Uncategorized Archives - Signature Cruise Experiences https://dev.scecruises.com/category/uncategorized/ The Gold Standard for Charter Theme Cruises Since 2001 Thu, 19 Jun 2025 17:41:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://dev.scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cropped-web-app-manifest-512x512-1-32x32.png Uncategorized Archives - Signature Cruise Experiences https://dev.scecruises.com/category/uncategorized/ 32 32 Our Take: Disney Loves Jazz & Jazz Loves Disney https://dev.scecruises.com/2025/06/21/our-take-disney-loves-jazz-jazz-loves-disney/ Sat, 21 Jun 2025 05:41:00 +0000 https://scecruises.com/?p=8917 Walt Disney loved jazz. He was inspired by the music and presented jazz in many of his films and animations. The admiration was, and is, mutual, as many of the very best jazz musicians and vocalists have covered and jazzed up famous Disney tunes during their careers. His life span (1901 – 1966) mirrored the […]

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]]> Walt Disney loved jazz. He was inspired by the music and presented jazz in many of his films and animations. The admiration was, and is, mutual, as many of the very best jazz musicians and vocalists have covered and jazzed up famous Disney tunes during their careers. His life span (1901 – 1966) mirrored the birth and expansion of jazz, so it is not surprising that jazz influenced him.  

Most know that the first time Mickey Mouse appeared on film was in the animated short, Steamboat Willie. But did you know that the inspiration for the production of the first fully synchronized sound cartoon was inspired by the 1927 release of The Jazz Singer, the famous Al Jolson movie that launched the talking movie industry? One year later, Mickey Mouse was the star of The Jazz Fool, another animated short with great music. Scenes of Mickey Mouse at the piano are generally considered to affirm Disney’s commitment to jazz.

The instances of jazz continue to show up in the Disney films, highlighted by Peggy Lee’s famous “He’s A Tramp” vocal in Lady and the Tramp, one of Disney’s most acclaimed and enduring animated features. Presenting jazz to children was one of the allures of The Aristocats, a film featuring the sultry jazz music of Paris performed by a bevy of cats with serious musical chops. Dixieland made its way into the world of Disney as well. The Princess and the Frog is set in New Orleans, replete with jazz sounds and instruments and dialogue references to Sidney Bechet and Louis Armstrong.

Speaking of Satchmo, he was one of many jazz musicians who took a turn jazzing up famous Disney tunes. Armstrong released Disney Songs the Satchmo Way in 1968. The recording was praised for its unique treatment of those tunes, but it is better remembered as the last trumpet recordings of this jazz legend. Not to be outshined, Duke Ellington recorded his own Disney tribute, Duke Ellington Plays Mary Poppins. The album was both a financial and critical success. There is something special about a Disney tune, for sure. They are immediately recognizable, mostly uplifting and accessible to all.

The idea of jazz singers performing Disney tunes lives on today. Jazz Loves Disney was released in 2016 and features some well-known jazz singers taking their turn doing Disney. For those of you fortunate enough to be sailing on Journey of Jazz ’25 in September ’25, we are asking Gregory Porter to reprise his “on the album” presentation of “When You Wish Upon A Star.” Another soon-to-be cruise performer aboard Botti at Sea III (’26), Melody Gardot, performs both “He’s a Tramp” and “The Bare Necessities” on the album as well. 

It will be fun to compare Melody’s version of “He’s A Tramp” with that of the legendary Peggy Lee. We are betting that Gregory’s “When You Wish Upon a Star” blows away the original rendition performed, of course, by Jiminy Cricket (Cliff Edwards). We apologize for making that comparison. It is not “cricket” of us to do so!

By now, you are probably asking yourself, why is this grown man spending time talking about Walt Disney? You know how much I love Melody and Gregory. Could that be the impetus? Or is it the confirmation of Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle for Botti at Sea III (’26), two vocalists synonymous with Disney tunes? That would make sense.

