10-Day ~ Italy and Croatia Knitting Cruise (Sep 2027)

10-Day Italy & Croatia Knitting Cruise with Kristin Drysdale
Sep 11 - Sep 21, 2027

Join Craft Cruises and knitting expert Kristin Drysdale on an unforgettable 10-day Italy & Croatia knitting adventure aboard Holland America's Oosterdam cruising from Rome to Trieste. This remarkable voyage explores the heart of the Mediterranean and Adriatic, visiting Naples, Sicily, Greece, Montenegro, and some of Croatia's most beloved coastal destinations.

For knitters, this itinerary offers far more than beautiful ports. It is a journey through regions where textiles, sheep farming, weaving, embroidery, and handcraft traditions have shaped local culture for centuries. From the markets of Sicily to the fortified towns of Croatia, from Greek island handcrafts to the textile history near Venice, every stop offers opportunities to discover authentic local craftsmanship, regional foods, stunning scenery, and memorable cultural experiences.

Two well-placed sea days provide ample time to relax with your knitting, enjoy Kristin's classes, and connect with fellow knitters. Whether you are interested in sweater construction, Scandinavian colorwork, improving your knitting technique, or simply enjoying exceptional travel with like-minded friends, this cruise offers the perfect balance of learning, exploration, and inspiration.

Come knit your way through Italy and Croatia with Craft Cruises and Kristin Drysdale on what promises to be one of our most memorable knitting adventures.

Your Instructor - Kristin Drysdale

Kristin Drysdale has taught and designed knitwear for more than twenty-five years and is internationally recognized for her expertise in Scandinavian knitting traditions. As founder of Scandiwork, Kristin specializes in continental knitting, colorwork, sweater construction, and helping knitters create garments that truly fit. Inspired by her Scandinavian heritage, she has spent decades studying Nordic knitting techniques, history, and design traditions. Her warm teaching style and practical approach help knitters become more confident, independent makers.

Whether you are new to colorwork or an experienced sweater knitter, Kristin excels at breaking complex techniques into manageable steps and helping students understand the "why" behind the process. Her goal is simple: to help every knitter create beautiful projects they will be proud to wear and enjoy for years to come.

Kristin Drysdale's onboard classes include a variety of techniques inspired by Mediterranean and Scandinavian textile traditions. Kristin looks forward to sharing her passion for knitting with everyone on this cruise. Topics include Scandinavian colorwork, the Scandiwork Slippers, and a newly designed Greek Fisherman Sweater inspired by traditional Mediterranean cable motifs. This cruise is perfect for knitters of all skill levels who want to learn new techniques, connect with fellow fiber enthusiasts, and explore the rich textile heritage of Italy and the Adriatic while traveling in style and comfort.

10-Day Italy & Croatia Knitting Cruise Highlights

Craft Cruises selects itineraries offering various activities to help bring each port to life. Whether you explore on your own or on an escorted tour, these enriching encounters ensure everyone goes home with memories that last a lifetime.

• Arrive early to enjoy all that Rome has to offer. Explore the eternal city's ancient sites and shop for high-quality Italian yarns and notions at boutique fiber shops in the city center before boarding in Civitavecchia.


• Visit Naples, gateway to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and Capri, and home to some of Italy's most celebrated food and textile traditions.


• Discover Palermo, Sicily, with its Norman cathedrals, lively street markets, and Sicilian wool, lace, and linen traditions.


• Explore Messina, a gateway to Sicily's rich food culture and dramatic landscapes, and sail the scenic Strait of Messina. Don't overlook the local pastries, seafood, and bustling markets.


• Wander Corfu, where Venetian elegance, beautiful gardens, and a relaxed island atmosphere make this an excellent port for a leisurely stroll, a long lunch overlooking the water, and discovering traditional Greek handcrafts.


• Grab your knitting and find a comfortable place on deck to watch the scenery unfold as the ship arrives in Kotor, Montenegro. The dramatic fjord-like Bay of Kotor is surrounded by mountains that rise almost directly from the water and is considered one of the most beautiful harbors in Europe.


• Visit Dubrovnik, Croatia, the "Pearl of the Adriatic," with its medieval walled old town and a strong heritage of handwork including the famous Konavle embroidery.


• Explore Split, Croatia, built around the ancient Diocletian's Palace, with its lively old town and traditional Dalmatian textile patterns.


• Enjoy two well-placed sea days, perfect for relaxing with your knitting and joining Kristin's onboard classes.


• Conclude at Trieste (Venice), where centuries of Adriatic textile trade history live on, with Venice within easy reach for a post-cruise extension.