Resort Wear Sewing Cruise Spring 2026
Departing Tampa, FL
April 12-18, 2026
About the Spring 2026
Resort Wear Sewing Cruise
Exclusive Patterns & Industry-Leading Educators
Set sail this spring for a once-in-a-lifetime sewing retreat featuring exclusive, never-before-released patterns designed specifically for this cruise by industry legends. You'll be learning from two powerhouse educators:
Monica O’Rourke of Bravo Bella, known for over 20 years of expertise in bra and swimwear design, will guide intermediate to advanced sewists through elegant, structured resort wear creations.
Morrison Jackson of The Little Sewing Room in Texas, a seasoned educator with over two decades of teaching at FIDM and The Art Institute, will lead our beginner track, making garment sewing approachable, exciting, and confidence-building.
Together with Jennifer Fairbanks of Porcelynne, who is co-developing all patterns behind the scenes, Monica and Morrison will deliver a rich and personalized learning experience. While Jennifer won’t be teaching directly, she’ll be present throughout the cruise for guidance, support, and community connection. This is your exclusive opportunity to learn, sew, and connect with celebrated names in the indie design world—while enjoying a luxurious Caribbean escape.
🌊 The Ultimate Sewing Vacation—Just Show Up and Sew
This isn’t just a retreat—it’s a floating, all-inclusive creative escape. From the moment you step onboard, we take care of the details so you can relax, create, and connect.
🛏 No Planning, No Packing Stress:
Accommodations? Included.
You’ll sleep soundly in a private cruise cabin with all the amenities you need.Meals? Covered.
Enjoy unlimited food at a variety of dining options—plus, we’ll host group dinners so you can connect with fellow sewists over delicious meals.Logistics? Handled.
No worrying about transport, food, or supplies—just roll out of bed and into the classroom!
🧘 Freedom & Flexibility:
Sew at Your Own Pace.
Whether you’re a morning stitcher or an all-day creator, you’ll have the freedom to come and go from our private sewing rooms as you please—even during port days.Bring the Family!
Let them enjoy poolside relaxation, onboard entertainment, or casino fun while you indulge in creative time. There’s something for everyone on board.
🌴 Spring in the Western Caribbean
Sailing in mid-April, this cruise lands in the perfect window:
Warm but Not Scorching:
Enjoy tropical breezes and sunshine without the peak summer heat.Pre-Hurricane Season:
Smooth sailing and ideal weather for both sewing and sightseeing.Exotic Port Stops:
With three stunning port days in Mexico and Belize, you’ll have the chance to explore vibrant cultures, relax on white-sand beaches, or just keep on sewing if you prefer.
🧑🤝🧑 Community Beyond the Classroom
The friendships don’t end at the sewing machine.
Evening Group Gatherings:
Whether it’s cocktails at sunset, deck-side games, or casual hangouts, we’re planning time for socializing and connection.Dine with Your Instructors:
Chat with Monica, Morrison, and Jennifer over dinner, get extra tips, or just unwind together.A Supportive & Inclusive Environment:
No cliques or competition—just a welcoming community of makers at all skill levels.
Teachers
Jennifer Fairbanks
Porcelynne
Lily Fong
LilypaDesigns
Lisha Sanders
Stitch Love Studio
Cassie Castillo
Primrose Dawn
Jennifer Fairbanks, Porcelynne
Jennifer's journey into the world of design began as a precocious 5-year-old who not only learned to sew but also sold her creations at her lemonade stand. After attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, she specialized in intimate apparel design. However, a tough experience post-graduation led her to leave the industry temporarily, and it was this pivot that led her back to school for graphic and web design. Returning to her first love of design but on her own terms, she moved across the country to San Francisco where she became a prominent figure in the design community.
Jennifer’s expertise is not just academic; it is the result of a lifetime of hands-on practice. She launched Porcelynne Lingerie, her first business in San Francisco, and learned business acumen the hard way—by making every possible mistake. Her experience of running her business and her involvement in design collectives gave her unique insights into the industry. She even landed a teaching position at FIDM in San Francisco, gaining formal experience in guiding others through the design process. Jennifer has authored books on design and participated in a pilot for a lingerie design reality show.
