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2019 Panama Quilting Cruise

Join Stitchin' Heaven and Friends on a 16-night Panama Canal Cruise! Cruise and learn from three quilting experts: Stacey Day, Tiffany Hayes, & Brenda Henning!
October 30 - November 15, 2019
Los Angeles - Cabo San Lucas - Puerto Vallarta - Puerto Quetzal - Costa Rica - Panama Calan - Colon - Cartagena - Grand Cayman - Ft Lauderdale
Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas Cruise Ship

Overview

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Overview

Dear Friends,

Panama! Who has Panama on their bucket list? We do.

For months we have waited for Royal Caribbean to schedule a cruise through The Canal and once it was announced we jumped at the chance to add this amazing itinerary to our list of cruises.

We will visit some well-known ports and some out-of-the way places. The best part? NINE sewing days at sea! I hope you all can join us but book quick 'cause we are filling fast!

- 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 to literally hundreds of satisfied guests.

See reviews from our happy travelers here.

How can all this get any better? Here's how!

  • Pre-cruise communication from Stitchin‘ Heaven Travel
  • A Welcome Aboard Gathering
  • A Stitchin’ Heaven Travel souvenir tote bag
  • Souvenir T-Shirt
  • All workshops, classes, and demonstrations of products
  • Optional pre-cut Sail ‘n Sew fabric kits
  • Every quilting guest can take all the classes offered
  • Classes are taken on days "at sea" so no port time is missed
  • Classroom is open 24/7 for plenty of free time sewing!
  • Bernina 330 sewing machines
  • Aurifil thread
  • $20 door prize for each quilter - choose what you want from the onboard store
  • Demonstrations of the latest quilting and sewing products
  • Classroom support from Stitchin' Heaven Staff
  • Oliso Pro Smart Irons™
  • Post cruise guest contact list
  • Group Photo
  • Smiles, a few surprises, laughs, and a boatload of fun!

Plus ... You'll be sewing on a Bernina 3 Series sewing machine!

That's right!  Each quilter will be provided a state-of-the-art 330 Bernina machine equipped with the extended table, a quarter inch foot, and an open toe foot.  There's no need to bring your sewing machine all the way from home. Visit the Bernina website to see the amazing features of this great machine!

Instructors

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Instructors

Stacy Day

Stacy Day

https://staceyinstitches.com/

By day, Stacey is an unassuming X-Ray Technologist in hot pink scrubs living in beautiful British Columbia At night (and naptime) she transforms into an experienced quilter, pattern writer and designer, whose superpowers are directly related to the amount of thread ends on the floor (that's what she tells herself). A third generation quilter, Stacey caught the sewing bug early in her life (apparently it's hereditary) and earned a Diploma of Fashion Production in 2005. Her work has appeared in numerous quilt shows and trunk shows across North America, and her library of patterns can be found on her website. Stacey has a high octane kiddo who winds all her bobbins, both literally and figuratively, a cat who thinks he is people, and a wonderfully understanding husband who reminds her to eat on a regular basis.

Tiffany Hayes

Tiffany Hayes

www.NeedleinaHayesStack.biz

Tiffany is a wife to Scott and a mom to 3 grown kids.  She has a passion for quilting (designing, piecing, hand applique and machine quilting). She has been quilting and teaching for more than 20 years. Her quilts have been featured by numerous publications, including The Quilter Magazine, Modern Quilts Unlimited and Keepsake Quilting, and she’s worked with various designers to create fabric collection-specific quilt patterns. She has developed The Goddess Tool and Block of the Month patterns that utilize that tool.  Recently she became the proud owner of a brand new long arm quilting machine. She declares herself a Quilt Addict!

She designs and publishes under the name: Needle in a Hayes Stack.

Brenda Henning

Brenda Henning

www.bearpawproductions.com

Brenda Henning is a compulsive quiltmaker with a fondness for traditional design and a desire to incorporate today's speed-piecing techniques with yesterday's well-loved patterns. Brenda's machine sewing experience began at the early age of 10 on her grandmother's treadle sewing machine with the first quilt following at age 14. Brenda became a compulsive quilter in the mid-80s, and began teaching quiltmaking in 1988, when her third child was an infant. Brenda is the author of numerous books and individual patterns available under the label Bear Paw Productions.

Brenda lives in Anchorage, Alaska, with her husband, Richard. She feels most fortunate that their three children, spouses and two marvelous granddaughters all live within a few minutes drive. Two Rottweilers, Ruger and Kyra, share copious quantities of black dog hair with every quilt that leaves the premises. Brenda teaches shops and guilds throughout Alaska and the United States.

Projects

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Projects

Stacey Day

Stacey Day

Anchors Aweigh

Anchors aweigh! If you love to cruise as much as we do, you will fall in love this great design by Tula Pink. Using simple, traditional piecing techniques and Tula's boldly beautiful Zuma fabric collection from FreeSpirit, you too, can create this fun masterpiece. The finished quilt measures approximately 90" x 96".

