Scenic Scotland Knitting and Crochet Cruise

28th August – 2nd September 2021

6 days from £1,449pp

Join expert Sophia Reed for a fantastic opportunity to experience some of the wonderful scenery, fascinating history and ancient cultures of the Scottish Isles.

Knitting and crochet workshops with Sophia Reed
Kit included for your workshops
Spend a day discovering related highlights from Orkney’s Creative Trail
Discover the knitwear of Lerwick and enjoy some yarn shopping
Full use of on-board leisure facilities, including swimming pools, Jacuzzis and gym
Enjoy a full programme of evening entertainment, including cabaret shows, comedy, dancing and live music

Scenic Scotland Knitting & Crochet Cruise

A wonderful snapshot of Scotland’s splendid summertime scenery. We'll explore enchanting waterways and remote islands with memorable scenic cruising as well as calling at two charming destinations: the Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands, for exclusive yarn-related excursions. Join our expert, Sophia Reed, for two full day workshops, plus plenty of time for social knitting and crochet.

From our expert

I am delighted to be teaching the following workshops on this exciting journey around the beautiful Scottish Isles.

Our first workshop features a traditional, iconic Scottish textile pattern, Fair Isle, but made in the unconventional method of Tunisian crochet. Tunisian crochet is a unique combination of knitting and crochet, which is straight forward to learn with some previous experience of either craft. If you discover a passion for Tunisian crochet, you will also have the opportunity to learn more stitches during the cruise, including a pattern for an elegant Tunisian Entrelac scarf.

Drawing on my experience of working with a company who produce Gansey sweaters, for our second workshop we will explore the history and style of these textured knit designs, making different patterned squares. This workshop also looks at various ways of joining and edging these motifs using crochet techniques, to make unique home textiles including cushions and blankets. - Sophia Reed

DAY 1: Liverpool
With a late afternoon sailing you'll have time to make your way to Liverpool and settle into your cabin before our welcome get together and first dinner on board.
DAY 2: At sea
Full day workshop as we sail towards the Scottish Isles.
DAY 3: Kirkwall, Orkney
The capital of the amazing Orkney archipelago, the Royal Burgh of Kirkwall sits in the centre of Mainland, dividing the island in East and West. The magnificent St. Magnus Cathedral, a legacy of the town’s rich Viking heritage, dominates Kirkwall’s skyline. Our exclusive excursion will combine the historic highlights of the island with yarn-related highlights from Orkney’s Creative Trail.
DAY 4: Lerwick, Shetland
Lerwick is the friendly capital of the 100 islands and islets of the Shetland. The bustling, cosmopolitan seaport is the islands’ only town, and its wonderful natural harbour is a joy to explore. We’ll spend our time here exploring the importance of textiles and knitwear to the islands’ commerce, as well as enjoying opportunities for yarn shopping.
DAY 5: At sea
Full day workshop as we sail back towards Liverpool.
DAY 6: Liverpool
We arrive into Liverpool early this morning. Time to disembark and say farewell to your fellow knitters and crocheters.

Included in our package:

5-night full board cruise in comfortable and stylish cabins
A tempting choice of cuisine - five-course à la carte dinners, casual breakfast and lunch buffets, late-night snacks and much more
Unlimited, self-service tea and coffee available 24hrs, complimentary afternoon tea with sandwiches and cakes, and in-room sandwiches and snacks
A full programme of evening entertainment, including cabaret shows, comedy, dancing and live music
Full use of on-board leisure facilities, including swimming pools, Jacuzzis and gym
All UK port taxes (where collectable in advance)
Luggage porterage between your cabin and the drop-off/pick-up point
Formal welcome and/or Captain’s Drinks Party and Gala Buffet
Gratuities on board ship
Company and expertise of Sophia Reed
2 full day workshops with Sophia – kit included
Full day yarn-related excursions on Orkney and Shetland
Services of an Arena Travel Tour Manager throughout the holiday

Sophia Reed

Sophia Reed is an award-winning textile artist and qualified tutor with ten years experience in designing and delivering workshops throughout the UK at Black Sheep Wools, John Lewis Partnership, Libertys London and independent shops. During this time she has worked as a Design Consultant for Rowan Yarns and taught over a thousand people how to crochet! An enthusiastic designer and maker, Sophia has been knitting, crocheting, sewing, spinning and weaving for over 40 years.

Sophia’s passion is for teaching knitting and crochet, however she has also worked with leading interior and fashion textile designers making commissions. This motivated her to fulfil a lifelong ambition in attaining a BA (Hons) degree in Textile Design in 2016, where she won four Bradford Textile Society awards for her knitting and weave designs.

Meet us at the ship

For complete flexibility, make your own transport arrangements to and from the ship which will depart from a UK-based port. Car parking will be available for those looking to drive to the terminal.

We will provide you with times and exact location of departure as well as some useful travel information nearer the time of your cruise, but if you require any further information to assist with your travel plans in the meantime, please contact our Holiday Advisors who will be happy to help.

Dates:

28th August 2021: 6 days

Prices:

All prices listed below are per person
Twin/double share: from £1449
Double room for sole use: from £2059
Non-crafter reduction: £50
Deposit: £250

Twin share cabins
I – Interior, deck 1, 2 or 3: £1449
E – Ocean view, deck 1 or 2: £1575
D – Ocean view, deck 1 or 2: £1609
CO – Superior ocean view (fully restricted), deck 3: £1659
C – Superior ocean view, deck 2: £1699
BS – Balcony suite, deck 7 or 8: £2479

Single occupancy cabins
M – Superior Interior, deck 3 or 7: £2059
CO – Superior ocean view (fully restricted), deck 3: £2095
I – Interior, deck 1, 2 or 3: £2110
E – Ocean view, deck 1 or 2: £2165
D – Ocean view, deck 1 or 2: £2220
K – Ocean view, deck 1, 2 or 3: £2445
C – Superior ocean view, deck 2: £2509
BS – Balcony suite, deck 7 or 8: £3749

Our 'Stitch Together' Programme

Our ‘Stitch Together' Programme helps our guests with the costs of a single occupancy room. If you are a single traveller but would be willing to share a room with a fellow crafter, please let us know and we will get in touch if anyone else joins the programme for the same tour.

Overview

Borealis is a new ship in the Fred Olsen fleet. Along with the great service and more intimate atmosphere that Fred Olsen is known for, Borealis also offers a whole new level of comfort. There is more space throughout the ship, which is decorated with premium décor and original artwork. There is a wider choice of lounges and bars for you to enjoy as well as a wider choice of restaurants offering culinary demonstrations, showcasing food from the destinations we cruise to, and wine tasting venues. You will also find a two-tier theatre, a thermal spa, and an all-season swimming pool with a retractable roof.

Ship Facilities & Amenities

11 bars & lounges
6 restaurants
Entertainment programme
2 swimming pools
2 Jacuzzis
Spa with Thermal Spa, Aroma Room, Hydro Pool, 2 saunas and 9 treatment rooms
Tennis and basketball courts
Culinary Theatre hosting cookery classes and demonstrations

Cabin Facilities & Amenities

All cabins come equipped with:

Climate control
Interactive smart TV
Hairdryer
Desk
Phone
Fridge (which can be stocked as a mini-bar)
Tea and coffee making facilities

Please click here to see the deck plan.

Scenic Scotland Knitting and Crochet Cruise

28th August – 2nd September 2021

6 days from £1,449pp

Perfect for Yarn Lovers