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North to Alaska Quilting Cruise

Join Stitchin' Heaven and friends on a 7-night Alaska Sawyer Glacier Cruise! Cruise and learn from quilting experts: Daphne Greig, Brenda Henning, and Donna Thomas.

August 11 - 18, 2017

Overview

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Overview

Dear Friends,

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. 

"The Batik 2015 trip exceeded my expectations and I would definitely consider another cruise, possibly within the next two years with Stitchin' Heaven Travel! I will also want to invite a few friends to enjoy the experience with again."

"This was my first cruise and obviously first quilt cruise, now I can't imagine doing a cruise without quilting! I loved it!"

"If you want a fun cruise, check out Stitchin' Heaven! They are organized, think of everything, and bring in great teachers. And provide laser cut kits so we are ready to sew."

See more reviews from our happy travelers here.

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

  • Stitchin‘ Heaven Travel communication updates
  • A Welcome Aboard Party
  • A Stitchin’ Heaven Travel souvenir tote bag
  • T-Shirt for each quilter specific to our cruise
  • A gift for each quilter
  • 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 for each student
  • Free spool of Aurifil thread
  • One free charm per trip, charm holder sold separately
  • Demonstrations of the latest quilting and sewing products
  • Plenty of classroom support
  • Oliso Pro Smart Irons™
  • Emailed Contact List

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!

Consider bringing a friend, your spouse or your family – non-quilters are always welcome to join us and will have many activities to pursue while you are in class.

We look forward to our next adventure together with you!

Overview Image

Instructors

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Instructors

Daphne Greig

Daphne Greig

Daphne Greig is an author, pattern designer and educator who began sewing as a young girl. She sewed all her own clothes for many years. Daphne made her first quilt in 1980 when she was expecting her first child and began teaching quilting classes in 1990. She has written five quilting books, designed and published hundreds of patterns through her company Patchworks Studio. Daphne teaches internationally for guilds, shops and conferences. Her patterns and art quilts have been published in numerous magazines and books and her work has also been exhibited throughout Canada and the United States.

Daphne's creative life is enriched as she explores new designs and methods to share in her patterns and with her students. Her goal as a teacher is to encourage students to try new techniques, to expand their skills and, most importantly, to have fun and enjoy the creative process. She is a patient and supportive teacher. Daphne and her husband live in their rural home near Victoria, British Columbia. She has two children and two beautiful grandchildren.

Brenda Henning

Brenda Henning

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, and their three children, Beth, Christi and Joshua. Two Rottweilers, Kaia and Jade, 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.

Donna Thomas

Donna Thomas

Donna Lynn Thomas has been sewing since the age of four and passionately quilting since 1975. She began teaching in 1981, and while an Army wife, lived in Germany for four years and thoroughly enjoyed teaching at a German quilt shop and various guilds throughout the country. Long out of the Army, the Thomas’ have settled in Kansas for good. Donna continues to teach nationally. The author of 14 titles with Martingale, one self-published book, and one with Kansas City Star, she has also contributed articles on various quilt-related subjects to numerous publications over the years. You can see Donna on Craftsy as well as several QNN-TV episodes.

Believing that piecing quilts should be a pleasure, not a fight, her focus is on skills mastery and techniques that enable her students to enjoy frustration-free sewing. She presents the essentials of these skills in her Craftsy class, Piece Like a Pro, and her two most recent books Quiltmaking Essentials 1 and 2. Donna is also the designer of the Omnigrip On-Point Ruler™ and its companion ruler, the On-Point Square™, which allow us to produce squares, strips, rectangles, and half-square triangle units that measure neatly on the diagonal without any math. Donna and her husband provide staff assistance to three cats and a sunny golden retriever.

Projects

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Projects

Daphne Greig Under The Northern Lights

Daphne Greig Under The Northern Lights

This quilt will be a wonderful memento of your Alaskan cruise! The feature panel is designed by celebrated Alaskan artist Barbara Lavallee. You will combine her fanciful portrayal of an Alaskan winter with pieced Northern Lights in this whimsical quilt. Daphne will include lots of tips for accurate piecing and pressing as you make this fun keepsake quilt. Pattern required if you plan to bring your own fabric.

Finished Size: 49" x 64"

Brenda Henning Trapezium

Brenda Henning Trapezium

This is a fun and speedy Jelly Roll design that uses the light, medium and dark fabric values to create a dynamic secondary pattern. Brenda will teach you her technique to ensure accuracy when sewing pre-cut strips together.

Finished Size: 62" x 76"

Donna Thomas Blue Lake

Donna Thomas Blue Lake

Make this pretty all over design using an assortment of dark, medium, and light blues and turquoises. The blocks are made in twelve sets of four blocks, with each set sewn from different dark, medium, and light blue or turquoise prints. Increase or decrease the size of your quilt by making more or fewer sets of blocks.