NOTE: Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kits will be similar but not exactly as shown. If you do not purchase the Sail 'n Sew you will need to purchase the pattern here:Anchors Aweigh

Tiffany Hayes

Tiffany Hayes

Time To Shine

Time to Shine is a fabulous quilt that looks much harder than it really is. There are no curves, it is all straight line piecing. The use of triangles gives the illusion of curves. Tiffany will help you along the way to create your own shining masterpiece in beautiful fabrics that will always remind you of the marvelous cruise! Finished size 78” x 90”

NOTE: Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kits will be similar but not exactly as shown. If you do not purchase the Sail 'n Sew you will need to purchase the pattern here: Time To Shine

Brenda Henning

Brenda Henning

Panama Geese

The geese are in flight to sunny Panama! The warm colors of this quilt will remind you of the sun, sand and lush hues of our adventure long after we return home. Brenda will introduce a new technique to make the “geese” units using her 4-in-1 Half Square Triangle Ruler. Finished size 56” x 56”

NOTE: Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kits will be similar but not exactly as shown. If you do not purchase the Sail 'n Sew you will need to purchase the pattern here: Panama Geese

Required Tool: The Creative Grids Half Square 4 in 1 Triangle is required for this class and is not included in the Sail 'n Sew.

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 $485.00 and it includes all three of the projects for this cruise. If you would like to buy individual kits, please call for pricing. If you would like a Sail ‘n Sew pack, just let us know when you make your Reservation and we'll have a kit waiting for you on the ship. Order early as supplies are limited.

If you choose to bring your own fabric, please bring it precut and ready as we do not allow time for cutting during class. You will find the cutting instructions in each pattern that can be ordered here: Anchors Aweigh, Time To Shine, Panama Geese.

A complete supply list will be sent to you 90 days prior to departure. 

Itinerary

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Itinerary

Day 1

Los Angeles, California

The City of Angeles is a dynamic metropolis that makes more than just movies. Beyond Hollywood, L.A. boasts world-class museums, cool neighborhoods, a legendary beach scene and diverse dining cooked up by its multicultural population. No trip to Los Angeles is complete without a drive through Hollywood, the Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive. Explore the variety that The City of Angles has to offer.

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Day 2

Cruising

Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!

Day 3

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Once referred to as the "millionaire's sandbox," Cabo San Lucas is Mexico's jewel resort at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula. Its remote location and unspoiled beauty make this a seaside paradise. Cabo San Lucas is quickly becoming a popular destination for one reason: beautiful beaches. You'll find an amazing choice of activities here, from snorkeling and scuba diving to surfing and kayaking. There's something for everyone, even people who just want to lie in the sun and relax.

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Day 4

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This once-sleepy fishing village became a popular resort after The Night of the Iguana was filmed here in 1964. Nestled on the 28-mile curve of Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta has steadfastly held on to its character. Red tile roofs and rows of balconies, spilling over with colorful bougainvillea, still line its cobblestone streets. A pleasure for both the eye and the camera.

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Day 5

Cruising

Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!

Day 6

Cruising

Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!

Day 7

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

Puerto Quetzal is your gateway to agricultural estates where sugar cane and coffee are grown. Or travel past volcano-guarded mountains to Guatemala's colonial-era capital city of Antigua, renowned for its preserved architecture. La Antigua, Guatemala's colonial capital is a short drive from Puerto Quetzal, and well worth the visit. The charming town, located 4,500 feet above sea level, is also a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for both its colorful Spanish Mudéjar-influenced Baroque architecture and its many ruins of colonial churches. While relaxing around Antigua's popular Parque Central, visitors are afforded a view of many notable architectural landmarks as well as the spectacular natural beauty of the three major volcanoes that tower over the city's low skyline.

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Day 8

Cruising

Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!

Day 9

Puntarenas, Cost Rica

Situated on the long Nicoya Peninsula, Puntarenas is a great jumping-off point for the eco-adventures that have made Costa Rica famous. Trek lush rainforests in San Luis Park. Discover tropical flora and fauna in Pos Volcano National Park, and shower under Costa Rica's tallest waterfall at Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls. Looking for oceanside adventure? Take the short drive from Puntarenas to the Nicoya Peninsula, where there's a wide array of beaches — relax on family-friendly Playa Guiones, or check out dramatic Playa Ostional, with its volcanic black sands and vibrant sea turtle population. Puntarenas cruises give you access to Playa Tamarindo, where you can find some of the best surf and food in the country.

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Day 10

Cruising

Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!

Day 11

Panama Canal

The Panama Canal was a triumph of imagination, innovation and persistence a century ago. Experience this engineering marvel as the ship passes through the system of locks while admiring the views of the Panamanian jungle.

Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!

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Day 12

Colon, Panama

As the capital of Colón Province on Panama's central Caribbean coast, Colón lies at the very heart of the country's rich history and innovation. This important port town is less than an hour's drive from Panama's most historical attractions, so it's easy to fit in visits to sites like the Panama Railroad, Gatun Locks, and old Spanish fortress Fort San Lorenzo. And of course, crystal blue waters and pure white sand are always a sweet setting for a cruise vacation kick-off!

