I work in a little quilt shop in the harbor area on Kauai, HI. During this fall we have had visitors from three different quilting cruises -- they were delighted to find a shop within walking distance (we can see the ship!). All were larger ships on longer cruises (re-positioning cruises in the fall, from Alaska & northern ports moving to warmer climates) so plenty of days to do other things while on board as well as exploring while in port. Machines were supplied, and the quilters -- 30-40 on two, a group of about 20 on the last one -- I do not know if bringing your own machine was an option, the last one was definitely showcasing a new machine from a major maker, so trial runs for possible sales. In at least two cases, there were excursions buses to take quilters to the LQS here (3 shops) -- all three cruises visited the larger Hawaiian Islands, and these trips included visits to shops there as well.
Many of the quilters were traveling with spouses -- there were other groups on the cruises as well -- at least one had a large knitting group. The classes and machines were set up in a conference room, so no need to move stuff around. On larger ships with many resources, other groups formed as well -- the cruise folks supply lots of options to keep their guests occupied.
There are some real advantages to a quilting class event on a cruise -- besides meeting other quilters and taking classes, finding time to devote to your craft without the interruptions of home life is probably the best --no cooking, no cleaning, no running kids from here to there! And when it all comes down to it, you get the quilting classes along with the cruise, with only the cost of the class -- certainly cost competitive with going to a major city for a major quilt show, having to pay for airfare (and/or travel expenses), entry fees, hotel, rental car, food, etc. as well as the classes too -- which might be very full, have time limitations, and offer less personal help.
So taking a class while on a cruise might be an interesting option -- and getting to know other quilters from across the world in a relaxed atmosphere is an experience not available except in this kind of situation.