Caribbean Quilt Cruise

Hello quilters!!

I hope everyone is well! I have just recently returned from my Summer Fun Cruise in the western Caribbean with Stitchin’ Heaven! Wow, what a fun week we had, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it.

This was only my second cruise, and my very first experience teaching on a cruise. We were cruising on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas ship out of Galveston, Texas. This ship is so big… I got lost and turned around on a couple occasions. If you plan to attend a quilt cruise, be sure to pack some comfortable shoes because you will naturally get a lot of steps in!

Who doesn’t love a towel animal? :)

Let the quilting begin…

Forty two quilters joined in on the fun, quilting through the western Caribbean. I was one of two quilt instructors on the cruise, Marilyn Foreman was the other instructor, and we each taught one quilt project. As a quilter attending, you have the option to do both quilts. Each quilter has a dedicated sewing space, and yes Bernina machines are provided! Quilters are divided into two classes within one large conference space. The teachers swap sides so quilters don’t need to pack up and move at all. The sewing room is open to sew 24/7, and sea days are class days.

Everything is optional of course, because it is a cruise ship after all, and there are shows and events running all week that you won’t want to miss! You can come to the sewing room anytime you like and there is certainly no pressure to finish the quilt on board… but if you like to burn the midnight oil, that’s ok too!! During the cruise, I managed to see three of the shows offered. Mama Mia, Ocean Aria and Blue Planet. All very different and all great fun!

I taught my Flying Free pattern and it worked out perfectly! We had several quilt top finishes! Quilters can purchase the pre-cut fabric kit, which is provided to you on the ship, or you can cut and bring your own fabric.

The two women on board from Stitchin’ Heaven are wonderful hosts… Dana and Dawn. Big shout out for keeping all the machines running and for taking excellent care of everyone… They run a tight ship! hehehe… Here is a photo of some of the quilters.

Many of the quilters came with friends or family… quilters or non-quilters, there is so much to do on the ship, something for everyone!

Quilt Label kits for Flying Free Quilt :)

Our cruise went to the Western Caribbean with ports in Roatan Honduras, Costa Maya and Cozumel. I have been to these ports before and since I had already done the Mayan Ruins and other sight seeing, I opted for some relaxation in each port.

Roatan, Honduras

In Roatan I treated myself to a fabulous spa day at Anthony’s Key Resort. After the spa, I got to enjoy the beautiful pool before returning to the ship.

Anthony’s Key Resort is hugged by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere. It’s home to thick, vibrant coral, playful dolphins, and varied marine life.
AnthonysKeyResort.com

Quilt Cruise ~ Quilting Travel get away — Roatan Honduras

Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico

The next port was Costa Maya where I booked the Mayan Healing Ritual, an excursion that was offered by Royal Caribbean. Another fun and interesting day. This was right off the pier, which made it super easy. There is a lot happening right at this pier, dolphin excursions and restaurants… There is also a lot of shopping if you enjoy poking around in the shops.

Cozumel, Mexico

And the last port we visited was Cozumel and I opted to book a day at a beach resort. I had to get my own taxi off the pier to get there, but they were well organized, the line went fast, and soon I was enjoying a beautiful spot with lunch served right at my chair. It was perfect.

The Sun and The Moon

The sunrises and sunsets were phenomenal. One of my favorite things to do on board is to rise early and walk around the ship when most cruisers are still sleeping and watch the sunrise… it’s so quiet and peaceful… I was mesmerized by the sun and moon over the ocean. Every night I would go to the top deck and enjoy the night sky and the warm breeze. My phone is full of photos… here are a couple of my faves!

Marilyn and I had so much fun teaching and making new connections… it was really an amazing experience! I ran into Marilyn in the terminal at the end of the cruise and we both agreed that this group of quilters were fantastic.