Sea Socks ‘09: the planning (and worry) begins
Patricia March 18th, 2008
EDITED at the bottom.
For those who don’t know, I’m a worrier. Yes, I worry about lots and lots of things — which I promise that I won’t bore you with here (though of current knitting worry is that I’ll finish my sweater in time for the ‘08 cruise). However, when I put together Sea Socks ‘07, I worried that no one would want to join me. I worried so much that I doubt I slept until the first person called me. For Sea Socks ‘08, I didn’t worry (BIG mistake) and promptly had the original picked out option canceled on me only to find that I could do something even better and more exciting. (Yes, I worried when I had to change plans; I worried while I changed everything; and even though I’m completely sure it was the best thing ever — I still worry.)
All of this worry brings me gray hair (trust me, I have an excellent guy), a coffee/sweets addiction, and to the planning of Sea Socks ‘09.
From the beginning, I have had it in my mind that Sea Socks would be a yearly cruise, going to new places and offering new things. But now I’m trying to pick exactly the right trip for my Sea Socks buddies and keep wondering if straying too far.
To that end, I’ve put up a little poll (can you see it on the right?). What I want to get an idea of is WHY you picked Sea Socks over all the other knitting cruises out there. I’d love it if you’d leave me a comment explaining what it was that spoke to you to pick this one.
I have some outstanding ideas for next year, but I want to know what your thoughts are before I commit to the Sea Socks ‘09 cruise.
(I know that most of you haven’t experienced Sea Socks at all yet, but I’m looking more at the decision making process that brought us all together. If you waiting for the news of Sea Socks ‘09, what is it that you’d like to see.)
Thank you in advance. I really appreciate the help.
Edited to Add:
Ok, I’ve been unclear and I knew that and you guys are awesome because I know you WANT to help and yet you don’t know what I’m dealing with. So, here’s the basic question, I have a few choices of where (and how much) next year will cost — here’s what I’m up against:
1. Go someplace completely new and different. Seriously, the cruise is awesome in its awesomeness. BUT, the prices for the inside and outside cabins are slightly higher and the balconies are um, rather more. BUT — it would be about the coolest thing ever. (But this is nearly a grand cheaper than another knitting cruise that goes to the same general area — so there’s something.)
2. Go back to Alaska (but I worry about the fact that we are doing this in ‘08) that there is a been there done that feeling. If this is best thought — do we think about a one -way up to Anchorage with an optional cruisetour?
3. Find a less expensive cruise — with probably more ‘average’ ports of call.
4. Chuck it all out the window and go to Europe regardless of cost?
(Michael is going to cringe because I’m betting he is thinking I giving too much away, but I have hold the cabins by April 1 and I’ve been restless trying to predict the future.)
- Sea Socks '09
- Comments(15)
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OMG Patricia - I cannot pick just one of your answers in the poll. It is the whole package that I decide about. There would need to be teachers and classes that appeal, price not TOO much more, longer only if the destination was really worth it, and heck, I’m not sure it’s about the destination although Alaska (this time) was a no-brainer. It’s a nice blend of days ashore and days onboard. And then there’s date too - if the date doesn’t work for me I can’t go no matter how wonderful the cruise looks to be. You might be a worrier but I’m an undecider.
Hmm, you gave me a difficult decision, since I have to admit, it was a combination of destination and celebrities and classes that made me call up mom and pretend to be a five year old.
(Yes, I really did say mommy can we go can we go please please please please I promise to be a good girl for at least most of the year if you say we can go on the cruise please please please please please ::deep breath:: So, can we go?)
But be that as it may, I chose this one over all the other because of Amy Singer. I figured if there was ever going to be a knitting cruise that would be friendly to the non-woolish, it would be one where she was attending. You’d be amazed how many retreats/classes/festivals I look at or go to and am completely underwhelmed. Because I can’t touch anything for very long. Because the class list is felt, felt and more felt. Or how to shear and spin a prize winning Shetland fleece. Le Sigh.
It seems like there is so much to knitting which is in no way wool specific, but you’d never know it by looking.
Yes, a lot of this is the whining of someone who is still figuring out how to cope. I’ve heard variations of the same rant from every new vegetarian I speak with. (Why does the world make this so hard for me? Umm, ’cause 95% does not have to care, so they don’t!) So, I’m learning. And I getting better and braver.
I’ve always said I want to see Alaska, but only on a cruise. So that’s definitely there. And I <3 socks. But when you want to know what made me actually decide to click the button on this one, it was the no sheep for you aspect. It gave me hope.
I agree with Andrea - it was a combination of destination and the knitting content. I’ve always wanted to see the Alaskan Inner Passage, and leaving from Seattle means I get to see my old buddies. Being on a week-long knit night, and getting to meet my idols, while looking at the glaciers? That was just too much to resist. At first I thought there was no way I could afford it, but cramming 4 into cheapie cabin made it possible. I figure I’ll only be in the room to sleep anyway.
PS - Can’t wait for details on ‘09. *grin*
None of the poll answers really hit the spot for me.
Part of my reason for picking this one is price. Because it leaves from Seattle, which is in driving distance, it’s a very economical way to spend a week.
Part of my decision was that Chrissy Gardiner, a local designer I know and knit for, will be there. Part of it is Amy Singer, too, since Knitty is one of my pattern addictions.
