Guests ask why we seldom do polls about our cruises. We have asked guests to name musicians they would like to hear, but we seldom, if ever, probe for critiques of the cruise. Asking guests who they want to perform is a recognition that we do not know every musician and there may be musicians whose popularity is unknown to us.

The emotional, and sometimes irrational, response to polls can be summed up in one story. Years ago, we asked guests on one of our cruises to name the Top Ten Artists they would like to see on the next sailing of that program. One of our artists wrote to us and called us to complain about the arbitrary nature of the poll and asked us to not share the results. The artist went on and on, making all the anti-poll comments that I am sharing with you now.

Just to see what the reaction might be, I shared with the artist that he/she was in 4th place in the poll. The complaints ended. There are several lessons to be gleaned from that story, very few of which are complimentary.

Critiques about the cruises are different. First, we usually receive that feedback in real time and, rather than reflect upon poll results which are often skewed, we gather our information anecdotally while mingling with our guests.

Back to the DownBeat Critic’s Poll. I would like to do a point-by-point exposé as to the results that I like and the ones that I do not like. Notice I say “like” rather than “agree” and “disagree.” “Like” is confirmation that the poll is subjective. “Agree” and “disagree” imply some degree of right and wrong, as if the poll is an objective report. Having spent considerable time in the world of candidate and issue polling, I know that the topline numbers are interesting, but it is the back pages that count. That is where the prejudices and assumptions can be found. The phrasing of the question posed can manipulate the results as you may desire.

Favorability: 

Candidate 1: 70%

Candidate 2: 30%

Polling Question:  Do you favor Candidate 1 or Candidate 2 now that you know that Candidate 2 may be a drug user?

The real questions are a bit more subtle, but not by much. Then there is the data about who is responding. What if we only polled guests who have sailed at least seven times with us? Would the results be different if we only polled new guests? Of course, it would.

Taking this inquiry back to the DownBeat Critic’s Poll, knowing the demographics of the “Critics” would be important. Age, location, years in the jazz business, etc. would be important indicators and predicters of outcome and choices. A 70-year-old critic from Boston would have a very different view from a 30-year-old critic from Los Angeles. 

Now you know why I am skeptical of all polls. What you see on paper may be very different from what is really happening. There is one poll that we, at Signature Cruise Experiences, rely upon year after year after year.

We count the number of smiling faces that we see during each cruise. That is the only polling that matters to us.

By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Journey of Jazz, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com

Forget the Calendar: It’s Christmas in July
and Christian McBride has a Gift for You!

Christian McBride loves Christmas. He loves giving gifts and making people happy. So, when he learned that some folks who want to sail on Christian McBride’s World at Sea might need a little wiggle in the Cruise Price, he was determined to devise an offer that would please all.

So, with a Ho! Ho! Ho! and a twinkle in his eye, Christian has declared the first ever Christmas in July Cruise Offer. Savings of around $1,300 per person ($2,600 per couple) are available.

You can call the office or book online. Be sure to use the Promo Code: XMAS.

Christian’s Christmas in July

*New reservations only

You Don’t Need a Passport to Catch Christian in Europe!

This week, jazz legend and Christian McBride’s World at Sea host, Christian McBride is taking Europe by storm – and he’s bringing us along for the ride! As he grooves through Poland, Italy, Switzerland and beyond, keep an eye on his social feed (and ours!) for special shout-outs and a taste of life on the (European) road. You never know where he’ll pop up next!

Biography of Lee Berk

Ever wonder where the name of the prestigious Berklee College of Music came from? If you didn’t know by now, you will learn all about it in Lee Berk: Leading the Berklee Way, the recently published biography of its longtime leader, written by Mark Small and Lee’s widow Susan Berk.   

Over the years, Lee and Susan were frequent guests on The Jazz Cruise and were very supportive in our growth and development. The book presents the story of descendants of poor Jewish immigrants from Russia who arrived on America’s shores in the 19th Century, paving the way for Lawrence Berk and his son Lee to realize their unique version of the American dream. Lawrence Berk established a humble, one-room teaching studio in Boston’s Back Bay in 1945. When Lee was 12, Lawrence reversed the names of his son and formally established the growing institution as Berklee School of Music (later, Berklee College of Music).

While not a musician himself, Lee Berk was a passionate music fan who attended thousands of concerts and dedicated his life to providing opportunities for young musicians. Beginning at home, he fostered Berklee’s mentoring and scholarship programs for Boston’s urban youth and played a pivotal role in establishing a Boston arts high school. The rest is history. Lee and Berklee’s impact on the jazz world is inarguable. The school has seen so many jazz greats pass through its doors over the years, including Branford Marsalis, Pat Metheny, Diana Krall, Lalah Hathaway, Bob James and too many more to mention here. Lee’s story is a great story. We hope you enjoy it.

Personal Note: I have read the book and it is a wonderful read about a truly wonderful man. I have shared my experiences with Lee Berk in other postings, but, just in case you missed them, Lee, along with Howard Stone and George Wein, were my mentors in the development of our jazz programs. Each knew much more about jazz than I did, but they also knew more about the interaction with jazz fans. All three would take me to task every so often, but, when Lee did it, you could not see the knife wound or the blood. I was able to have dinner with him and Susan very shortly before his tragic death. I can remember every minute of that night, and, more importantly, every word he ever said to me.

– Michael Lazaroff

Brian Culberson’s “On the Road”

Brian Culbertson‘s new single, “On The Road,” featuring Sheila. E and Marcus Miller is climbing the charts! This track, the first release off his upcoming album Day Trip, is a preview of what fans can expect from his upcoming Day Trip Tour this fall! The tour features old hits, mixed with some brand new tracks from the eclectic jazz phenom; and the show will feature Brian at the head of a 10-piece band in a genre-bending live show! No tracks, just 11 performers at the top of their game. The band will also feature Darren Rahn and Nicholas Cole. Brian’s new album Day Trip will be released this September.

In addition to joining us on multiple Jazz cruises in 2026, Brian also curates his New Orleans Jazz Getaway annually in March. The 2026 lineup features Brian Culbertson, Gerald Albright, Maysa, Peabo Bryson, Vincent Ingala and Lindsey Webster plus more to be announced soon! The Jazz Getaway Team takes all the hassle out of travel with their VIP and Platinum Packages. Each of these packages feature tickets to a welcome dinner and jam session, two main concert events and a weekend-long hotel stay at the luxurious JW Marriott New Orleans. Plus, these packages ALSO include transport to both main concert events. Don’t wait, get your tickets today for the third, and final, New Orleans Jazz Getaway. It’s A Vibe! 

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025

Cruise Programs – 2026

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

Journey of Jazz ’25 – Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Journey of Jazz is more than 99% reserved! There are less than 15 Inside Staterooms available. 

These remaining staterooms are currently at their final, lowest price. Don’t miss your chance – join us on our Journey this September!

*New reservations only 

BOOK NOW

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise – 5 Days, 5 Nights, 5 Star Experience

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise will deliver five incredible days and nights of five-star entertainment, all centered around the music and career of 16-time GRAMMY® winner David Foster. Michael McDonald, Babyface, Katharine McPhee and other preeminent talents will join us aboard. 

Open Booking has begun and staterooms are already moving fast! Act soon to reserve your stateroom of choice. 

BOOK NOW

Christian McBride’s World at Sea – Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Open Booking has begun! Special pricing available for a limited time on Ocean View & Inside Staterooms. Use Promo Code XMAS when you make your reservation!

*New reservations only

BOOK NOW

The Jazz Cruise ’26
is in Open booking

The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking!
 
Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when! 

BOOK NOW

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2 are Fully Reserved

Of course, you may join the Waitlist. Or, if you’d prefer to sail the West Coast this fall (two novel concepts for this program), consider joining us on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3. 

JOIN WAITLIST

Top Shelf Country Cruise
is now in Open Booking

With premium talent like Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes, Thelma & James and Kassi Ashton, Top Shelf Country Cruise earns its title as the First-Class Country Music Cruise!

Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3
is in Open Booking

For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast! 

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking and staterooms are more than 85% reserved.

Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

Botti at Sea ’26
is in Open Booking

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26 in Fall 2026. 

Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

The post Our Take: Polls appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

I have seen Al Jolson in the Jazz Singer and Neil Diamond in the remake of the same movie. Not one song sounded jazzy to me. Frank Sinatra sang torch songs, standards, even some rather silly tunes, but look out if you try to say he was anything but a jazz singer!  On the other hand, even when she was playing it straight, Ella Fitzgerald was a jazz singer, 100%. Groups like Up With People and Sing Along with Mitch Miller made their living singing standards, yet no one would dare call them jazz singers. Then there is the case of Leslie Odom, Jr., one of the superstars of Hamilton. He announced to the world that he was a jazz singer, formed a group to back him up and went on the road. His voice and song presentation were amazing, but it sounded like a great Broadway performance. For the most part, he has abandoned the pursuit of being the next Nat King Cole.

In the pursuit of qualifying vocalists as a jazz singer or not, there are no objective criteria upon which we can rely. The tests are subjective, which means that there is a lot of wiggle room here for you to insert your own ideas and thoughts. Perhaps the following will trigger a conversation that we can pick up in future editions of The Weekender. So, let’s see if we can sketch out the characteristics that identify a vocalist as a jazz singer.

Self-Belief

The Leslie Odom, Jr. example aside, promoting yourself as a jazz singer is an important first step to being one. When George Benson went from being one of the top jazz guitarists in the world to being a hit making vocalist, he moved away from the jazz moniker. Doing so infuriated many jazz fans and critics, but his monster talents could not be derailed, and he is as big a musical icon and genius as anyone. The story of Nat King Cole, the jazz pianist who was dragged kicking and screaming to being a jazz vocalist, is different. Had he not been a jazz musician and had he not longed to remain being known as such, his vocal styling may have been viewed as being outside our genre. It was his self-belief and identification that ruled the day.

Song Presentation

A jazz singer presents themselves as a member of the band and not as a performer being backed up. Their instrument is their voice and, when it is their turn to play, they sing. They move to the side of the bandstand when a musician is featured. They repeatedly introduce the band members to the audience. They are proud to be part of an ensemble.

Song Choice

Rarely am I at a loss as to how to describe something, but a jazz singer’s song choices are different. They select tunes that can be changed and made more exciting by jazzing up the performance. The lyrics may be the same, but they add nuances, different phrasing and syncopated beats that “jazz” the songs up.

Venues

Jazz singers perform in Performing Arts Centers, jazz clubs and similar venues You will not find a jazz singer at a country fair, a rave or at a Rock ‘n Roll Festival. They select venues that provide comfort, class and collegiality, for jazz is a genre that is meant to be shared by the performers and the audience. Perhaps the most compelling adjective to describe a jazz venue is “intimate.” That does not necessarily mean small, but it does mean not large. Generally, the venue is cabaret style or theater seating. No large “pit” in the front of the stage so that fans can dance. The latter is a bit ironic, for jazz became popular as the music to dance to.

I believe that I have steered away from saying anything controversial, but with only a few sentences left, I am throwing caution to the wind and going for it. Ready?

• Kurt Elling is a jazz singer, Michael Bublé is not.
• Peter Cincotti is a jazz singer, Michael Bolton is not.
• Dee Dee Bridgewater is a jazz singer, Norah Jones is not.
• Samara Joy is a jazz singer, Sade is not.
• Cécile McLorin Salvant is a jazz singer, Adele is not.
• Harry Connick, Jr. is a jazz singer, because I say he is! 😊

Having your own column in your own mailer is fun. Being the writer, the editor and the publisher is a hoot. I love sharing thoughts with our amazing fans and I cannot wait for the reactions to this particular story. 

By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Journey of Jazz, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

Benny Benack III’s This is the Life

For the first time in his recording career, Benny Benack III has released a live album. Recorded over two nights at the Blue Llama Jazz Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan, This Is the Life captures Benny’s unique combination of charisma and chops, all too familiar to guests of The Jazz Cruise and Botti at Sea. Recently voted #1 Rising Star Male Vocalist and #8 Rising Star Trumpeter in the 2025 DownBeat Readers Poll, Benny is a true double threat as a vocalist and trumpeter. He was accompanied by longtime collaborators Mathis Picard (piano), Russell Hall (bass) and Joe Peri (drums), as well as his father, Benny Jr., a veteran of the Pittsburgh jazz scene, featured as a special guest.

“With A Lot of Livin’ to Do, I was saying ‘there’s so much ahead,’” Benny III explained. “But this one shows what I’ve lived. I’m so thrilled with how the live record came out. Mathis, Russell and Joe played their butts off, and having my Dad, Benny Jr., play on a handful of tunes was a special treat as well.”

Mitch Towne’s Refuge

The keyboardist and organist Mitch Towne will be sailing with us on the David Foster Hitman Cruise, as a member of the Yacht Jazz Trio, along with saxophonist Tom Scott and drummer John JR Robinson, two of the most recorded instrumentalists in contemporary music. Belying his own career as a first-call studio musician and in-demand sideman, Mitch has just released Refuge, his first album as a leader, in the traditional jazz organ trio format, featuring Mitch on the Hammond B-3, Tetsuya Nishiyama on guitar and Jeffery Johnson on drums.

The album’s seven selections include six originals that combine jazz, blues and funk that swings hard. In addition, Kenny Kirkland’s “Steepian Faith” is a passionate tribute to the late pianist.

Christian McBride in Forbes Magazine

Forbes Magazine senior contributor Steve Balkin recently interviewed Christian about McBride’s World at Sea and his role as a veritable ambassador of jazz. Click below to read their conversation.

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025

Cruise Programs – 2026

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

Journey of Jazz ’25 – Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Journey of Jazz is more than 98% reserved! There are less than 30 available staterooms consisting of Veranda and Inside Staterooms. These remaining staterooms are currently at their final, lowest price. Don’t miss your chance – join us on our Journey this September! *New reservations only 

BOOK NOW

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise – 5 Days, 5 Nights, 5 Star Experience

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise will deliver five incredible days and nights of five-star entertainment, all centered around the music and career of 16-time GRAMMY® winner David Foster. Michael McDonald, Babyface, Katharine McPhee and other preeminent talents will join us aboard. Open Booking has begun and staterooms are already moving fast! Act soon to reserve your stateroom of choice. 

BOOK NOW

Christian McBride’s World at Sea – Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Open Booking has begun! Special pricing available for a limited time on Ocean View & Inside Staterooms. Use Promo Code CMW when you make your reservation! *New reservations only

BOOK NOW

The Jazz Cruise ’26
is in Open booking

The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when!

BOOK NOW

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2 are Fully Reserved

Of course, you may join the Waitlist. Or, if you’d prefer to sail the West Coast this fall (two novel concepts for this program), consider joining us on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3.

JOIN WAITLIST

Top Shelf Country Cruise
is now in Open Booking

With premium talent like Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes, Thelma & James and Kassi Ashton, Top Shelf Country Cruise earns its title as the First-Class Country Music Cruise! Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3
is in Open Booking

For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast! The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking and staterooms are more than 75% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

Botti at Sea ’26
is in Open Booking

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26 in Fall 2026. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

The post Our Take: The Jazz Vocalist appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

During this brief hiatus, besides the usual mid-summer activities, we will be preparing for our mid-2025 meetings during which we will be assessing our ’26 Programs and planning for our ’27 Programs. Doing so causes me to reflect upon the 25+ years of producing our programs, the musicians we have known and the amazing guests that we have met, befriended and enjoyed. We are very fortunate to be doing something that we love, with people that we respect, and for people whom we wish to make happy at all times. If you have to toil, it makes it so much easier when you love doing it.

As you know, we have expanded our cruise programs to include additional jazz programs (Journey of Jazz and Christian McBride’s World at Sea) together with some entertainment programs that are outside of the world of jazz. Some, like Botti at Sea and David Foster: The Hitman Cruise, though not entirely jazzy, are within the general vicinity of the jazz world. Others, like Top Shelf Country Cruise and past programs like NASCAR and Star Trek are far from striking distance of our music. Since we will be heading into a planning phase for our next set of programs, we thought it would be interesting if we asked our most loyal fans, the readers of The Weekender, to weigh in and suggest what types of cruise programs they would like us to tackle.

You see, we love our music more than anything in the world, but our singular skill is being able to produce a charter theme cruise. Very few people know how to do that and we believe that we do it better than anyone else. Applying that skill set to any theme is doable for us. One of our mission statements is to add a different theme cruise each year. Top Shelf Country Cruise was the choice for ’26. We are excited to announce that there will be a ’27 sailing of Top Shelf Country Cruise. I should have bought those boots instead of renting them!

