Skip to content
2024 Friends At Sea Quilting Cruise
Join Stitchin' Heaven and Friends on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean Cruise! Quilt and Cruise as you learn from two quilting experts: Marci Baker & Stacey Day.
February 11-18, 2024
Miami, FL - Labadee, Haiti - Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas - Perfect Day Cococay
Royal Caribbean Oasis Of The Seas
Overview
Overview
Dear Cruisin' Quilters
We are excited to announce the upcoming Friends at Sea Quilting Cruise, a 7-night Caribbean adventure on the luxurious Oasis Of The Seas, owned by Royal Caribbean. This is a unique opportunity for quilters to escape the everyday and experience the beauty of the Caribbean while honing their quilting skills with renowned quilting teachers Marci Baker and Stacey Day.
Starting in Miami, FL, you'll set sail for a week of relaxation and quilting, with stops in Labadee, Haiti, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and Perfect Day Cococay. With Marci Baker and Stacey Day onboard as your instructors, you'll have the opportunity to learn new quilting techniques, work on your current projects, and be inspired by their creativity and expertise.
This is more than just a cruise, it's a chance to connect with like-minded quilters and make new friends while enjoying the beauty of the Caribbean. You'll have the opportunity to participate in quilting workshops, attend lectures, and take part in social events with your fellow quilters.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your quilting skills and make lasting memories with new friends. Book your spot on the Friends at Sea Quilting Cruise today and experience the best of both worlds: quilting and cruising.
Deb Luttrell, Owner - Stitchin' Heaven
If you have never been on a quilting cruise you have missed a real treat! Since 2010 Stitchin' Heaven Travel has offered quilt-related cruises and motor coach tours to literally hundreds of satisfied guests. See reviews from our happy travelers here.
How can all this get any better? Here's how!
- Pre-cruise communication from Stitchin‘ Heaven Travel
- SHAG Bag (Stitchin' Heaven Amazing Gifts) valued at over $100 including an exclusive cruise shirt
- Your own dedicated sewing space for the duration of the cruise
- Optional pre-cut Sail ‘n Sew fabric kits
- Every quilting guest can take all the classes offered
- The classroom is open 24/7 for plenty of free time sewing!
- Premier thread provided for onboard projects
- Demonstrations of the latest quilting and sewing products
- Classroom support from Stitchin' Heaven Staff
- Full-size irons and ironing stations will be available in each classroom
- Post cruise guest contact list and group photo will be provided
- A BONUS Grab' n Go project for our Fun Day at Sea
- Prizes, surprises, and a boatload of fun!
Plus ... You'll be sewing on a BERNINA 475QE sewing machine!
That's right! Each quilter will be provided a state-of-the-art BERNINA machine equipped with the extended table and a quarter inch foot. There's no need to bring your sewing machine all the way from home. Visit the BERNINA website to see the amazing features of this great machine!
Consider bringing a friend, your spouse or your family – non-quilters are always welcome to join us and will have many activities to pursue while you are in class.
We look forward to our next adventure together with you!
Instructors
Instructors
.jpg)
Marci Baker
Recognized internationally for her expertise in quilting, Marci enjoys sharing ideas that simplify the process of sewing and quilting. Her products and tools provide easy-to-follow solutions for common sewing and quilting problems. Most notably, she has developed strip-piecing techniques for tumbling blocks, six-pointed stars, and grandmother's flower garden making them accessible to more quilters. In recent years, she collaborates with Sara Nephew writing books full of new and intriguing equilateral triangle designs. Enthusiasm and inspiration can be seen throughout her lectures, workshops, and books. Marci and her husband, Clint, live in Fort Collins, CO where they enjoy the outdoors and the beautiful mountains.
Stacey Day
Stacey Day is an award winning quilter, pattern writer, designer, and author of the book "Child's Play Quilts". Stacey designs and writes quilt patterns for FreeSpirit Fabrics, P&B Textiles, Timeless Treasures and Dear Stella. She has also appeared in publications such as AQ Magazine, American Patchwork and Quilting, and Modern Quilts Unlimited. When Stacey isn't working her day job as an x-ray Technologist, she is teaching and presenting her works with shops and guilds across Canada. Her work has appeared in numerous quilt shows and travelling trunk shows across North America, and have won ribbons at AQS Lancaster, the Canadian National Juried Show, and the Hoffman Challenge. You can follow the quilty happenings on her website, staceyinstitches.com, or on Instagram @staceyinstitches.
