mpspeedy2 to answer your questions the sewing machines and all materials are furnished--you don't have to bring your own. It is a whole ship full of people and only about 30-40 are there for the quilting. My hubby could join other quilter's husbands or just spend his time doing any of the activities on the ship. I would not be quilting the entire time. Can just sign up for the classes I want to take. The days we are in ports we would spend together sightseeing etc.