7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
Patriot Quilting Cruise 2025
Aboard Royal Carbbean's "Symphony of the Seas"
Miami, FL
Perfect Day Cococay, Bahamas
Nassau, Bahamas
Falmouth, Jamaica
Labadee, Haiti
Itinerary
Day 1 Miami, Florida
Day 2 Perfect Day Cococay, Bahamas
Day 3 Nassau, Bahamas
Day 4 Quilting Classes
Day 5 Falmouth, Jamaica
Day 6 Labadee, Haiti
Day 7 Quilting Classes
Day 8 Miami, Florida
March 9-16, 2025
Immerse yourself in the pinnacle of quilting and cruising excellence with Stitchin' Heaven on this 7-night Caribbean Cruise! Join quilting experts Mark Darrell, The Quilting Marine, and Andrew Lee, The Combat Quilter, for a unique journey at sea. Refine your quilting skills while experiencing the beauty of the Caribbean.
Overview
Dear Quilting Friends,
We are thrilled to invite you to join us on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure – the Patriot Quilting Cruise! Get ready to set sail on the beautiful Royal Caribbean ship, the Harmony of the Seas, to explore the stunning Caribbean.
Set sail from Miami, Florida, and explore Perfect Day Cococay, Nassau, Falmouth, and Labadee. Experience dynamic quilting workshops led by renowned instructors Andrew Lee and Mark Darrell against stunning backdrops. Enjoy the perfect blend of quilting, relaxation, and exploration in this unique quilting adventure. Secure your spot for a week of creativity, camaraderie, and Caribbean beauty.
Cheers,
- 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
The Quilting Marine - Mark Darrell
Mark Darrell, also known as The Quilting Marine, has a remarkable story that involves the discovery of his passion for quilting during a difficult period in his life. After serving for 20 years in the United States Marine Corps, Mark struggled with PTSD-related issues. However, he found that quilting was a therapeutic and relaxing activity that allowed him to focus on creating something beautiful while also helping him to cope with his struggles.
Mark's passion for quilting goes beyond just creating beautiful quilts. His true goal is to help others create quilts that they can admire for years to come. His favorite part of the quilting process is piecing the blocks together, knowing that he is building something that will bring joy and comfort to someone else. For Mark, the process of creating a quilt is his therapy. He doesn't get wrapped up in the details or the perfection of the final product. Instead, he focuses on the joy of the process and the fact that he is creating something that will make a positive impact on someone else's life.
Mark's philosophy when it comes to quilting is simple but profound. He lives by the mantra of "it's only fabric" and "it's only thread." To him, these materials are simply tools that he uses to create something beautiful and meaningful. He doesn't let the pressure of creating a perfect quilt get in the way of enjoying the process and sharing his passion with others.
Overall, Mark's journey is a testament to the healing power of quilting and the importance of finding creative outlets for coping with life's challenges. His dedication to helping others create beautiful quilts is truly inspiring, and his positive outlook on life and the quilting process is a reminder to us all to enjoy the journey and not get bogged down by perfectionism.
Our Flag Stands for Freedom
Designed by Lisa Bongean, Primitive Gatherings
This one is definitely a show piece when done! Pattern has instructions for two different sizes. The large quilt is 54" x 72 " and the mini quilt will be 27" x 36"
Finished Size: 54" x 72"
4 yards of coordinated backing fabric will be needed.
NOTE: If you choose to provide your own fabric you will need the Our Flag Stands for Freedom pattern.
The Combat Quilter - Andrew Lee
Andrew Lee may be a relative newcomer to quilting, with just over 6 years of experience, but his passion for the craft runs deep. It all began when his wife commented that they didn't spend enough time together, prompting him to take a quilted table runner class and join a men's quilting group. Quilting quickly became Andrew's go-to for therapeutic relief and he hasn't looked back since.
As a 21-year combat veteran, Andrew has found that quilting is the only coping mechanism that truly works for him. He has made over 300 quilts for veterans, long-armed over 700 customer quilts, and is always looking for ways to help others. With his wife Kristy and dog Winston, Andrew spends countless hours in the studio creating wonderful projects together.
As a certified Army instructor, Andrew's attention to detail and desire to learn make him an effective teacher. He has been featured in magazines and quilting books. Currently, Andrew is working on another masterpiece in his pixelated series. His website, combatquilter.com, is filled with details of his journey, patterns, and pictures of the many quilts he has completed.
Join Andrew on his quilting journey and discover the therapeutic benefits of this incredible craft.
Stars and Stripes Celebration
The Stars & Stripes Celebration Quilt Pattern is a patriotic quilt pattern that honors
our American heroes. This beautiful & easy quilt pattern features a striking design
of stars in a diamond medallion center against a crisp white background and
accented beautifully with striped borders.
Finished Size: 64" x 74"
4 yards of coordinated backing fabric will be needed.
NOTE: If you choose to provide your own fabric you will need the Stars & Stripes Celebration 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 $294.90 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 the patterns here: Our Flag Stands for Freedom and Stars & Stripes Celebration.
Note: View the preliminary 2025 Patriot Quilting Cruise Supply List. A finalized supply list will 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 | $1,899* |
| Oceanview Stateroom | $2,199* |
| Oceanview w/Balcony Stateroom | $2,399 |
*Non-sewing guests will receive a $250 discount. Port charges, gratuities, taxes & fees of $383.13are 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.