It is none of the above. Disney is on my mind as tomorrow I will be headed to Orlando as the financier of my entire family’s visit to Disney World. Yes, one wife, one son, one daughter, one son-in-law, one daughter-in-law and, most importantly, a granddaughter and a grandson. Notice, I did not call myself the “leader” of the group. I have had no input in this trip whatsoever other than to indicate where they may access my AMEX card. 

If any of you will be in Disney World next week, give me a holler. You can find me in one of three places: the pool at our hotel, in whatever venue in the park that has air conditioning or forever stuck on the “It’s A Small World” train. Learning how much Walt Disney loved jazz was a big boost in my enthusiasm for this trip. That, and the smiles on my grandchildren’s faces.

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.

Dee Dee Bridgewater & Bill Charlap’s Elemental

For the last few years, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Bill Charlap, have been performing as a duo at clubs, theaters and festivals all over the world.  In some ways an unlikely pairing, their collaboration has resulted in a new album, Elemental, in which the two reinvent eight jazz and vocal standards from the Great American Songbook. For her part, Dee Dee found herself freed creatively by Bill’s approach to the stripped-down format.

“My perception of Bill changed completely after we played together,” Dee Dee explained. “I knew he was a master of the American repertoire, but I had no idea the depth of his knowledge.”

I was blown away by his sensitivity, his vast musical culture, and the references he draws from when he plays. He’s a living encyclopedia. I’ve never worked with someone who allowed me to feel so completely at ease, so fully myself.”

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Mindi Abair’s Based On a True Story

Mindi Abair, who in addition to being a regular performer on The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail with us on Journey of Jazz in September has just released her 14th solo album, Based On a True Story. Produced by Mindi and multi-platinum producer/songwriter Wayne Rodrigues, the album features special guest appearances by Marcus Miller, Kenny Lattimore, Bobby Lyle, Delisha Thomas and Arthur Thompson. 

“This album is truly personal to me—every note, every lyric, every groove is a piece of my real-life journey,” Mindi said. “It blends sleek pop production with retro soul, contemporary jazz, and deep emotion. Produced by the amazing Wayne Rodrigues and me, it’s filled with lush arrangements and stories straight from the heart.”

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Signature Cruise Experiences’ Mid-Summer Break

Signature Cruise Experiences

Our Office will be closed from Monday, June 30 through Friday, July 4. Taking the July 4th week as a holiday has been a tradition of Signature Cruise Experiences for many years. We will be open as usual starting at 10 AM ET on Monday, July 7.

To allow our staff to have as much free time as possible during this break there will be no edition of Jazz Notes (7.2.25) or The Weekender (7.5.25). Both articles will be back the following week. 

Our post Mid-Summer Break schedule includes updates on our current programs and a good look at the schedule for ’27. Be ready for a special edition of Jazz Notes (7.9.25) and The Weekender (7.12.25).

Next week, be on the lookout for our annual While We Are Away notice, which includes a more detailed reminder of our operations during the Mid-Summer Break and, more importantly, a special reservation offer for every cruise. As we said, the online reservation system will be open, so we want to give you a little “incentive” to complete a reservation while we are away.

Though away from the office, we remain available via Zendesk. To pose a question or request information, simply email us at info@scecruises.com and one of our representatives will respond to you as quickly as possible.

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
Journey of JazzOver 97% Reserved. Final Pricing for Remaining Staterooms (Veranda and Inside) Now Announced on Website

Cruise Programs – 2026
David Foster: The Hitman CruiseOpen Booking Now
Christian McBride’s World at SeaOpen Booking Now; For Special Prices for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms, use Promo Code:  CMW
The Jazz Cruise ’26Over 75% Reserved – Open Booking Now
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1Fully Reserved
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2Fully Reserved
Top Shelf Country CruiseOpen Booking Now
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3Over 80% Reserved – Open Booking Now
Botti at Sea ’26Open Booking Now; Final Lineup Announcement Soon!

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
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

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

BOOK NOW
CHRISTIAN MCBRIDES WORLD AT SEA SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
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 SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
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!

