We are very proud of the vast number of quilters who return year after year, often preregistering nearly two years before the sailing date.
Laurette Koserowski, editor of The Quilter magazine (Jan2010 issue):
“Every Quilt Camp at Sea cruise is a special experience, and this one was no exception!”
“Joyce R. Becker, an instructor on multiple Quilt Camp At Sea cruises:
…on a 10-day cruise with my husband and a contingency of approximately 174 quilters and their significant others. For those of you that don’t have a clue what a “quilting cruise” is, I thought I’d tell you! “Bliss” may be a bit strong for a description, but it’s close… A “quilting” cruise is truly the best of two worlds! When you’re at sea, you quilt till you wilt, and when you pull into a port, you’re as free as a bird to take shore excursions. Are you with me so far? Having taught on two Quilt Camp at Sea cruises, with two more in my future, I can honestly say, my favorite part of the cruise was sharing time and experiences with the quilters and staff. What a total and utter blast! Not all quilting cruises are the same so make sure you research any quilting cruises in your future. Quilt Camp at Sea organizers, Len and Pat Tobin run a tight ship, and are organized to a fault. Nothing is left to chance and a great time is had by all.”
With their permission, here are some of the comments we have received from a few of our guests who have sailed on more than one of our Quilt Camp at Sea cruises:
“I have been extremely impressed with the organization, classes, instructors. Pat and Len truly have quilting cruising down to a fine science. They know how to make your quilt cruise effortless. Awesome instructors, classes, speakers, door prizes, quilt store, special guest.” Debbie Shelton, Texas
“Truly the best! From the moment we first inquired to the trip itself, we were treated as close friends and felt reassured no matter what the question. As to the Holland America Line of ships — superb. We (my husband and myself) love it so much that we have “signed on” to Quilt Camp at Sea for 5 years running! And anxiously dream about each trip throughout the year waiting for the next departure. I enjoy the classes — what could be better than quilting and cruising at the same time? And still have all the shore time available for off-the-ship shore excursions! We find that Quilt Camp at Sea is our favorite home when we are away from home!” Janet Bottroff, California
“I have been sailing with Quilt Camp at Sea since 2005 and have loved every minute. I have made friends from all over the nation, and still keep in touch with many of them. The cruises are a nice way to relax, see some new sites and also indulge in my hobby by taking classes and visiting quilt shops in the ports we visit. I look forward to each and every cruise! ” Martha Wolf, Texas
“The quilting cruises have been wonderful opportunities for making new friends, quilt-shop-hopping in places I wouldn’t otherwise be able to, and special times for learning new techniques. This is easy to do because of the wonderful people involved with organizing the whole thing…..I just sit back and enjoy! “ Fara Wilson, Oregon
“My sister and I both were diagnosed with Breast Cancer within 18 months of each other. As treatments ended, we decided to celebrate being live by taking a cruise together…a quilting cruise…and then it became two. The experience was beyond anything we could have expected. What’s not to like, my sister and I together, alive and well; quilting, learning and networking with wonderful women and the breathtaking beauty that is Alaska. Each one’s more incredible than the next. Really, the most memorable aspect of these trips was the organization. The quilting was top-notch…the equipment, the classes, the instructors, the quilt shop at sea. We’ve meet incredible people from across the country who did and will continue to touch our lives.” Anna Alexander, Iowa
“I have been on 3 Quilt Camp at Sea cruises. The classes and instructors were wonderful. Great projects to choose from along with helpful tips and tricks. The on-board quilt shops were great so you could even shop at sea. Lots of prizes and everyone wins something! Awesome special guests and great quilt shops to explore in port. Wonderful way to travel and enjoy your hobby at the same time.” Mary Fleming, Wisconsin
“Traveling with Pat and Len Tobin is second to none. My 86 year old mother and I have been to Alaska, New England and Europe with the Tobin’s and each trip was a delight. Trips are well organized, they bring in top notch “guest” artists including Jim Shore, Rebecca Barker, Diane Phalen and Barbara Lavallee; nationally known quilt teachers and lecturers, and there are surprises and prizes at every event. Lastly, most of the trips have raised money for the Breast Cancer Foundation – I even won the raffle quilt one year! In my mind, who wouldn’t want to take a luxurious vacation, to a great destination with a chance to learn something new, make friends with common interests, win prizes and support a great cause? My mother and I are pretty independent, but mom is 86, legally blind and has difficulty walking long distances. We travel with a wheelchair and need a disabled accessible cabin. Pat and Len always ensure our needs are met. Mom is part of their travelling family and they always make her feel special. They seem like such a part of our family that I’ve put them on my Christmas card list! Based on our experience, and the comments from our travel companions – I’d hearty recommend ANY trip the Tobin’s sponsored!” Peggy Baldwin, Texas
“Each cruise is a new adventure but I know there will always be exciting classes, new and old friends and just a lot of fun times. Come join us!” Julie Branstetter, California
“Both of the cruises I’ve taken with Quilt Camp at Sea afforded me an opportunity to see new things, learn something new, and meet new people. The experiences have been a joy-glaciers in Alaska and lobsters in Maine! What more could you want? Food, fun, learning-a great way to spend some time! I’ve enjoyed myself so much that I’ve booked two more “adventures”! One in Alaska (you can’t get too much of the scenery) and one to Mexico! I can’t wait!” Barbara Wendell, Georgia
“I have gone on two trips with Quilt Camp at Sea to Alaska and New England/Canada. And I am already signed on for a cruise to Mexico. The cruises have been delightful and the company fantastic. The quilting classes with wonderful instructors, amazing guest speakers, and so many fellow quilters on board have only enhanced the cruising experience. Previously I had gone on several cruises but found that I did a lot of reading and walking around the ship while at sea. These cruises combine my favorite hobby — quilting with my favorite vacation activity – cruising. The added special activities such as shop hops while in port are terrific. I found I still had plenty of time to enjoy cruising activities as well as quilting. I am really looking forward to my next quilting cruise adventure. Thanks for making my vacations so great!” Ann Worsham, California
“My first experience sailing aboard a cruise ship was this Pat and Len Tobin and the quilting group. It was such a positive experience that I have booked two more trips with them. They go the extra mile to meet the needs of the passenger from changing classes, to helping find a room mate. Hours of work and personal attention go into achieving a positive experience for each person on the trip. More than that however I feel that I have had the opportunity to make many new friends to include Pat and Len. It is the friendships and the FUN that we have with the group that makes us sign up again and again. Thanks for smooth sailing Pat and Len! Marie Dory, California
“I have been on three cruises with Pat and Len Tobin, Quilt Camp at Sea. In 2004 and 2006, I went to Alaska, and in 2008, to New England. I would go on every one they do if I could. Pat and Len go above and beyond to make sure that everyone is well taken care of and that they have the best possible experience. I am looking forward to the 2011 Mexican Riviera cruise knowing that I will have as much fun and be as well treated as I have been in the past. Maureen McClellan, California
