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2019 Southern Comfort Quilting Cruise
Join Stitchin' Heaven and Friends on a 9-night Southern Caribbean Cruise! Cruise and learn from three quilting experts: Tiffany Hayes, Doug Leko, & Darlene Zimmerman!
March 1 - 10, 2019
Miami - Labadee - Aruba - Curacao - Bonaire
Navigator of the Seas
Overview
Overview
Dear Friends,
We are always looking for new ports and new adventures and with our Southern Comfort cruise we will be visiting some new islands. The "ABC Islands" are Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao and they are located off the coast of Venezuela. We are looking forward to adding some fun experiences to our book. Sailing south in the Caribbean is always a treat so I really hope you can hop aboard with us. See you in March?
- 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
- A Welcome Aboard Gathering
- A Stitchin’ Heaven Travel souvenir tote bag
- Souvenir T-Shirt
- All workshops, classes, and demonstrations of products
- Optional pre-cut Sail ‘n Sew fabric kits
- Every quilting guest can take all the classes offered
- Classes are taken on days "at sea" so no port time is missed
- Classroom is open 24/7 for plenty of free time sewing!
- Bernina 330 sewing machines
- Premier thread for onboard projects
- $20 door prize for each quilter - choose what you want from the onboard store
- Demonstrations of the latest quilting and sewing products
- Classroom support from Stitchin' Heaven Staff
- Oliso Pro Smart Irons™
- Post cruise guest contact list
- Group Photo
- Smiles, a few surprises, laughs, and a boatload of fun!
Plus ... You'll be sewing on a Bernina 3 Series sewing machine!
That's right! Each quilter will be provided a state-of-the-art 330 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
Tiffany Hayes
Tiffany is a wife to Scott and a mom to 3 grown kids. She has a passion for quilting (designing, piecing, hand applique and machine quilting). She has been quilting and teaching for more than 20 years. Her quilts have been featured by numerous publications, including The Quilter Magazine, Modern Quilts Unlimited and Keepsake Quilting, and she’s worked with various designers to create fabric collection-specific quilt patterns. She has developed The Goddess Tool and Block of the Month patterns that utilize that tool. Recently she became the proud owner of a brand new long arm quilting machine. She declares herself a Quilt Addict!
She designs and publishes under the name: Needle in a Hayes Stack.
Doug Leko
Doug Leko founded Antler Quilt Design in 2008, when he was still a high school student. Working in his mother’s quilt shop had helped him develop his skills and refine his art, and soon Doug began to develop and market his own designs. Since then, his reputation has grown along with his business. He has a vibrant and growing collection of patterns available at quilt stores around the Unites States, Canada, and online. His work has been featured in McCall’s Quilting and Quiltmaker, and American Patchwork & Quilting.
Doug is a vibrant speaker and teacher, and has developed a wide following among quilters around the country. His energy and passion coupled with his unique level of experience and his innovative quilt designs make him a favorite addition to any special event.
Darlene Zimmerman
Darlene Zimmerman lives in rural Minnesota, is married and a mother of four children and a grandmother to five. Her quilt career began by designing tools for EZ Quilting (Simplicity), and she now has more than 30 quilting tools on the market. She has published 4 books with EZ Quilting (Companions; Quilts and Miniatures, The Quilter's Kitchen, Calming the Storm and Quilts to Come Home To) and 10 books with F + W Publications (Quick Quilted Miniatures, Granny Quilts, Granny Quilts Décor!, Fat Quarter Small Quilts, The Quilter’s Edge, The Complete Guide to Quilting, Quilts from Lavender Hill Farm, Fresh from the Clothesline, Quilt Finishes and Quick Quilt Projects). Darlene frequently publishes articles and patterns in quilt magazines, and has also been self-publishing patterns under her company name of Needlings, Inc. Darlene has been designing 1930s reproduction fabric collections for the past 17 years and is currently designing for Robert Kaufman Fabrics.
Projects
Projects
Tiffany Hayes
Martini Time
Martini Time - What's your pleasure?
- Dry, perfect, or wet...
- Shaken or stirred...
- Straight up or on the rocks...
- "With a twist...
Make it like you want. This quilt pattern includes 6 different layouts so there is bound to be one you love.
The finished size of this project will be 63" x 72"
NOTE: Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kits will be similar but not exactly as shown
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Doug Leko
Click here for a larger image of Kings Cross.Kings Cross
Kings Cross by Doug Leko is a bright vibrant quilt that will be lots of fun to make. One Block, Two Settings. It is layer cake and scrap friendly. Our Sail N Sew kits will be cut for Layout B in bright, tropical colors that we are sure you will love.
The finished size of this project will be 57" x 85"
NOTE: Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kits will be similar but not exactly as shown. Doug recommends his Simple Folded Corner ruler for this project which is sold separately here
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Darlene Zimmerman
Summertime
Red and blue batiks make this an ideal summer quilt. Doesn’t it just sing summer? Sew this one up for a picnic in the park! The curvy edge dresses up the scrappy border and adds an element of fun.
The finished size of this project will be 56" x 76".
