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Join us aboard
Royal Caribbean's,
Mariner of the Seas,
for a seven-night
Western Caribbean Cruise!
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The Cruise:
When it comes to beautiful beaches and sparkling blue waters, the Caribbean is
truly in a league of its own! We begin our seven-night Quilting Extravaganza through the Western Caribbean from Galveston, Texas.
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 holds miles of lush 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.
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The Ship:
 Guests of Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas® will experience one of the most exciting cruise ships ever built! With a total length of 1,020 feet, a weight of 138,000 tons and a capacity to hold up to 3,114 passengers, this giant truly is a floating city. While onboard this spectacular ship, you will enjoy enhanced staterooms, expanded dining options and state-of-the-art recreational facilities such as a rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, mini golf and inline skating areas, Day Spa, Fitness Center, Themed bars and lounges, Casino Royale, and much much more. Mariner of the Seas has something for everyone!
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The Teachers:
 Barb and Mary
Designers (and sisters) Barbara Groves and Mary Jacobson, of “Me and My Sister Designs,” have had their hands in almost every aspect of the creative crafting industry. These sisters, and one-time shop owners, have expanded their love of quilting and crafting into a business that now includes designing fabrics for Moda. In addition, they developed the SideWinder portable bobbin winder and produce and design patterns and books for their company.
They have great fun taking what they like to call “Everyday Color” and infusing it into their fabrics for Moda. Moda Fabrics has been the leader in the quilting and notion industry for the past 30 years. The sisters have been members of the Moda family for the past six years, and have designed 18 lines of fabric. In 2009, the sisters teamed up with Wrights and Simplicity to produce one of the biggest and most exciting new sewing notions to hit the industry, the “SideWinder” portable bobbin winder. Due to its huge success, the “Deluxe SideWinder” was introduced internationally this spring.
They have been featured in several national quilting and sewing magazines. The most recent being Better Homes & Garden’s Quilting August 2010 issue. There is hardly a trade magazine that does not feature fabrics, designs or advertisements for their products.
Look for more exciting things to come from these two at meandmysisterdesigns.com .
 Bonnie Olaveson
Bonnie Olaveson is a mother of five and grandmother of 10. Bonnie is also the creator of more than 400 original quilt patterns, and has published several books with Leisure Arts. Her business, Cotton Way, began in 1990 when Bonnie started designing dowel-legged dolls and has grown over the past 20 years to include patterns for quilts, table runners, bags, pillows, and other home decor. Bonnie runs Cotton Way from the studio in her home, while surrounded by the things she loves—family, fabric and chocolate!
Bonnie’s patterns have been featured in several magazines including Quilt, American Patchwork and Quilting, and Australian Homespun, as well the very popular on-line blogs Fat Quarter Shop Jolly Jabber and Sew 4 Home. She and her daughter Camille---who followed her mother’s footsteps into the quilting world---designed their first fabric line for Moda Fabrics in 2008. Following the success of their first line "Cotton Blossoms," the pair has continued to design and is currently working on their fifth line for Moda to be released in Fall 2011.
Bonnie and her husband, Mark, live in Rigby, Idaho. See more of Bonnie’s work by visiting her blog at cottonway.blogspot.com .
 Debbie Maddy
Debbie started quilting in 1982 and teaching in 1993. Her greatest satisfaction comes from introducing new people to the art of quilting. She designs patterns for quilts that look difficult to make but are really easy.
In 2002 she started her business "Calico Carriage Quilt Designs,"
and began presenting lectures and workshops for quilt
guilds and shops. In 2005 she was invited to appear on
"Simply Quilts" with Alex Anderson. Her episode was
"Shining Star."
Debbie specializes in traditional-style quilt designs that are made with her easy, accurate No Diamonds/No "Y" Seams technique! She has self-published twenty-seven patterns and six books. She hopes to meet many of you in her travels.
Find out what's new with Debbie, at www.calicocarriage.com .
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The Class Projects & Sewing Times:
Project:
"Jellyphish"
60" x 60"
Join Barb & Mary for a day of quilting and cruising using a Moda jelly roll! You'll start with a strip set, cut, shuffle and finish with some great blocks. We'll show you easy tips and tricks for making perfect prairie points that will leave you wanting to make more. You will leave the cruise with a fun and enjoyable quilt that will hold cruising memories for many years to come.
