Karin Hellaby

Karin Hellaby was born in the north-east of England of Norwegian parents. She studied for a Home Economics degree in Education from the University of Wales. She now lives in Suffolk, UK and is the owner of one of the UK’s leading quilt shops en – dash Quilters Haven. In 1998 Karin won the Michael Kile Award, International Retailer of the year, awarded by the Houston Quilt Market/Festival organisers.
Karin loves travelling, and has enjoyed teaching at the International quilt markets and festivals in the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Europe, and the United Arab Emirates. In 2006, 2007 and 2010, Karin was invited to teach at the largest outdoor quilt show in the world, an annual event in Sisters, Oregon. Where, one year, she had a solo display of her quilts. In 2011 Karin was delighted to be asked to open the Dubai International Quilt Show.
Recently, Karin has been working on a Sew Simple series of books which concentrate on one topic but include several technique options. So far the series has covered: Logs, Pineapple, Pineapple Plus and Attic Windows. Her unique Pineapple technique has astounded both shop owners and students alike! Sew Simple Pineapple has been voted a one of the top five quilting books for two consecutive years by the Fabshop network.
Karin feels her greatest achievement is to bring up three sons on her own. She started writing books to help support them through University. Ross and Jason are now enjoying the world of work and Alexander has completed his second year at Swansea University.


Billie Lauder

Billie Lauder has been teaching quiltmaking since 1976. A third generation quilter, she has inherited her love of quilts from her grandmother and mother and has the ability to make quiltmaking easy and understandable for every level of quilter.  When asked if she could describe Quiltmaking in three words she said Yes..,The Past (her learning from her grandmother and mother) the Present (her teaching) and the Future (quilters that her students will teach.) Her teaching techniques and quilts have also been featured on seventeen episodes of the Home & Garden Television Network's series "Simply Quilts" hosted by Alex Anderson. Billie has developed her own patterns and books which are distributed by Easymade. Billie is teaching various quiltmaking techniques across the United States and abroad for quilt guilds, shops and cruise lines. Her products are available at quilt shops and through the Easymade website, www.Easymade.com

Eileen Urbanek

Eileen Urbanek is a certified Judy Niemeyer quilting instructor. She has been teaching for shops and guilds in the areas around Dallas and beyond for the last eight years. She first became interested in Judy's patterns when she realized how organized the sewing process. Perhaps best spoken in her own words, she says, "I am always thinking of how to do things easier, quicker, smarter, etc, and with Judy's technique it is evident that she works that way also. I "got" her technique right from the beginning and had a hard time putting the project down." Her first project with Judy was the Amazon Star in the summer of 2009, which she finished in two weeks, and has been completing project after project ever since! Being and instructor herself, she sees quilts the way Judy sees them. As she makes the project, she works through how it should be taught to students. With every finished project, she has a plan for passing it along to others so they can learn to do it as well. Eileen recently retired from her career at IBM and now spends her time teaching Judy Niemeyer workshops across the United States.

Pineapple Jazz

This fun and easy project is from Karin’s best-selling book “Pineapples Plus” (required and included in Sail ‘n Sew kit) and is a part of her “Sew Simple” technique series. Pineapple Plus takes the best-selling, popular title Sew Simple Pineapple to another level where she has explored the use of fabric triangles to replace some of the squares. Her new triangle methods give more color, more variety, more choice, and more fun. No papers to sew and tear away! We will offer this project in the colors shown (fabric will differ) as well as blue and also purple.  48 ½” x 48 ½”

Sliding Four Patch

Everybody LOVES Billie's tips 'n tricks and there will be no shortage of those in our class.  This really fun and really neat technique Billie teaches will surprise and delight you.  Special "Trick" for this quilt is the "Ultimate Quick Scrappy Four Patch" and how they will "slide."   Like the saying says "Betcha can't make just one!"  We will offer kits in blues (pictured), reds and purples so when you place your order for your Sail 'n Sew kit be sure and specify which one you want.  

Desert Sky

This yummy quilt design from Judy Niemeyer will be just what you need to keep you entertained without much concentration needed. When you are finished you will be amazed at how easy it was because it looks difficult. Your pieces will be laser cut so all you need to do is sit down and begin sewing. Fabric will be similar to what is shown in the photo and if you want a larger quilt you can either purchase an additional kit (order in advance please) or you may want to add some borders. Chances are really good that you will finish this one before we dock in Belize! Pattern required and included in your Sail ‘n Sew kit.

Optional Sail 'n Sew Fabric Pack:
This kit will have all the fabrics you will need for each of the three projects. Our incredible Sail 'n Sew fabric packs include all of the fabrics for your projects and they are pre-cut so all you need to do is sit down and sew! 

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

First stop, Roatan, Honduras.. This truly unspoiled island is surrounded by the world's second-largest coral reef, which houses houndreds of varieties of beautiful sea life, and is considered some of the best in the world for snorkeling and scuba diving. On land, the friendly, laid-back atmosphere is exactly how you'd envision it to be on an island paradise - it's perfect! There are fine restaurants, bars and attractions, such as Butterfly Park, Marble Hill Farms, the Iguana Farm and Carambola Gardens. But best of all, make sure to spend time exploring some of the most pure and untouched beaches in the Caribbean. It's all there for you to enjoy - at your own leisurely pace!

Next stop, "The Jewel", Belize City, Belize. Located between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize possesses a unique combination of modernity and rustic Caribbean charm. Belize also has miles of lusch tropical rain forest, a gorgeous Caribbean coastline and the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. (Now you know why they call it "The Jewel"). While there, don't miss the chance to climb to the top of El Castillo. This 135-foot structure is one of the tallest Mayan structures in Belize. From the top, you can see the lush rainforest of Peten, the Mayan Mountains and even across the border into Guatemala. Keep your eyes open for flocks of toucans and parrots in the trees below you. Other fun things to do include touring the amazing Altan Ha pyramid and the Baboon Sanctuary. Or simply stroll the marketplace and mingle with the local vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and arts and crafts.

