Alaskan Quilting Cruises
- Sewing at sea? Why not? Cruises cater to every hobby, and quilting is no exception. Enjoy the company of other quilters, participate in show-and-tells and block swaps, and take classes from renowned instructors, authors and designers. When you're not at the sewing machine, you'll see glaciers, watch whales and enjoy the ports of call along the Alaskan coast line.
- Choose three classes to take during "at sea" periods without fear of missing out on any port of call. Instructors Sue Nickels, Carol Taylor, Kimberly Einmo, Colleen Wise and Sherry ` blend practical quilting technique with Alaskan themes.
QuiltWorks Northwest will make their Bernina sewing machines available for use onboard and for purchase.
Holland America Line's "ms Oosterdam" leaves Seattle on August 29, returning on September 5. Ports of call will be Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan, Alaska and Victoria, British Columbia. Prices are $1,224 to $5,807 per person. To contact Quilt Seminars at Sea, visit www.quiltcruises.com/AK10/contact.php. - In addition to classes taught by Janet Bottroff, Patti Carey, Jo Anne Gordon, Joyce Becker and Quiltsmart's Mattie Rhoades, this cruise features presentations and lectures while at sea. Special guest Jody Houghton will be among the presenters.
The Needle and I will provide Bernina sewing machines for your use. They will also host run an onboard quilt shop.
The Sisterhood's cruise is also on the "ms Oosterdam" and has an identical itinerary to the Quilt Seminar at Sea. It leaves on June 27 and returns July 4, 2010. Prices are from $1,850 to $3,900 per person. To contact Quilt Camp At Sea with any questions, email rosemary@travelcenter4u.com. - Authors Emma Seabrooke and Pam Damour, along with a representative from Sew Many Places, will teaching classes and hosting other activities aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines's "Norwegian Star."
The cruise leaves Seattle September 4 and returns September 11, 2010. Ports of call will be Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska, and Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Prices are from $1,472 to $1992 per person, plus a $30 per class fee. Contact Sew Many Places with your questions using the Web form at www.sewmanyplaces.com/contact.html. - Debby Katrovil and Retta Warehime teach three classes onboard this cruise. You'll be able to use new Bernina sewing machines during class and may choose to buy one at a special cruise price after the trip is over. You'll also have a chance to try out a HandiQuilter machine, participate in a block swap, and enjoy nightly free-sew sessions.
Royal Caribbean's "Rhapsody of the Seas" cruises from September 3 through 10, 2010, visiting the Alaska Inside Passage, Juneau, Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord and Victoria. Prices are from $995 to $1595 per person. Pay your $350 deposit by March 1, 2010 and receive a $75 credit toward your class materials. Call Stitchin' Heaven at 800-841-3901 with any questions about the cruise or classes. - On this, the 5th quilt cruise Sharon Sher has organized and escorted, instructors will be Daphne Greig, Cathy Miller, Susan Purney Mark and Brenda Stengel.
The Holland America "Zuiderdam" sails September 11 to 18, 2010 on a round trip from Vancouver, B. C., with ports of call at Tracy Arm, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska. Prices start from $1,019 Canadian per person, double occupancy. Email Sharon at ssher@cruiseshipcenters.com with any questions or to book your space.