Plans for the
Knit With Color knitting cruise are coming along nicely. Soon the cruise will have its own website, but I thought I'd post some details now.
We will be aboard Royal Caribbean's
Explorer of Seas, an amazing and very large ship. The cruise will be 9 days in length,
October 14 to October 23, 2010, in time to see the beautiful fall colors on the east coast. We will be leaving from, and returning to, the Cape Liberty Cruise Port, NJ. The ports of call will be: Portland, ME; Bar Harbor, ME; Saint John, NB; Halifax, NS and Boston, MA.

If you go to the Royal Caribbean's website (
click here), you will see the day-by-day itinerary.
The prices listed on the website are the ones for non-knitting companions. Yes, you can bring your friend, spouse, significant other, whoever!
(whomever?). For knitters, there will $100 added in order to cover classes, teachers, swag bags and their contents, final night party, etc. etc. If you work out the price/day, I think you'll agree that it's very reasonable.
First time cruisers may not realize that the cruise price includes your meals, too.... and if you talk to anyone who has cruised before you know that the food is wonderful and very plentiful. There are also many things you can do on the cruise at no extra cost.
Yes, you can book now. A deposit of $300 is required at booking for knitters, and $250 for non-knitters. Call our expert cruise planner,
Patricia Babischkin, to reserve your spot:
1-888-286-9827. Patricia is in the Eastern time zone. By the way, she's a knitter, too, and coming on the cruise with us! Final payment isn't due until July 31, 2010. As with any trip, travel insurance is always encouraged as "life happens" sometimes and unexpectantly.
We are in the process of planning some exciting shore trips and if there are any costs involved, that will be extra, and minimal. One of the stops that's been confirmed is visiting
Lucy Neatby's studio when we stop in Halifax. Unfortunately, Lucy will be travelling then, but we will be well taken care of by her staff.
I'm working on another stop in Halifax, too, which will excite knitters. I just have to be sure that the logistics work out before I announce it. I'll confirm as soon as I know definitely! How's that for a teaser?
During our trip we will have three at-sea days in which you can take classes if you wish. We are very lucky to have
Cindy Fite and
Ana Petrova joining us. I have to tell you, I was very excited when they agreed to come along and teach. They are currently working on their classes and I'll list them on the cruise blog when I have more information. You can sign up for these later.

Both are excellent instructors and you will come away with exciting new ideas and skills. Don't worry if you're a beginner or very experienced, there will be something for everyone.
Of course, there will be LOTS of knitting time. The ship has many lounge areas, so all you have to do is sit and relax and knit with others, or have some quiet time to yourself.
I've started an email distribution list so that I can notify everyone when there is something new to learn about the cruise.
If you'd like to be added, email me at: joanne @ jconklin . com
I almost forgot to tell you. If you'd like to arrive a day or two before the cruise starts, we will be arranging a group rate at a nearby hotel. More on that later when the details have been worked out.
I hope that you will come along and join in the fun. I'm very excited about this trip. I plan to do everything I can to make it fun for you! Anyone want to go ice skating with me on the ship?!!
...