What I was pleasantly surprised to discover is that this is the marriage of two fabulous pastimes that work together perfectly.

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The Cruise

Days Off Travel arranged the scrapbook cruise for a group of 18 scrapbookers. Debra Schroeder, our travel agent, made a wonderful cruise hostess. The ship that I taught on was the Ecstasy with Carnival Cruise Lines. The ship sailed on a Friday afternoon from Los Angeles, California to Baja Mexico. It included all the usual ship-board amenities such as 24 hour food, food, and yes more food. Also included, of course, were the multiple on-board swimming pools, entertainment, spa selections, a casino, kids rooms, sun decks, formal dining, and a midnight buffet (oh yes, I am digressing into food once again.) 

Our cabin steward made sure that we had everything we needed, while the rest of the ship's staff were also very helpful and friendly. Shopping, gambling, and Las Vegas style shows were all enjoyed by guests on board.

Port of Call - Ensenada, Mexico

This was a relatively short cruise, just 3 nights, so we only stopped in one port. Ensenada, Mexico is a charming city that has been completely renovated to welcome guests from the U.S. Mexican silver is a specialty in this area and vendors lined the streets to show you their wares.

My husband and I (yes, I brought my husband on a scrapbook cruise and he had a wonderful time), enjoyed an excursion while we were in Ensenada to La Bufadora. This is one of four "blow-holes" in the world. As the waves come into shore the water is forced up through the rock creating a snorting sound and a huge spray of water. It was breathtaking to watch.

Classes and Crops

All of the classes took place while the ship was "out to sea." The first night of the cruise we had a cropping party, and participants also took part in ship board activities. All day the next day, we were docked in Mexico, so scrapbookers shopped, went on tours, and enjoyed the ship and port. The crop room was available for die-hard scrapbookers who were determined to get those pages done. That evening was formal night in the main dining rooms so we all enjoyed dressing in our best. (See photo at top of article.) Then, on Sunday, our day cruising in the ocean, we got down to the business of scrapbooking with formal classes. By having the classes only on "at sea" days, the schedule works out perfectly for scrapbookers to also enjoy ship and port activities. I was very happy with the balance between scrapbooking and cruising.

For this cruise, I taught three official classes that were included with each scrapbook cruiser's fare. They were Paper Piecing Tips and Tricks, Fabulous Shaped Shaker Boxes, and 3-D Sticker Art with NRN Designs. We also had special bonus layouts planned for crop nights sponsored by Colorbok and Close to My Heart. We added a bonus class called "Making Your Paper Dolls Come to Life" that was a hit with the scrapbookers who added this one to their schedules.

A 24-hour crop room was available for cruisers. We had a room on the ship devoted solely to our group allowing scrappers to come and go as they pleased for scrapbooking while cruising. The table space was very adequate. There were also large windows that allowed us to look out and see the terrific ocean view.

Added Bonuses Especially for Scrapbook Cruise Participants

Each of the ladies cruising in our group also participated in or received:

• Scrapbook Workshops/Classes
• Contests, Prizes and Giveaways
• Goodie Bag filled with Scrapbook Supplies
• Scrapbook Cruise T-Shirt
• Open Bar Cocktail party

Costs and Upcoming Cruise Opportunities:

For the cost of upcoming cruises you can visit the Scrapbook Cruise website for more information.

I had such a fabulous time in the Ensenada, Mexico Cruise that next year I plan to teach on the following cruises:

• L.A. to Baja Mexico - January 31st - February 3rd - Deposit must be in SOON to hold a cabin!
• Alaska - July 12th, 2003 - 7 night cruise
• Caribbean - To Be Arranged
• Put together a group of 16 friends and a cruise, including a professional instructor, can be arranged just for you!