What do you get when you mix breathtaking scenery, endless yarn, and some of the most inspiring makers in the knitting world?
I just got back from an unforgettable SPJ Retreats Rhine River Cruise with some of the best in the fiber world: Jodi Brown & Tracie Millar (Grocery Girls Knit), Christopher Walker & Jamie Godin (Cabin Boy Knits), Lesley Snyder (Rosehaven Yarn Shop), Stephanie Earp & Naomi Endicott (Espace Tricot), and Deb McDonald & Janine Smith (Skein Sisters).
We started in the Netherlands, cruised through Germany and France, and wrapped up in Switzerland. It was a trip full of incredible scenery, amazing food, and of course tons of knitting!
But here’s the thing that really made this experience stand out: traveling with knitters is magic. Seriously. On the Rhine River Knitting Cruise, I kept hearing the same thing from solo travelers: “I’ve never made friends this quickly on a trip.”
Anywhere you sit down, you can start a conversation, ask for help, or just share a laugh over yarn. There’s an instant shorthand that makes even solo travel feel fun and welcoming.
That’s the magic of traveling with knitters. No awkward icebreakers, no lonely dinners, you can sit down anywhere, pull out your project, and you’re instantly part of the conversation.
Here’s a glimpse of the Rhine River Knitting Cruise through photo highlights:
All Aboard: Our Floating Home with AmaWaterways
Our ship was the beautiful AmaWaterways vessel: casual dress code, top-notch service, and all the comforts of home. Daily surprise gifts in our cabins made the journey even more special!
Amsterdam: Canals, Yarn, and Pride
We kicked things off in Amsterdam with iconic canal views, a visit to Stephen & Penelope, and even caught the vibrant Pride Parade before diving into our first group knitting session.
The Hague: Delft Pottery + Cross and Woods
In The Hague, we toured a Delft pottery studio and stopped by Cross and Woods, the perfect yarn shop for picking up a little local fiber treasure.
Cologne: Cathedrals and Cast-Ons
Home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000-year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Our day included yarn shopping at Garn Store and Kolnwolle.
Castles & Rüdesheim: Storybook Views
Sailing past the legendary Rhine castles was like stepping into a fairytale. We explored Rüdesheim with a wine tasting at its iconic vineyards and spent the afternoon knitting on the Upper Deck while cruising down “Castle Alley.”
Strasbourg, Ludwigshafen & Basel: A Perfect Ending
From French cafés in Strasbourg to German history in Ludwigshafen and the Swiss elegance of Basel, our final days wrapped up the cruise with laughter, yarn shopping, and lasting friendships.
More knitting journeys are coming soon!
Next up: Danube River Knit Cruise 2025 (Nov 29 – Dec 6): an enchanting holiday markets tour with Mary Jane Mucklestone. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or friends, this all-inclusive cruise includes meals, excursions, tips, drinks, and plenty of knitting time.
*For those traveling alone, pairing with roommates is an option to avoid solo supplement fees, and it’s a great way to meet new friends.
And . . . drum roll please
SAVE THE DATE
And mark your calendars for the Scotland & Shetland Islands Knitting Tour 2026 (Aug 30 – Sept 8, 2026): a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines stunning landscapes, rich fiber traditions, and new friends.
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Learn more about upcoming classes/events (includes both virtual & in-person) HERE.
To see a video recap of the trip:
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