7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
Deep Blue Quilting Cruise 2026
Aboard Royal Caribbean's "Independence of the Seas"
Miami, FL
Perfect Day Cococay, Bahamas
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
Itinerary
| Day 1 | Miami, FL |
| Day 2 | Perfect Day Cococay, Bahamas |
| Day 3 | Quilting Classes |
| Day 4 | San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Day 5 | Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas |
| Day 6 | Quilting Classes |
| Day 7 | Quilting Classes |
| Day 8 | Miami, FL |
March 8-15, 2026
Join us for an unforgettable 7-night Western Caribbean Quilting Cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas, crafted especially for quilting enthusiasts. Led by the renowned quilting experts Tina Lueders & Wendy Mathson, this cruise offers a unique blend of creative workshops and tropical paradise.
Overview
Embark on a seven-night quilting adventure aboard Independence of the Seas, departing round-trip from Miami, FL. Your journey begins at Perfect Day at CocoCay, where you can relax on white-sand beaches or enjoy thrilling water attractions. Explore the historic streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and take in the stunning views of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. Between ports, enjoy expert-led quilting workshops with Tina Lueders and Wendy Mathson, along with all the world-class amenities the ship has to offer.
P.S. Never been on a quilting cruise? This could be a wonderful opportunity to combine your love for quilting with a bit of adventure! Since 2010 Stitchin' Heaven Travel has offered quilt-related cruises and motor coach tours to literally hundreds of satisfied guests. Click here to see reviews from our happy travelers.
Quilting Instructors & Projects
Tina Lueders
Tina discovered her love for Quiltworx patterns in 2007 during a shop hop in Port Lavaca, TX—long before she became a quilter. At the time, she ran an embroidery business specializing in custom horse show apparel. After moving to East Texas in 2018 and joining Stitchin' Heaven, she met Judy Niemeyer at Quiltworx University, sparking the journey to becoming a Certified Instructor. Co-founding Friends of Judy Retreats with Sandra Coffey followed, and certification was earned in 2023. Now, as the Quiltworx Coordinator for Stitchin' Heaven, she teaches on cruises and at the retreat center.
Coral Cove
Discover Coral Cove, the newest gem in the Crown of Jewels mixer series from Quiltworx! Designed for quilters who love vibrant, tropical hues, this foundation paper piecing quilt pattern features a breathtaking blend of creamy teals and blues, evoking the serene beauty of a Gulf Coast sunrise. This beginner-friendly quilt pattern offers a perfect introduction to intricate curves and dynamic shapes, making it an ideal choice
Finished Size: 62” x 83”
*Fabrics will be matched as closely as possible based on fabric availability at the time of ordering.
5 yards of coordinated backing fabric will be needed.
NOTE: The Coral Cove Quilt Pattern is available for purchase. Click Here.
Wendy Mathson
Wendy Mathson, president of Prayers & Squares International, has spent decades blending quilting with purpose. What began in 1992 as a small church group making prayer quilts grew into a worldwide ministry with over 1,300 chapters. With 20+ years in publishing as an editor, designer, and illustrator, Wendy later authored A New Light on Storm at Sea Quilts and developed innovative quilting tools to simplify block construction. Passionate about teaching, she travels the country, sharing her expertise at guilds, retreats, and quilting cruises. She believes quilting should always be fun—and she’s dedicated to making it easier and more enjoyable for all.
Geese in the Lillies
This geometric quilt pattern showcases a striking blend of blue, teal, and white, combining flying geese formations, floral-inspired blocks, and delicate appliqué sprigs for a dynamic, nature-inspired design. Precision piecing and high-contrast colors enhance its symmetry, while a rich swirling blue border adds depth and movement. Subtle quilting stitches create texture without overpowering the intricate patchwork, making this modern quilt pattern a perfect fusion of traditional and contemporary quilting techniques. A must-have for quilters seeking a visually captivating and expertly crafted quilt.
Finished Size: 70” x 70”
*Fabrics will be matched as closely as possible based on fabric availability at the time of ordering.
4.5 yards of coordinated backing fabric will be needed.
NOTE: The Geese in the Lillies Quilt Pattern is available for purchase. Click Here.
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 $429.90 and it includes precut fabric for the quilt top 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: Prairie Pinwheel.
Note: View the preliminary 2026 Quilting in the Islands 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.
Stateroom Pricing is as Follows:
| Room Type | Price |
| Interior Stateroom | $1,799* |
| Ocean View | $2,299* |
| Oceanview w/Balcony Stateroom | $2,499* |
*Non-sewing guests will receive a $250 discount. Port charges, gratuities, taxes & fees of $514.00 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.
