Sun, Sea, and Stitching - Featherweights Afloat Caribbean Cruise 2025 Recap
Wow, we had an unforgettable time on our back-to-back Caribbean cruises in January and February! Approximately 80 quilters were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime journey with Featherweights Afloat—the only Featherweight quilting cruise! From sun-drenched beaches to vibrant island cultures, we combined the joy of quilting with the magic of the Caribbean.
One of the unique aspects about Featherweights Afloat cruises is that we are able to provide all the Featherweight machines for our guests. No need to bring your machine from home! When our quilters come aboard and enter the sewing room, they are greeted by the sight of their adopted Featherweight for the week: oiled, polished, and ready to go.
Enjoy the story of our Caribbean cruises below, and we hope to see you on a future Featherweights Afloat cruise soon! Big hint: You will want to sign up for our Panama Canal and Caribbean cruises in March 2026 NOW—they’re selling out fast.
Cruise 1: January 20-30
Tortola, Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts
Day 1 – Departure from Fort Lauderdale
As we sailed out of Port Everglades, parts of Florida were experiencing historic snow—but not us! A little rain, a little sea spray, and we were off on our tropical journey.
Days 2 & 3 – Sea Days
We left the Atlantic behind and entered the sunny, balmy Caribbean, watching the deep cobalt waves transform into brilliant shades of blue and green. While the ship glided south, our quilters got busy in our dedicated sewing space: working on quilt projects, chatting about all things Featherweight, and enjoying exclusive classes.
Day 4 – Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Tortola greeted us with crystal-clear waters, lush green hills, and hidden pirate coves. Some quilters opted for a catamaran sail to Jost Van Dyke, home to some of the Caribbean’s softest white sand, while others explored Road Town’s lively markets and colonial charm.
Day 5 – Antigua
Antigua is home to 365 beaches—one for every day of the year! With its rich naval history (this was once Admiral Nelson’s hideout!), colorful harbors, and warm island breeze, Antigua was a quilter’s paradise.
Day 6 – Barbados
From the moment we docked in Bridgetown, Barbados charmed us with its old-world elegance and Caribbean vibrance. Some of our group explored Harrison’s Cave, a stunning underground wonder, while others enjoyed an afternoon sipping locally made rum at the famous Mount Gay Distillery.
Day 7 – St. Lucia
Nothing prepares you for St. Lucia’s jaw-dropping Pitons: two towering volcanic spires rising dramatically from the sea. This island is the very definition of a tropical dream, with its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and warm island hospitality.
We reunited with this fun street vendor who let us sample her fruit back in 2019. Fast forward to six years later, we remembered her, and she remembered us!
Day 8 – St. Kitts
St. Kitts enchanted us with charming sugar plantations, historic forts, and scenic railway rides. We strolled through the streets of Basseterre, sampled rich Caribbean flavors, and basked in the warm island sun.
Highlight: We all got to hold baby monkeys! April thought it was one of the most memorable moments of the island, though for some of us it took some warming up to get over the shock of having a real, live monkey handed to us.
Days 9 & 10 – Back to Fort Lauderdale
As we cruised back to Florida, our quilters enjoyed fantastic sewing time, stitching as fast as they could. A few even finished their quilt tops! We wrapped up the cruise with laughter, friendships, and beautiful handcrafted memories.
Carol and Kim finished the top completely. Amazing work!
Cruise 2: January 30 - February 8
Bonaire, Curaçao, Aruba, and Grand Cayman
Day 1 – Departure from Fort Lauderdale
This time, we sailed off under pristine blue skies and warm Florida sun—it felt more like June than January!
Days 2 & 3 – Sea Days
Two solid days at sea meant relaxation, sewing, and ocean breezes. As we watched the Atlantic transform into the brilliant turquoise waters of the Caribbean, our Featherweights hummed along to the rhythm of the waves.
Day 4 – Bonaire
Bonaire is a snorkeler’s paradise, famous for its pristine coral reefs and flamingo-filled salt flats. Some of us snorkeled in the crystal-clear waters while others browsed Kralendijk’s charming Dutch shops and colorful waterfront.
Day 5 – Curaçao
As we arrived in Willemstad, we were met with storybook-perfect Dutch architecture in pastel hues. The floating Queen Emma Bridge, the bustling markets, and the powdery beaches made this a highlight of the trip!
Day 6 – Aruba
Aruba’s golden beaches, aloe plantations, and rugged desert landscapes took our breath away. Whether strolling Oranjestad’s vibrant shopping streets or visiting the famous Natural Bridge, this was an island we won’t forget.
Day 7 – Sea Day
Few things in life are as peaceful as a day at sea with a Featherweight, a quilt project, and the gentle music of the waves.
We oiled the machines regularly, keeping them running smoothly throughout the cruise.
Day 8 – Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is famous for its dazzling Seven Mile Beach and crystal-clear waters. Some of our adventurers swam with stingrays at Stingray City, while others explored the stunning underwater world through snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours.
Day 9 – Sea Day
One last full day at sea, and our quilters sewed to their heart’s content. The hum of Featherweights filled the room as projects came to life, ready to be finished and cherished forever.
Day 10 – Back to Fort Lauderdale
Sun-kissed, happy, and filled with wonderful memories, we docked at Port Everglades and said our goodbyes. But this wasn’t farewell—just “see you on the next Featherweights Afloat cruise!”
Sail with Featherweights Afloat in 2026
11-night Panama Canal + Caribbean cruise - March 16-27 - Sign up here!
10-night Caribbean cruise - March 27 - April 6 - Sign up here!