Anchors aweigh!

Our next writing cruise is coming up in Spring 2026!

Join us for an intimate, skill-focused writing retreat on the Oslo Fjord. Over two peaceful, cozy days, we’ll explore key storytelling tools, share both fears and ideas, and dig into what makes good writing work in fiction and creative nonfiction alike. You’ll leave with sharper skills, fresh perspective, and a supportive group of fellow writers to cheer you on long after you’re back on dry land.

Take to the high seas in Spring 2026 for a 48-hour all-inclusive roundtrip from Oslo, Norway to Kiel, Germany aboard a Color Line cruise ship.

As writers ourselves, we know how helpful a solid metaphor can be to our creative process. That’s why we’ve selected a sea voyage for this retreat, giving us all a chance to cast off the anchors of our day-to-day lives and harness the winds of creativity on the open ocean.

We’re building on last year’s workshop to design an inspiring, hands-on program to sharpen your skills and get words on the page. You’ll have plenty of extra time outside our facilitated sessions–both on the ship and in Kiel–to spend as you wish. If you’re feeling inspired and want to use the whole time to write, or if you’d rather use your free time to shop, have a drink in the observation lounge, or relax in the spa and fitness center, that’s your call.

All food and drink, accommodation and entertainment in the program are included in the price. We’ve kept our previous program available below so you can get an idea of how it went, but our 2026 program will be a little different. We’ll come back with details soon!

Places are limited.

All-inclusive price: 5000 NOK

Learn more about Color Line cruises here.

Program

Sunday

10.00 Meet and check-in
10.30 Boarding and welcome to our workshop space
11.00 – 13:30 Workshops
- Introduction and warm-up
- Anchors aweigh! Getting started with your writing project
13.30 Lunch buffet (1 soft drink included), and check in to your cabin
14.30 – 17.00 Generative writing sessions
- Writing in sprints – what it is and how to do it well
- Generative session 1
- Check in
- Generative session 2
- Sharing and (safe) critiques
17.00 – 20.00 Free time to be creative, explore the ship, tax-free shopping, etc.
20.00 Dinner together: A three-course meal with a ½ bottle of the ship’s wine, 2 beers, or soft drinks included

Monday

07.00 – 09.45 Buffet breakfast
10.00 – 13.45 Arrive in Kiel – this is your own time to do with as you will. Use it wisely!
13.30 – All aboard for Oslo!
14.00 – 17.00 Workshops (baguettes and mineral water will be served in the conference center during this time)
- Generative session 3
- Check in
- Generative session 4
- Sharing and close
- Finding your land legs – how to keep going
17.00 – 18.00 Free time
18.30 – 19.50 Show (booking fee included)
20.00 – Dinner in the Grand Buffet (1 glass of wine, beer or mineral water included)

Tuesday

07.00 – 09.45 Buffet breakfast
10.00 – Arrive back in Oslo