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
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 Signature Cruise Experiences
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!

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
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!

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CHRIS BOTTI AT SEA SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
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!

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The post Our Take: Disney Loves Jazz & Jazz Loves Disney appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

]]> Our Take: Let’s Talk Hosts https://dev.scecruises.com/2025/06/07/our-take-lets-talk-hosts/ Sat, 07 Jun 2025 13:03:38 +0000 https://scecruises.com/?p=8859 From now through the end of ’26, Signature Cruise Experiences will produce nine full ship charters. Seven of those sailings are primarily jazz programs. The 8th is Top Shelf Country Cruise, which, as the title suggests, features country music. The 9th, and the newest, is David Foster: The Hitman Cruise. Its lineup features David, of […]

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]]> From now through the end of ’26, Signature Cruise Experiences will produce nine full ship charters. Seven of those sailings are primarily jazz programs. The 8th is Top Shelf Country Cruise, which, as the title suggests, features country music. The 9th, and the newest, is David Foster: The Hitman Cruise. Its lineup features David, of course, Michael McDonald and Babyface along with a string of other top performers. Not sure what genre that would be, other than the world of David Foster, which is probably sufficient.

One common thread among all nine programs is that there is a “Host” or “Hosts” for each sailing. I am often asked “what makes a good host?” and “what do hosts do?” Fair questions, to be sure. In keeping with the improvisational nature of our jazz programs, the answers vary from program to program, host to host. Without judging the reasoning or avoiding the questions, let’s take a look at each program’s host(s) and see if we can find some answers.

The order of our inquiry took some time to resolve. Do we start with the oldest cruise (The Jazz Cruise), the program with the most sailings (The Smooth Jazz Cruise) or do we focus on the newest programs each of which have the name of the host imbedded in the program’s title (Botti at Sea, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Christian McBride’s World at Sea)? When confronted with having to establish a pecking order, the safest option is alphabetical. The second safest is some numerical nuance that cannot be interpreted or misunderstood. Chronological order based upon when they sail will determine the order of inquiry.

Gregory Porter and Marcus Miller

With that issue behind us, let’s examine how Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter became the co-hosts of Journey of Jazz ’25. The selection of Marcus is simple. First, Marcus has hosted many, many of the 100 or so cruises we have presented since 2001. Starting with North Sea Jazz Cruise, Marcus has hosted Playboy Jazz Cruise, Signature Jazz Cruise, Blue Note at Sea Cruise and The Smooth Jazz Cruise. I would say that he has worn a lot of hats over the years, but, in truth, some version of his porkpie hat has been more than adequate for the tasks at hand.

The addition of Gregory Porter was simple. The man embodies what is great about jazz. His warmth. His originality. His spirit. Those are the traits that make a great host. We are very fortunate to have him as part of our team.

Before we go to the three cruise name hosts, let’s talk about Emmet Cohen. Though far from a rags to riches story, Emmet began as a student performer on The Jazz Cruise, moved up to significant sideman, then on the ship as a leader which led to him co-hosting and now being the host of The Jazz Cruise and a key player on other programs. His progression was fueled by talent, dedication, and a true love and respect for jazz fans.

Chris Botti, Christian McBride and David Foster are hosts of cruise programs that bear their name. In part, this is a nod to their popularity and stature, but, more importantly, the identity and tone of their cruises is automatically conveyed when their name is mentioned. A Chris Botti cruise will have a broad range of topflight talent melded together, somewhat eclectically, to provide a week of talent that surprises and delights you every night.

Christian McBride’s cruise will be a testament to his amazing array of ensembles, each presenting jazz in their own special way. From his Big Band to Remembering Ray Brown. From Ursa Major to Inside Straight. Christian’s imprint is indelibly apparent in each of these highly successful programs. 

And David Foster’s cruise has no boundaries other than excellence at every level. When his name is mentioned, you think of GRAMMY®s, the very best vocalists in the world and more. There is no doubt that the five days of cruising with David Foster will be spectacular.