Back to our request of you. If you have a cruise concept in mind for us to consider producing, please let us know by sending the information to info@scecruises.com. If we select your theme and it becomes a cruise, not only will you sail on the cruise for life for free, but you will be an “owner”!   

By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Journey of Jazz, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

Samara Joy’s New Single and BBC Orchestral Debut

The jazz vocal star Samara Joy, who will be performing during McBride’s World at Sea, has just released a new single, “Flor de Lis,” a Portuguese outtake from her 2024 album Portrait, on June 27 In the lead up to her upcoming South American dates in Argentina and Brazil.

In addition, Samara will perform with her octet and the BBC Concert Orchestra on July 19. Her first time performing with a full orchestra, the concert will be broadcast live on BBC4.

LEARN MORE

Christian McBride Big Band Album

Samara will also appear on the upcoming recording from the Christian McBride Big Band, Without Further Ado, Vol. 1, singing “Old Folks.” Released on Mack Avenue on August. 29, the album features classic jazz and pop standards sung by Samara and other special guest vocalists, including Cécile McLorin Salvant, Dianne Reeves, José James, Jeffrey Osborne and Antoinette Henry. The first single from the album has just been released and it features Sting and Andy Summers performing “Murder By Numbers,” their tune from The Police’s 1982 multi-platinum Synchronicity.

“This album has been a fantastic opportunity to record some of my favorite big band arrangements, with some of my favorite singers,” Christian said.

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Mid-Summer Break

As we mentioned in the Our Take, our office will be closed from Monday, June 30 through Friday, July 4. We will be open as usual starting at 10 AM ET on Monday, July 7. Though away from the office, we remain available via email at info@scecruises.com. 

All of us at Signature Cruise Experiences wish you and yours a happy, fun and safe July 4th holiday. Whether you spend it on the beach, at a pool, on the deck or just lounging, every holiday deserves a few hours of great jazz! Do not live without it!

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025

Cruise Programs – 2026

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

Journey of Jazz ’25 – Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Journey of Jazz is more than 97% reserved! There are less than 40 available staterooms consisting of Veranda and Inside Staterooms. These remaining staterooms are currently at their final, lowest price. Don’t miss your chance – join us on our Journey this September! *New reservations only

BOOK NOW

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise – 5 Days, 5 Nights, 5 Star Experience

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise will deliver five incredible days and nights of five-star entertainment, all centered around the music and career of 16-time GRAMMY® winner David Foster. Michael McDonald, Babyface, Katharine McPhee and other preeminent talents will join us aboard. Open Booking has begun and staterooms are already moving fast! Act soon to reserve your stateroom of choice.

BOOK NOW

Christian McBride’s World at Sea – Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Open Booking has begun! Special pricing available for a limited time on Ocean View & Inside Staterooms. Use Promo Code CMW when you make your reservation! *New reservations only

BOOK NOW

The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open booking

The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when!

BOOK NOW

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2 are Fully Reserved

Of course, you may join the Waitlist. Or, if you’d prefer to sail the West Coast this fall (two novel concepts for this program), consider joining us on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3.

JOIN WAITLIST

Top Shelf Country Cruise is now in Open Booking

With premium talent like Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes, Thelma & James and Kassi Ashton, Top Shelf Country Cruise earns its title as the First-Class Country Music Cruise! Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking

For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast! The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking and staterooms are more than 75% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

Botti at Sea ’26 is in Open Booking

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26 in Fall 2026. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

The post Our Take: Is it a June Swoon or Just a Nice Break? appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Though our cruises have different names, each of which intended to convey a certain image of the cruise, the only way to define a cruise program is to examine the musicians. Take the upcoming sailing of Journey of Jazz. Hosted by Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter, the cruise features Dee Dee Bridgewater, Chucho Valdés, Diana Krall and the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. There is little doubt that this cruise will be a strong lean to the jazzy side of music. No surprises, just great music performed by category killers.

The lineup for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise reflects the virtually borderless range of David Foster’s musical life and interests. Michael McDonald and Babyface. Katharine McPhee and Take 6. These performers share two things. Each are among the best in the world and each are part of Foster’s world. This program is a cruise of personality, style and panache. Every night will be exciting. Every performance will shine brightly. The talent is first-class and so is the cruise. What would you expect from a 16X GRAMMY® winner?

When we approached Christian McBride about doing a cruise, we shared our belief that his musical world was a jazz festival all by itself. With his Big Band, performing groups like Inside Straight and Remembering Ray Brown and his very hip Ursa Major, McBride’s ensembles alone would produce a festival full of music. Christian’s affinity for and relationships with the top vocalists in the genre (Samara Joy, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Ledisi, Angélique Kidjo, José James, and Melissa Walker) was the perfect complement. This cruise is a tour de force of strong personalities and strong musical identities. With a 9X GRAMMY® winning bassist “pulling the strings,” it will be a joyous journey.

If any cruise is understood by its name, The Jazz Cruise might be the one. Simply stated, it is THE jazz cruise. With 100 jazz musicians, among them four NEA Jazz Masters, and countless musicians who should be, Randy Brecker’s call that The Jazz Cruise is “jazz heaven” is right on the money. The cruise is certainly known for the superb quality of its performers, but that is somewhat secondary to the program’s place as the most significant straight-ahead jazz event in the world. With well over 200 hours of great jazz during the week, all other events will fight for second place in this genre. Under the guidance of host Emmet Cohen, The Jazz Cruise lineup reads like a Who’s Who of Jazz.

Finding the talent for three sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise would be difficult except for the fact that following the wishes of our guests makes those decisions much easier. They love Marcus Miller and Boney James as hosts and would be very upset if Brian Culbertson or Jonathan Butler were missing. From there, we have a host of top players that join us in various waves, each time creating happiness and excitement for our amazing bevy of guests. Having said that, The Smooth Jazz Cruise is also defined by its nickname, “The Greatest Party at Sea”! Most of us realize that it would not be much of a party without our amazing performers.

Chris Botti travels the world with his band, performing perhaps more than any other large ensemble. The show, like his cruise, Botti at Sea, is a tour de force of individual talent blended together to create a magical evening of topflight music. Therein lies the beauty of his cruise. Our job is to assist him in finding talent that reflects this level of excellence and eclectic entertainment. Enter Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello and Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle and others. Every night on Botti at Sea is like going out for the evening, having a great dinner, and enjoying a great show. When the ship enters the wee hours and you move into the “club” entertainment phase of the cruise, you know that your “night on the town” has become an adventure. Again, it is the talent that makes this work.

SPECIAL NOTE: The full lineup for Botti at Sea III (’26) will be announced very soon.  We are excited to share the news.

Some of our ardent jazz fans have asked why we are presenting Top Shelf Country Cruise, our country music program. The short answer is because iHeart Media asked us to do so. The long answer, though different, is the talent available for this cruise program was…well, “top shelf.” Keith Urban is our headliner, but Lee Brice, Parmalee, Scotty McCreery and LeAnn Rimes are stars in their own right.

Granted, I did not know much about this music until iHeart came calling. In fact, when they told us that they wanted to do cruises with us and that the first one would be a “country” cruise, I coyly responded “which country?”.

Now I know which country and I have learned that there is room in this country for several genres of music. After all, as my father would say, there are only two kinds of music…good and bad. The trick is finding the right talent for the right program, or in this case, the right cruise! And, again, if you are trying to define a cruise, look no further than the talent presented. The lineup tells all.

(Reminder: Tomorrow is Father’s Day. A suggestion to all sons and daughters: Do something that will make your dad smile. Any gift will soon be forgotten, consumed or lost, but the memory of making them smile or laugh will carry forward…at least until you do something amazingly dumb! My parents are deceased, so giving Father’s Day and Mother’s Day advice comes with no penalty or concern.)

By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Journey of Jazz, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

Jazz Community News

Two of the nation’s most prominent jazz organizations have just announced the concert schedule for their ’25/’26 seasons.

Jazz at Lincoln Center

Across the country on the West Coast, SFJAZZ has announced its upcoming concert season which runs from September 4 through May 24, 2026. Curated by Executive Artistic Director Terence Blanchard, the nine-month season will feature over 350 concerts, including the return of last year’s emerging artists series The Upswing, along with a new class of Resident Artistic Directors in Michael League, Meshell Ndegeocello, Omar Sosa and Immanuel Wilkins. Other headliners include many artists familiar to our cruise program guests, such as Paquito D’Rivera, Kurt Elling, Ledisi, Bria Skonberg, The Cookers, Lisa Fischer, Anat Cohen, Arturo Sandoval and many others.