Part of it is because it’s socks!
Basically, it boils down to timing, cost, and location for me as the main items. Geez, if I could afford it, I’d be on ALL the knitting trips!
I jumped at the chance to go on this cruise because of Amy Singer and the fact that Alaska is the one state I have not been to. And on top of it all, it’s an entire week of knitting and visiting yarn shops. OK, there is lots of other stuff to do also, which is secondary to the above in my book, but since my husband is coming along I have to do things he’ll enjoy also. Though he is really good at visiting yarn shops and holding various skeins of yarn while I try to decide which I have to leave behind, he may not want to spend his entire vacation following me to yarn shops.
I’m all for visiting new places and I’m sure Alaska will be wonderful, but I think I’d rather do a new location next cruise. Price is an issue and this cruise was priced just right.
Choosing just one of your poll options wasn’t easy - for me, it’s primarily a combination of timing and price that influences my decision. The ‘08 cruise decision was mostly a no-brainer for me, as I’d had such a fabulous time in ‘07 - plus, an Alaska cruise has been on my “I wanna do THAT!” list for years.
Ports of call aren’t all that important for me, what’s most appealing is the opportunity to meet and spend time with other people who understand the allure of sticks and string. That, and watching the facial expressons on the non-knitters who stumble on a bunch of us unexpectedly ;D
I chose Seasocks 07 because I didn’t know there were any other knitting cruises. I had a blast last year and I’m very much looking forward to this years (is it really less than 2 months away?). I would like to see other places on future cruises. The biggest issue for me is going to be timing. I support 2 government contracts now and we’re looking to add a couple more over the next year, which will seriously cut into my having a life outside the office. If I can go, I will. If not, I’ll sit here and whine and mope about it.
Patricia you’ve done a grand job, last year and this, in putting all this together. Whatever you decide will be a memorable event for everyone involved.
Awesome in its awesomeness? Where? Where? Where?
With enough advance notice, a little more time and a little more money is not a problem. (Er, how much is “rather more” for the balconies?)
Big ship or little ship? (I prefer a big ship - more options)
Are there sheep?
How far do I have to fly to get to the ship? (I hate flying…)
Did I ask about the sheep?
I chose this cruise because it was within my budget and because of the socks and Alaska angle. I’ve never really thought about cruising, but I like the idea of going to Alaska. If it turns out to be as much fun as I expect, I’d be up for another one next year, but probably not to Alaska again. One week would be my limit, and if it was during the summer, even better (I’m a teacher). My vote would be for Canada/northeast. I’d also be up for knitting classes that go beyond socks, but that wouldn’t be a deal breaker for me
I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with, and I’m sure it will be fabulous!
Crap Patricia! You only gave us one choice! I would go for all of the above, and called it good.
Humm… Do you think I can persuade my DH to spring for this two years in a row? I’d better start saving now….
I chose Ports of Call, but really the big reason I’m not coming on Sea Socks ‘08 is the date. My semester gets out on the 17th, and I couldn’t re-arrange my finals. Hopefully next year I’ll be done and the timing won’t be as much of an issue. Also, I grew up in Juneau, so I’d like to go somewhere I haven’t spent 18 years of my life if I’m going on a cruise.
I think the Carribbean would be lovely, or even Japan. Dunno about costs though.
I chose price, because a knitting cruise would not be so exciting to my husband as some other choices. It’s easier to add a less expensive trip to our travel schedule, but I wouldn’t favor Alaska again. As you say, we are doing that this year. There are a lot of Caribbean and Mexican ports that we could visit. I’ve been to the Caribbean three times, and very few of the ports were repeats. I vote you try for something other than Alaska. Canada and the Northeast would be a nice possibility, too.
Ports of call ARE important to me, because although my husband is coming with me this time, I’m hoping he will come next time. That means that the trip must include things that have appeal for him, too. I could knit with other people for a lot less money if I don’t choose a cruise as a way to do it, and I am expecting to take some time to enjoy the cruise, myself.
I’ve never been on a knitting cruise before, and my daughter picked this one. I was delighted to be asked. I believe she had heard that your 2007 cruise was a good one. Thank you for doing this; we all appreciate it. As a novice knitter (I’ve been madly trying to learn to knit decent socks with reasonable facility in preparation for our cruise), I’m especially looking forward to it.
Hi Patricia
The choices were very difficult as no one is (for me) perceptively more important than the other. When forced to choose just one, my vote was a random choice of my top 3. In no particular order:
-If the class leaders were not top line and people I really want to meet and learn from, I wouldn’t take the cruise.
-Destination is pretty important too. Otherwise I might go knit with a few friends aboard our fishing boat!
-Pricing is important as the point at which I can or cannot take the cruise.
I wonder: would a top 2 or 3 choices provide a different perspective on what people want?
btw: yes, if going on SS09, I would prefer a different location…there are so many places in the world to experience!
I really, really wanted to go on the cruise to Alaska this year, but being that I live in Europe, it was highly cost prohibitive. So, if you want to head this way (read: Norwegian Fjord cruise), count me in!
Patricia, as others have said…only one choice? I can knit anywhere but I too believe another location would be best. Airfare does cost a bit but it is better than walking! ‘07 was a blast and I’m sure ‘08 will be too. This time of year some place warm would be nice for us northerners.