Stitching the Mediterranean with Berry Birdy

Oct 03 - Oct 10 , 2027

Create, Connect and Explore the Mediterranean

WITH:

Lesley “Berry Birdy”

Dates
October 3–10, 2027
Duration
7 Nights
Ship
Sun Princess
Starting Price
From $2,152.55 CAD

Request Availability

Space for approximately 20–30 hand stitchers and quilters. Deposit by November 30, 2026.

A Creative Mediterranean Adventure

Set sail with Lesley “Berry Birdy” on a sewing adventure through the Mediterranean aboard Sun Princess. From Rome and Naples to Crete, Ephesus, Mykonos and Athens, this journey brings together creativity, culture and connection. Enjoy time to stitch, learn, share ideas and be inspired alongside fellow sewing and needle-arts enthusiasts, while balancing creative time onboard with unforgettable days exploring some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic destinations.

Hosted Quilting Experience

  • Travel with Lesley “Berry Birdy” and a welcoming community of makers
  • Welcome gathering and shared creative time throughout the sailing
  • Classes, workshops, demonstrations and host Q&A sessions
  • Curated quilt kit and project sold separately through Berry Birdy
  • Project details expected to be announced in December 2026

Mediterranean Cruise Experience

  • Seven nights aboard Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess
  • Sail from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Athens (Piraeus)
  • Naples, Crete, Kusadasi for Ephesus and Mykonos
  • Two days at sea for relaxation, ship amenities and creative time
  • Optional two-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Rome available
Lesley Berry BirdyBerry Birdy logo

Meet Your Host

Lesley “Berry Birdy”

Owner · Designer · Author

Lesley “Berry Birdy” has been sewing since childhood, when she made doll clothes and small toys for craft shows. She completed her first quilt at just 14, beginning a lifelong passion for fabric, quilting and creativity.

Known by many of her Instagram followers as the “Dresden Queen,” Lesley is celebrated for her miniature quilting designs, including her popular Thin Blade Dresden and Mini Dresden Rainbow patterns. She authored Charmed, I’m Sure, published in 2009, and her work has appeared in Make Modern Magazine and Quilts and More. Her pincushion designs have also appeared on the cover of Simple Sewing Projects.

Lesley especially loves creating small projects that encourage makers to experiment, use treasured fabrics and enjoy the process without the commitment of a large quilt. Each May, she hosts her popular Micro Mini Sew-A-Long on Instagram, bringing quilters from around the world together to create, learn and share their love of miniature quilting.

Visit Berry Birdy

Cruise Fares

Prices are per person in Canadian dollars, based on double occupancy. Taxes and fees are included; gratuities are additional.

Interior · Category IF
From $2,152.55 CAD
Per person · Taxes and fees included · Plus gratuities
Oceanview
From $2,464.62 CAD
Per person · Taxes and fees included · Plus gratuities
Balcony · Category DH
From $3,327.52 CAD
Per person · Taxes and fees included · Plus gratuities

Your Standard Cruise Fare Includes

  • Your selected stateroom and Princess Luxury Bed
  • Daily housekeeping and MedallionClass technology
  • Main dining rooms and included casual dining venues
  • Afternoon tea, snacks, desserts and select casual food options
  • Production shows, live music, comedians and Movies Under the Stars
  • Trivia, games, themed activities and enrichment programming
  • Pools, hot tubs, fitness centre, sports court and walking/jogging areas

Not Included

  • International airfare and airport transfers
  • Berry Birdy quilting kit and workshop package, sold separately
  • Alcoholic beverages, sodas and specialty coffees without Princess Plus
  • Wi-Fi without Princess Plus
  • Specialty restaurants
  • Gratuities
  • Shore excursions and personal expenses

A reduced deposit of $272 per person is currently available and is subject to change. Deposits are non-refundable. Full payment is due in January 2027; Joanne should confirm the exact final-payment date before publishing. Solo space is limited and subject to a solo supplement. Travel insurance is strongly recommended and a Manulife quote can be provided.

Ready to Stitch the Mediterranean?

Request current availability, cabin options and booking details.

Check Availability

A Preview of the Journey

Mediterranean history, island scenery and creative time at sea.

Rome and the beginning of your Mediterranean journey

Sun Princess, your home for seven nights

Crete, Ephesus, Mykonos and the Mediterranean

Explore the Itinerary

Expand each day to see the ports, sea days and creative opportunities ahead.

