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2023 Summer Fun Quilting Cruise
Quilting and cruising are better than ever so join Stitchin' Heaven on this 7-night Caribbean Cruise! Cruise and learn from two quilting experts: Marilyn Foreman and Sherri Noel.
May 28 – June 4, 2023
Galveston - Roatan, Honduras - Costa Maya, Mexico - Cozumel, Mexico
Royal Caribbean Allure Of The Seas
Overview
Overview
Dear Quilting Friends,
Are you interested in quilting? Then, this cruise is for you!
It will be 7-nights of fun and excitement. You will see different ports of call as well as experiencing life on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas. You will have time to sew, explore, sew, shop, sew, and enjoy excursions. Come along and make lasting friendships with other like-minded people who will share and learn from each other and experience new things together. This is an adventure that everyone should experience.
During this amazing vacation, you will get to make two fabulous quilts from start to finish in the hands-on classes taught by Sherri Noel (rebeccamaedesigns) & Marilyn Foreman (quiltingdelights). What a treat! We will have the experience of sailing on Allure of the Seas from Galveston. You will be able to see the newly constructed $125 million cruise terminal inside and out. We can swim with the dolphins, taste some tamales, and visit the ancient Mayan ruins. I sincerely hope you can join us on the educational and enjoyable cruise.
- 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
Sherri Noel
Sherri Noel has a creative spirit and a passion for sewing. She has been designing her own quilts for several years, and in 2012 she started sharing her design talents and patterns through her website, RebeccaMaeDesigns.com (named after her daughters). Sherri is a quilt pattern designer, teacher, and author of the book 'Text It! quilts and pillows with something to say'. She is best known for her Block of the Month quilt-a-longs, her Dear Daughter BOM quilt, Scandinavian designs and whimsical style.
She believes that quilting is a form of creative expression and often adds wool, pearl cotton and hand embroidery to her quilts for depth and texture. Designs and quilts by Sherri have been published in several books and magazines, including her favorite magazine, Quiltmania. She enjoys sharing her talents with the sewing community and can be found at RebeccaMaeDesigns.com or on Instagram at RebeccaMaeDesigns.
Marilyn Foreman
An avid quilter for over 20 years, Marilyn started her pattern company, Quilt Moments, in 2006, and lives in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband and three kids.
Marilyn has published over 50 patterns and a book titled “Kaleidoscope Symphony”. She also has a Craftsy online class, “Quilted Kaleidoscopes”, and has been published in several magazines. She enjoys teaching and sharing her love for designing quilts that look complicated yet include basic piecing techniques. With a background in analysis, she loves the challenge of making her pieced patterns as versatile as possible so her patterns always include a variety of sizes and fabric options. She uses lots of fabrics in her quilts and lets the fabric elements do the work to create stunning results. Whether it’s rotating simply block units made with batiks, including easy four-patch kaleidoscopes made from a large print in the block centers, creating unique ways to show off panels, or using the popular Twister tools (she’s co-owner at TwisterSistersDesigns.com, the new home of the Twister tools), all her techniques are addictive and fun! Learn more about Marilyn by visiting her websites and blog.
Projects
Projects
Flying Free
This quilt was designed by Sherri exclusively for our cruise and it is one that we will all appreciate because it is gorgeous. Sherri used a nice balance of gray and yellow fabric to bring together this creative project. This is a very easy one that goes together quickly. Honestly, it is likely you will finish this beautiful quilt top before the end of the cruise so all you will need to do when you return home is quilt, bind, and enjoy!
Finished size: 72” x 72”
5 yards of coordinated backing fabric will be needed.
NOTE: If you choose to provide your own fabric you will need the Flying Free Pattern.
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Changing Ways
We just love the creative mind of Marilyn Foreman. She just knows how to design quilts that are not only easy, but they are beautiful and fun. The very cool thing about this particular piece of genius is that it can be put together in several different ways. Marilyn will review all the options with you and you can choose the layout you like BEST.
This project was originally made using the Hoffman collection Shoreline which will be out of print we feel sure by the time we sail but we promise to select a similar collection for our Sail ‘n Sew kits that will be pre-cut and ready to sew.
The finished quilt measures 60” x 84”.
4 yards of coordinated backing fabric will be needed.
NOTE: If you choose to provide your own fabric you will need the Changing Ways pattern.
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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 $355.00 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 the patterns here: Changing Ways and Flying Free.
