They say that you cannot change the weather. That is true if you stay in one place and do not move. Part of the allure of our cruise programs is the ability to take you on a journey “where the weather fits your clothes!” Or, at the very least, where you can choose your surroundings.

Take Journey of Jazz ’25! An early fall cruise on the West Coast with stops in Victoria and San Francisco caught the eye of many, as that sailing is now fully reserved. That the cruise includes some of the “hottest” jazz ever did not hurt, as well as an overwhelming interest in the amazing excursions we have curated for Victoria and San Francisco.

Our plan is to include those offerings, and more, when The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 and Botti at Sea III follow this itinerary in September ’26. Two more examples of “hot” jazz in “cool” environments.

In This Edition of Jazz Notes

In this edition of Jazz Notes, our jazz consultant, Lee Mergner, will be spotlighting the many talents of Katharine McPhee (David Foster: The Hitman Cruise) and will share his thoughts about Inside Straight (Christian McBride’s World at Sea). Michael Lazaroff will provide the latest updates on Journey of Jazz ’25, The Smooth Jazz Cruises in both ’26 and ’27 and the exciting news about Botti at Sea ’26. He will also share his excitement about The Jazz Cruise ’26. Here is a hint as to why he is so “jazzed up” for that cruise: Legends!

Journey of Jazz ’25

Fully Reserved

As shared above, Journey of Jazz ’25 is “fully reserved.” With just over 50 days before the cruise sails, there will be cancellations. All cancellations are filled from the Waitlist. If you are already on the Waitlist and wish to reaffirm your desire to cruise, please contact the office either by phone (888.852.9987) or by email (info@scecruises.com) to express your interest. If you are not on the Waitlist, click HERE to join. 

Stay tuned for more information about the next “destination” for Journey of Jazz!

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise

Katharine McPhee:
Singer + Actress = Entertainer

There are so many talented singers out there in the world, not only in jazz, but in just about every genre. But how many of them can act too? When we say “act,” we’re not talking about a part in a local theater product, but rather about performing a role (not just playing themselves) on network television or the Broadway stage or on film. 

Katharine McPhee first came into the public eye as a finalist on the fifth season of American Idol, during which she finished as the runner-up. But Katharine had always acted going back to her teen years in Los Angeles. In the hit TV show Smash, about the making of a Broadway musical, she combined her unique gifts as a vocalist and actress in her role as Karen Cartwright. She would go on to another major role in a successful TV show, Scorpion, playing Paige Dineen, during which she even got the opportunity to sing Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” in one episode. With her strong screen presence, Katharine has acted in numerous other shows and films over the years.

But it’s her prowess as a vocalist that brings Katharine aboard the David Foster Hitman Cruise in ’26. Guests of Botti at Sea ‘24 can attest to not only her vocal talents, but also her powerful and charismatic stage presence, owing to her vast experience as an actress. Recently, she has been touring with her husband, David Foster, and she always brings down the house with her dynamic performances. The two comprised a hit duo on yet another hit TV show, The Masked Singer, in which they performed as Banana Split. Katharine sang “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Don’t You Worry About a Thing,” while David conducted something resembling a band in the background. They didn’t win, but they showed the stuff they were made of, sans masks and costumes. A great singer partnered with a great pianist, composer and arranger.

Throughout her illustrious career, Katharine has shown herself to be more than just a singer with both chops and style. Quite simply, Katharine McPhee is an entertainer.

– Lee Mergner

McBride’s World at Sea

Inside Straight: Born at the Village Vanguard

Back in 2007, Christian McBride approached Lorraine Gordon at the Village Vanguard about playing at that historic NYC jazz club where he hadn’t performed for 10 years. Gordon was interested, but she was adamant that the band had to be different from the band he was leading at the time, which was the Christian McBride Band, who mixed acoustic and electric sounds. “Of course it would be okay, I’d love for you to come back, but you know what we do down here,” she told him then. “I don’t want that band that you usually play with here…that is not a band for the Village Vanguard.”

It was a fortuitous request, no demand, from the late owner, because Christian was already thinking of putting together an all-acoustic working band. “Knowing that I was going to play the Village Vanguard, which is the haven for real straight ahead jazz and real creative music, I called the top New York guns that I could think of,” Christian told Esther Belanga-Ryan of All About Jazz.