Projects
Projects
Honeycomb Waffle
Up or down, no matter which way you look at it, this quilt has 3-D images popping out all over. Fortunately, you don't have to go cross-eyed to stitch this quilt; it is so easy. In fact, the quilt shown in the book is Susan Simono's first quilt and she had never before used a rotary cutter or sewing machine. The honeycomb pattern is created using contrasting values of color. Light appears to splash across the top surfaces giving dimension to the "walls". With some basic value instruction included with the supply list or buying the kit, and how easy the piecing is, you will have confidence in completing this amazing 3-D quilt. By the way, the guys really like 3-D!
Finished Quilt Size: 40" x 51"
NOTE: If you choose to provide your own fabric you will need the ABC 3-D Tumbling Blocks and More pattern book.
Close
You Complete Me
An eclectic mix of log cabin blocks creates a bright fun maze of colorful intersections. Stacy will be giving you beginner friendly instruction and guide you through making this gorgeous quilt.
Finished Quilt Size 75" x 90"
NOTE: If you choose to provide your own fabric you will need the FREE downloadable pattern: You Complete Me
Close
Optional Sail 'n Sew Fabric Pack
Our incredible Sail 'n Sew fabric pack includes all of the fabrics and patterns for your projects and they are pre-cut so all you need to do is sit down and sew! The price of the Sail ‘n Sew fabric pack is $327 and it includes precut fabric for the quilt top for both projects including the borders, binding and pattern.
If you are interested in only one of the kits, you can specify which one on the registration form when you sign up for the cruise. If you would like a Sail ‘n Sew pack, simply select both kits when you fill out the registration form and we'll have it waiting for you on the ship.
If you do not wish to purchase a Sail 'n Sew Fabric Pack, remember to pack your own fabrics. We will not have fabrics available for purchase aboard the ship. You will need to bring your fabric pre-cut and ready for class. You must also bring your pattern or book. You can purchase or download the patterns here: ABC 3-D Tumbling Blocks and More! pattern book and You Complete Me.
Note: View the preliminary 2024 Friends At Sea Quilting Cruise Supply List. A finalized supply list will also be sent to you 90 days prior to departure. We will not have a store onboard. Please bring all supplies you will need according to the supply list. We suggest you bring an extra project if you feel like you will finish the class projects and need extra sewing.
Click here to see our general quilting supplies recommendations.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Miami, FL
As far as vacation destinations go, Miami tops most sun-seekers’ lists. With its gorgeous beaches, vibrant neighborhoods and melting pot of cultures, the Magic City is the perfect place to spend a few days before your Caribbean island hop. Ahead of your cruise from Miami, jump-start your morning in true Miami style with a Cuban cafecito from a ventanita — a streetside shop window. Then climb the historic lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on quiet Key Biscayne before lounging on the island’s secluded sandy shores. If you’re looking for a bit more action, head to South Beach — home to world-class restaurants, nightlife, shopping and lively beaches, all set against snap-worthy Art Deco buildings. Art lovers who visit Miami can head to Wynwood and explore the neighborhood’s colorful street murals and local galleries. Or take a trip back in time at the Renaissance-style Vizcaya estate, which offers a glimpse into Miami’s dazzling past.
Day 2
Cruising
Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!
Day 3
Labadee, Haiti
Beachside meets mountainside on the shores of Labadee — a Royal Caribbean® private destination on Haiti’s northern coast. Here you’ll find pristine sands, coral reefs and jungle-covered hilltops nestling lagoon-like bays. There’s no shortage of places to relax and recharge across five stretches of beach. Or dial up the thrills on an active adventure like a half-mile-long zip line ride over the ocean. And fascinating culture, history and the natural beauty of Haiti’s spectacular coasts wait to be discovered around every corner. Escape to the Western Caribbean for a wilder way to experience paradise.
Day 4
Cruising
Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!
Day 5
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
Charlotte Amalie is one of the world’s most beautiful harbors; blue waters peppered with sailboats and green hills dotted with quaint little cottages make for post-card perfect brags. Just outside the lively port town, you’ll find ribbons of powdery sand beaches dotted with hammocks. Cruise to St. Thomas and explore colonial landmarks like Blackbeard’s Castle or raise a pint of the local lager at quaint microbreweries. And when it’s time to fuel up, you’ll find plenty of beachside bars serving conch fritters, johnnycakes, and coconut patties. St. Thomas may technically be part of the U.S., but with its colorful markets, unspoiled beaches, and the ever-present sound of steel drums, you’ll feel a world away.
Day 6
Cruising - Fun Day At Sea
New for 2024, we are introducing our Fun Day at Sea in the Conference Center. Join us for a special project and product demonstrations.
