Quilting at Sea: Our Iceland Cruise Aboard the Celebrity Apex with RGE Travels
Setting Sail from Southampton
In June 2024, we embarked on an unforgettable adventure, our very first cruise, and what a voyage it was! We were invited by RGE Travels to join their Celebrity Apex quilting cruise to Iceland, taking on the exciting role of looking after the sewing machines on board.
Before setting sail, our group gathered at K&B Sewing Machines for a cheerful send off. We enjoyed a traditional British cream tea, complete with scones, jam, and plenty of laughter. It was the perfect way to meet everyone and share last minute sewing stories.
With tea finished and spirits high, we headed to the Southampton Cruise Terminal and stepped aboard the beautiful Celebrity Apex, a ship that quickly felt like home.
Sewing at Sea with Karen Brown
Our days at sea were filled with creativity, laughter, and the gentle hum of sewing machines. We made sure every machine was running perfectly throughout the voyage so that each quilting session could flow without a hitch.
The wonderfully talented Karen Brown led the quilting workshops, guiding everyone through stunning projects and sharing her wealth of knowledge. Watching quilters from all over the world come together, stitching, chatting, and learning from one another, was an absolute highlight.
Exploring Ireland and Iceland
When the sewing rooms were quiet, adventure awaited at every port. Our first stop was Cork, Ireland, where we soaked up the friendly atmosphere, explored vibrant streets, and enjoyed the rhythm of local life.
Then came the heart of our journey, Iceland.
In Reykjavik, we explored the striking landscapes of Thingvellir National Park, standing on the meeting point of two continents.
In Ísafjörður, we joined a whale watching tour and were treated to the incredible sight of humpback whales breaching beside our boat.
In Akureyri, we wandered through this northern gem, surrounded by dramatic fjords and snow dusted mountains.
Each destination offered breathtaking beauty and endless inspiration, from volcanic vistas to crisp ocean air and pastel colored towns that looked straight out of a quilt.
A Scottish Surprise
Our final stop was the charming town of Kirkwall, Scotland. With its Viking roots, historic architecture, and friendly locals, it was the perfect end to our journey.
While exploring a local shop, we discovered the shopkeeper’s sewing machine had stopped working. Naturally, Ben couldn’t resist taking a look, and before long, he had it stitching beautifully again. It was one of those lovely, spontaneous moments that remind us how we encounter sewing machines everywhere we travel, and how universal the love of sewing truly is.
A Journey Stitched with Memories
From quilting workshops at sea to whale watching in Iceland and a spontaneous repair in Scotland, this cruise was so much more than a holiday. It was a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community, shared with wonderful people against some of the world’s most spectacular backdrops.
We returned home with hearts full, memories made, and a renewed appreciation for how far sewing can take you, sometimes all the way to Iceland.
Sew what you love, create without limits.
