2027 Mediterranean Quilting Cruise with Michael Quilts, RBD, & Judy Niemeyer of Quiltworx!

Embark on an incredible journey on the Mediterranean Seas where you will experience amazing destinations, outstanding accommodations, and enjoy foundation paper piecing with RBD Designer and Judy Niemeyer Quiltworx Certified Instructor, Michael Davison of Michael Quilts.

Having taught on many cruises, Michael knows some of you will want to do more sewing than sight-seeing while others are just the opposite and will want to focus on the exciting destinations and activities the ship itself has to offer. No matter how you like to quilt and cruise – there is plenty of time for both! You get instruction from Michael on your days “At Sea”. But while no instruction takes place on your days in port – he will still pop into the sewing area from time to time to offer assistance.

ZOOM CRUISE INFO Q&A SESSION VIDEO

---

RETREAT AT SEA! The quilting portion of the cruise is an optional charge as you may be traveling with family members who will not be quilting. So you only register for RETREAT AT SEA if you are planning to quilt and get instruction from Michael. He has designed Mediterranean Star as the exclusive project for this cruise. It utilizes a Quiltworx “mixer unit” and Michael’s flying geese border to create a great 40″ x 40″ wall hanging as a memento of our journey. Michael has colored 3 versions: Riley Blake Sunken Treasure Batiks (limited quantity), Riley Blake Confetti Cottons™️, and Riley Blake Hand-Dyed Batiks.

Bernina sewing machines will be provided and a Bernina Technician will be on board with us. There will be pressing stations. You will bring your own sewing supplies (more details as we get closer).

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Your cruise package includes:

• 11 nights aboard Celebrity ASCENT
• All meals on-board ship in complimentary venues, including 24-hour room service
• Classic Beverage Package (sodas, juices, specialty coffees, bottled water, beers, spirits, wines by the glass up to $12)
• Surf WiFi Package
• Gratuities, Taxes, Fees, and Port Charges
• On Board Entertainment
• Exclusive Daily Group Dining and Meet & Greet with Michael Davison

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR & HOST

RGE Travels is our amazing travel coordination team and concierge. They handle all of our travel related questions about the cruise, the ship, our transfers and accommodations, our excursions, our pre-cruise and post-cruise events, and everything we do outside of the quilting project. info@rgetravels.com

CRUISE DETAILS & ITINERARY

DATES: September 27 – October 8, 2027
SHIP: Celebrity ASCENT
DURATION: 11 Nights
ROUND TRIP FROM: Rome, Italy

• Optional Pre-Cruise Tour to Venice & Milan, Italy for Textiles includes hotel with breakfast, transfers, workshops, shop hops and transfers between Venice, Milan, and Rome. (info coming)
• Day 1: Rome, Italy
• Day 2: At Sea – Retreat At Sea quilting with Michael
• Day 3: Chania, Crete
• Day 4: Ephesus, Turkey
• Day 5: Istanbul, Turkey (optional evening Retreat At Sea quilting with Michael)
• Day 6: Istanbul, Turkey (optional evening Retreat At Sea quilting with Michael)
• Day 7: At Sea – Retreat at Sea quilting with Michael
• Day 8: Santorini, Greece
• Day 9: Mykonos, Greece
• Day 10: At Sea – Retreat At Sea quilting with Michael
• Day 11: Rome, Italy
• Optional Post-Cruise Tour of Rome, Italy (info coming)

FAQ

Who can attend?

Anyone who loves quilting and being with other quilters and sewists. While quilting and textiles are the catalysts for creating the cruise, guests are also free to simply enjoy the cruise and destinations.

How much does the cruise cost?

Prime Oceanview (Large Square Window) from $4899.00 USD
Edge Infinite Veranda (Balcony) from $5499.00 USD

Deposit per person $750.00 USD ($300 of deposit is non-refundable per person).

Retreat at Sea is an additional charge TBD. It will include the pattern and enough fabric to make the Mediterranean Star quilt top plus binding (backing not included). It will also include the rental of your Bernina sewing machine, fees for our Bernina Technician, and your space in the sewing area of the conference center on board.

Do I need to know how to quilt using foundation paper piece techniques?

Nope! Anyone who wants to learn is welcome. The project can be learned by anyone although familiarity with sewing and quilting is extremely helpful.

Will there be quilting classes onboard?

Yes. Michael will teach and assist you with your project on the days marked “At Sea” on the itinerary as well as possible non-scheduled teaching on evenings of days 5 and 6.

Do I need to bring a sewing machine?

No. There will be Bernina sewing machines provided for our Retreat at Sea. You will just need to bring the sewing supplies that will be listed for you by Michael as we get closer to cruise time.

Who should I contact if I have any questions about the cruise or booking?

All cruise questions, booking requests, and travel-related inquiries should be directed to our official travel partner:

RGE Travels
INFO@RGETRAVELS.COM

Their team manages all cruise reservations and travel logistics and will respond to inquiries within one business day or less. To ensure accurate information, Michael Davison of Michael Quilts, Riley Blake Designs, and Quiltworx are not able to answer cruise booking questions directly.