“Steve Wilson is a Vanguard regular, he is always playing there with someone. And Carl Allen and I have so much history together, he was a no-brainer. Eric Reed, we’ve been friends for 20 years, but we’ve never played together that often. And Warren Wolf, well, he was actually a former student of mine at Jazz Aspen Snowmass, the summer program that I’ve been the artistic director of for the last 10 years. He came out in the summer of, I believe 2000, and he was so incredible, he was so far ahead from everyone else. I promised to him, ‘Warren, one of these days I’m gonna start a band with you in it.’”

The group didn’t have a name during their successful run at the Vanguard. Almost a year later, the band performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival. “We were listed as the Christian McBride Quintet and you know, every jazz band in the world with five guys is called a quintet,” Christian recalled. “It’s boring. So what could we name our band? We were all sitting around trying to think of a name for the band and my manager and I looked at each other and he said ‘Look, let’s have a contest, we’ll have the audience name the band.’”

Among the 3,500 entries for the group’s band name was “Inside Straight,” suggested by Doug & Debra Moody (of North Coast Brewing). “It was catchy, you know?” Christian explained. “Musically, it describes the band. It’s inside, and it’s straight ahead, and it’s a totally acoustic quintet.”  

The group, which would later feature Peter Martin on piano, would go on to record three critically acclaimed albums for Mack Avenue and become a headliner at just about every jazz festival and venue in the world.

That all-star quintet is just one of the many stellar bands that Christian will bring to McBride’s World at Sea in January.

– Lee Mergner

Don’t Miss Out on Christmas in July

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. This offer is for new reservations only and may not be used with any other offer or promotion. Be sure to use the Promo Code: XMAS.

The Jazz Cruise ’26

The Jazz Cruise is Legendary

The Jazz Cruise started in 2001, a quarter of a century ago, as the first program produced by the company now known as Signature Cruise Experiences. What began as a solid, but modest, cruise program that featured 50 or so jazz musicians has doubled in size, both in terms of the number of players and in the cruise’s prestige and profile.  Many call it “Jazz Heaven.” Many say it is the most important “straight ahead” jazz event of the year. Everyone who sails on the cruise calls it “home.”

Part of the appeal of The Jazz Cruise has been its lineup, which is always a blend of legends, current stars and rising musicians. The only requirement is talent and the willingness to share that talent with other musicians and our guests. The balance of these categories is customarily pretty even, though occasionally one category overshadows the others, giving the cruise a particular vibe. For The Jazz Cruise ’26, the legends rule the roost…and I could not be more excited.

Yes, Emmet Cohen is the host. Not yet a legend, but someone who has made a career of promoting honoring them. Check out this list: 

There are nearly 50 more of the world’s best jazz musicians on The Jazz Cruise ’26. When it comes to “straight ahead” jazz, they are all legends and, for the week of The Jazz Cruise, we will be in awe of their talents and their commitment to this program. The way in which they collaborate, unselfishly and brilliantly, is what makes this cruise so special to me and to our guests.

Where does this attitude and manner come from? What is the motivation for these top talents to be so respectful of each other? The answer is quite simple. Each follows the examples of the Legends mentioned above who, in turn, have followed the examples of the Legends before them. Each of them can point to one or more musicians who guided their careers and provided the model for their music.

Unabashedly, I admire and love the musicians on The Jazz Cruise. They represent all that is good about jazz, about music and about life. January 27, 2026, the first day of The Jazz Cruise ’26, could not come sooner. 

– Michael Lazaroff

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26

A Tail of Three Sailings

Since 2004, there have been 35 sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Each one fully reserved. Each one fully programmed with top musicians, exciting shows and great events. The ’26 sailings will, undoubtedly, follow in the footsteps of those great programs.

Both The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1 and The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.2 are fully reserved. With more than 200 days from sailing, there will be cancellations and opportunities for those who are not booked to sail. Again, all cancellations are filled through the Waitlist, so, if you want to sail on either cruise, be sure to click on www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com, go to the Pricing page of the sailing you want and complete a JOIN WAITLIST entry.

