FEATURED CRUISE

Baltic Knitting Cruise

14-Day Baltic Knitting Cruise w/ Galina Khmeleva
September 2-16, 2018

September is a delightful time to travel in the Baltic with Craft Cruises. Summer crowds have faded and the weather, though changeable, remains generally pleasant. Begin and end your 14-day cruise in Amsterdam, a city of canals and tulips, and stop in the major cities of Copenhagen, Berlin, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Stockholm, Kiel (Hamburg), and Århus along the way. While at sea, enjoy learning knitting techniques with a Russian flair from designer Galina Khmeleva.

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Before the Cruise

Arrive a few days early and explore Amsterdam’s many offerings from the Bloemen Floating Flower Market to canal cruises. Tour the Rijksmuseum, with its more than 8,000 pieces of art and artifacts from the Middle Ages to today, including works by Rembrandt. Through Craft Cruises, visit Stephen and Penelope, a must-visit destination yarn shop owned by designer Stephen West and Malia Mae Joseph, where you can indulge in yarn from around the world. Also visit Weldraad, Amsterdam’s leading yarn shop for natural fibers produced using environmentally friendly processing methods. Attend a presentation about traditional Dutch Ganseys and learn the stories behind these Dutch fisherman sweaters. Like their British counterparts, Dutch Ganseys gave fishermen the warmth and protection needed to survive the harsh conditions of the North Atlantic.

INSTRUCTOR

Galina Khmeleva

Born in the old Soviet Union, designer Galina Khmeleva, who long has had a passion for lace from the Orenburg region of Russia, has focused that passion and her expertise to save the Orenburg lace tradition by launching Skaska Designs. Today, she teaches workshops and classes that help to bring this unique lace to knitters everywhere. Galina has published patterns in various magazines and has authored two books on lace: Gossamer Webs, The History and Techniques of Orenburg Lace Shawls and Gossamer Webs: The Design Collection. On board the MS Koningsdam, Galina will teach six classes: Russian Style Continental Knitting; Cast On/Bind Off and Grafting with a Russian Twist; The Fundamentals of Orenburg Lace; Body and Soul Cashmere Lace Scarf Project; Knitted Lace Embellishments; and Broken Borders: A Lace Restoration Therapy on mending lace.

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HIGHLIGHT

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city steeped in history but fully contemporary and tied to the sea. Known as the "Venice of the North," Amsterdam invites the visitor to take a canal tour to become oriented. Spend hours in the world class Rijksmuseum, with its paintings by the Dutch masters, including Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Steen, or tour the Vincent van Gogh Museum. Learn about cheeses in the Amsterdam Cheese Museum or diamonds at Gassen Diamonds. Walk through history by visiting Anne Frank’s house from World War II or Museum Van Loon, a beautiful canal house from the late 1600s, or Rembrandt's House, which was both the famous painter's studio and home from 1639-1658. Sip beer and sample "bitterballen," deep-fried batter filled with savory meats or cheese at a cafe. Visit yarns shops Stephen and Penelope and Weldraad.

Copenhagen

The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen represents the best of both modern and historical. Walk to the top of the Rundetårn (the Round Tower) for a panoramic view of central Copenhagen. Enter the magic of the Tivoli Gardens. Take a canal tour through the Nyhavn harbor area and spy the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's folktale. Sample open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød) at street-side cafes, or real Danish pastries called "wienerbrød" (Viennese bread) in Danish. Shop for yarn at Rasmilla and Sommerfuglen, where you can also purchase unique needlework and Danish embroidery kits, both traditional and contemporary, as well as Nordic knitting patterns by such designers as Hanne Falkenberg.

Warnemunde (Berlin) Germany

This cruise itinerary offers passengers a chance to stay in the port town of Warnemunde or take the train to Berlin, the "City of Freedom." Berlin has thrived since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989 and the reunification of Germany. Stand under the iconic Brandenburg Gate or stop by the famous "Checkpoint Charlie," one of the gates between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Spend time in the Museumsinel (Museum Island) in the Spree River, which houses 5 different museums and is named a UNESCO heritage site for its architectural design and for the quality and expanse of its exhibits, ranging from Egyptian and Byzantine art and artifacts to 19th century impressionists (including Monet, Manet, and Renoir). Visit the Berlin Wall memorial. Time permitting, stop by Fassbender and Rausch, Berlin's oldest chocolate shop, or shop at Kaufhaus des Westens, the largest department store in continental Europe, complete with a sixth-floor food hall. The home of "dönor kabob" and "currywurst," Berlin also is famous for its beer and brats-and its nightlife. For a fiber fix, shop at Prunkist yarn store.

Helsinki, Finland

Famed for its art nouveau buildings, Helsinki is equally famous for its modern architecture. Learn about design traditions, including the colorful prints by Marimekko, in the Design Museum. Tour the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art. See the Temppeliaukion (Rock Church), excavated out of bedrock, in Hesperia Park, or ferry over to the Suomenlinna fortress, dating from the late 1740s, in Helsinki harbor. Helsinki is also home to the Uspenskin cathedral, the largest Russian Orthodox church in western Europe. Look for Finnish yarns like Novita and Tukuwool at Menita, the country's largest yarn shop. Visit Leena Riihivilla's open air stand at the Market Square (Kauppatori) and find traditional Finnish patterns and kits, using 100% Finnsheep wool in natural colors and hand-dyed with plants and mushrooms. The market square also provides opportunities to sample cured moose meat or smoked fish from local vendors and purchase Finnish souvenirs.

