quilting cruises
#1
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 30
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
#4
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Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Central Missouri
Posts: 715
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?
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: JAX
Posts: 673
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.
#7
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.
#8
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,929
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.
#9
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 2
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!
#10
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.
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.
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