Hi Suz: Appreciate the thoughts. If I were going on just a regular old vacation it would be a grand idea - but since we are meeting 3 other couples and going on a cruise together..... (have not been with the group for over 3 years, so there will be much talking and card playing if there is a lull in activity). If I were to hide out with sewing, it would likely be a very unsociable thing to do - since one of the reasons we are all together is to get caught up! I am still a novice when it comes to quilting, so although I head to sales & buy material rather compulsively already, I can live for a couple of weeks without sewing - I think!