SFJAZZ

Across the country on the West Coast, SFJAZZ has announced its upcoming concert season which runs from September 4 through May 24, 2026. Curated by Executive Artistic Director Terence Blanchard, the nine-month season will feature over 350 concerts, including the return of last year’s emerging artists series The Upswing, along with a new class of Resident Artistic Directors in Michael League, Meshell Ndegeocello, Omar Sosa and Immanuel Wilkins. Other headliners include many artists familiar to our cruise program guests, such as Paquito D’Rivera, Kurt Elling, Ledisi, Bria Skonberg, The Cookers, Lisa Fischer, Anat Cohen, Arturo Sandoval and many others.

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025

Cruise Programs – 2026

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

Journey of Jazz ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

The cruise is more than 92% reserved! The remaining staterooms consist, mainly, of Veranda Staterooms, Inside Staterooms and Single Inside Staterooms! These remaining staterooms are favorably priced through June 15, 2025(*). Please use the promo code: NOW. There is no obligation to complete a reservation once you learn the prices. *New reservations only.

BOOK NOW

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David Foster: The Hitman Cruise
5 Days, 5 Nights, 5 Star Experience

Join us aboard the luxurious Celebrity Summit for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise — five incredible days and nights celebrating timeless hits, legendary artists and 5-star entertainment, all curated by one of the greatest musical minds of our time. Register Today!

BOOK NOW

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Christian McBride’s World at Sea
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Open Booking has begun! Special pricing is available for a limited time on Ocean View and Inside Staterooms. Use Promo Code CMW when you make your reservation! *New reservations only

BOOK NOW

The Jazz Cruise ’26
is in Open booking

The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when!

BOOK NOW

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is Fully Reserved
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved

Of course, you may join the Waitlist. Or, if you’d prefer to sail the West Coast this fall (two novel concepts for this program), consider joining us on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3. 

BOOK NOW

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Top Shelf Country Cruise
is now in Open Booking

With premium talent like Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes, Thelma & James and Kassi Ashton, Top Shelf Country Cruise earns its title as the First-Class Country Music Cruise! Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3
is in Open Booking

For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast! 

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking and staterooms are more than 75% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

Botti at Sea ’26
is in Open Booking

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26. 

Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

The post Our Take: Talent Seeking appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Now to our #1 birthday celebration.

Today is Christian McBride’s 53^rd birthday. With all that he has accomplished, it is hard to believe that he is only 53! Perhaps he started when he was 10! Winning 9 GRAMMY® Awards, being a sideman on over 400 recordings, leading countless top bands (Inside Straight, Remembering Ray Brown, Ursa Major, Christian McBride’s Big Band, Christian McBride Trio and Tip City), Artistic Director of the Newport Jazz Festival and the host of radio shows on SiriusXM and NPR sounds like the resume of someone in their 70s!   

Christian is also the host of Christian McBride’s World at Sea Cruise, one of our newest programs. The cruise highlights many of Christian’s amazing ensembles along with some of the most lauded vocal talent in the world of jazz, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Samara Joy, José James, Ledisi and Melissa Walker (Christian’s wife). The cruise is one of the most exciting projects we have ever presented, and that verve is due entirely to the spirit and talents of Christian.

Looking for the proper present for Christian McBride? Reserving a stateroom for his cruise is the perfect gift. Always fits. Never goes out of date. Nothing to wrap!

By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Journey of Jazz, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

Boney James’ Fans: The ’25 Summer Tour is About to Start

Boney James, co-host of The Smooth Jazz Cruise and iconic performer in this genre, is about to begin his ’25 Slow Burn Summer Tour.

For ticket information, go to www.boneyjames.com, click on “Tour” and then select the show near you. You do not want to miss his amazing show! On behalf of everyone at Signature Cruise Experiences, “Go Boney, Go Boney!”

Jazz Festivals in June

Tomorrow is the first day of June, which means that jazz festival season has really started. Here are four great events on successive weekends, all of which feature artists associated with our cruise programs.

Napa Valley Jazz Getaway
June 4-7
The Grand Reserve at Meritage Resort Napa, CA

LEARN MORE

Healdsburg Jazz Festival
June 13-22
Various venues Healdsburg, CA

LEARN MORE

Vancouver Jazz Festival
June 20-July 1
Various venues, Vancouver, BC

LEARN MORE

Saratoga Jazz Festival
June 28-29
Saratoga Performing Arts Center Saratoga Springs, NY

LEARN MORE

The Lowdown on SiriusXM

The incredible SiriusXM radio show, The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian, featuring Christian McBride’s engaging interviews (and musical performances) with his fellow artists, airs every Saturday at 11AM ET and Tuesday at 6PM ET on the Real Jazz channel. Many of the episodes feature interviews with artists recorded during The Jazz Cruise, but all make for great listening.

Here’s the upcoming schedule of episodes:

May 24 & May 27:  Randy Brecker (Part 1)
May 31 & June 3:  Randy Brecker (Part 2)
June 7 & 10:  Brad Mehldau
June 14 & 17:  Marcus Miller
June 21 & 24:  Todd Williams
June 28 & July 1:  Lara Downes
July 5 & 8:  John Clayton
July 12 & 15:  Kurt Elling
July 19 & 22:  Dan Wilson
July 26 & 29:  Eubanks Brothers
August 2 & 5:  Emmet Cohen

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025

Cruise Programs – 2026

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

Journey of Jazz ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

The cruise is more than 94% reserved! The remaining staterooms consist, mainly, of Veranda Staterooms, Inside Staterooms and Single Inside Staterooms! These remaining staterooms are favorably priced through June 15, 2025(*). Please use the promo code: NOW. There is no obligation to complete a reservation once you learn the prices. *New reservations only.

BOOK NOW

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David Foster: The Hitman Cruise
5 Days, 5 Nights, 5 Star Experience

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise will deliver five incredible days and nights of five-star entertainment, all centered around the music and career of 16-time GRAMMY® winner David Foster. Michael McDonald, Babyface, Katharine McPhee and other preeminent talents will join us aboard. Open Booking started yesterday and staterooms are already moving fast! Act soon to reserve your stateroom of choice.

OPEN BOOKING

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Christian McBride’s World at Sea
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Open Booking has begun! Special pricing is available for a limited time on Ocean View and Inside Staterooms. Use Promo Code CMW when you make your reservation! *New reservations only

BOOK NOW

The Jazz Cruise ’26
is in Open booking

The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when!

BOOK NOW

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved

Of course, you may join the Waitlist. Or, if you’d prefer to sail the West Coast this fall (two novel concepts for this program), consider joining us on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3. 

JOIN WAITLIST

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Top Shelf Country Cruise
is now in Open Booking

With premium talent like Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes, Thelma & James and Kassi Ashton, Top Shelf Country Cruise earns its title as the First-Class Country Music Cruise! Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3
is in Open Booking

For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast! 

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking and staterooms are more than 75% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

Botti at Sea ’26
is in Open Booking

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello, Melody Gardot and Peabo Bryson will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26. 

Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

The post Our Take: The Last Day of May…Bigger than You Might Think appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Journey of Jazz, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

Pittsburgh Jazz Festival

Our friends at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival have announced their lineup for the four-day event during September 18-21, including a free jazz street party on Saturday and Sunday with live music on outdoor stages. Headliners include Branford Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bilal, Jazzmeia Horn, Etienne Charles, Kandace Springs, Ekep Nkwelle and many others. Pianist Orrin Evans will host a Jazz Train on Amtrak that leaves from NYC with stops in Newark and Philadelphia before arriving in Pittsburgh on Thursday.

On Friday night, Dan Wilson and special guest Jonathan Butler will present an all-star tribute honoring Pittsburgh’s own George Benson at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.

LEARN MORE

Monterey Jazz Festival

The 68th edition of the prestigious Monterey Jazz Festival takes place September 26-28 at the Monterey Fairgrounds. The stellar lineup includes many artists who have performed or will perform on our programs including Dianne Reeves, Gregory Porter, Christian McBride, Ledisi, Benny Green, Grace Kelly, John and Gerald Clayton, Sullivan Fortner, Camille Thurman, Lisa Fischer, Rene Marie and others.