Finished Size: 60" x 78"

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 $400.00 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.

Want to cut your fabric yourself? We do have an option where we will send you all the fabrics and the patterns for all three of the projects. The price for this is $350.00 and we will mail it to you at least 60 days before the cruise. You can then cut your fabric and bring it and your patterns with you.

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. 

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

Itinerary

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Itinerary

Day 1

Seattle, Washington

We begin our eight-night Alaskan Cruise out of Seattle, Washington. Seattle is often characterized by its laid-back attitude and rainy climate, but this thriving metropolis also offers one-of-a-kind architecture, the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, and a unique urban sophistication. A trip to Seattle isn't complete without visiting Pike Place Market. Here, you can browse the stalls of local merchants and artists, take in a street performance, or watch fishmongers play catch with the catch of the day.

Day 2

Cruising

Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!

Day 3

Juneau, Alaska

We will make our first stop in Juneau, Alaska. Juneau, the capital of Alaska, was founded during a gold rush in 1880. Today, the former gold-mining town counts among its riches some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Juneau in the Alaska Panhandle, it faces the water from the mainland side of Gastineau Channel. Several magnificent fjords are located along the channel coast, and the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, a favorite of visitors, is nearby.

Cruising (Alaska's Inside Passage)

On our next cruising day, we will be in the beautiful Alaska Inside Passage. The highlight of any cruise through the Inside Passage has to be Hubbard Glacier. It is one of the most active glaciers in the area and a great place to experience the majesty of a glacier up close. Sheets of ice separate themselves from the ice field in a process known as "galloping." When the ice finally crashes into the sea, you can hear a loud cracking sound, similar to a starter pistol. This process is known as "calving," and the sound echoes for miles.

Day 4

Skagway, Alaska

Our next stop is beautiful Skagway, Alaska where you can enjoy experiencing one of Alaska's most breathtaking valleys while horseback-riding through historic Dyea. Or, you could cruise to a remote beach at Glacier Point, then get aboard a 31-foot canoe and explore spectacular icebergs. Or how about experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to design and blow your own glass art in the Last Frontier - complete with real gold in your finished piece. You could also enjoy the unforgettable journey aboard the "Scenic Railway of the World" and travel 20 miles from tidewater to the summit of the White Pass - a 2,865 foot elevation. Ride in vintage rail cars as you retrace the original route to the White Pass summit. This fully narrated tour features panoramas of mountains, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites.

Day 5

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!

We will then visit breathtaking Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska. Nestled between 3,000-foot high granite walls, the narrow, twisting slice of ocean called Tracy Arm Fjord weaves through the Tongass National Forest for roughly 35 miles. The shoreline is spotted with waterfalls created by melting snowcaps and trees sprouting at odd angles from rocky outcroppings. You will have ample time to admire the landscape and perhaps catch sight of a few native animals as you cruise through this port.

Day 6

Cruising

Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!

Day 7

Victoria, British Columbia

Next up is Victoria, British Columbia. Located on the southern tip on the island of Vancouver in British Columbia, the city of Victoria is probably best known for its mild climate and active outdoor lifestyle. (In fact, the city has been named the "fittest city" in Canada more than once.) As the capital of British Columbia, the city is very tourist-friendly. Visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens or the lush and exotic Butterfly Gardens and see how Victoria earned the nickname "The City of Gardens." Among the many attractions are world-famous gardens, its 150 years of British history, gourmet dining and fantastic shopping.

Day 8

Seattle, Washington

Finally, our journey comes to an end back in Seattle, Washington where it all began.

To get a more in-depth look at all our ports check out the Port Explorer Guide.

The Ship

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The Ship

Explorer of the Seas

Is it adventure you seek, or a restful retreat from life on land? Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas® is home to an array of innovations that give you whatever type of vacation you desire. Climb a rock wall that overlooks the sea, or find your adventure on the basketball court, ice-skating rink or mini-golf course. If it's zen you seek, achieve it poolside or at the relaxing Vitality Spa. Liven up your nights on the Royal Promenade, with parades, dancing, and duty-free shopping deals. And bring along some friends with spacious public areas, enhanced staterooms, and a spectacular three-story dining room, this ship has room for your whole crew. The ship also has new innovative features at sea such as the FlowRider surf simulator, 3-D movie theater, all new staterooms including new virtual balconies, and new dining experiences.

Pricing

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Pricing

Staterooms are as follows:

Room Type

Price

Interior Stateroom

Sold Out

Oceanview Stateroom

$1,799.00*

Oceanview w/Balcony Stateroom

$2,299.00*

*Non-sewing guests will receive a $250 discount. 
Port charges, taxes & fees of $426.61 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.

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 and from the ship in Seattle, WA.

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 $12.95 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. It is $109 per person and 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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