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Day 13

Cartagena, Columbia

Cobbled streets, balconies with blooming bougainvillea, and pastel plazas make Cartagena one of Latin America's most photogenic cities. But it's not just another pretty seaport. Founded in 1533, this Spanish-Colonial city is steeped in history. Its location made it a popular port for plunderers and pirates. Today thrill-seekers will find a perfect mix of old and new with a twist of island attitude. You'll find signs of the city's pirating past on every corner. Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the city's largest fortress, built to fend off pillagers, is one of the most impressive and strongest ever created by the Spaniards in their colonies.

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Day 14

Cruising

Free Sewing Day in the Conference Center!

Day 15

Georgetown, Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman is one of a group of three magnificent tropical islands Christopher Columbus called "Las Tortugas" (the turtles) for the sea creatures he found in the ocean water. The designation did not endure, however, for on later maps the islands were labeled the Caimanau, the Carib Indian word for "crocodile." The name "Caimanas" refers inaccurately to the iguanas native to the islands, which were perhaps at one point mistaken for crocodiles. Among other attractions, visitors to the island will enjoy learning about the turtles, visiting the town of Hell, exploring Seven-Mile Beach and enjoying the undersea world. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: snorkeling with stingrays at Stingray City Sandbar. These relatively tame creatures will swim right into your arms as they glide around you. They have velvety soft skin and love to have their bellies rubbed. Despite their frightening name, they are very gentle and won't hurt you as long as you stay away from their tails.

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Day 16

Cruising

Free Sewing Day in the Conference Center!

Day 17

Ft. Lauderdale 

South Florida's warm climate and sparkling waters make it a magnet for water sport enthusiasts. From the beaches and recreational waterways, to the lively arts and cultural scene, Fort Lauderdale has become a world-class destination. People have been flocking to Fort Lauderdale's beaches for decades. And with good reason. Fort Lauderdale Beach is a two-mile strip of beautiful beach featuring the recently renovated Promenade, which offers all sorts of bars, restaurants and shops.

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The Ship

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The Ship

Vision of the Seas

On the now more beautiful Vision of the Seas, you'll never lose sight of why you came onboard – thanks to all new features, from new restaurants to new technology to a new home ports in Tampa and Ft. Lauderdale. Enjoy new staterooms and an outdoor movie screen. There are also 5 new dining experiences onboard, including family-style Italian trattoria, Giovanni's Table, the complimentary Park Café, Izumi Asian Cuisine, the intimate Chef's Table, and our signature steakhouse, Chops Grille. All our signature favorites are still onboard, including the VitalitySM Spa, the adults-only Solarium pool*, the Casino Royale®, and spectacular Broadway-style entertainment It's all here – on one amazing vacation.

Conference Room Setup:

On this ship we will be sewing four to a table with two side tables like the image below.

Pricing

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Pricing

Stateroom's are as follows:

Room TypePrice
Interior Stateroom$2,699.00*
Oceanview Stateroom$3,199.00*
Oceanview w/Balcony Stateroom$4,999.00*

*Non-sewing guests will receive a $250 discount.  Port charges, taxes & fees of $764.75 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. Fabric kits are not included. 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.

Monthly Payment Plan

We have a monthly payment plan option available! We can divide up your complete trip into manageable monthly payments. We process these on the first of every month and email you an updated invoice. Just let us know if you would like to take advantage of this.

Travel Information

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Travel Information

Cabins

With so much to do onboard, chances are really good that you will just use your cabin for changing and sleeping, but it's nice to know that if you want to spend more time there, you will indeed be comfortable. All standard staterooms are attractively decorated in soft tones with fine light woods and two pieces of artwork on the walls. Each stateroom has two beds that convert to queen-size, a private bath, phone, interactive flat-screen TV, mini-bar, hair dryers and air conditioning/heat controls. Bathrooms are on the small side, but functional, and showers have those wonderful, half-round sliding doors as opposed to clingy curtains. Soap and shampoo are also provided.

Travel to and from Destination

You will be responsible for getting to the ship in Los Angeles, California and from the ship in Ft Lauderdale, Florida.

Dress

During the day, dress is casual. Evenings are either casual, smart casual or formal. On casual nights, suggested attire is sports shirts and slacks for men and sundresses or pants for women. On smart casual evenings, men should don jackets and tie, with women wearing dresses or pantsuits. On the one or two formal nights per cruise, men can choose from tuxedos or suits and ties, while woman usually wear cocktail dresses.

Gratuities

Gratuities are a part of your cruise expense and total $13.50 per day. This fee covers everyone who serves you while you are onboard including all onboard staff, dining staff, and your cabin steward.  Because of our group status, Stitchin' Heaven Travel pays these gratuities for our entire group prior to sailing.  Therefore, you will be charged for them at the time of final payment. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to bar tabs.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not included, but is available for your protection from Royal Caribbean in the form of their Travel Protection Program. The cost per person is $109 (Interior Room), $149 (Oceanview Room), $199 (Balcony Room). Both cabinmates must purchase it separately. In the event insurance is used please be aware that it covers the cost of the cruise only. Sewing package fees are not refunded.
**Insurance fee will be added to your reservation total

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