Quilt Cruise
 

Have any of you been on a quilt cruise? My husband wants to take me on an Alaskan quilting cruise before my health deteriorates. (I have MS.) I've never been on a cruise, let alone a quilting cruise, so I hope you all can share your insights.

I have been on a couple...they are great! There is usually stuff for the hubbies to do.

I've never been on a quilting cruise but I have cruised. I found it to be a great way to tour an area. I am thinking you will sew on the out to sea days. When you are in port you will want to go ashore and sight see or shop. I understand there are some great quilt shops in some of the Alaskan ports.

My cruises have always been to very warm locals (Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Mexican Riviera). I have never done an Alaskan one but I bet the sights are amazing even if the weather could turn chilly. I would jump at the chance. Plus cruises are such a great way to unwind. You don't have to worry about a thing. Crew takes excellent care of you and the food is always wonderful.

I know this subject has come up here before, you can use the search feature and I am sure others who have done a specific quilting cruise will chime in. Do you know what teachers will be on the cruise your husband is considering? That can also make a huge difference in all that you get out of it.

Here are links to a few
https://www.quiltcruises.com/cruises/Alaska-2018/

https://stitchinheaven.com/alaska2018-1-quilt-cruise

These links can provide you with a lot of information as to what you may experience.

Edited to add a couple links to other topics on quilting cruises I just found using the search function.

https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f...a-t151918.html
https://www.quiltingboard.com/offlin...e-t290140.html

And some more websites

http://quiltretreatatsea.com/piecing-in-color/
http://www.worldofquiltstravel.com/Baltic.htm
https://www.quiltandcruise.com/. But no Alaska on schedule through 2019

id you go to Alaska, be sure you have your passport. I still have trouble remembering a passport to go to Canada.

I have a friend who went on a quilting cruise to Alaska and loved it. She said the hardest part was having conflicting activities at the same time - there would be a quilting activity on the boat and an onshore excursion at the same time, and she had to pick one.

Have been on three cruises - all to Alaska. There's at least one quilt shop in every port! Personally, there are so many gorgeous sights to see and people to meet, I wouldn't want to spend my time in the ship quilting. I have plenty of time to do that at home, plus there is more time to spend with my husband bonding and making new memories. We are taking a cruise to Nova Scotia a month from now. If I were single, or going on a cruise with a girl friend, it might be a different story.

Yes...absolutely go on this cruise. I've cruised to Alaska and the quilt shops are wonderful. Unique fabrics to the region and culture. There are many off-ship excursions you could do despite physical limitations. I imagine the "quilt" cruise will be designed to cater to the quilter's aboard but, no doubt, they expect hubbies to go and will have activities for them, as well. I think this is a wonderful gift from your husband. Amd the climate the time of year for cruises is mild, light weight clothing, but still, on occasion, long sleeve or rain gear. With MS, you should not have any negative effects (my sister has MS), but check with your doctor before you go and meet the physician on board shortly after sailing. Don't miss this opportunity!!!

What a great hubby. He is definitely a keeper. I understand the health concerns but all the more reason to go while you can. Have a great time and show us some pictures.

I don't wish to be a downer... I had never been on a cruise before we went to the Caribbean but found out a few hours after setting sail that I get seasick. If you can, try out a day cruise before embarking on a larger cruise.

When I wasn't being sick, it was great. So many people to look after you and no pressure to do things if you don't want and it is nice to be able to retreat back to the cabin if one isn't feeling well.

I hope you get to go and have a wonderful time. I am very envious.

I have never been on any kind of cruise. I agree with what some on here have said. I would worry that other activities would be the same time as a quilting activity. My personal thoughts would be to go on a regular cruise. Then go to one of the classes that are a weekend or week away somewhere. I would love to go to one of Ricky Timms or Judy Neimeyers classes.
Enjoy.

Seasickness...oh yes! I knew it could be a problem for me, so I went to a drugstore and found inexpensive wristbands with a snap that you put on a pressure point to alleviate any seasickness. They worked for me. While not the most attractive things, it was better than nausea. There are also OTC meds you can take.

I went on a Caribbean quilting cruise, and there were several classes. Only big problem was a class could have 25 people in it and 3 irons, more blew fuses. Some of the classes were great, others needed better teachers. I did take 3 excursions, had fun. I was fine but roomie got seasick! I would say go, pick your classes and check optional tours, have a great time.

Your husband will make your cruise an experience of memories to treasure. I went on one cruise after I lost my husband and I would have had more fun staying home and setting my hair on fire. It's not the cruise so much as the companion. Go, have fun, buy fabric, make those memories!

Pack your bag and GO! And hang on to that man - he obviously loves you very much.

I have gone on two Caribbean quilting cruises with Stitchin' Heaven. Went with a friend and the first time I had to be "talked into it" because the idea of a cruise just never appealed to me (saw The Titanic way too many times). But we went and had blast and it was ME who suggested we do another one!!! I found Stitchin' Heaven to be very organized and well-planned. You can sew 24/7 and classes are held during the day while the ship is out to sea, thus providing you with the opportunity to go on whatever shore excursions you may want to do. And in the evenings, you can see shows, gamble, or whatever you wish. (Hubby should be just fine wandering around the ship when you are in class - lots to see/do). In fact my friend and I are planning our next quilting cruise (which will be to Alaska) for the summer of 2019, just have to decide which one, as Stitchin' Heaven has THREE to chose from.

Sounds like fun! If you like cruises, go for it! I can’t do them. I did a 3 day cruise to Cancun before we did s longer cruise. So glad we did! It was lots of fun but I had horrible sea sickness, worst on last day. Our waitress asked husband about me when I didn’t show up for dinner with him and son. She sent a bowl of clear broth and crackers for him to bring back to me and to call if I was able to eat later and they would fix something else. The staff was very good! I was on motion sickness stuff the whole time. They just didn’t work for me. Other than that, we had a fabulous time!! Lots of great memories.

I do have to say, I can’t imagine seeing or cutting material on a ship. We had the hardest time playing mini golf. Decided we were playing against the ship 🚢 😂 instead of each other.

I am 71 and have had MS for over 20 years. I have never been on a quilting cruise, but my husband and I have been on about 10 cruises, all but one since I was diagnosed. I have never had a problem except that the tour director wouldn't let me sign up to zip line in Panama or let me do the extensive walking tour on uneven ruins in Pompeii.

Ask for help when needed. Your fellow quilters will be more than happy to help you maneuver things. There is a place during pre-registration for your cruise to note any special needs you have- physically or dietary. I use a regular room as every bathroom I have been in has had grab bars near the toilet and in the shower/tub. I use a rolling walker and make good use of the seat to move things around including my tray at the buffet.

Have a wonderful time. I wish I were going with you!