Many people have never been on a Cruise, let alone a 'Quilting Cruise'. But they are interested and ask me all all kinds of questions about the cruises. I have a topic on the right side bar called 'Quilt Cruise' so you can find this again!
A Quilt Cruise is a very casual retreat environment and loads of fun!
CLICK HERE for info on the current Moda QUILT CRUISE!
I've taught on many cruises (including teaching on the first cruise I was ever on!). They all work about the same. This is a way to do some easy quilting, be pampered, see some sights, have fun evening entertainment, and do it all with like minded folks, Quilters!
Many quilt cruises are 7 days. On ALL of these trips you are going to fantastic locations, called Ports. The quilting classes are given during they days we are 'At Sea". Because when we are in Port, you'll want to get off the ship and explore, or take a tour, or shop! You don't want to be holed up in an interior classroom 24/7.... You can do THAT at home!
--How much quilting do you really get to do?
Each day we are at Sea there is a quilt class. For my 2015 trip, we have 3 teachers. So there are 3 days of quilt class. This is the quilt room from a different shop, but it gives you an idea of the space. The cruise ship is very beautiful but conference rooms are limited. Remember, MOST people are here on vacation, not to hold meetings! So most sewing rooms will NOT have windows like this one.
Fun quilters!
The workshops are help with about 2.5hrs in the morning and a 2.5 hrs in the afternoon on each sea day. We'll also have the sewing rooms open most evenings so you can continue working on your project, or can just hang out. That is if you are not listening to live music, dancing, playing bingo, chatting with new friends or seeing the fabulous FREE entertainment on the ship!
For my 2015 trip you will have a workstation and keep it the whole time. The teachers change rooms, not the students.. sweet eh?
During the sea days, when we have class, there is a lot of happening on a cruise ship (like demos, classes, BINGO, sitting by the pool ... sitting by the pool is VERY popular in January with people from up north!). So how do you work in the quilting? You decide how much of what is offered that you want to do. Sometimes people take an afternoon off of quilting at sea to go to a tea, do a class the ship is offering ... etc. It's your choice.
How many projects do we work on and what do I need to bring?
Each instructor has a project. And we might have some bonus demos.. etc. It varies by instructor. And sometimes a make and take with the sewing machine people. oh.. did I mention we bring the sewing machines???? Can you holler WOOT WOOT!!
And you sew from quilt kits, so it is super relaxing to come and learn a bit, hang out, sew and have fun!
To recap... you do not need to bring a machine, or fabric or anything! Just some basics
How difficult is it to get the quilting supplies through security at the airport or cruise ship facility?
Just like any public travel now on planes, cruise ships want your sharp items in your suitcase NOT your carry on. So it is NO HASSLE at all
Can you bring scissors, rotary cutters, blades, etc.? Yes you do
Do most quilters bring quilting friends or spouses on the trip?
There are always non quilting companions on the trip. Many quilters come together. But there are non quilting spouses, significant others, children, moms and sisters! Companions won't feel odd as there is such a great 'Quilterhood' during the trip everyone is caught up in the friendship of it!
What are the rooms like and is the ship 'clean'?
This is our window room from one of the trips. They are all about like this... very nice! Compact (and the bathroom IS tiny.. but hey.. the ship has a spa for really pampering yourself!). We always find the rooms awesome and more than comfortable.
And clean.. let me tell you I travel a LOT. I stay in a LOT of hotels. The ships are cleaner than any hotel I've ever stayed in... and I mean EVER. Lots of attention to detail and the personal service is superb. Well worth treating yourself.
What are my Dining and food options?
The Royal Caribbean website will list all that is available for our ship, but let me tell you the basics as it does not change that much. Each night our entire group has dinner tables as close together as possible. We may have 8 to 12 people per table. We have early seating, usually 6pm dinner. If you want buffet for dinner you can do that instead of eating the sit down.
Breakfast and Lunch you can be served in the dining room during service times, or you can do the buffet, always my option as I want to get going! And there are snack stations that are open all the time.. like the pizza bar or the outdoor grill (what is available depends on the ship). There is usually one or 2 midnight pool parties, which are so fun! In the photo above they were setting up, see the band on the right?
You can order room service 24/7.. and all the food is included. Also coffee, hot/cold tea and some juices. Sodas and 'Adult Beverages' are purchased extra. And while we are talking 'buying'.. on ship you will have a 'ship pass' so all your purchases go on your registered card.. and you have a safe in your room for your wallet and keys and passport. This makes it really easy so you don't have to carry cash on the ship.
What do I wear? Do I have to dress up for dinner?
This is one misconception people have from watching Cruise advertisements. They too often show people all dressed up, but really who dresses up for touring and hanging out at the pool??? THIS my friends is REAL LIFE!
What you see above is pretty much what people wear. Their comfy beach/summer clothing. Now in the buffet you must wear shoes and be covered, no bathing suits in front of you at the buffet.. believe me this is a GOOD rule!
At dinner in the dining room, long pants is just fine. Like what you would wear to casual church, a PTA meeting, or out for dinner during the winter(not shorts). Now many ships do 'offer' a dress up night. Because a LOT of people enjoy getting dressed up, having their photos taken, playing 'night out' on their vacation. You do not have to do this. So on dress up night if you have a suit, that works just fine. You don't need a tux or a long dress... but hey.. how often do you get to wear those that you DO own... and it's fun!
What is the Touring like on Port days?
You can find all the Royal Caribbean sanctioned tours at their website. Just click the location. The port times are listed for any cruise you take at the cruise website. You are on your own for touring, or not touring! Maybe you want to have a spa day on ship. Or have your nails done and sit by the pool and read. The ship is fairly quiet most of the day as a good portion of the guests will leave and go on shore to see the port.
This photo is of our Jan 2009 trip. We have just docked in St. Martin. That open area now has a beautiful welcome center on it.
CLICK HERE to sign up for my 2015 QUILT CRUISE
The travel company can work with you to create a payment plan that will let your whole trip be paid for by Jan, that's always a nice feeling! I really can't WAIT to see you!
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