After a move to Los Angeles, where she met her husband, Jennifer continued to teach, write, and mentor, ever expanding her repertoire. Her journey has seen various twists and turns, from opening a fabric store to starting a nonprofit design school. Despite the obstacles, Jennifer has continued to thrive and adapt, driven by an insatiable passion for design and teaching. The most remarkable part? She’s achieved all this and more by the age of 40. Now a few years older, she is continuing to do what she loves: design and teach.
So, when you take a class with Jennifer, you're not just learning from a teacher; you're learning from a seasoned designer and entrepreneur who has walked the path she's guiding you on. Jennifer’s classes are an amalgamation of her years of experience, failures, successes, and most importantly, her unwavering passion for design. Whether you choose the full course or individual modules, you're in the most capable hands.
Cruise Itinerary:
Stitch, Sail, and Soak in the Sun
Sunday, April 12, 2026
🌟 All Aboard the Radiance – Set Sail from Tampa!
Your tropical sewing adventure begins! Step aboard Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Sea and get settled in your cabin. Join us for a welcome gathering where you’ll meet your fellow sewists, pick up your goodie bags, and get a sneak peek at what’s in store. Let the creativity (and the ocean breeze) flow!
Monday, April 13, 2026
🧵 Workshop Day at Sea – Build Your Resort Collection
It’s time to dive into sewing!
Beginner Track: Learn machine basics and stitch up stylish wrap pants, skirts, and breezy tops—perfect for island hopping.
Intermediate/Advanced Track: Work with Monica O’Rourke to craft a stunning sundress with expert fit and finish.
Enjoy a full day of sewing, learning, and tropical inspiration as the waves roll by.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
🌴 Port Day – Explore Cozumel or Keep Sewing
Dock in vibrant Cozumel!
Choose your own adventure:
Take an exciting excursion to explore ancient ruins, snorkel the reefs, or lounge at the beach.
Or stay onboard and enjoy uninterrupted time in our sewing studio to refine your work or get ahead on your projects.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
🏝 Port Day – Discover Beautiful Belize
Step off into paradise with excursions through Belize’s lush jungles, cultural villages, or coral reefs. Prefer to sew? Our classroom stays open for more creative time and one-on-one guidance from instructors.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
🌊 Port Day – Playa Costa Maya Adventures Await
Wander the colorful streets of Playa Costa Maya, unwind at a beachfront spa, or join a culinary or cultural tour. Or take advantage of the quiet sewing room and finish up your mini collection in peace.
Friday, April 17, 2026
👙 Workshop Day at Sea – Swimwear Magic
Let’s finish strong—with swimwear!
Learn to sew stretch fabrics and master finishing techniques.
Design and construct your own one-of-a-kind swimsuit or swim dress to enjoy by the pool before the trip ends.
Afterward, join us for a farewell group dinner and celebration as we toast to new friends, new skills, and fabulous fashion made by you.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
☀️ Return to Tampa – Farewell for Now
You’ll wake up in Tampa with a suitcase full of handmade resort wear and memories that will last a lifetime. Share one last breakfast with your new sewing family, then disembark.
✨ Bonus Wrap Party at Sew Pinellas/Porcelynne!
Before heading home, stop by our studio for a casual afternoon wrap party—stock up on supplies, show off your creations, grab some group photos, or just hang out with the crew one more time.
Join Us for the Spring Resort Wear Cruise
Price: $2550-3900
Set sail on the sewing vacation of a lifetime—April 12–18, 2026, aboard the Radiance of Royal Caribbean! This exclusive Western Caribbean cruise blends creativity, community, and coastal adventure in one all-inclusive retreat.
Whether you’re brand new to sewing or a seasoned stitcher, you’ll be guided by industry experts Monica O’Rourke of Bravo Bella and Morrison Jackson of The Little Sewing Room, with exclusive, never-before-released patterns crafted just for this experience.
Spend your days sewing resort wear in private oceanview classrooms, then explore Cozumel, Belize, and Costa Maya—or keep the creativity flowing onboard. We provide everything: machines, supplies, fabric kits, group dinners, and even wrap parties on land and sea.
Just bring your suitcase—we’ll handle the rest.
💸 Investment:
Double Occupancy (per person): $2,550
Single Occupancy or Private Room with a Guest: $3,900
✨ Sew by day, sail by night, and return home with your own handmade collection, new skills, and lifelong sewing friends.
📍 Limited spots available. Don’t miss your chance to cruise, create, and connect in style.