Though The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 sails in over 420 days (September 11 – 18, 2026), that sailing is already 85% reserved. This program will be embarking from Vancouver with stops in Victoria and an overnight in San Francisco before disembarking in Los Angeles. The same excursions that we are offering for the upcoming sailing of Journey of Jazz ’25 will be available for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3. An announcement as to when folks may begin to reserve excursions will be made soon!

A Tease of Three More Sailings

Plans for three sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise in ’27 are nearly complete. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.1 and The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.2 will follow our customary Caribbean schedule, while The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.3 will have its own itinerary and schedule. For now, we can say that the program will sail in the fall and will present ports of call that have never been scheduled for The Smooth Jazz Cruise.

As the title says…we are teasing these sailings.

Botti at Sea ’26

August 6 – Mark Your Calendars
Launch of Botti at Sea III

Today is 423 days before Chris Botti at Sea III (Botti Cruise) embarks from Los Angeles for Vancouver, BC, with an overnight in San Francisco and a full day in Victoria. This itinerary is the reverse of the itinerary that Journey of Jazz ’25 (JOJ) will be enjoying in just over 50 days. You could say that JOJ is doing a scouting run for the Botti Cruise.

Our leader, Chris Botti, has announced some superstar performers for this cruise: Elvis Costello, Boz Scaggs, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle. Amazing! With those announcements, fans have been reserving staterooms for this sailing. But, now it is time to announce the full lineup as well as share the schedule of great excursions that we have curated for your time in San Francisco and Victoria!

The expanded lineup includes many Featured Performers and Band Members who, with our top-notch Headliners, create a formidable group of performers. Most of the excursions are the same as the wildly popular excursions that our JOJ guests will be experiencing in September ’25. We have added a few new excursions, increased the dining options in both San Francisco and Victoria, and mixed in a new winery tour (Napa and Sonoma).  

The full lineup and excursion reveal date is August 6, 2025. Sign up here for our “real time” presentation of the news (3 PM ET). Yes, you guessed it – Chris Botti himself will be participating in the presentation, along with members of the staff of Signature Cruise Experiences. We will answer questions submitted and, of course, there will be a surprise or two for those “guests” participating.

Whether you have already reserved a stateroom, intend to do so or are just curious to learn more about the cruise, you are welcomed to join us for a fun hour or so. No obligation. No charge. Only a lot of information and the chance to hear Chris talk about his amazing cruise!

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Fully Reserved

JOIN WAITLIST

DAVID FOSTER: THE HITMAN CRUISE
is in Open Booking

BOOK NOW

CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
is in Open Booking

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
is in Open Booking

BOOK NOW

THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
are Fully Reserved

JOIN WAITLIST

THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
is in Open Booking

BOOK NOW

THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
is in Open Booking

BOOK NOW

BOTTI AT SEA’26
is in Open Booking

BOOK NOW

The post Jazz Notes: 7.23.25 appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

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.

Today is the day after Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game, which, for the first time in years was fun to watch. MLB’s All-Star Game is the only such game in all of sports that can even qualify as a game.

Trivia buffs know that this is the only day of the year when no major professional games are scheduled. The ESPY Awards are tonight, as ESPN takes advantage of this sports hiatus to round up sports fans for an across the board honoring of sports achievements. 

Jazz does have its Jazz Appreciation Month (April) and its International Jazz Day (April 30), however, there is no day in the year where jazz is “off the air” or prohibited.

And, for that, we are eternally grateful.

In This Edition of Jazz Notes

In this edition of Jazz Notes, our jazz consultant, Lee Mergner will be analyzing the latest Downbeat Reader’s Poll, with a special emphasis on musicians who are part of our jazz cruise world. Michael Lazaroff will provide the latest updates on Christian McBride’s World at Sea and The Jazz Cruise ’26. Check out the growing SAILBOTH trend which is now a full-fledged program.