Former Monterey Jazz Artist-in-Residence and Welcome to the Sands Box creator Christian Sands is composing the 2025 commission piece. Dizzy’s Den, the beloved indoor venue is back, complete with simulcasts of the last two Arena performances each night. Three-Day ticket packages and Single-Day tickets are now on sale.

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025

Cruise Programs – 2026

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

Journey of Jazz ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

The cruise is more than 92% reserved! The remaining staterooms consist, mainly, of Veranda Staterooms, Inside Staterooms and Single Inside Staterooms! These remaining staterooms are favorably priced through June 15, 2025(*). Please use the promo code: NOW. There is no obligation to complete a reservation once you learn the prices. *New reservations only.

BOOK NOW

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David Foster: The Hitman Cruise
5 Days, 5 Nights, 5 Star Experience

Join us aboard the luxurious Celebrity Summit for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise — five incredible days and nights celebrating timeless hits, legendary artists and 5-star entertainment, all curated by one of the greatest musical minds of our time. Join the Pre-Sail to register for first access to your stateroom of choice before Open Booking becomes available to the public. Register below! 

LEARN MORE

---

Christian McBride’s World at Sea
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Open Booking has begun! Special pricing is available for a limited time on Ocean View and Inside Staterooms. Use Promo Code CMW when you make your reservation! *New reservations only

BOOK NOW

The Jazz Cruise ’26
is in Open booking

The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when!

BOOK NOW

---

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved, but you may join the Waitlist. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking and staterooms are 99% reserved.

BOOK NOW

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Top Shelf Country Cruise
is now in Open Booking

With premium talent like Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes, Thelma & James and Kassi Ashton, Top Shelf Country Cruise earns its title as the First-Class Country Music Cruise! Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

---

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3
is in Open Booking

For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast! 

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking and staterooms are more than 75% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

Botti at Sea ’26
is in Open Booking

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello, Melody Gardot and Peabo Bryson will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26. 

Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

The post Our Take: Memorial Day Weekend appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

With this background, no one should be surprised that my gravesite visit on Sunday was interrupted by a soft voice that only I could hear. At first, I did not understand the words nor could I recognize the voice. As the message continued, the words became clear and the identity of the speaker was unmistakable. Mom was admonishing me for spending too much time on The Weekender talking about all the other cruises we present and not enough time on The Jazz Cruise! Her criticism of my running of The Jazz Cruise was not new. If it were up to her, the cruise would never change. New ideas were met with skepticism, if met at all.

Her desire for sameness would sometimes apply to musician’s fees. There was the time that she asked me what we were paying a certain musician, only to be upset that the current fee was higher than what she had paid in the past. When I told her that the amount she was quoting was at least four years old, she exclaimed, “he hasn’t gotten any better!” Mom was not a comedian, but she said some truly funny things. 

The one innovation of mine that Mom liked from the start was The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame Concert and Induction. Mom loved honoring musicians, colleagues and music people who were important contributors to The Jazz Cruise. The one privilege that she held onto until her death was naming the annual recipients. Only once did we deny her choices. That was the year that she would be our sole honoree. Once she knew it was her, she happily demurred.

If she were still in charge of The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame, she would love the choices for The Jazz Cruise ’26. We are proud to announce that Paquito D’Rivera and Chucho Valdés will be the ’26 inductees.

Having shared much of their professional and personal lives, it is only right that they enter our shrine together. For those who have not seen them perform together, you will be in for a great treat. The mutual admiration and respect, coupled with their amazing musicianship, always produces something wonderful. Speaking of something special, the entire lineup for The Jazz Cruise ’26 is amazing.

The highest honor in jazz is being an NEA Jazz Master. The Jazz Cruise ’26 features three such members, Paquito, Chucho and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Other icons of jazz onboard are Monty Alexander, Houston Person, Randy Brecker, Herlin Riley, Jeff Hamilton, Lewis Nash, John Clayton, Renee Rosnes and Benny Green. We also welcome back our annual heroes, Ken Peplowski, James Morrison, Eric Marienthal, Shelly Berg, Wycliffe Gordon and Rickey Woodard.

For those guests who love their jazz in vocal form, we are loaded: Dee Dee, Catherine Russell, Janis Siegel, Bria Skonberg, Veronica Swift, Niki Haris, Kurt Elling, John Pizzarelli and Benny Benack III. The ship is full of talented sidemen, Big Band Members and All Stars. Nearly 100 jazz musicians in all.

Of course, we have our Cruise Host, Emmet Cohen, to set the tone and the vibe for the cruise. Always friendly. Always engaged (no, not that kind of engaged). Emmet combines the very best in chops and charisma. 

In honor of the circle of life, it is only fitting that one of Mom’s picks for future stardom, a teenage Emmet Cohen when first onboard, would become the host of “her cruise”! Next time I visit the cemetery, I am sure she will tell me how much she loves The Jazz Cruise and how pleased she is that I have not buggered it up…yet.

By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Journey of Jazz, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

James Moody’s 80 Year’s Young: Live at the Blue Note

Linda Moody, the wife of the late great James Moody, is releasing a live recording of Moody’s
80th birthday celebration at the Blue Note in New York City in 2005. This was the grand finale of a week-long celebration that had already featured amazing performances from jazz giants like Jimmy Heath, Ray Barretto, Mike Long, and George Wein. The live recording features Jon Faddis, Paquito D’Rivera, Slide Hampton, Randy Brecker, Roberta Gambarini and Cedar Walton. Featured in the set was “Moody’s Mood for Love,” over a half-century since it was a major hit for King Pleasure and Moody’s signature tune over the decades. 

LEARN MORE

James Moody’s 100th Birthday Concert

On May 27, an all-star collection of jazz artists will celebrate Moody’s centennial in a concert at Sony Hall as part of the Blue Note Jazz Festival in NYC.

Performing music by and associated with Moody are Randy Brecker, Terri Lyne Carrington, Todd Coolman, Paquito D’Rivera, Jon Faddis, Roberta Gambarini, Christian McBride, Elena Pinderhughes, Madeleine Peyroux, Adam Nussbaum and Renee Rosnes.

LEARN MORE

Jose James’ 1978: Revenge of the Dragon

Set against the backdrop of his birth year, Jose James’ new album, 1978: Revenge of The Dragon, captures the electric tension of a transformative cultural moment. Jose, who will be sailing on McBride’s World at Sea in 2026, draws from the swirl of influences that defined the late ’70s: the experimental edge of New York’s loft and jazz scenes, the pop brilliance of Elton John and Billy Joel, the revolutionary pulse of Bob Marley and the Isley Brothers, the cosmic funk of Parliament-Funkadelic and the unstoppable rise of punk and disco.

Beneath it all was a sense of convergence—genres colliding, boundaries dissolving. Jose channels that restless spirit into a bold, cinematic sound that feels both timeless and radical. Jose will be touring the U.S. and Europe this summer.

LEARN MORE

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025

Cruise Programs – 2026

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

Journey of Jazz ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

The cruise is more than 94% reserved! The remaining staterooms consist, mainly, of Veranda Staterooms, Inside Staterooms and Single Inside Staterooms! These remaining staterooms are favorably priced through June 15, 2025(*). Please use the promo code: NOW. There is no obligation to complete a reservation once you learn the prices. *New reservations only.

BOOK NOW

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David Foster: The Hitman Cruise
5 Days, 5 Nights, 5 Star Experience

Join us aboard the luxurious Celebrity Summit for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise — five incredible days and nights celebrating timeless hits, legendary artists and 5-star entertainment, all curated by one of the greatest musical minds of our time. Join the Pre-Sail to register for first access to your stateroom of choice before Open Booking becomes available to the public. Register below! 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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Christian McBride’s World at Sea
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Open Booking has begun! Special pricing is available for a limited time on Ocean View and Inside Staterooms. Use Promo Code CMW when you make your reservation! *New reservations only

BOOK NOW

The Jazz Cruise ’26
is in Open booking

The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when!

BOOK NOW

---

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved, but you may join the Waitlist. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking and staterooms are 99% reserved.

BOOK NOW

---

Top Shelf Country Cruise
is now in Open Booking

With premium talent like Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes, Thelma & James and Kassi Ashton, Top Shelf Country Cruise earns its title as the First-Class Country Music Cruise! Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3
is in Open Booking

For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast! 