And finally, enjoy the uniqueness of Cozumel, Mexico by exploring the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Tulum, majestically perched above the turquoise Caribbean. You will be struck by the pyramid-shaped El Castillo, which dominates the city from atop a forty-foot cliff. And you don't want to miss out on discovering what makes a dolphin so magical as you play and interact with these amazing creatures in Chankanaab National Marine Park. Or, how about taking Jeep®-safari adventure through the tropical landscape of Cozumel's east side while ridding through sand dunes and trails. Or, simply sit back, relax, and bury your toes in Cozumel's white sands of Playa Mia Beach. This destination offers all the food, drinks and activities you can imagine, including relaxing massages on the beach.

Guests of Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas® will enjoy a revolutionary marvel of naval engineering. This ship is filled with a rock-climbing wall, a miniature golf course, golf simulators, two Centrums, an ice-skating rink, a basketball court, theme bars and restaurants. Navigator of the Seas also features the Royal Promenade, a bustling boulevard four decks high and the length of two football fields, where you'll find charming shops, cafes, colorful street performers, and lively street fairs.

The Navigator of the Seas also features a Boleros latin-themed bar, Casino Royale, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, British-style pub, 4 swimming pools, 6 whirlpools, and of course a day spa and fitness center!

Where to begin? It can be very hard to relax on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas®, even on sea days, because of the head-spinning array of activities that run from dawn to dusk and beyond! The ship's entertainment staff offers an intriguing blend of options, and everyone, from the most traditional passenger to the completely contemporary traveler, will enjoy something.

During the day, if you don't want to sew, you'll find plenty of activities, such as bingo, dance lessons, horse racing, art auctions, Mr. Sexy Legs contests, rock-climbing wall competitions, bridge play, art and craft workshops and films in the cinema. Poolside, throughout the day, a live band plays a blend of Caribbean and American songs, and parades take over the Promenade's main thoroughfare.

Nighttime sees a similar variety of entertainment options. The gorgeous La Scala Theater is a state-of-the-art show lounge inspired by the legendary one in Milan, Italy. There is an excellent Broadway-style production show with a cast of 16 singers and dancers, and the ice skating show is not to be missed! Why not try your luck in the Las Vegas-style casino, with slot machines, dice games, and card tables.

Spa and Fitness:
There is everything under the sun here. You can practice your figure eights in the ice skating rink; go in-line skating on the roller blade track; play basketball, volleyball or paddle ball in the full-length sports court; climb to 200 feet over the sea in the rock-climbing wall (if you've never tried it, no worries -- they give you a lesson before you set off); and practice your golf swings at miniature golf and a golf simulator. The ship also has three pools, six whirlpools and a jogging track (five times around equals a mile). One interesting note: One of the pools and a whirlpool have hydraulic lifts for the disabled.

The 15,000-plus-square-foot, Steiner-operated Ship Shape Center and Day Spa has 14 massage and treatment rooms; a relaxation area with sea views; full-service beauty salon; oceanview workout area with stereo and TV monitors; 66 Reebok machines including 20 treadmills; free weights; and an aerobics area with wood-suspended floor, mirrored wall, two large-screen TV monitors and wrap-around windows. One of the spa's nicest features is its round hydrotherapy pool.

Dining:
The onboard dining venues cater to any craving. Going hungry is not an option. To make your mouth water, here are just a small few of the options available onboard Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas®!

The elegant main dining room offers fantastic food and a supremely attentive wait staff. With world-class décor, heavenly entrees, delectable desserts and dining options to suit a range of vacationing needs, this is fine dining that everyone can enjoy.

For a delicious Italian meal in an intimate setting be sure to check out Portofino Italian Restaurant.  From the first bite of the antipasto to the last spoonful of tiramisu, dining in the elegant atmosphere of Portofino is an evening to remember. Sample some of the chef's new creations or have one of your favorites prepared the classic way. You won't be disappointed.

Craving good old-fashioned burgers and fries?  Not a problem.  At Johnny Rockets® '50s-style restaurant you'll find onboard everything you'd expect from the shoreside restaurant - authentic 1950s décor, a menu filled with all-American favorites and, of course, friendly service.  Johnny Rockets is great casual dining that all will enjoy.

Need a quick bite or a late-night snack? The Café Promenade, a casual sidewalk café on the Royal Promenade, features sandwiches, pizza, pastries and popular brands like Seattle's Best Coffee®! Open day and night, it's a great dining option for everything from a quick breakfast to a late-night snack.

The Windjammer Café is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat before hitting the pool or enjoy a casual dinner to top off a day of adventure. Open almost around the clock, it offers great food, spectacular views and an attentive wait staff, all in a casual atmosphere. Choose from a wide variety of food and a seemingly never-ending buffet for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks throughout the day. Serving stations offer salads, soups, sandwiches and burgers, meat-carving and hot entrées. And for your sweet tooth, choose from a multitude of cookies, cakes and frozen yogurt.

General 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.

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 not included in your reservation costs. We recommend $3.75 per person, per day to the dining room waiter; $5.00 per person, per day to the cabin steward (or $7.25 if you're in a suite); and $2.15 per person, per day to the assistant waiter. Also recommended is $0.75 per person, per day to the headwaiter. Since we are classified as a group on the ship, Stitchin' Heaven Travel is required to pre-pay these gratuities for our entire group.  Once the cruise is complete we will charge your  fees to your credit card unless you tell us you prefer to take care of these charges with check/cash. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to bar tabs.