Unpacking the DownBeat Critic’s Poll

Jazz artists have a love/hate relationship with polls. That is, they love them when they win and hate them when they’re not even mentioned. With the demise of JazzTimes, DownBeat is the primary source for polls, as it has for many years going back to the birth of bebop. The magazine offers two – one surveying critics or, more accurately, journalists, while the other seeks the ratings of its readers. It’s always interesting to see both the overlap and the difference between the two polls, since critical acclaim and commercial success do not always go hand in hand. And to be chosen as the top, say, trumpeter or vocalist is no small feat given the large number of practitioners in the field.

This year’s DownBeat Critics Poll was just published in their August edition and we were glad to see a few artists from SCE’s cruise programs voted as winners, including Kurt Elling (male vocals), Cécile McLorin Salvant (female vocals), Ron Carter (acoustic bass) and Anat Cohen (clarinet). Many more of our artists were mentioned because DownBeat aims to be as transparent as possible and lists not only the runners up but also the number of votes they received from the more than 250 so-called “critics” in the 62 categories.

For example, although critics’ favorite Kris Davis was chosen as the top pianist, finishing under her were Kenny Barron, Sullivan Fortner, Gerald Clayton, Emmet Cohen, Bill Charlap, Chucho Valdés, Monty Alexander and Eliane Elias, all of whom have performed regularly on The Jazz Cruise. This trend repeated itself in many of the categories to the extent that more than 60 of our artists appear in the poll, with a few like Christian McBride, John Clayton and Paquito D’Rivera showing up in multiple categories. Critics tend to lean far to the left of center with mainstream and straight-ahead jazz artists and releases taking a backseat to more avant garde or uber-progressive ones.

Likewise, Smooth Jazz has never been a particularly popular genre with jazz critics, so we’re not surprised that only two of our artists from The Smooth Jazz Cruise found their way onto the poll. Can you guess who they were? (HINT: They represent two different generations and genders.) Speaking of gender, jazz journalism remains a veritable boys club with less than 20 female writers participating in the poll (which comes to under 10%). The good news is that the disproportion is not apparent with the artists, because women were chosen as winners in half of the 62 categories, particularly dominating in the Rising Star ones, a clear reflection of the excellent jazz education programs, like Jazz House KiDS, the Woodshed Network and Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead, that are nurturing new talent beyond gender.

The two artists appearing in the poll who sail on The Smooth Jazz Cruise were Marcus Miller and Grace Kelly. As for Marcus, it is a bit of a trick question. Marcus has hosted our North Sea Jazz Cruise, Playboy Jazz Cruise, Blue Note at Sea Cruise, Signature Jazz Cruise and is now the host of Journey of Jazz. Those sailings present “straight ahead” and “contemporary” jazz. Marcus’ music is a blend of all those genres, a mixture that our guests on The Smooth Jazz Cruise love. On a somewhat lesser scale, Grace moves in and out of various jazz genres. Both musicians balance virtuosity with accessibility. We’re sure that when DownBeat’s Readers Poll is published, we’ll see even more SCE artists cited, across the various jazz genres. 

– Lee Mergner

Back-to-Back: 
Straight Ahead Jazz Nirvana

Christian McBride’s World at Sea sails from Ft. Lauderdale on 1.20.26 and returns on 1.27.26 at 7 AM ET. At 11 AM ET on that same day, The Jazz Cruise ’26 starts boarding for a 7 day/7 night cruise that terminates on 2.3.26 in Ft. Lauderdale. Both cruises sail on Celebrity Summit.

For those two weeks, guests will see and hear the finest jazz musicians in the world.

…and many more! 

In all, during the two weeks you will see and hear over 180 jazz musicians, enjoy 400 hours of jazz entertainment, engage with nearly 4,000 guests and create a lifetime of memories.

Sail on one or the other but also consider sailing on both. There has never been this much “straight ahead” jazz in a two-week period.

Hundreds of guests have already booked both cruises. In recognition of this trend, we have created the SAILBOTH program! See details below.

SAILBOTH Program

Whether you are currently booked on one of the cruises and wish to add the other or looking to book them both now, you are eligible for the SAILBOTH program.

SAILBOTH Cruise Benefits

Reduced Cruise Prices

Concierge Services Between Cruises

Change Day Champagne Lunch

Concierge Services Between Cruises includes cruise staff assistance with new Cruise Identification Cards, assistance with moving if you are changing staterooms, special laundry services and more.