The fabrics used within your Sail 'n Sew Fabric Pack for "Jellyphish"
will be from Me & My Sister Designs new collection
"Amelia," which will be released by Moda, in the fall of 2011.
 Project:
"Blissful Day"
60" x 60"
Join Bonnie and create your own fan quilt using her quick and easy pattern. This quilt was featured on the cover of
the Feb/March 2011 issue of Quilt magazine.
"Blissful Day" uses raw-edge appliqué and red rick-rack to create a fun and beautifully simple quilt.
Your Sail 'n Sew Fabric Pack for "Blissful Day" will include fabric selections from Bonnie and her daughter Camille’s, newest fabric line "Ruby", by Moda. "Ruby" will be available in the fall of 2011.
 Project:
"Labyrinth Quilt"
60" x 60"
From lap to queen to king size, this quilt is nothing but fun and very interesting. High contrast fabrics in any design make the maze illusion work. The lap size is great for kids as well as adults or as a table topper. It is so simple you will want to make more than one.
The fabrics used within "Labyrinth Quilt" are from a new line by 3 Sisters. This fabric line is called "Etchings" and will be available in October 2011.
During Debbie's class we will make the lap sized quilt. Debbie will also show how easily the lap can be enlarged to make a queen or king sized quilt. When ordering your Sail 'n Sew Fabric Pack, the lap sized version will be included, but a Queen or King size upgrade
is available.
Optional Sail 'n Sew Fabric Pack:
Our incredible Sail 'n Sew fabric pack includes all of the fabrics for all three projects and they are pre-cut so all you need to do is sit down and sew! For Debbie's project "Labyrinth", your Sail 'n Sew Fabric Pack will include fabrics for the lap sized quilt. However there is also a Queen and King version available.
Click here to pre-order your Sew Fabric Pack & Supplies.
If you do not wish to purchase a Sail 'n Sew Fabric Pack, please advise Analiese at analiese@stitchinheaven.com . Also, please remember to pack your own fabrics. We will not have fabrics available for purchase aboard the ship.
How can all this get any better? Here's how!
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Workshops, classes and instruction during our days at sea, featuring
three extraordinary quilt designers PLUS a mystery “Demo Diva” guest!
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Product demos of the newest and neatest tools.
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A Welcome Aboard Party and a Show & Tell Farewell Party.
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A FREE Stitchin' Heaven Travel tote bag filled with goodies, gadgets and gifts.
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Accommodations onboard Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas including
a state of the art conference center dedicated to our group for the entire cruise.
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Amazing fun and shopping options in Ports.
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An incredible onboard experience featuring yummy gourmet meals, Broadway
style entertainment, indoor Ice shows, outdoor climbing wall, Golf simulator
and miniature golf, Casino Royale, and much more.
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Prizes, Surprises and a Boatload of FUN!
Plus ... You'll be sewing on a new
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. You may even take home a great deal on your brand new Bernina, as we will have special duty-free pricing while at sea! Visit the Bernina website to see the amazing features of this great machine!
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 During our sewing classes, we will only be using spools of Aurifil™ thread. Each cruiser will be provided a free spool of 50wt. thread. Aurifil™ thread is perfectly suited for every quilt project. Learn more about this wonderful thread at www.aurifil.com.
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 Also during our sewing classes, we will only be using Oliso® Pro Steam Irons. This ain’t your momma’s steam iron! This professional-grade steam iron features award-winning technology and was designed with quilters in mind. Some of the features included are a pointed detailer tip and flat pressing area, three-way steam, the ability to perform as a dry iron, and an extended auto shut-off. We love this iron and you will too! You can view the full line of Oliso Smart Irons online at www.oliso.com
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Onboard Activities, Entertainment, Exercise and Dining!
 Where to begin? It can be very hard to relax on Mariner 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 find something to do.
During the day, if you don't want to sew, you'll find plenty of activities, such as bingo, dance lessons, art auctions, Mr. Sexy Legs contests, bridge play, and art & craft workshops. Impressive selections of books, within a variety of topics, are available for check out through the on-board Library. Daily trivia games are held here as well.