While thinking about our hosts, I do notice that they share a trait that sets them apart from others. Yes, there are others who have this trait and are not hosts of our cruises, but the inverse is also true. Not one of our hosts is void of this rare and significant aspect in their persona. There is likely no term for this ability, but I can describe it in a few words.

I have noticed over the years that it is easy to differentiate the “artists” from the “performers.” The artists seem to play for their personal artistic goals and measure their success by reviews and peer acceptance. The performers rely upon guest/audience response as their metric for success. Often the artists compromise audience satisfaction in pursuit of artistic accolades. Similarly, there are the musicians who are content with their audience profile and do less to continue their artistic growth.

Our hosts do both! First, and perhaps foremost, they are players, excellent players, and that judgment is universally shared among audiences, colleagues, and professional critics. Though confirmation of their talent from other musicians is appreciated, these musicians make sure that they use their talent to provide their guests with an amazing experience. They know that they are performing for the pleasure of others and that providing a meaningful level of entertainment, education and elation is important at all times. 

Being entertaining and accessible without diminishing one’s dedication to excellence is an incredibly difficult gauntlet to assume. The hosts of the Signature Cruise Experiences’ programs are more than up to the challenge proudly pick up that challenge every day.

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

New Albums

Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to present many young musicians who at that time were largely unknown to the wider jazz audience, but whom we knew our guests would love. We’re proud that nearly all have gone on to successful careers. Two of those artists emerging as stars in the jazz world released albums this week.

Tyreek McDole’s Open Up Your Senses

There are not a lot of male jazz singers out there, so we were thrilled to have Tyreek McDole show his unique vocal gifts during The Jazz Cruise in ’24, when he performed with the Jazz House All-Stars and impressed our guests. Tyreek, who won the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in 2023, has just released his debut album, Open Up Your Senses.

Jazz scholar Will Friedwald, who also contributed liner notes to the project, referred to Tyreek as “the leading jazz voice of his generation.” And acclaimed DJ Gilles Peterson said “it is refreshing to hear a new voice that is so clearly connected to the tradition but also pushing it forward with such strong energy. This is a brilliant opening statement from someone I reckon will be around for some time.”

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Isaiah J. Thompson’s
The Book of Isaiah: Modern Jazz Ministry

The pianist Isaiah J. Thompson has sailed on The Jazz Cruise a few times as a member of John Pizzarelli’s trio with whom he’s continued to tour, but his nascent career has ascended in the last year or two. For one, he was the recipient of the 2023 American Piano Awards, a prize previously won by Emmet Cohen, Sullivan Fortner and Aaron Diehl. And, in recent months, Isaiah has been touring with the renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by Wynton Marsalis.

For The Book of Isaiah: Modern Jazz Ministry, his debut on Mack Avenue, Isaiah enlisted veteran pianist Cyrus Chestnut to produce his eight-song autobiographical musical statement exploring faith, musicianship, race and humanity. 

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Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025
Journey of JazzOver 96% Reserved. Final Pricing for Remaining Staterooms  (Veranda and Inside) Now Announced on Website 

Cruise Programs – 2026
David Foster: The Hitman CruiseOpen Booking Now
Christian McBride’s World at SeaOpen Booking Now; Special Prices for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms. Promo Code: CMW
The Jazz Cruise ’26Over 75% Reserved – Open Booking Now
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1Join Waitlist
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2Join Waitlist
Top Shelf Country CruiseOpen Booking Now
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3Nearly 80% Reserved – Open Booking Now
Botti at Sea ’26Open Booking Now

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
Journey of Jazz ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Journey of Jazz is more than 95% reserved! The remaining staterooms consist mainly of Veranda and 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

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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 last week and staterooms are already moving fast! Act soon to reserve your stateroom of choice. 

BOOK NOW
CHRISTIAN MCBRIDES WORLD AT SEA SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
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 SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
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 SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES

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 Signature Cruise Experiences
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 SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
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 78% reserved.

Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

CHRIS BOTTI AT SEA SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES
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 in Fall 2026. 

Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

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