Signature Cruise Experiences will host a breakfast on 1.27.26 (change over day) for all guests in the SAILBOTH program. 

SAILBOTH Cruise Prices

Your SAILBOTH Cruise Price depends upon your current booking status.

If You’re Already Booked 

• Guests currently booked on either Christian McBride’s World at Sea or The Jazz Cruise ’26 will receive 25% off the website rate when adding the other cruise to create the ultimate two-week jazz vacation. *The 25% discount applies only to the new cruise reservation and does not change the cost of your existing booking.

If You’re Not Yet Booked

• Guests who are not currently booked on Christian McBride’s World at SeaorThe Jazz Cruise ’26 can receive 20% off the website rate for both cruises when booking them together. *The 20% discount will be applied to each new reservation.

To learn your SAILBOTH Cruise Price, simply call the office during normal business hours and ask one of our Guest Services Representatives.

888.852.9987
Mon – Thurs 10AM – 6PM ET
Fri 10AM – 4 PM ET

*Offer valid for new reservations only.

Journey of Jazz ’25
99% Reserved! Want to Sail? Call the Office!

Depending upon the hour of the day, Journey of Jazz ’25 is fully reserved or has limited availability. Sailing in just 60 days (9.12.25 – 9.19.25), staterooms become available due to last minute cancellations. Most are filled immediately by guests calling into the office or being contacted from the Waitlist. 

Though the Waitlist is long, most guests find it difficult to take advantage of the opportunity so close to the sailing date. But, if you are flexible enough to make it work, you may be able to join us for this amazing adventure.

The next sailing of Journey of Jazz will be 1.24.27 – 1.31.27 when we sail from Tampa and embark upon our journey to the home of jazz, New Orleans!  Stay tuned for more information.

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
99% Reserved ! 

BOOK NOW

DAVID FOSTER: THE HITMAN CRUISE
is in Open Booking

BOOK NOW

CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
is in Open Booking

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
is in Open Booking

BOOK NOW

THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
are Fully Reserved

JOIN WAITLIST

THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
is in Open Booking

BOOK NOW

THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
is in Open Booking

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The post Jazz Notes: 7.16.25 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

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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 

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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. 

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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

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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 ‘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.

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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!

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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!

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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: The Jazz Vocalist appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Our team at Signature Cruise Experiences is back at work after our annual mid-year break and the countdown is officially on – we’re just over 60 days away from the highly-anticipated Journey of Jazz ’25! This sailing marks the debut of the Journey of Jazz program and also represents our first West Coast cruise in nearly a decade.

What makes this cruise especially fascinating is the unique composition of our guests. While 34% are first-time cruisers – a typical number for a new sailing – the returning guests come from a wonderfully diverse mix of our other programs. Nearly equal representation comes from The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Blue Note at Sea and Botti at Sea.

Whether it’s the stellar lineup, the engaging itinerary or the late-summer timing, it’s clear that Journey of Jazz ’25 is striking a chord across our jazz-loving communities!

In This Edition of Jazz Notes

In this edition of Jazz Notes, our jazz consultant, Lee Mergner, will be sharing insights on Ron Carter, Boz Scaggs and Christian McBride’s Remembering Ray Brown ensemble. Michael Lazaroff will bring you up to date with the latest Christian McBride’s World at Sea video as well as The Smooth Jazz Cruises‘ 20 year association with Jonathan Butler.

Christian McBride’s World at Sea

Christian McBride: Check Out the New Video

Everyone in the world of jazz knows Christian McBride. He is one of the most popular and talented musicians, arrangers, producers and personalities in the genre. One of his superpowers is his ability to perform in and with various ensembles and configurations, as well as taking on the music of the world!

When he announced that he was doing a cruise, many fans were wondering which path of performance and music would he present. With so many choices, how would he program the cruise?

We should have known the answer. In fact, his response was the only possible result for Christian McBride. He is doing it all! His cruise will provide more hours of music and entertainment than any sailing we will have in ’26. As Christian says, “go big or don’t go at all.” Presenting the cruise in words is difficult, so we asked Christian to let us film him as he heaps praise on a banner group of 75 top musicians and vocalists.

