quilting cruises
 

I would like to hear from anyone who has done a quilting cruise. How did you like it, where did you go, would you recommend any particular company, did you think it was worth the money? This is on my bucket list but I don't want to go into it blind. Thanks in advance, Madeline

I am also interested in going on a quilting cruise. I asked the same question a few weeks ago. I did do a google search and found some trips. I also would love to talk to someone who has been on one.

I will watch this because I want to know too

I went on one in April of 2008, I think it was. It was "sponsored" by a LQS I frequent. The cruise line was Royal Caribbean and it was a week-long cruise with stops at Montego Bay, Jamaica; St. George, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. Didn't want dh to go with me, so best friend (an artist, but not a quilter) went. The quilting took place in the bowels of the ship, and I did a lot of worrying about my friend up in the sunshine. We had an absolute blast, but the quilting was not the main focus for me. I have finished 2 of the 3 quilts started on the trip. Any other questions in particular?

I'll be very interested in the responses, too. I have been on three cruises and have been very busy with on-board activities, shore excursions and self-guided exploring, meeting the great people at our dinner table, enjoying the gym/pool/spa, etc., etc.. Wouldn't have wanted to miss any of it. I would be particularly interested in how people divided up their time. Can you do enough quilting in the time remaining or do you sacrifice cruise activities to sit in a probably windowless room and sew? Always wondered if there was a happy medium.

I would hate to pay that much to quilt and then sacrifice cruise activities while I quilt. Doesn't make sense.

I went on the Royal Carribean's 9 day Cruise for a Cure (supporting breast cancer) in 2009. We went from Baltimore, Md up the east coast to Nova Scotia. We had a wonderful time . We could only have classes when we were at Sea. They had about five different quilt teachers. I took classes by Mimi Dietrich (wonderful applique teacher) and Nancy Becker (landscaping) I learned so much from them. We also had Lectures by Earlene Fowler (author-Benni Harper mysteries) and P. Buckley Moss (designer ) When we were docked the group went to local quilt shops and spent money-money-money. Each night we would gather in the lounges outside the quilting area, sewing and getting to know a lot of new friends. My husband went. He did not seem to have a problem finding things to do when I was in class. We also managed to take in all of the ships activities. I would recomend the experience if you get the chance. Just check into the schedule before you sign up for one. My friend just got back from a quilting cruise she was not to thrilled with. They did not offer on onshore excursions and had very little activities planned on the ship.

I went on the Holland America line three yrs. ago Feb. We only had classes during the time at sea. I learned a lot from Karen Combs about using fabric to create illusions. I was disappointed in another class. The excursions were wonderful, Bahamas, St. Martain, etc. There were a couple of hours each day when we were allowed in the sewing rooms to work on projects. But my friend and I usually chose to be out on deck. If I did it again I would go with Royal Carribean. I've been on one of their cruises (not quilting) and loved it. The one crazythread described sounds fantastic.

I went on a Batik cruise with Stitchin' Heaven and it was AWESOME. They even had a white elephant kind of thing and they gave away over 25 yards of fabric! We all got to choose what we wanted. Those people are very organized and know how to make sure you have a good time. I won't ever travel any other way. Going again with them in September to Hawaii!

I've looked at these on line so will be interested in the responses. I've never been on a cruise but would like to someday take one that is low-key - not the fancy dress up stuff. Work our way to Alaska, maybe? :)

My idea of the quilting cruise is being able to sew whenever and not be limited but I also envision sewing in a room with an ocean view and breezes (not really practical, is it?). But I suspect I might be disappointed.

Stitchin heaven allowed us free sew time. The classes were during the day at sea, but the sewing room was open each night til midnight. So we could sew whenever we wanted!

I thought I read somewhere that Rosie's out of El Cajon has a cruise once a year. Since you are in soCal that might work for you. This is for the young lady in socal :)

My sister and I went on a Norwegean Cruise to Alaska in September 2008 (this was my first cruise). We went through a travel company called Sew Many Places (http://www.sewmanyplaces.com/). Jim was a wonderful host and the company did some special things that made us feel special. Jim is a former cruise director, so he knew what to ask for. He was able to get us specials at the spa, had hot chocolate chip cookies delivered to our classroom, a cocktail party in one of the lounges just for us, etc. We only sewed while we were at sea, but not all the time - we had plenty of time to participate in ship activities. We also had a great room for sewing with a great view. Sewing machines were provided by Baby Lock and Sew Many Places brought the irons, mats, etc. We only had to bring basic sewing supplies.

Oh, I forgot to mention Eleanor Burns was our teacher - what a hoot that woman is!! We got to meet Eleanor's assistant, Sue Bouchard, as well as members of her family because they were on the cruise too.

If I was to take another quilting trip, I would probably go through Sew Many Places.

I did an Alaska cruise and it was wonderful!!!! Outstanding teachers: kaye woods, sue housman... wonderful classes when at sea. It was on Holland America had a great room for sewing lots of windows. Can't say enough about what a great time I had!

I went on an Alaka cruise last August with Stitchin heaven travel and it was outstanding. Very organized - they gave away 7 of the most gorgeous quilts you have ever seen one evening which was a total surprise. The teachers (Toni Whitney and Trish Stuart) were great. Everyone got nice door prizes too and nice tote bags. I love this group and will always cruise with them from now on.

I have been on several quilt cruises, with a few different companies. I am going to try to address the above questions. The last 3 I went on were with Worldofquiltstravel.com. Some quilt cruises I have been on were pathetic. The host didn't even show up for one. With another company, I did 2 cruises, but they were carbon copies of everything except the itinerary. Since I have tried World of Quilts Travel cruises, I have found their organization was great, just the right blend of quilting and activity time. Lots of variety, prizes, surprises and special quilter events. Most of all some great quilting time and projects - and fun, can't forget the fun. NO, we were not limited and participated as we wished with onboard activities. Each time, they provide a list of quilt shops in a port where one can go at their leisure during the port time, no one has to sacrifice other siteseeing if they do not want to. On some evenings special quilter (and husbands/companions are welcome) dinners were organized so we could get to know each other outside of class, there is "open sewing" time every day and almost every evening so one can go in and work on projects or something else they brought along. They always provide Bernina or Janome Machines and often, they have a quilt shop set up onboard. Many husbands usually go (and they encourage them by giving a discount), mine has always had a good time. All ships offer onshore excursions and I like to be able to choose what I want to see - rather than have the quilt program provider choose for me. Some quilt cruises say they have tours for you, but they are usually to the local quilt shop, which if one does their own exploring and sightseeing they can still see because they have the addresses. I prefer to have my port time to myself and my husband unless we have met another couple with similar interests. I met three of my now closest friends on quilt cruises, you never know what great things can happen. Yes, I do go a lot, my husband likes to cruise and I like to quilt so it is a win/win. Sorry this was a lot, I guess I hoped to give a perspective from someone who has been blessed by this activity.

I read on one or more of the posts that you only took basic sewing supplies so did the cost include kits or were you given supply lists (I do this when I teach sewing classes). I just saw info about a couple cruises in a quilt mag yesterday. So it made me wonder. I have always wanted to go to Alaska so I will continue to follow this thread. Thanks for sharing, Teresa