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking and staterooms are more than 75% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

Botti at Sea ’26
is in Open Booking

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello, Melody Gardot and Peabo Bryson will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26. 

Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

The post Our Take: The Jazz Cruise ’26 – Bigger & Better Than Ever appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Journey of Jazz, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

120 Days Until Journey of Jazz

By the numbers, Journey of Jazz ’25 sails in 120 days. 78 Staterooms remain available. 2nd Show Seating is 100% filled. If you act now, and are willing to accept a few restrictions, you can save up to 20%.

Anyone reserving a stateroom now on Journey of Jazz ’25 will be part of the “BLUE” guest group. What does that mean? We divide our guests into two groups: “BLUE” and “RED.” Guests with “BLUE” Cruise Identification Cards attend the 1st main show each night and dine afterwards. Guests with “RED” Cruise Identification Cards dine first and attend the 2nd Main Show.

The “RED” option is full, so anyone reserving one of the 78 remaining staterooms will be part of the “BLUE” group. Since the element of choice is gone, we have decided to provide savings for those who book now.

*Applies to new reservations only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Pricing is per-person, based on double occupancy and does not include pass-through charges. Offer expires June 15 (or while staterooms are available). 

Openings remain on most of the excursions that Signature Cruise Experiences has curated for this cruise.

David Foster: The Hitman Cometh

Signature Cruise Experiences has been fortunate through the years to be able to present some of the most respected and successful musicians and vocalists in the world. We have also worked with a few of the true legends of music in terms of writing, arranging and producing. Johnny Mandel and George Wein come to mind.

Johnny Mandel, known best for his “Suicide is Painless” theme, was a 5-time GRAMMY® Winner. He sailed on The Jazz Cruise and will forever be remembered as the man who received a standing ovation from the Big Band he was conducting as he walked onto the stage. George Wein, the founder of the Newport Jazz Festival among other jazz promotions, was a leader of a topflight band on The Jazz Cruise and is a member of that cruise program’s Hall of Fame.

Our next music icon to become a part of our team is probably the most significant living music impresario in the world. Though numbers are not determinative, at some point, they matter. David Foster has won 16 GRAMMY® Awards, been nominated 47 times and has launched, catapulted or redirected the careers of countless super vocalists. At the risk of forgetting someone, that list includes Celine Dion, Kenny Loggins, Joni Mitchell, Babyface, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, Renee Olstead, Clarice, Kenny Rogers, Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, Boz Scaggs, Toni Braxton, LeAnn Rimes, Whitney Houston, Peter Cetera, Katharine McPhee, Brian McKnight, Blake Shelton, Chris Botti, Barbra Streisand, Andrea Bocelli, Bryan Adams, Jewel and more.

Superstar Chris Botti, when creating the lineup for his first cruise, chose David Foster (and his wife, Katharine McPhee), as his first guest. He reprised that role for the second sailing and, to our pleasant surprise, was interested in hosting his own cruise program. When a slot opened for us (January 15-20, 2026), we went to work, finalized a deal and proceeded to work with David on a lineup. Digging into his repertoire of talented friends, Babyface and Michael McDonald were called and committed. Pia Toscano, Peter Cincotti and Daniel Emmet were next, followed closely by Nathan East, Noah East, Frédéric Yonnet, Emmet Cohen, Yacht Jazz Trio (John JR Robinson, Tom Scott, Mitch Towne) and one of our all-time favorite groups, Take 6.

The cruise will sail from Ft. Lauderdale to Key West and Nassau. Celebrity Summit, our customary cruise ship, will be the vessel. Pre-Sail Reservations are being processed now through May 23 and Open Booking starts on May 30.

SFJAZZ Events

SFJAZZGala

On Thursday, June 12, SFJAZZ will present its annual gala that includes a VIP cocktail reception and dinner, followed by an All-Star concert featuring Executive Artistic Director Terence Blanchard, Kurt Elling, Ambrose Akinmusire, Melissa Aldana, Bill Frisell, Charles Lloyd, the SFJAZZ Collective and many others. In addition, Blue Note Records President Don Was will be presented with the SFJAZZ Lifetime Achievement Award.

San Francisco Jazz Festival

SFJAZZ has revamped its San Francisco Jazz Festival, held this year June 13-15 at the SFJAZZ Center and Festival Tent, featuring 35 concerts over three days, with performances by Stanley Clarke, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Patrice Rushen, Cimafunk, The Soul Rebels, Charles Lloyd, Lakecia Benjamin, Ambrose Akinmusire, Dave Holland, Lisa Fischer and many others. It will also include an outdoor festival street market with rotating DJs, food trucks, beer garden, specialty wine vendors, art and a vinyl record swap and more.

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025

Cruise Programs – 2026

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

Journey of Jazz ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

The cruise is more than 92% reserved! The remaining staterooms consist, mainly, of Veranda Staterooms, Inside Staterooms and Single Inside Staterooms! These remaining staterooms are favorably priced through June 15, 2025(*). Please use the promo code: NOW. There is no obligation to complete a reservation once you learn the prices. *New reservations only.

BOOK NOW

---

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise
5 Days, 5 Nights, 5 Star Experience

Join us aboard the luxurious Celebrity Summit for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise — five incredible days and nights celebrating timeless hits, legendary artists and 5-star entertainment, all curated by one of the greatest musical minds of our time. Join the Pre-Sail to register for first access to your stateroom of choice before Open Booking becomes available to the public. Register below! 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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Christian McBride’s World at Sea
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Open Booking has begun! Special pricing is available for a limited time on Ocean View and Inside Staterooms. Use Promo Code CMW when you make your reservation! *New reservations only

BOOK NOW

The Jazz Cruise ’26
is in Open booking

The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when!

BOOK NOW

---

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved, but you may join the Waitlist. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking and staterooms are 99% reserved.

BOOK NOW

---

Top Shelf Country Cruise
is now in Open Booking

With premium talent like Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes, Thelma & James and Kassi Ashton, Top Shelf Country Cruise earns its title as the First-Class Country Music Cruise! Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

---

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3
is in Open Booking

For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast! 

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking and staterooms are more than 75% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

Botti at Sea ’26
is in Open Booking

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello, Melody Gardot and Peabo Bryson will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26. 

Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

The post Our Take: Peabo is Back! appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Nowadays, horses are bred and trained specifically for the shorter distance of The Preakness and the longer route of the Belmont Stakes. Optimism wanes as the races move on which reduces the fields considerably. Famously, only four horses competed against Secretariat as he captured the Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown.

I know what you are thinking…when will he stop horsing around and talk about jazz. I had no idea that he was a racetrack junkie. Well, I am not a horse racing fan. Actually, I am afraid of horses and do not understand why people wait around for 30 – 45 minutes between races and wager money on animals they do not know and on jockeys they have never met.

In high school, my friends and I went to a local racetrack, snuck in with fake I.D.’s and bet on a horse called Oklahoma Miss. The bet was prompted by a lowlife we called Shooter who told us “the only way this horse loses is if he dies.” Shooter was dead on! The horse died somewhere in the back stretch. Too much “energy” was the proclaimed cause of death.

Heading for home, it is time to “shoe” horn in a jazz analogy. Just like the Kentucky Derby, lots of musicians with high hopes begin careers in jazz. They train. They workout. They have handlers and teachers. Then they play in small clubs, just like the horses run in small races. Finally, one day they have a chance to show their stuff and complete with the other young musicians who have been groomed and trained the same way. The results are always the same. There is one winner, a handful of others who showed well and a larger group of also-rans.

When it is time for the next race, The Preakness for horses, another festival or concert for the musicians, the cadre of those who did well before gather and a couple new guys are added, guys who are specialists and have trained just for this event. Finally, when you get to the big time, the Belmont Stakes or Carnegie Hall, the many have become the few. There may be a ringer or two, but, for the most part, this battle of attrition leads to one winner.

Becoming a top jazz musician is a long and difficult road. You have to fight and scrape every inch of the way. Yes, there is some luck involved, but without talent and hard work, luck will never be enough. Like I said above, I know little about horses, so I cannot discern the gleam in their eyes or the detect the burning in their hearts, but I can detect those feelings when I watch a young musician soaking up the chops of a true star. I have joked that if you wanted to have a gathering of pianists on one of our cruises, all you need to do is schedule a Brad Mehldau gig. We have to issue special talent passes when Michael McDonald sings or when Lewis Nash/Herlin Riley/Jeff Hamilton square off.