St. Petersburg, Russia

Founded by Czar Peter the Great and the capital of Russia from 1703 until the Russian Revolution, St. Petersburg represents the soul of Russia's cultural life. The Hermitage Museum, founded by Catherine the Great in 1764 and housed in the Winter Palace, displays great works of art, including paintings by Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. The nearby Catherine Palace houses the famous Amber Room, which has been rebuilt after the original amber panels were stolen by Nazis during World War II. The Mariinsky Theater is renowned for its ballet and opera.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is Northern Europe's oldest capital city, dating from the 12th century when it was a busy port in the Hanseatic League. Fairy tale like in its charm, the Old Town invites the visitor to stroll the cobblestone streets, including Catherine's Passage. Along the windy alleyway the visitor will find small cafes and crafters from St. Catherine's Guild at work. Purchase locally made souvenirs, from glassware to felted hats, from quilts to ceramics. St. Nicholas Church dates from the 13th century and today is a museum of medieval church art. Stroll up to Toompea Castle, which is home to Parliament, and Pikk Herman Tower, the symbol of Estonian independence. Sample traditional marzipan treats from the Marzipan Room. For the fiber enthusiast, shop for Haapsalu hand knit lace shawls, mittens, socks, and yarn at the local Estonian Handicraft guild (Eesti Kääistöö). Riina Tomberg will host Craft Cruises for demonstrations on Estonian knitting at the main store Pikk 22. The Estonian Handicraft Center, a six-minute walk further up a cobblestone street, will give a presentation on folk costumes.

Stockholm, Sweden

Sweden's capital city spans a series of 14 islands connected by more than 50 bridges. Modern and efficient, the city is easy to navigate and retains its Old-World charm. Enjoy strolling through cobblestone streets and alleyways of the Gamla Stan (Old Town). Learn about Swedish life at Skansen open air museum and park which also houses some 200 animals, including wolves, elk, and reindeer. See how historians reconstructed a 17th century Swedish warship at the Vasa museum. Learn about Swedish history from the 16th century to today at the Nordic Museum. On the contemporary side, tour the Moderna Museet (Modern Art Museum). For the offbeat, take in the ABBA Museum, an interactive museum honoring Sweden's most famous musical pop band. Sample Swedish meatballs and pickled herring from street side cafes, or go for a "fika," a meet up for coffee and a pastry. Stockholm has several yarn shops from which to buy a souvenir skein.

Kiel (Hamburg) Germany

The ship docks in Kiel, about 50 miles north of Hamburg, Germany's "Gateway to the World." For passengers who want to venture to Hamburg, tours offer visitors good shopping, dining, and sight-seeing opportunities. In addition, the history enthusiast should consider a tour to charming Lübeck, once the capital of the Hanseatic League and trading focal point for Northern Europe, which retains its sense of place and time. For the fiber artist, a highlight of Kiel will be a chance to see designer Martina Behm, creator of the ever-popular Hitchhiker scarf and other popular knitting patterns, who will host a trunk show.

Århus, Denmark

Århus began as a Viking settlement in the 800s, but it's known today for its music festivals and its vibrant university life. Must-sees include Den Gamle By (The Old Town), an open air museum of some 75 historical homes from around Denmark. Tour the Aros Museum of Contemporary Art and Århus Cathedrallkia, Denmark's longest and tallest cathedral. For more information on the city's Viking past, visit the Underground Viking museum. Take a tour outside Arhus to Billund, home of the LEGOLAND amusement park, or see Rosenholm Castle, dating from the 16th century. Århus also is a knitter’s paradise. Shop at Fandango Garnbutik, Garnlageret, and Yarnfreak yarn shops, open and inviting stores with diverse offerings, as well as Tøndering Strik, owned by Charlotte Tøndering, which specializes in Danish Isager yarn and ITO yarn from Japan. Meet Lotte Kjær who will give a talk about Danish knitting designs and also has Isager yarn and patterns for sale.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE

ms Koningsdam

One of Holland America's newest ships, the Koningsdam—"Koning" means "king" in Dutch-first set sail in 2016, launching the new Pinnacle class series. A salute to King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, the ship exhibits the best of tradition and 21st-century style as interpreted by designers Adam D. Tihary and Bjorn Storbratten who emphasized modern technology (including bedside USB ports) and architectural lines that flow like a symphony. Enjoy specialty dining, including steaks in the Pinnacle Grill, seafood in the French Sel de Mer, pan-Asian choices in the Tamarind, or an afternoon cup of hot chocolate from the Grand Dutch Café. In addition to music settings to suit every taste, activities on board abound, from Blend, a wine blending and tasting venue, to cooking demonstrations in the Culinary Arts Center, to the Explorations Café where you can log on to a computer, check out a library book, or do the daily crossword while sipping a cappuccino. For more active adventures, sign up for fitness classes or swim in one of two pools on board. Or, soothe your worries away with a spa treatment in the Greenhouse Spa and Salon.

2019 Anniversary Reunion Cruise

7-Night Eastern Caribbean

Craft Cruises is celebrating a big milestone and we're inviting you to join us on our 20th Anniversary Reunion Cruise! Set sail from Ft. Lauderdale on this 7-night Eastern Caribbean adventure from January 13-20, 2019 visiting the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and Holland America's private island, Half Moon Cay.

Why are we calling it an anniversary reunion cruise? Not only is Craft Cruises celebrating 20 years of organizing enriching cruise vacations but we are inviting all of the Craft Cruisers who have participated over the years to join in the fun.

We invite you to come join us onboard Holland America Line's brand new ship, the ms Nieuw Statendam sailing the Eastern Caribbean at the best possible time, when the weather is sunny, the crowds are minimal and it's winter at home.