Day 1 · October 3 · Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Embark Sun Princess in Civitavecchia, the port for Rome. The ship is scheduled to depart at 6:00 p.m.
Day 2 · October 4 · Naples, Italy
Arrive at 7:00 a.m. and depart at 7:00 p.m. Explore Naples independently or choose an optional excursion to destinations such as Pompeii or Capri.
Day 3 · October 5 · At Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day aboard Sun Princess with time for ship amenities and hosted creative activities as scheduled.
Day 4 · October 6 · Crete (Chania), Greece
Arrive at 8:00 a.m. and depart at 6:00 p.m. Explore Chania and Crete independently or select an optional shore excursion.
Day 5 · October 7 · At Sea
Another day to relax, enjoy the ship and connect with fellow makers. Hosted quilting time may be scheduled during the day.
Day 6 · October 8 · Kusadasi, Türkiye
Arrive at 7:00 a.m. and depart at 6:00 p.m. Kusadasi is the gateway to Ephesus, one of the Mediterranean’s most significant ancient sites.
Day 7 · October 9 · Mykonos, Greece
Arrive at 7:00 a.m. and depart at 9:00 p.m. Enjoy a full day to explore Mykonos, its iconic whitewashed streets, beaches and waterfront.
Day 8 · October 10 · Athens (Piraeus), Greece
Arrive in Piraeus at approximately 6:00 a.m. Disembark and continue home or with independently arranged post-cruise travel.

Itinerary, port times and hosted activities are subject to change by the cruise line.

A Berry Birdy Quilting Program at Sea

The workshop package is sold separately and is expected to include a thoughtfully curated sewing kit and a creative project led by Lesley “Berry Birdy.” The program is designed to bring makers together to learn, stitch, share ideas and enjoy miniature quilting in a relaxed environment.

Project details are expected in December 2026. The final workshop schedule, kit contents and pricing will be confirmed before sailing.

Is This Trip Right for You?

This experience may be a strong fit for travellers who:

Love quilting, sewing and miniature projects
Enjoy balancing creativity with Mediterranean sightseeing
Are comfortable with walking, cobblestones, stairs and active port days
Enjoy travelling with a welcoming creative community
Want inspiration and guidance from Lesley “Berry Birdy”
Are comfortable exploring ports independently or choosing optional excursions

Helpful Planning Notes

A few practical details to consider before reserving your cabin.

Arriving in RomeRome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is the suggested gateway. An optional two-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Rome is expected to be available.
Activity LevelActivity varies by excursion. Historic ports may include cobblestones, uneven terrain, stairs, steep streets and longer walking distances.
October WeatherExpect generally pleasant Mediterranean weather with cooler mornings and evenings. Pack layers, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes.
Travel DocumentsA valid passport is required. Visa and entry requirements vary by citizenship and may change, so travellers should confirm current requirements for Italy, Greece and Türkiye before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join on my own?
Yes, but solo space is very limited and a solo supplement applies. Contact Joanne or Jodi early to discuss current solo availability.
Do I need to know Lesley or the other travellers?
Not at all. Many guests join on their own and quickly connect with fellow travellers through a shared love of sewing, creativity and travel.
Are the hosted quilting activities included?
No. The Berry Birdy workshop package and curated quilting kit are sold separately. Project details are expected in December 2026, with final pricing and schedule to follow.
Do I need advanced quilting experience?
No. The hosted experience is designed to be welcoming to experienced quilters as well as makers who simply enjoy fabric, stitching and smaller creative projects.
How much free time will I have?
You will have a balance of scheduled quilting activities, free time onboard and independent port time. Shore excursions are optional and can be selected based on your interests and preferred activity level.
Are flights and transfers included?
No. Flights and airport transfers are not included. Joanne’s team can assist with flights, transfers and pre- or post-cruise arrangements.
What travel documents are required?
A valid passport is required. Visa and entry requirements vary by citizenship, so travellers are responsible for confirming current requirements for Italy, Greece and Türkiye before departure.
Is this trip suitable for travellers with mobility limitations?
Sun Princess offers accessible facilities, but some ports and historic areas may be challenging due to cobblestones, uneven surfaces, steps and steep streets. Travellers with mobility needs should discuss requirements before booking and select excursions carefully.

Reserve Your Cabin

Contact Joanne or Jodi for current availability, cabin options and booking details.

Joanne O’Brien

Vacation Consultant

Toll-free1-888-739-3117 ext. 155

Office905-631-1700 ext. 155

Emailjobrien@expediacruises.com

Jodi Turkstra

Associate Consultant

Toll-free1-888-739-3117 ext. 134

Emailjturkstra@expediacruises.com


Important booking information

Deposits are non-refundable. TICO #50026402. Prices are per person in Canadian dollars, based on double occupancy for the first and second passenger only. Specific stateroom categories are subject to availability at the time of booking. Airfare is not included. Contact your Vacation Consultant for full terms and conditions.

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.