Remembering Ray Brown….A McBride Class

One group that Christian will bring on McBride’s World at Sea that is particularly meaningful to him is the Remembering Ray Brown Trio, featuring Benny Green and Greg Hutchinson and honoring one of his mentors and heroes. “Ray was like a second father to me,” Christian explained. “I think most people who played with Ray Brown felt that way about him. In the early ‘90s, Ray sort of resurged his career as a talent scout for the younger generation. He hired Benny Green and Greg Hutchinson. He then went to hire Geoffrey Keezer, Karriem Riggins and Larry Fuller. He wound up being a mentor to Diana Krall. I was fortunate to be one of his musical kids.”

The first time Christian had a chance to hear Ray play, he was a freshman in high school in Philadelphia. “I was becoming very serious about learning how to play the bass and studying jazz,” he said. “So I went out and bought two of Ray’s records, This Is Ray Brown, and The Red-Hot Ray Brown Trio, with [pianist] Gene Harris and [drummer] Mickey Roker, recorded live at the Blue Note. Needless to say, I was floored. There’s just something about the way Ray plays: the sound, his time, his choice of notes.”

Several years later, Christian met Brown when the legendary bassist came to hear him perform a late-night set in a duo with Green. “I came into this joint late and they played for me, just for me,” Brown told Robert Doerschuk. “I was impressed with both of them. Benny wound up playing in my band later.” The two became close friends and subsequently performed and recorded together, along with fellow Brown acolyte, John Clayton, in a group called SuperBass.

Christian attributes Brown’s gifts to a combination of style and power. “Ray Brown was all about the ‘grease,’ as he used to say,” Christian explained. “The grease is where the flavor is. Ray was one of the very few bass players where drums seem superfluous, because his beat was so strong. I would talk to various drummers who played with Ray: Grady Tate, Jeff Hamilton, Greg Hutchinson, Karriem Riggins. And they all said that it was a major adjustment to play with Ray. They said that sometimes Ray could be too strong, to the point where they would play the drums and they would look over him and go, ‘Why am I here? You don’t need me.’ When Ray Brown would play a bass line, you got this feeling of a piston driving – poom, poom poom, poom. Every single note was full throttle. Some of the guys that knew Ray and loved Ray used to laugh, because Ray never really knew how to take his foot off the gas.”

In the years since Brown’s passing in 2002, Christian has regularly played shows with Green, Hutchinson, Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton and others to honor their hero and mentor. “The trio with Benny and Greg has turned out to be a pretty steady working trio,” he said. “So we just actually gave it a name and I’m really excited to bring them on the cruise.”

– Lee Mergner

Botti at Sea ’26

Boz Scaggs: Renaissance Man of Blues, R&B and Pop

When Boz Scaggs’ hit record Silk Degrees came out in 1976, it seemed to many people that he had come out of nowhere as an overnight success. But, in fact, he came out of a lot of places: Texas where he was raised, Madison, WI where he went to college and played in bands with childhood friend Steve Miller and San Francisco where he, along with Miller, refined his distinctive blend of blues, R&B, rock and pop. And his success in 1976 with hits like “Lowdown” and “Lido Shuffle” didn’t happen overnight, but rather was the result of playing in bands since 1959. Bands with names like The Marksmen, The Ardells, The Fabulous Knight Trains, The Wigs and The Other Side, none of which broke through to commercial success.

His initial success would come in the ‘70s as a solo artist. After releasing six albums as a leader, the singer-songwriter’s collaboration on Silk Degrees (with studio musicians who would later form the popular band Toto) was fortuitous for both. Toto came together as a band after touring with Boz and their sophisticated mastery of both funk and pop during the recording gave Boz’s album a (pun intended) silken sheen and result in a multi-platinum sales. Boz would go on to record more hit singles and albums over the years, even with a nearly decade-long hiatus from recording during the ‘80s. He’s been a headliner at theaters and festivals for more than four decades.