Note: View the preliminary 2023 Summer Fun 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
Galveston, TX
When you cruise from Galveston, you’re in for big thrills before you even set foot onboard the ship. A favorite vacation stop among families, this fun-loving seaside city in Texas offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty and warm southern hospitality. Start your visit with a Texas-style breakfast in the historic Strand District, the pulsing heart of the city and a hub of antique shops, restaurants and bars. Make time for a walk along the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, home to lots of family-friendly rides, games and other attractions. Then explore Galveston’s illustrious history on a scenic stroll past well-preserved Victorian mansions and centuries-old landmark buildings. If you visit Galveston, you must dedicate a bit of time to the city’s museums, which host exhibits on all kinds of topics — from Galveston’s history with oil and railroads to the pirates and corsairs that haunt the Gulf Coast’s rich and colorful past.
Day 2
Cruising
Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!
Day 3
Cruising
Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!
Day 4
Roatan, Honduras
Roatán’s diverse blend of cultures and traditions is enough to charm anyone. But its mangrove forests, dense jungles, and swaths of white-sand beach will make you want to stay forever. Divers and snorkelers from all over the globe flock to the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands every year see to the world’s second largest barrier reef firsthand. Roatán cruises provide access to laid-back beach towns and secluded shores. On the Big Island, you can mingle with monkeys and “Jesus” lizards, snorkel with stingrays, and zipline through rainforest canopies. If it’s culture you crave, the island’s unique and vibrant blend is more than satisfying— made up of ex-pat sun seekers, Hondurans from the mainland, descendants of European settlers, and Garífuna, whose Afro-Carib-Arawak heritage still flavors centuries-old communities like Punta Gorda.
Day 5
Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico
Past meets present in Costa Maya. Cruise to Costa Maya and find ancient Maya ruins and mysterious jungles just begging to be explored, as well as private beach clubs and trendy restaurants— all in one place. It’s 250 square miles of paradise packed with entertainment and history, all just 30 miles south of Cancun. The Great Maya Reef just off the coast is the second largest in the world— it’s a must-snorkel spot. Or you can kick back at the port village of Mahahual with an ice-cold michelada— a spicy beer cocktail— in hand. For a culture fix, head to the Kohunlick ruins to see the famous Temple of the Masks.
Day 6
Cozumel, Mexico
With its lively tropical reefs, crystal-clear waters and ancient ruins, Cozumel is ripe for one-of-a-kind adventures. Cruise to Cozumel and head to Chankanaab National Park, where you can snorkel among the colorful reefs and schools of tropical fish that give this island its premier diving status. Or travel back in time on an adventure through the towering Maya ruins of Tulum. When you’re done exploring, unwind with a beachside massage at Playa Mia. From culture savoring to soaking up sunshine, you’ll find a world of adventure waiting for you in Cozumel.
Day 7
Cruising - Fun Day At Sea
Fun Day at Sea in the Conference Center. Join us for a special project and product demonstrations.
Day 8
Galveston, TX
Return to Galveston, TX.
The Ship
The Ship
Allure of the Seas
When it comes to epic vacations, the most awarded ship in the world dials adventure way, way up. Explore deck-defying discoveries, world-class dining, and the best cruise entertainment onboard Allure of the Seas®.
This Oasis Class favorite brings adventure to soaring new heights. Discover next-level thrills on every deck of Allure of the Seas®, from white-knuckle zip line rides ten decks up to totally splashworthy spaces for kids, like the interactive H20 Zone℠ Water Park. Get down after dark with more bars than any ship out there and savor a world of possibilities right onboard. Recognized for its dazzling onboard entertainment, thrilling attractions and wanderlust-fueled itineraries, this ship has already been named Best Large Cruise Ship, Best for Entertainment, and Best Individual Ship — and it’s just getting started.
Conference Room Setup:
Our Conference Center is amazing! Over 3800 square feet of space for tables (2 people to a table), our ironing stations, and demo area. You will love being just a few steps away from free coffee, tea, and cookies located in the Promenade. Our room is open 24/7 so you can sew at 2:00 in the morning if you want!
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Note: View the preliminary 2023 Summer Fun 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.
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Pricing
Pricing
Stateroom's are as follows:
| Room Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Interior Stateroom | $1,499.00* |
| Oceanview Stateroom | $1,599.00* |
| Oceanview w/Balcony Stateroom | $1,799.00* |
*Non-sewing guests will receive a $250 discount.
*Port charges, taxes & fees of $319.64 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 Required
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.