Who knew there was such great shopping in the middle of the ocean? You’ll find everything from unique jewelry and souvenirs to any toiletries you may have forgotten to pack. Also onboard is a photo gallery and kiosk which offers great keepsake photos for you to take home.
 Night time sees a similar variety of entertainment options. Enjoy a cocktail and watch the sun set over the sea from the glass-enclosed, "Viking Crown Lounge". Later at night, this space turns into one of the hottest discos! And speaking of dancing, why not heat things up on the dance floor of "Boleros", a Latin-themed club. You can always cool things down with a refreshing cocktail (or maybe two?) The five-story broadway-style "Savoy Theater", featurs contemporary musical productions and specialty acts. Feeling lucky? The "Casino Royale" is packed with all types of table games, slot machines, eclectic artwork, and much, much more. There are also onboard lessons and tournaments for everyone from the novice players to the more advanced. And finally, after all that excitement, you will enjoy a leisure stroll throughout the Solurium with its sparkling indoor/outdoor pool and lounge area featuring a retractable roof.
Spa and Fitness:
 There is everything under the sun here. You can play basketball, volleyball and even go rock climbing, all within the full-length sports court. Enjoy the swimming pools, the whirlpools and a tranquil poolside Solarium area. What about mini-golf? Yep, there's even mini-golf, plus a sweeping ocean view that extends for miles! Feel like working out? Then you will enjoy the state-of-the-art "Shipshape Fitness Center". It has all the equipment that major sports clubs do: weight machines, free weights, stationary spin bikes, stair steppers, treadmills, sauna, whirlpool, steam room, and thermal suites. You can also take the latest exercise classes, from pilates to spinning to kickboxing.
 Another "must do" while cruising is to make your way to deck eleven, where you will find the "Shipshape Day Spa", a full-service day spa with beauty salon. Indulgence begins from the moment you enter this luxurious spa, your personal needs and preferences will become the centerpiece, and your treatment will be choreographed to ensure the most enjoyable and beneficial result!
Dining:
 The onboard dining venues cater to any craving. Going hungry is not an option. To make your mouth water, here are just a few!
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.
 Chill out with Vermont's Finest Ice Cream! Let one of the friendly staff members scoop you a cup or cone of scrumptious Ben & Jerry's® ice cream, or indulge in a sundae, shake or smoothie. Everyone loves ice cream between meals - but don't worry, we won't tell if you substitute a waffle cone for breakfast!.
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. Royal Caribbean recommends $3.50 per person, per day to the dining room waiter; $3.50 per person, per day to the cabin steward
(or $5.75 if you're in a suite); and $2 per person, per day to the assistant waiter. Royal Caribbean also recommends $0.75 per person, per day to the headwaiter. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to bar tabs.
Prices
Cruise prices includes the Royal Caribbean Cruise, stateroom, fine dining,
exciting on-board entertainment, all quilting classes, group activities and parties.
Stateroom's are as follows:
Interior Stateroom; |
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$890*
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Ocean View Stateroom;
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$1,090*Sold Out! |
Balcony Stateroom;
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$1,190*Sold Out! |
*Please note that non-sewing guests will receive a $250 discount. |
*Port charges, taxes & fees of $238 not included.
*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Please call for other occupancy pricing.
*There is a $350 per person deposit due at registration.
which
will secure your price and availability.
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Travel to and from Galveston, TX:
You will be responsible for getting to and from the ship in Galveston, Texas.
Click here for a printable itinerary.
Contact Information
Clay Luttrell
with Stitchin' Heaven Travel,
will be your Cruise Consultant for this cruise.
Click here to meet Clay
For questions about this cruise,
please email Clay
clay@stitchinheaventravel.com
or Call: 903-312-8591
For questions regarding
the classes or kits,
please email Analiese
analiese@stitchinheaven.com
Stitchin' Heaven
502 E. Goode St.
Quitman, TX 75783
800-841-3901
Stitchin' Heaven Travel is a division of Stitchin' Heaven, Inc.
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Registration
A Cruise is always better with friends!
Click here to print out the Itinerary and show your friends!
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Call Toll free:
