AQS Mexican Riviera Cruise

This page is still under construction --

watch for even more photos of the cruise.

The first AQS cruise is now history. Fifty quilters (and a few husbands) participated in this Mexican Riviera cruise, January 20-28, 2005. The weather was beautiful -- in the 70's and 80's every day. Three days of classes while the ship was cruising to ports were taught by Bonnie Browning, John Flynn, and Jackie Robinson. We visited three ports, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. While at port, everyone participated in a variety of activities, from countryside tours, snorkeling, whale watching (and they saw many since the gray whales are migrating now), horseback riding on the beach, shopping and exploring on our own, and more. The Diamond Princess, put into service in March 2004, was beautiful. Most of the staterooms have balconies, which enabled us to view the ocean and landings, and have fresh air anytime.

 

George and Barri Schy, from A1 Specialty Tours, were our cruise directors. They made sure all of the sewing machines were set up every day. Some of the quilters took machines back to their staterooms to sew...and sew they did! Some completed their projects during the cruise. We concluded our activities with a Show & Tell of our projects...it's always fun to see what our quilting friends are stitching. There are more cruises scheduled. Check out their Web site, for more AQS Tours & Cruises.

Photos from the Cruise

What to pack for a cruise in January? Soxer decided that she would help...NOT! Suitcases are not her favorite thing. When they come out, she knows someone is leaving. This time it was both Bonnie and Wayne leaving for the AQS Mexican Riviera cruise. As usual, Sox tolerated her cat-sitter, Lynda Smith, who even received some kitty hugs before the week was out.

 

 

 

The Diamond Princess left San Pedro pier in Los Angeles, CA, on Saturday, January 20, just as the sun set and lights of the city came on. It wasn't long before we were sailing on the wide, blue ocean waters without any land in sight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ship set its course to Puerto Vallarta, the first stop. We sailed for two days to reach that first port. During this time, the quilters participated in classes taught by Bonnie Browning, John Flynn, and Jackie Robinson. The group was divided into thirds and everyone took a one-day class with each instructor. The third day of classes was Friday, while the ship was sailing on the way home. From time to time, the captain would advise us that whales or porpoises could be seen near the ship. We were glad to have windows along one side of our classroom areas to be able to see them.

 

John Flynn taught pieced curves...Where's Waldo? Jackie Robinson's students stitched a cruise scene with folded techniques. Bonnie Browning taught borders and finishing touches...now everyone can make beautiful mitered borders on their quilts, right?!