Thursday, June 27, 2013

Knitting Cruise on the Danube River!


AmaWaterways Launches a Knitting New Year’s Cruise for 2014

Innovative river cruise line showcases latest do-it-yourself trend for hands-on fashionistas


CALABASAS, CALIF. (June 18, 2013) – Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways will ring in 2015 with a new theme cruise, one that embraces what is fast becoming a hip and trendy hobby – a Knitting New Year’s Cruise on the Danube River from Dec. 27, 2014 – Jan. 2, 2015.

The age-old handicraft of knitting is experiencing a renaissance of cool as a younger generation rediscovers its social and creative appeal. In today’s increasingly digital world, more and more people are embracing the do-it-yourself, handmade trend.

“Given the fast learning curve, cross-gender appeal, the social aspect and the impact of the Internet, it’s little wonder that knitting is such a growing trend,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ Executive Vice President and Co-Owner. “Knitting appeals to a younger generation these days, and we thought it would be a fun and creative outlet for our guests. This cruise will bring together a community of knitters and give them opportunities to learn new techniques, find inspiration for new projects, and show off their personal style and creativity.”
AmaWaterways’ inaugural Knitting New Year’s Cruise will feature the latest in luxury yarns, forums on fashion trends and classes on new stitch patterns and techniques. It will be hosted by acclaimed textile expert Barry Klein, owner of Trendsetter Yarns in Los Angeles. Recognized as one of the top 10 most influential men in the world of knitting (a distinction he shares with Charles Dickens and Edward VIII, England’s stylish Duke of Windsor), Klein is the past president of the National Needlework Association and has designed patterns for Vogue Knitting, Interweave Knits and Knitters Magazine, among many others. A prolific author, his books include The Ultimate Knitted Tee, Knitting with Novelty Yarns and The Knitters Template, all co-authored with Laura Militzer Bryant.

AmaWaterways’ Knitting New Year’s cruise and land itinerary starts in Vilshofen, Germany aboard the AmaBella. Guests will enjoy scenic cruising and guided tours of Vilshofen, Linz, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, as well as an in-depth tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey. There will also be a festive onboard New Year’s Eve celebration, with music, dancing and a champagne toast at midnight.



The AmaBella is a 161-passenger vessel and features the most advanced ship design in the river cruise industry with luxurious cruise accommodations. Amenities include spacious staterooms and suites (most with French or Twin Balconies), multiple dining venues, a salon and spa, swimming pool and fitness center, and complimentary in-room Internet, Infotainment (with Hollywood movies, satellite TV and music channels) and Wi-Fi. Special highlights include lectures, themed dinners, cooking demonstrations and onboard music performances.

“Younger knitters may be using the same techniques and equipment as previous generations, but their use of Facebook and Twitter to form online communities and share patterns is a distinctly modern twist,” added Karst.

“Think of this cruise as an onboard knitting meetup for people of all levels, from beginners to advanced. It will definitely be a unique and fashion-forward way to ring in 2015.”

To book

Our dedicated website: http://www.cruiseandcrop.com/AMAKnitting2014.htm
Call Gail & Cheri at (352) 527-8473
E-mail info@cruiseandcrop.com

Visit our AMA Waterways Website for more information on river cruising.



Thursday, June 13, 2013

Pick your Perk - Plus a secret revealed - Crafting Cruise

NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 7, 2013




Only a few more days to take advantage of Celebrity's Pick Your Perk offer.  This offer is valid on our Crafting cruise, November 30, 2013 on the Celebrity Reflection.

Pick your perk.

Choose from one of these offers above.


But hurry, this is a limited time offer. 
So book your Cruise & Crop vacation 
by June 19, 2013. OFFER EXTENDED UNTIL JUNE 30, 2013!!


For more information on our Crafting Cruise - hosted by Gail Pastor & Cheri Thomas, Click Here.



Want to know the types of projects being considered for our {Pinterest Inspired} crafting cruise?  Here is a sneak-peek...maybe we'll reveal more later:


This Beauty Found on Pinterest - Source:  http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/06/glass-etching.html

{Designs will be original}  Think about what a great gift this would be!  Now imagine that you didn't have to shop for the products or cut out the vinyl...but you got to leave with a finished product!  That is what this crafting cruise is all about.  We are giving you the chance to make some wonderful gifts for Christmas without doing the leg-work!  So what are you waiting for?  Book today!



Saturday, June 8, 2013

Shop Your House!

We all are busy.  It seems to me that lately, things have just crept up on me.  For instance, I knew that I was having a Bon Voyage Party at my house for a cruise that I was going on with my friends.  I have known this for weeks.  Of course, I wanted it to be fun, informative and super cute.  But now, it was a day before and I had not taken care for the "super cute" part of the event!  What was I going to do for a theme or centerpiece?  Yikes!  All I had was a couple of packages of paper napkins with the Eiffel Tower on them.  I needed more!  I needed it right now.  So, I decided to "shop my house".  I went around and started gathering a few things that were not traditional centerpieces, but that all had a travel theme to them.  Luckily, I am a travel agent, so I have an office with things that I have collected from trips or that people have given to me as a gift. 
I had a couple of pieces of decorative luggage that were in my office and a table runner I had picked up in Europe.  Great start!  Then I added my scarf from Paris and the book ends from my office. 
The three vases had once contained various vinegars, so I dumped those (now expired - lol) and added some fresh flowers, making the arrangement on my kitchen island complete.
 
Now on to the table with another table runner, more things from my office and Voila!  Candles are always a welcome addition if you need a filler.



To complete my décor, I added a few of my European scrapbooks to a table, along with a some fresh flowers in my vase from Italy and I was finished.

So, you may want to try this idea for your next party.  Especially if you did not have time in advance to pull things together like me!  I think that when you put unusual things on the table that would not normally be centerpieces, it can create a nice effect.  Enjoy entertaining!