnect with your next move.
More Than a Cruise
Cruise for Creatives is a unique experience for artists who want time away to think, reflect, learn, and reconnect with what matters most.
It combines the best of both worlds:
- the structure and purpose of a residency
- the ease, inspiration, and renewal of a retreat
You’ll enjoy guided sessions, creative exploration, meaningful connection, and time to breathe — all while sailing through beautiful destinations with a supportive cohort of fellow artists.
A Hybrid Between a Residency and a Retreat
This experience is designed to help you grow as an artist without the pressure or overwhelm that often comes with traditional programs.
You’ll get:Â
- structured workshop days
- creative exploration and reflection
- business and mindset support
- time to reset and recharge
- inspiring ports and beautiful surroundings
- space to think about your next move
Who It’s For
This experience is for creatives at any level who want to step away from routine and refocus on what comes next.
Great fit for:Â
- painters
- photographers
- sculptors
- designers
- mixed media artists
- artists with a studio practice who want more clarity and direction
This is for you if you want to:Â
- develop your next project or body of work
- reconnect with your creativity
- gain fresh inspiration
- build a more sustainable way forward
- learn practical tools for your art career
- Reconnect with your emotional wellbeing
- be in community with like-minded artists
Where We're Going
This 8-night experience sails aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady from Miami and takes us through a beautiful Western Caribbean route designed to inspire, refresh, and expand your perspective.
Cruise stops include:
- Miami, Florida – embarkation and return
- Costa Maya, Mexico
- Roatan, Honduras
- Belize City, Belize
- Cozumel, Mexico
- Beach Club at Bimini, Bahamas
Each stop brings its own atmosphere, culture, color, and creative energy. From coastal beauty and island rhythm to local art, architecture, and natural surroundings, these destinations are part of what makes this experience so special.
Some port days will be open for optional excursions, inspiration, exploration, and curated experiences. It’s all part of the balance that makes this journey unique: structured growth during our core program, and beautiful space to take in the world around you.
Why Join This Experience
Sometimes the next step in your art career does not come from working harder.
Sometimes it comes from stepping away long enough to see clearly again.
This experience gives you space to:
- get out of your usual environment
- clear your mind
- explore fresh ideas
- reconnect with your studio direction
- think about your next move with support
What You’ll Work On
This is not about finishing a full body of work on the ship.
It’s about using the experience to explore the ideas, themes, and direction you want to pursue once you return home.
Throughout the week, you’ll use:
- sketching
- reflection
- guided prompts
- dialogue
- creative exercises
- group critique
- workshops and discussion
to develop:
- your next project idea
- clarity and confidence
- a possible body of work direction
- or a strategic next move in your art practice
How It Works
This is a cohort-based experience, which means we move through the journey together.
On Sea Days
Sea days include structured sessions from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
This is when we gather for workshops, creative exploration, reflection, and group experiences.
After Sessions
After the day’s core programming, your time is your own.
Enjoy the ship, rest, connect with others, have dinner, explore, or simply relax.
On Port Days
Port days are for inspiration and optional excursions.
Some may also include hands-on activities or special learning experiences.
What You’ll Leave With
By the end of the cruise, you will leave with:
- more clarity about your next move
- fresh inspiration for your studio practice
- a stronger sense of direction
- new ideas for your next project or body of work
- strategies to address mindset and emotional challenges
- practical tools for sustainability, marketing, and focus
- meaningful connection with faculty and fellow artists
At the end of the program, each artist will present their next move to the group and faculty.
This could be:
- a project idea
- a body of work direction
- a strategic plan
- or a sustainable support plan for what comes next
A Whole-Artist Approach
What makes this experience different is that we do not only focus on the art itself.
We focus on the whole artist.
That means we support:
- creative direction
- mindset
- emotional wellness
- productivity and organization
- marketing
- physical wellness
- long-term growth without burnout
What’s Included
Your Cruise for Creatives experience includes both the residency programming and the comfort of Virgin Voyages’ onboard experience.
Included in the residency experience:Â
- core workshop sessions
- guided faculty-led experiences
- printed workbook
- residency journal
- final presentation
- printed certificate of completion
Included onboard with Virgin Voyages:Â
- adults-only experience
- 20+ eateries
- WiFi
- fitness classes
- entertainment
- essential drinks
- prepaid gratuities
- and more
Bonus Materials
To help you keep the momentum going after the cruise, your experience also includes:
- additional digital resources from Art NXT Level
- a follow-up group Zoom session three months later
- opportunities for casual meet-ups with Sergio and Dr. Yanina during the trip
- one month of complimentary access to the Art NXT Level membership coaching program for new members only
Meet Your Faculty
- Dr. Kevin Bethel, MD CM MFA - Physician, Artist Entrepreneur, Family Wellness Centre (Freeport, Grand Bahama)
- Sergio Gomez, MFA Artist, Curator/Gallerist, Coach, Creative Entrepreneur, and Art NXT Level Co-Founder
- Dr. Yanina Gomez, PhD Mindset & Emotional Wellness Author, Psychologist, and Art NXT Level Co-Founder
- Francine Sweet, Mind, Body, and Spirit Health & Wellness Coach, and Sweet Life Travel Tribe Owner
Who Can Come
This experience is designed for creatives, but you do not have to come alone.
You may:
- come solo
- bring a partner
- bring a friend
- share a cabin
- or be paired with a roommate if available
Guests do not need to be artists to attend.
If a guest does not plan to participate in the residency activities, the participation fee is waived.
Why Virgin Voyages
We chose Virgin Voyages because the experience fits what we wanted this program to feel like.
It is:
- adults only
- modern and elevated
- flexible and easy to book
- fun, beautiful, and inspiring
- designed for both relaxation and adventure
Plan and Book with Confidence
Virgin Voyages offers flexible ways to reserve your spot, including:
- 24-hour hold to reserve now and pay later
- 20% deposit and payment over time
- financing options through Flex Pay
- voyage protection options for added peace of mind
Pricing Summary
If you are ready for a creative experience that is structured, refreshing, inspiring, and supportive, we would love to welcome you aboard.
March 13–21, 2027
Aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady
Click the Book Now button below for up-to-the-minute pricing with current promotions, and reserve your cabin through the link to be included in the group activities, with full amenities and group perks!
 For personal assistance, CALL/TEXT Francine Sweet 954-945-1010 to be booked into the group.
*Additionally, there is a $500 per participant Retreat Fee to cover workshop materials and expenses outside the actual cruise experience, to be paid by 2/1/27.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this a retreat or a residency?
It is a hybrid approach between a residency and a retreat. It has structure and purpose, but it is also refreshing, spacious, and enjoyable.
Q: Will I make finished artwork onboard?
The focus is more on concept development, exploration, sketching, reflection, and next-step planning than on finishing a full body of work.
Q: Are excursions required?
No. Excursions are optional and additional fees apply. The core sessions and final presentation are the main program elements.
Q: Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. You may come solo or bring a guest or partner.