In horse racing, getting to the top is winning the Triple Crown. In jazz, it may be induction as a NEA Jazz Master. The path to that glory is the same. Many start out trying. Very few succeed.

By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Journey of Jazz, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

Ben Williams’ Between Church and State

A veteran of several of our cruise programs, including Botti at Sea and Blue Note at Sea, Ben Williams has just released Between Church and State, a new album in which he addresses social issues. On this follow-up to his I Am a Man recording, the bassist (who has performed or recorded with Pat Metheny, George Benson, David Sanborn, Wynton Marsalis, Robert Glasper, and Jose James) explores his family history, on both sides, and discovers the rich legacy of activism from the pulpit of the Black church to the halls of Congress (and a connection to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.). While telling his own story, he unpacks not only his personal experience as a Black man, but also explores broader issues such as spirituality, addiction/escapism, police brutality, anxiety, and afro-futurism. His fourth album as a leader, Between Church & State features Ben on upright and electric bass, as well as vocals, backed by a band of Justin Brown (drums), Brandon Coleman (keyboards), Hailey Niswanger (sax, flute, bass clarinet), Sasha Berliner (vibraphone), and Andrew Renfroe (guitar).  Among Ben’s special guests on the recording are Kamasi Washington, Chief Adjuah, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Sy Smith, and Keyon Harrold.

Where’s Alonzo?

Our comedian-in-residence Alonzo Bodden has some big shows coming up this month and next.  On May 8-9, he’ll be appearing at the prestigious Halifax Comedy Festival up in Canada.  On June 6-7, he’ll hold forth at the Comedy Bar in Toronto, followed by a show on June 8 at the Paramount Theatre in Thunder Bay.  Alonzo promises that all the shows in Canada will be tariff-free.  During June 16-22, Alonzo will be in residence at the Cellar Comedy Club at the Rio in Las Vegas. And, as always, keep an ear out for him on the popular NPR show, Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me!, on which he frequently appears as a panelist, offering up his informed and witty takes on current events.  

Music Legend Hosts a 5 Day/5 Night Super Cruise
featuring Michael McDonald and Babyface

Numbers can often tell the story. David Foster has 47 GRAMMY® nominations and 16 GRAMMY® Awards, including three awards for “Producer of the Year.”  He has been inducted in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, enshrined in both Canada’s and Hollywood’s Walk of Fame nominated three times for an Academy Award (Oscar) and won a Golden Globe.
 
His collaborations with vocalists and bands is extraordinary, creating hit songs and successful albums for Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Diana Krall, Natalie Cole, Michael Bolton, Seal, Chaka Khan, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Chicago, Hall & Oates, Brandy, ’N Sync, Boz Scaggs and Gloria Estefan.
 
Now, after two wonderful stints as a guest performer on our Chris Botti at Sea cruise, we are proud to announce that David Foster will be the host of our newest cruise program, David Foster, the Hitman Cruise. This five day / five night super cruise will sail from Ft. Lauderdale on Celebrity Summit from January 15 – 20, 2026.
 
Joining David for this amazing event are Michael McDonald, Babyface, Peter Cincotti, Take 6, Pia Toscano and, of course, Katharine McPhee.  More performers to be added soon.
 
Michael McDonald was recently a co-host with Patti LaBelle on a 4 day cruise that bore their names. Signature Cruise Experiences’ guests have begged for another top sailing that was fewer than a week. David Foster: The Hitman Cruise fills that request. 
 
This cruise will be the first sailing on a Signature Cruise Experiences’ program for both Babyface and Pia Toscano. Peter Cincotti and Katharine McPhee have sailed with us before and Take 6 has been on our cruise programs six times.
 
For more information, and to complete a Pre-Sail Reservation ahead of the open booking rush, go to the David Foster: The Hitman Cruise website and follow the prompts. As of yesterday, nearly 800 Pre-Sail Reservations have been completed, so act now.

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025

Cruise Programs – 2026

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

The cruise is more than 92% reserved! The remaining staterooms consist, mainly, of Veranda Staterooms, Inside Staterooms and Single Inside Staterooms! 

These remaining staterooms are favorably priced through May 15, 2025(*). Please use the promo code: PORTER. There is no obligation to complete a reservation once you learn the prices. 
*New reservations only.

BOOK NOW

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DAVID FOSTER: THE HITMAN CRUISE
Pre-Sail Registration Now Open!

Join us aboard the luxurious Celebrity Summit for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise — five incredible days and nights celebrating timeless hits, legendary artists and 5-star entertainment, all curated by one of the greatest musical minds of our time.

Join the Pre-Sail to register for first access to your stateroom of choice before Open Booking becomes available to the public. Register below! 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Open Booking has begun! Special pricing is available for a limited time on Ocean View and Inside Staterooms. Use Promo Code CMW when you make your reservation! *New reservations only

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Now Available

The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking!
 
Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when! 

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
Open Booking Now Available

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved, but you may join the Waitlist.
  
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking and staterooms are more than 98% reserved.

BOOK NOW

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THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Open Booking Now Available

With premium talent like Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes, Thelma & James and Kassi Ashton, Top Shelf Country Cruise earns its title as the First-Class Country Music Cruise! Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Open Booking Now Available
We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello and Melody Gardot will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26. 

Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

BOTTI AT SEA’26
Open Booking Now Available

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello and Melody Gardot will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26. Of course, Chris Botti will be there with his very talented band and, as always, we will fill the remaining performance slots with a variety of great music, comedy and more.  Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

Send us Your Mug Shots

We know many readers of The Weekender like to peruse each edition over their morning coffee. And, if you’ve sailed with us, you likely have at least one (or perhaps many) Signature Cruise Experiences mugs just for that purpose. Over the years, The Weekender has featured several pictures of cruisers showing off their mugs, pictures we affectionately refer to as “Mug Shots.”

If you want to share your “Mug Shot” with the 100,000+ readers who receive The Weekender each Saturday, email a photo of yourself and your mug to mugshot@scecruises.com. Who knows? You may just see yourself in a future edition.

Tag us @thejazzcruise, @bottiatsea, @thesmoothjazzcruise, #signaturecruiseexperiences and #theweekender. Email your photo to MugShot@scecruises.com.

The post Our Take: And They’re Off! appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Saturday mornings, when I am running errands and, in the car more than usual, I am a Real Jazz guy. I try never to miss an edition of The Lowdown with Christian McBride. Here, too, there is a direct connection, as the recent shows were recorded live on The Jazz Cruise ’25. I will cop to feeling proud that our cruises can be the backdrop to these shows. No Sunday would be complete without a full shot of Miller Time, Marcus Miller’s show where he presents a full circle of jazz. And, as often as I can, I find Mark Ruffin’s shows. They are in the afternoon for me, so I sneak him into our office when I can.

Most of what I have shared, thus far, is predictable behavior for someone whose occupation is producing jazz cruises. But there is a dark side to my radio music selections. Call them guilty pleasures, alternative listening or, as most of you would say, really bad taste in music listening, but there are two SXM channels that appear on my Favorites list that I select when the mood is right…or wrong: ’60s Gold and The Blend.

I offer no excuses or apologies for my selection of “60s Gold. They say that the music of your life is the music you listened to when you were in high school. As a ’68 graduate, I can recall vivid moments of those years by listening to the music of ’60s Gold. As that era moved from innocence to turmoil, so, too, did the music. 15 minutes of that station will sometimes allow me to relive my life from being 10 to being 20. At times I can feel my hair growing longer and my sideburns becoming more prominent.

The Blend as a selection is more difficult to explain. When I began to listen to that channel, the song mix was pretty broad, hence the name “blend.” Its eclectic array of pop hits from the ’70’s to now was a nice journey. Random as heck, but most of the time the music was appealing. That format has been refined to be hits from the ’70s and ’80s. I guess that is still a “blend.” Though what was once a sundae with syrup, nuts, cherries and whipped cream, is now ice cream with chocolate sauce. Still tasty, but not as interesting.

I continue to listen to The Blend as it has become the compromise selection if Paula (my wife) and I are in the car together. In her car alone, she selects soothing mood music to combat the world of bad drivers. Songs with words are selected in rare instances. The monotony of that music to me is noted by my wife and she will vocally change the station. The sound of her saying “Please play The Blend” makes me smile. Me doing the same when I am alone in the car is simply a sign that I wish she were there.

