7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
Patchwork Pirates Quilting Cruise 2025
Aboard Royal Caribbean's "Symphony of the Seas"
Miami, FL
Perfect Day Cococay, Bahamas
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Itinerary
Day 1 Miami, Florida
Day 2 Perfect Day Cococay, Bahamas
Day 3 Quilting Classes
Day 4 Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
Day 5 Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Day 6 Quilting Classes
Day 7 Quitling Classes
Day 8 Miami, Florida
January 19-26, 2025
Embark on a delightful fusion of quilting and cruising excellence with Stitchin' Heaven on this captivating 7-night Caribbean Cruise! Join the creative voyage led by quilting virtuosos Donna Thomas and Wendy Mathson. Refine your quilting prowess amid the enchanting Caribbean backdrop.
Overview
Ahoy, Patchwork Pirates and Quilting Buccaneers!
Are you ready to embark on the most swashbuckling quilting adventure of the year? Avast, we're thrilled to invite you to join the "Patchwork Pirates Quilting Cruise" sailing the high seas aboard the Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas! Get ready to stitch, sail, and soak up the sun from January 19 to 26, 2025, as we set sail from the lively port of Miami, FL, on a quilting escapade like no other.
Charting a course for quilting bliss, our ship will make landfall at the fabulous ports of Perfect Day Cococay, Bahamas, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten!
Batten down the hatches, because we're not sailing alone! Our fearless quilting captains for this voyage are none other than the renowned quilt masters, Donna Thomas and Wendy Mathson, two quilting luminaries ready to share their wisdom and guide you through quilting workshops that are more thrilling than a sea breeze.
The Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas, our majestic vessel, promises a quilting adventure like no other. Immerse yourself in the luxuries of the ship, from gourmet dining to top-notch service, all while surrounded by fellow quilting enthusiasts who share your passion for the patchwork arts.
This isn't just a cruise; it's a quilting odyssey. Join us for a week of stitching, socializing, and soaking in the Caribbean sun. Make new quilting mates, swap tales of your most daring quilt escapades, and create memories that will be as cherished as your favorite quilts.
Secure your spot on the "Patchwork Pirates Quilting Cruise" departing from Miami on January 19, 2025. Don't miss the ship—this is your chance to quilt, cruise, and conquer the high seas of creativity!
Yo-ho-ho and happy quilting!
- 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.
Quilting Instructors & Projects
Donna Thomas
Donna Lynn Thomas, a quilting aficionado since 1975, began sharing her passion through teaching in 1981. As an Army wife stationed in Germany for four years, she imparted her expertise at a German quilt shop and various guilds. Now settled in Kansas, Donna boasts a four-decade teaching career and the authorship of 20 quilting books since 1987. Her writing extends to numerous publications, emphasizing frustration-free sewing and skills mastery to make quilting an enjoyable experience.
With a BERNINA enthusiast's heart, Donna finds excitement in spotting these machines on Stitchin' Heaven cruises and retreats. Beyond quilting, she and her husband provide support to Ellie, a sunny golden retriever, and Buddy, a mischievous miniature apricot poodle whose real name might as well be Trouble. Donna Lynn Thomas's enduring dedication to the art of quilting continues to inspire a new generation of quilting enthusiasts, making her an invaluable figure in the quilting community.
Retro Rainbow Dutch Braid
Indulge in the vibrant world of quilting with this lively and captivating pattern, skillfully designed by the talented Elisa Lea for Robert Kaufman. Boasting a delightful fusion of colors, this quilt is a true testament to the artistry and creativity woven into every stitch. With a finished measurement of 60" x 74", it epitomizes the perfect dimensions for a cozy throw, inviting you to wrap yourself in its warmth and relish the joy of quilted comfort.
This eye-catching pattern is made accessible to quilting enthusiasts through a convenient digital download option provided by the manufacturer. The digital format not only ensures immediate access to the pattern but also allows for easy storage and retrieval, granting you the freedom to embark on your quilting adventure at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the world of Elisa Lea's design, where the precision of digital craftsmanship meets the timeless charm of quilting.
Finished Size: 60" x 74"
*Fabrics will be matched as closely as possible based on fabric availability at the time of ordering.
4 yards of coordinated backing fabric will be needed.
NOTE: The digital Dutch Braid Quilt Pattern is available for download here.
Wendy Mathson
Wendy Mathson and her husband, Dan, call a Southern California vineyard home, where they tend to grapevines and revel in family moments, especially with their four spirited grandsons. In 1992, Wendy, inspired by a church group, initiated the creation of tied prayer quilts—a practice that blossomed into the global "Prayers & Squares" ministry, with Wendy currently serving as its president. Nestled in the heart of a vineyard, Wendy's life is a harmonious blend of family, vineyard adventures, and the compassionate legacy of "Prayers & Squares."
With over two decades of experience in publishing, Wendy transitioned from roles like editor and pattern designer to authoring her book, "A New Light on Storm at Sea Quilts." A fervent teacher, Wendy's quilting philosophy is succinct but profound: "If you're not having fun, you need to find another way to do it." Her passion extends to creating quilting rulers and tools that simplify traditional block construction, adding a touch of joy to the quilting journey. Wendy Mathson's commitment to infusing joy into quilting makes her a cherished figure, inspiring enthusiasts nationwide.
Sweet Trails
Embark on a quilting journey filled with whimsy and charm as you explore a playful reinterpretation of the classic Snail’s Trail block in this delightful throw-sized quilt. Crafted for those who revel in the joy of quilting, this pattern promises a vibrant array of flowers dancing across the fabric, bringing a burst of color and creativity to your space. With a finished size perfect for throwing over a couch or bed, this quilt not only adds warmth but also serves as a visual feast for the eyes.
Designed to cater to quilters of intermediate skill level, this pattern comes complete with alternate cutting and assembly directions, offering a unique twist by allowing you to create single blocks from your cherished scraps instead of relying solely on yardage. This thoughtful flexibility not only encourages resourcefulness but also adds a personalized touch to your quilt, making each block a treasure trove of memories and fabrics.
Finished Size: 55" x 66"
3½ yards of coordinated backing fabric will be needed.
NOTE: If you choose to provide your own fabric you will need the Sweet Trails Quilt Pattern.
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 $337.90 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: Rainbow Radiance and Whirlwind.
Note: View the preliminary 2025 Patchwork Pirates 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* |
| Oceanview Stateroom | $1,999* |
| Oceanview w/Balcony Stateroom | $2,199* |
*Non-sewing guests will receive a $250 discount. Port charges, gratuities, taxes & fees of $493.70 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.