Day 7
Perfect Day Cococay, Bahamas
This isn’t vacation days spent. This is bragging rights earned. Cruise to CocoCay to conquer the tallest waterslide in North America and snap a shot from up to 450 feet up in a helium balloon. Grab a drink at the swim-up bar and soak up the scene in the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas. Or get a taste of Bora Bora with your own Overwater Cabana. Discover the magic of Perfect Day at CocoCay — only onboard Royal Caribbean® Cruises.
Day 8
Miami, FL
Return to Miami, FL
The Ship
The Ship
Oasis Of The Seas
Find new thrills on every deck, like The Perfect Storm℠ waterslides and the tallest slide at sea, Ultimate Abyss℠. Grab bold bites to go at El Loco Fresh® and the first Portside BBQ℠, or cheer on your favorite team at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade. This is the amplified Oasis of the Seas® — and the adventure has never been bolder. These engineering wonders take home awards every year for their cutting-edge design, first-of-their-kind attractions, world class dining and accommodations, and unforgettable experiences. From the tallest slide at sea, to culinary concepts that take guests from Japan to Italy to Wonderland, the world’s largest cruise ships are full of adventures guaranteed to wow every kind of explorer.
Conference Room Setup:
On this ship we will be sewing two to a table like the image below.
.JPG)
Note: View the preliminary 2024 Friends At Sea Quilting Cruise Supply List. A finalized supply list will also be sent to you 90 days prior to departure. We will not have a store onboard. Please bring all supplies you will need according to the supply list. We suggest you bring an extra project if you feel like you will finish the class projects and need extra sewing.
Click here to see our general quilting supplies
Pricing
Pricing
Stateroom's are as follows:
| Room Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Interior Stateroom | $1,599.00* |
| Oceanview Stateroom | $1,799.00* |
| Oceanview w/Balcony Stateroom | $1,999.00* |
*Non-sewing guests will receive a $250 discount.
*Port charges, taxes & fees of $470.78 are not included.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.
There is a $350 per person deposit due at registration which will secure your price and availability.
This fee includes your cruise fare PLUS all fees to the teachers, a BERNINA sewing machine for the entire cruise, all associated class activities, and classroom support. You may purchase our precut Sail n Sew kit (supplies are limited) or you are welcome to bring your own precut fabric.
Group travel allows us to provide special touches that are not available on an individual reservation. And unfortunately, discounts from Royal Caribbean are not allowed through our group program. In order to take full benefit from everything Stitchin' Heaven offers on our cruises, you must register through Stitchin 'Heaven Travel. If you have questions or need assistance in changing your individual reservation to a group reservation through Stitchin' Heaven Travel, please let us know.
Travel Information
Travel Information
Cabins
With so much to do onboard, chances are really good that you will just use your cabin for changing and sleeping, but it's nice to know that if you want to spend more time there, you will indeed be comfortable. All standard staterooms are attractively decorated in soft tones with fine light woods and two pieces of artwork on the walls. Each stateroom has two beds that convert to queen-size, a private bath, phone, interactive flat-screen TV, mini-bar, hair dryers and air conditioning/heat controls. Bathrooms are on the small side, but functional, and showers have those wonderful, half-round sliding doors as opposed to clingy curtains. Soap and shampoo are also provided.
Travel to and from Destination
You will be responsible for getting to and from the ship.
Dress
You can see what the cruise line suggests for dress code while on the ship here: https://www.royalcaribbean.com
Gratuities
Gratuities are a part of your cruise expense and will be collected by Stitchin' Heaven. This fee covers everyone who serves you while you are onboard including all onboard staff, dining staff, and your cabin steward. Stitchin' Heaven Travel will then pay these gratuities for our entire group prior to sailing. Therefore, you will be charged $101.50 for gratuities at the time of final payment. Please be aware that an additional gratuity is automatically added to bar tabs. We encourage you to add additional tip for superior service.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included, but is available for your protection from Royal Caribbean in the form of their Travel Protection Program. The cost varies by room type and cruise and both cabin-mates must purchase it separately. In the event insurance is used please be aware that it covers the cost of the cruise only. Sewing package fees are not refunded.
**Insurance fee are due in full when you choose to add it to your reservation
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
The cruise ship companies have worked diligently with the CDC and government officials in order to continue cruising from the US. Our commitment is to provide an enjoyable event with the utmost safety to our guests. Ship protocols will need to be observed at all times and are subject to change at Royal Caribbean’s discretion. These protocols are changing quickly so please check the Royal Caribbean website for the most current information. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we navigate through these uncertain waters.