I cannot remember the last time she was willing to “let me drive.” I have had no accidents and I am a much better parker than she is, but, once in the car with her, I am a passenger! By the way, at home, there are no deviations from jazz, the Great American Songbook or any of our favorite cruise performers. I have no idea how our sound system works, however, so, once again, she is “driving” and I am a “passenger.”

By this time, I will assume that our female readers are smiling and nodding, and our male readers are frowning and wincing. Early warning….Mother’s Day is May 11.

By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Journey of Jazz, Homecoming: The Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

Christian McBride’s World at Sea
Join Christian for his First Ever “Cruise” Lowdown Livestream
Featuring Special Guests & a Major Lineup Announcement

Want to learn more about Christian McBride’s World at Sea cruise? Sign up now to join the first ever “Cruise” Lowdown Livestream with Christian McBride on Tuesday, April 29 at 3 PM ET for information about the cruise straight from the host!

Christian will preside over this livestream, share his thoughts, ideas and goals for this amazing cruise and talk about the first-class musicians who will be joining him. Guests will have the opportunity to send in questions and comments which will be answered in real time!

Christian will be joined by a few of the musicians on the cruise and be prepared for an important announcement regarding the lineup for the cruise. Big News!

Top musicians, great ship, and fun programming are the hallmarks of this cruise. When you add in the warmth, spirit and talents of Christian, you know that something special is about to happen.

To learn more, join us for “The Cruise Lowdown” livestream on April 29.

Journey of Jazz ’25

Food Lover’s Choices

On the Ship

Besides the award winning “included” food service on Celebrity Summit, guests will be able to select among various specialty restaurants as well. Celebrity Cruises’ famous Tuscan Grille and the elegant Luminae are guest favorites and available by reservation. Sushi on Five has always been a popular hang for guests and talent. No reason to believe that will change for this sailing. Recently, we took over the menu of Blu at night and converted that restaurant to a first-class steakhouse, we call Chop’s. Almost over night that concept has become one of the most popular dining choices for guests.

Another, Signature Cruise Experiences’ concept is in the works and may be ready in time for the cruise.

In San Francisco

Brad Pavlik, who serves as our Hotel Director, has been working with Michael Bauer to curate some amazing dining experiences in San Francisco for brunch and lunch on both days we are in port and for dinner on the first night. Dinner the first night is limited in numbers so that we can ensure that guests can both dine and see the main show, that night being the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. For those unfamiliar with Michael Bauer, for 32 years he was the Food Critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. Donning disguises and making reservations under false names, Michael was the most feared, revered and sometimes disliked food critic in San Francisco, a city known for high end dining and high end expectations. Telling it like it is can be a difficult road to follow when you are doing it night after night in a defined geographic area. Upsetting people is easy to do and hard to overcome.

The list of dining experiences that we are offering is amazing….we are about two weeks away from full disclosure and the opportunity to sign up.

Ron Carter Quartet Performance

At the time of contracting, NEA Jazz Master Ron Carter was not willing to sail, but was excited about performing for our guests at SFJAZZ. To make that work for SFJAZZ, a below market fee was required for our guests, together with preferred seating. Subsequently, Ron has addressed his concerns and will be sailing on The Jazz Cruise ’26. Since the plans with SFJAZZ were already completed we were compelled to go ahead with the SFJAZZ plan which includes subsequent performances of the Ron Carter Quartet at SFJAZZ.

Sailing on Journey of Jazz ’25

Journey of Jazz ’25 is nearly 92% reserved. What remains are a few Concierge Class Staterooms, 20 or so Veranda Staterooms, a few Ocean View Staterooms and a nice choice of Inside Staterooms. If you are interested in sailing, you have some new choices available.
 

• Veranda Staterooms may be reserved at the Past Guest Price, regardless of your cruise history. The promo code is PAST.
• Some Veranda Staterooms and Inside Staterooms may be reserved as singles. The promo code is SINGLE.
• And for guests who are 10+ Status or who are on the Wait List for Journey of Jazz, there are price opportunities for all remaining staterooms. The promo code is VIP.

If you act now, there is still time for you to sign up for the excursions. Only the Napa Valley Wine Train events are fully reserved.

You do not want to miss this cruise!

Guess What’s New? You Are Right With The First Guess!
Signature Cruise Experiences is Launching a New Cruise!

Check out the April 30 edition of Jazz Notes. In addition to our celebration of International Jazz Day, we will be announcing a new cruise program! It is a fun one, so stay tuned!

Newport Jazz Festival

The lineup for the iconic Newport Jazz Festival, held August 1-3 on the grounds of Fort Adams in Newport, RI, has just been announced. Curated by artistic director Christian McBride, host of McBride’s World at Sea, the festival’s lineup features many artists who have sailed on our programs in the past or will sail with us in the future, including Dianne Reeves, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Marcus Miller, esperanza spalding, Emmet Cohen, Antonio Sanchez, Ron Carter, Etienne Charles and, of course, Christian.

Also performing, will be Christian’s Big Band, as well as the Philadelphia Experiment (featuring Questlove and Uri Caine). Other headliners include The Roots, Jacob Collier, Janelle Monae, Rachael & Vilray and Hiromi.

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025

Cruise Programs – 2026

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

The cruise is more than 92% reserved! The remaining staterooms consist, mainly, of Veranda Staterooms, Inside Staterooms and Single Inside Staterooms! 

We would like to close out the manifest as soon as possible so that we can finalize the arrangements for the amazing JOJ Excursions. Availability remains for most of the excursions, but they will close shortly.

These remaining staterooms are favorably priced through May 15, 2025(*). You can learn those prices by calling the office or starting a reservation online. Please use the promo code: PORTER. There is no obligation to complete a reservation once you learn the prices.

(*) Restrictions do apply and some selections and choices are no longer available. These prices are per person, based upon double occupancy, non-commissionable and may not be combined with other offers or discounts. For new reservations only.

BOOK NOW

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

9X GRAMMY® winner Christian McBride will host legions of musicians who comprise the various ensembles that are the hallmarks of Christian’s music world AND first-class comedy talent. See the full lineup here!

Open Booking has begun! From now through April 30, 2025, we are offering a Jazz Appreciation Month (Super Special) for those staterooms. Use Promo Code JAM when you register online.

*Discount applies to new reservations only

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Now Available

Hailed as “Jazz Heaven” by musicians and guests alike, The Jazz Cruise ’26 lineup will feature some of the most iconic musicians from the straight-ahead jazz genre. See the full lineup here. 

The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking!
Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when! 

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
Open Booking Now Available

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and staterooms are more than 97% reserved. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved, but you may join the Waitlist.
  
Reserve your stateroom today!
 

BOOK NOW

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THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Open Booking Now Available

Our headliners are Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes, Thelma & James and Kassi Ashton. As you can see, the lineup is Top Shelf country music star power!

When the talent is combined with the iHeartMedia Team of Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, Lunchbox, Eddie and Lorianne Crook & Charlie Chase, the ultra-luxurious Celebrity Reflection cruise ship and wonderful ports of call (Key West, Nassau and Bimini), Top Shelf Country Cruise earns its title as the First-Class Country Music Cruise. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Open Booking Now Available

For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast, embarking in Vancouver, sailing to Victoria and San Francisco before disembarking in Los Angeles. Exciting land excursions will be available in the ports-of-call!

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. 

BOOK NOW

BOTTI AT SEA’26
Open Booking Now Available

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello and Melody Gardot will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26. 

Of course, Chris Botti will be there with his very talented band and, as always, we will fill the remaining performance slots with a variety of great music, comedy and more.

Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

Send us Your Mug Shots

We know many readers of The Weekender like to peruse each edition over their morning coffee. And, if you’ve sailed with us, you likely have at least one (or perhaps many) Signature Cruise Experiences mugs just for that purpose. Over the years, The Weekender has featured several pictures of cruisers showing off their mugs, pictures we affectionately refer to as “Mug Shots.”

If you want to share your “Mug Shot” with the 100,000+ readers who receive The Weekender each Saturday, email a photo of yourself and your mug to mugshot@scecruises.com. Who knows? You may just see yourself in a future edition.

Mug Shot of the Week

Tag us @thejazzcruise, @bottiatsea, @thesmoothjazzcruise, #signaturecruiseexperiences and #theweekender. Email your photo to MugShot@scecruises.com.

The post Our Take: Music in the Car appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.