Join Craft Cruises and knitting expert Beth Brown-Reinsel on an unforgettable 14-day Mediterranean knitting adventure aboard Holland America's Oosterdam cruising from Barcelona to Rome. This remarkable voyage explores the heart of the ancient Mediterranean, visiting Malta, Greece, Turkey, Montenegro, and some of Italy's most beloved coastal destinations.

For knitters, this itinerary offers far more than beautiful ports. It is a journey through regions where textiles, sheep farming, weaving, embroidery, and handcraft traditions have shaped local culture for centuries. From the whitewashed villages of the Greek Isles to the fjord-like Bay of Kotor, from Sicilian markets to the boutique yarn shops of Rome, every stop offers opportunities to discover authentic local craftsmanship, regional foods, stunning scenery, and memorable cultural experiences.

Sea days are perfectly spaced throughout the voyage, providing ample time to relax with your knitting, enjoy Beth's classes, and connect with fellow knitters. Whether you are interested in sweater construction, Scandinavian colorwork, improving your knitting technique, or simply enjoying exceptional travel with like-minded friends, this cruise offers the perfect balance of learning, exploration, and inspiration.

Come knit your way through the Mediterranean with Craft Cruises and Beth Brown-Reinsel on what promises to be one of our most memorable knitting adventures.

Your Instructor - Beth Brown-Reinsel

Beth Brown-Reinsel is an internationally recognized knitting teacher, author, and designer known for her expertise in traditional knitting techniques and historic garment construction. She is the author of the acclaimed book Knitting Ganseys and has spent decades researching, preserving, and teaching knitting traditions from Scandinavia, the Baltic region, and the British Isles. Her hands-on teaching style emphasizes understanding both how a technique works and why it developed, helping students build confidence while gaining a deeper appreciation for knitting history.

Beth brings traditional techniques to life through carefully designed samplers and small-scale garments that allow students to learn construction methods in context. Her warm, supportive approach, thorough handouts, and attention to each student make even unfamiliar techniques approachable and rewarding.

Beth Brown-Reinsel's onboard classes offer an exceptional exploration of Scandinavian and Baltic knitting traditions. Topics include the Norwegian Purl, Swedish and Baltic braids and cords, Swedish Twined Knitting, and traditional Norwegian mittens. Students will explore colorwork, decorative braids, traditional motifs, yarn handling, mitten construction, and other techniques that can be incorporated into modern knitting projects.

With classes ranging from All Levels to Intermediate, this program is ideal for knitters who enjoy learning new techniques, understanding the history behind their craft, and connecting with fellow fiber enthusiasts while exploring the Mediterranean in comfort and style.

10-Day Italy & Croatia Knitting Cruise Highlights

Craft Cruises selects itineraries offering various activities to help bring each port to life. Whether you explore on your own or on an escorted tour, these enriching encounters ensure everyone goes home with memories that last a lifetime.

• Arrive early to enjoy all Barcelona has to offer. Stroll along Las Ramblas, a boulevard full of street performers, cafes, and outdoor shopping which includes anything from live animals to art.

• Explore the main market in Barcelona, La Boqueria, where you will find all kinds of culinary marvels, hand-made sweets and other goodies to entice your senses.

• Learn about Gaudí architecture.

• Shop for yarn at Barcelona's most popular yarn shop and visit the astoundingly beautiful Gothic Quarter with even more great little shops full of treasures.

• Shop for yarn at All You Knit is Love and Miss Kits in Barcelona. Both shops are internationally recognized for having curated selections of local, imported and private label hand-dyed yarns.

• Visit Valletta, Malta, a UNESCO World Heritage city with centuries of Mediterranean trading history and a rich legacy of lace, embroidery, and textile craft.

• Shop at Victor Galea Haberdashery, a long-established family business in Valletta that carries yarns, sewing supplies, trims, and notions. The shop represents the sort of traditional haberdashery that has largely disappeared from many European cities and offers a glimpse into Malta's continuing craft culture.

• Wander around Chania, Crete. It is truly one of Greece's most charming ports with its Venetian architecture, flower-filled lanes, waterfront cafés, and a relaxed pace make this an ideal destination for knitters who enjoy wandering and discovering unexpected treasures.

• Shop at Pleko Chania, located a short walk from Chania's old harbor, this independent yarn shop specializes in natural fibers and carries brands such as Noro, Lana Gatto, Louisa Harding, Debbie Bliss, and Drops.

• Wander, photograph, and enjoy lunch by the sea. Mykonos rewards those who slow down.

• In Kusadasi visit the remarkable ruins of Ephesus, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.

• Spend time shopping for yarn and exploring Plaka, Athens' charming "Neighborhood of the Gods," nestled beneath the Acropolis. Stroll through its winding alleys lined with historic landmarks, colorful flower-filled balconies, inviting tavernas, and cozy cafés.

• Grab your knitting and find a comfortable place on deck, and watch the scenery unfold as the ship arrives in Kotor, Montenegro. The dramatic fjord-like Bay of Kotor is surrounded by mountains that rise almost directly from the water and is considered the most beautiful harbor in Europe.

• Corfu combines Venetian elegance, beautiful gardens, and a relaxed island atmosphere. This is an excellent port for a leisurely stroll and a long lunch overlooking the water.

• Messina serves as a gateway to Sicily's rich food culture and dramatic landscapes. Don't overlook the local pastries, seafood, and bustling markets.

• Enjoy an overnight stay in Naples, gateway to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and some of Italy's most celebrated food traditions. With two days in port, guests can choose between ancient history, spectacular coastal scenery, bustling local markets, or simply savoring authentic Neapolitan cuisine at a leisurely pace.

• Explore Rome (Civitavecchia), the eternal city, and shop for high-quality Italian yarns and notions at boutique fiber shops in the city center.