NOTE: Our Sail 'n Sew fabric for this kit will be cut into 2 1/2" strips. Darlene will demonstrate using the Easy Angle tool to cut triangles from the strips. The Easy Angle tool is required for this class and can be purchased here Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kits will be similar but not exactly as shown
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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 $480.00 and it includes all three of the projects for this cruise. If you would like to buy individual kits, please call for pricing. If you would like a Sail ‘n Sew pack, just let us know when you make your Reservation and we'll have a kit waiting for you on the ship. Order early as supplies are limited. Projects shown are representative of the quilt to be made. Unless otherwise noted, all fabrics will be different but are matched as closely to the quilt as possible.
If you choose to bring your own fabric, please bring it precut and ready as we do not allow time for cutting during class. You will find the cutting instructions in each pattern that can be ordered here: Martini Time, Kings Cross, Summertime.
A complete supply list will be sent to you 90 days prior to departure.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Miami, Florida
In just over a hundred years, Miami has gone from a mangrove swampland to a major cosmopolitan city. With its world-renowned beaches, unrivaled nightlife and Latin flavor, it's not just for the snowbirds anymore.
Miami Beach is one of Miami's most popular attractions. There, you'll see supermodels and celebrities side by side with octogenarians in pastel plaid. This diversity is one of the main attractions of this area. But the wide, sandy beaches and clean, warm water don't hurt.
Day 2
Cruising
Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!
Day 3
Labadee. Haiti
Only Royal Caribbean can take you to the private beach destination of Labadee. This private paradise sits on the north coast of Haiti, surrounded by beautiful mountain slopes and exotic foliage. This exclusive destination offers pristine beaches, breathtaking scenery, incredible thrills and spectacular water activities. Regardless of where you go, you'll find yourself embraced by the beautiful landscape. Labadee's native charm, along with its natural beauty, make this a destination not to be missed. It's impossible to choose just one thing that's special about Labadee. The inviting beach, coral reefs and exciting amenities provide a perfect place to relax and have fun.
Day 4
Cruising
Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!
Day 5
Oranjestad, Aruba
Oranjestad is a delight of historic sights, bustling promenades, and colorful Dutch-colonial architecture. Aruba is just 20 miles long, so island splendors and adventures like amazing snorkeling from the beach are within easy reach.
The water off Aruba is teeming with marine life. You can see it all up close by taking a submarine 150 feet below the sea. You'll pass scuba divers, coral reefs and shipwrecks on your journey.
Day 6
Willemstad, Curacao
Curaçao is a trove of cultural attractions, rich history, and scenery that includes desert landscapes, rugged cliffs and 35 beaches. The colorful cosmopolitan capital of Willemstad spans Sint Anna Bay, with a walkable waterfront on both sides.
Explore Hato Caves and their mystical underground lake. After crossing the lake, you'll enter two large caverns with ancient Indian pteroglyphs. This surreal underground world is an amazing, memorable experience.
Day 7
Kralendijk, Bonaire
Bonaire features some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean, thanks to thriving coral reefs and rich marine ecosystems protected by islanders. Tidy, colorful Kralendijk feels more like a seaside town than a capital city.
You'll definitely want to see Sorobon Beach, on the east side of Bonaire located within a large protected bay. Also a must-see are Bonaire's famous pink flamingos which, in mating season, number in the 15,000s. Washington Slagbaai National Park is the place to go.
Day 8
Cruising
Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!
Day 9
Cruising
Free sewing time in the Conference Center to hopefully get some of those projects finished! We will need to vacate the Conference Center by 3:00PM so we can pack to head home.
Day 10
Miami, Florida
Return to Miami, Florida
The Ship
The Ship
Navigator of the Seas
Is it adventure you seek, or a restful retreat from life on land? Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas® is home to an array of innovations that give you whatever type of vacation you desire. Climb a rock wall that overlooks the sea, or find your adventure on the basketball court, ice-skating rink or mini-golf course. If it's zen you seek, achieve it poolside or at the relaxing Vitality Spa. Liven up your nights on the Royal Promenade, with parades, dancing, and duty-free shopping deals. And bring along some friends with spacious public areas, enhanced staterooms, and a spectacular three-story dining room, this ship has room for your whole crew. The ship also has new innovative features at sea such as the FlowRider surf simulator, 3-D movie theater, all new staterooms including new virtual balconies, and new dining experiences.
Here is a video about this ship and all the amazing things it has to offer.
Learn more about this amazing ship here!
Pricing
Pricing
Stateroom's are as follows:
| Room Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Interior Stateroom | $1,299.00* |
| Oceanview Stateroom | $1,499.00* |
| Oceanview w/Balcony Stateroom | $1,799.00* |
*Non-sewing guests will receive a $250 discount.
Port charges, taxes & fees of $326.53 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. Fabric kits are not included. 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 in Miami, Florida.
Dress
During the day, dress is casual. Evenings are either casual, smart casual or formal. On casual nights, suggested attire is sports shirts and slacks for men and sundresses or pants for women. On smart casual evenings, men should don jackets and tie, with women wearing dresses or pantsuits. On the one or two formal nights per cruise, men can choose from tuxedos or suits and ties, while woman usually wear cocktail dresses.
Gratuities
Gratuities are a part of your cruise expense and total $13.50 per day. This fee covers everyone who serves you while you are onboard including all onboard staff, dining staff, and your cabin steward. Because of our group status, Stitchin' Heaven Travel pays these gratuities for our entire group prior to sailing. Therefore, you will be charged for them at the time of final payment. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to bar tabs.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included, but is available for your protection from Royal Caribbean in the form of their Travel Protection Program. It is $109 per person and both cabinmates 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 will be added to your reservation total