July 18 – 25, 2027
Experience the wonder of Alaska from a whole new perspective on the Glaciers to Gold Rush quilting cruise — a breathtaking southbound voyage from the icy beauty of Alaska’s glacier country to the storied ports of the Gold Rush era.
Join fellow quilting enthusiasts for a journey filled with creativity, laughter, and discovery. Enjoy expert-led quilting workshops while surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery — towering glaciers, emerald forests, and wildlife in their natural splendor. Between classes, explore historic towns, browse local artisan markets, and relive the adventurous spirit of Alaska’s gold rush pioneers.
Whether you’re seeking creative inspiration or simply the adventure of a lifetime, this cruise blends quilting, camaraderie, and Alaska’s untamed beauty into one extraordinary experience at sea.
Glaciers to Gold Rush Flyer
Register Here
About the Educator: Laureen Smith
Laureen Smith is a quilt designer, educator, and founder of Tourmaline & Thyme Quilts. With a background in engineering and a love for creative exploration, she delights in finding clever ways to make intricate quilts approachable—using techniques like stitch-and-flip to balance precision with play.
Her classroom is filled with laughter, curiosity, and shared discovery. Laureen finds endless inspiration in her students’ creativity and the joy they bring to every stitch. For the 2027 Alaskan Quilting Cruise, she has designed The North Slope—an exclusive quilt inspired by the intricate beadwork of the Inuit and Alutiiq peoples and the luminous beauty of the northern landscape.
About the Project:
The North Slope
The North Slope is a 93″ square quilt designed exclusively for the 2027 Alaskan Quilting Cruise. Inspired by the luminous beadwork traditions of the Inuit and Alutiiq peoples, this design translates the rhythm and radiance of glass beads into batik fabric and thread. Brilliant golds, icy blues, and deep midnight blacks dance together in a pattern that evokes both the artistry of the North and the shimmer of the aurora.
While the visual language draws inspiration from northern beadwork, the design itself is an original composition—celebrating color, geometry, and storytelling through quilting. Quilters will use time-saving techniques such as strip piecing and stitch-and-flip construction to make quick work of the intricate layout.
Kits will include all the materials needed to create the quilt top and binding (backing and batting not included), using Hoffman batiks or equivalent-quality fabrics. The North Slope offers both challenge and joy—a meditative stitching journey inspired by Alaska’s artistry and the spirit of connection that runs through every handmade piece.
Itinerary: 7 night Southbound Alaska Cruise
Itinerary: Sewing classes will be scheduled during our time at sea. Open Sewing hours will also be provided. Sewing room will be closed during our time in port in compliance with the cruise line policies.
OPTIONAL ADD-ON LAND TOUR:
You have the option to add on a 3 – 7 day land tour, which will begin before your cruise. The land tour you choose may include traveling by coach, rail and maybe plane to such places as Anchorage, Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Alyeska, Homer, and more.
Please let Michelle know if you would like a quote with the added package.
About the Ship: Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam
- Main Stage
- Game Shows
- Lectures
- Screening Room – Movies with popcorn
- America’s Test Kitchen
- Billboard Onboard
- Beer Tastings
- Fitness Center
- Casino
- Team Trivia Daily
- Several bars and lounges to choose from
- 2 pools, 5 whirlpools
- Volleyball Court
- Greenhouse Spa & Salon
Package Includes:
- Onboard accommodations
- Port fees and taxes
- Quilting and Cruising at Sea
- Complete quilt top kit
- Scheduled Open Sewing Hours
- Group Activities
- Welcome Aboard Reception
- Group Dining
- Farewell Party
- Machines provided by:
Pricing: ALL PRICING IS IN USD.
Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy. Other categories and occupancy are available upon request. Pricing is subject to change until booked and deposited in full.
All pricing includes the Have It All package offered through Holland America. This package is valued at approximately $1000 and includes the following:
Shore Excursions: Up to $100 off any shore excursion booked through Holland America.
Drink Package: You can choose from a large selection of wine, beer, spirits and cocktails, plus non-alcoholic options like sodas, specialty coffees and more – with bar service charges included. 15 drinks per person, per day.
Specialty Dining: Enhance your cruise with award-winning specialty dining at one of the following restaurants for free: Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto or Tamarind.
Hotel Service Charges: The cruise line will pay your onboard gratuities that are shared with your stateroom attendants, and waiters.
NEPTUNE SUITE: From $5399 to $6199 per person
Neptune Suites feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows with a door that opens to a private verandah, two lower beds that convert to a king-sized bed, large sitting area with sofa bed, dressing room, and private bathroom with dual sink vanity, shower stall and full-sized whirlpool tub. All staterooms include bathrobes, Elemis bath amenities, complimentary fresh fruit, flat-panel TV and DVD player, personal safe, telephone, and hair dryer.
Neptune Suite Amenities: Complimentary laundry and dry cleaning, oversize bath towels, corsages and boutonnieres for formal night, hors d’oeuvres before dinner, binoculars and umbrellas for use on the cruise, cocktail party with ship officers, priority boarding, priority dining and seating requests, daily breakfast service, high tea service in-suite, access to the Neptune Lounge.
Stateroom Size: 506 – 590 sq ft *
OCEANVIEW VERANDAH: $4250 to $4550 per person
Verandah staterooms feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows with a door that opens to a private balcony, two lower beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, sitting area, and private bathroom with tub/shower combination. All staterooms include bathrobes, Elemis bath amenities, complimentary fresh fruit, flat-panel TV and DVD player, personal safe, telephone, and hair dryer.
Some staterooms are equipped with additional bedding to accommodate a third or fourth guest.
Stateroom Size: 213 – 379 sq ft *
OCEANVIEW: $3499 per person
Oceanview staterooms feature a picture window, two lower beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, and private bathroom with tub/shower combination. All staterooms include bathrobes, Elemis bath amenities, complimentary fresh fruit, flat-panel TV and DVD player, personal safe, telephone, and hair dryer.
Some staterooms are equipped with additional bedding to accommodate a third or fourth guest.
Stateroom Size: 169 – 267 sq ft *
INTERIOR: $2799 per person
Interior staterooms feature two lower beds that convert to a queen-sized bed and private bathroom with shower. All staterooms include bathrobes, Elemis bath amenities, complimentary fresh fruit, flat-panel TV and DVD player, personal safe, telephone, and hair dryer.
Some staterooms are equipped with additional bedding to accommodate a third or fourth guest.
Stateroom Size: 141 – 284 sq ft *
Payment Schedule: Monthly Payment Plans are Available Upon Request
(Pricing and availability are subject to change at any time unless booked and deposited)
1st deposit of $500 per person: Due at the time of booking
2nd deposit of $500 per person: Due on or before 1 June 2026
3rd deposit of $500 per person: Due on or before 1 December 2026
Final Payment: Due on or before 1 April 2027
**Trip/Travel Insurance will be quoted by email following the original deposit to US citizens only. Non-US Citizens are encouraged to purchase travel insurance within your home country.
Cancellation Fee Schedule: These fees are in addition to any fees charged by the cruise line.
A $500 cancellation fee per person will be assessed beginning 1 June 2026
A $1000 cancellation fee per person will be assessed beginning 1 December 2026
Additional cancellation fees may apply based on supplier policies.
Cancellations made 90 days prior to the cruise departure date will be 100% non-refundable.