Although his music is firmly grounded in his R&B and blues roots, in 2003 Boz released an album of jazz standards, But Beautiful, which went to #1 in the jazz charts. Later in 2008, he recorded an album, Speak Low, which he described as “a sort of progressive, experimental effort…along the lines of some of the ideas that Gil Evans explored.”

For more than 30 years, Boz owned a renowned music club in San Francisco called Slim’s which closed in 2020 due to the pandemic. A true renaissance man, Boz and his wife also owned and operated a vineyard in Napa Valley, where they made wines throughout the ’00s. However, a devastating wildfire in 2017 destroyed his house, vineyard and personal belongings.

His extracurricular activities aside, it’s his music that will be the main attraction for guests of the West Coast edition of Botti at Sea, on which Boz will join fellow headliners Elvis Costello, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle, and of course, our host, Chris Botti.

– Lee Mergner

The Jazz Cruise ’26

Ron Carter’s Detroit Roots

Most jazz fans know about Ron Carter’s illustrious long career, punctuated by his celebrated tenure with the great Miles Davis Quintet (along with Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and Tony Williams), as well as his years as the leader of his own bands. But, they may not know about his musical roots in Detroit: a city that has produced a host of jazz greats, including Hank, Thad and Elvin Jones, Gerald Wilson, Milt Jackson, Donald Byrd, Tommy Flanagan, Kenny Burrell and Joe Henderson.

Born in Ferndale, Michigan, Ron chose the cello as his first instrument (his sister chose the bass). The Carter siblings, all immersed in music lessons, formed a family string quartet and for his part, Ron loved listening to the Bach Cello Suites. As 9th grader, he was first chair cello at Lincoln High School. In 1952, Ron entered Cass Technical High School, the famous Detroit public prep school that would produce so many of the aforementioned jazz greats. “You had to audition to get in, pass an exam and maintain a certain grade level to stay there,” he told Sharon Pendara of In The Trove. “It was like a junior college. Music students had to be in everything: I played alto clarinet in the band; tenor saxophone in the marching band; sang in the choir, man, it was a complete music program.”

The bassist Paul Chambers (who would play with another of Miles Davis’ great quintets) initially held the bass chair at Cass, but left school early to go to New York City, presenting Ron with an opportunity, albeit on a different instrument. “Paul left open a bass chair, so I filled it,” Ron explained. He immersed himself not only in mastering a new instrument, but also in learning jazz. 

“In those days, all the frat houses had jazz bands play on the weekends,” he said. “I’d been practicing classical my whole life, so I understood scales. I studied harmony and theory at Cass, so I wasn’t a stranger to how a jazz band played harmonically. I played Bach chorales for orchestra, but we played those in half the speed as a jazz tune. I had to acquire a language for playing faster tempos with jazz. The bass lines themselves weren’t complicated, but, because they came faster than I was used to, I couldn’t think quickly enough to play the right notes that would work.”

He ended up auditioning for the noted Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, where he received a four-year scholarship for classical bass. While at Eastman, he started working around town as a jazz bassist, backing artists like Sonny Stitt and opening for jazz stars such as Horace Silver, Dizzy Gillespie, Carmen McRae and Oscar Peterson. “They assured me that New York welcomes guys who can play,” he told Pendara.

Indeed, Ron Carter could play at a high level then and for the next 70 years. We’re looking forward to Ron’s debut on The Jazz Cruise ’26.

– Lee Mergner

The Smooth Jazz Cruise

Jonathan Butler: The Straw the Stirs the Drink

Over the more than 20 years and 34 sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise, we have been fortunate to present some of the most amazing performers in the genre: David Sanborn, Bob James, Joe Sample, George Duke, Natalie Cole, Ramsay Lewis, Wayman Tisdale and more. Our current team of Marcus Miller, Boney James, Brian Culbertson, and Candy Dulfer have led the way for most of the past decade.

Great names and even greater performers. Yet, I can name only one artist who performed on the ship with all of them…and many more. From the very beginning of The Smooth Jazz Cruise in ’04, Jonathan Butler has stood as an icon of the program. He has been the catalyst for so much entertainment and music, that he qualifies more than any other performer as “The Straw that Stirs the Drink.”

Blessed with a voice unmatched in this genre, Jonathan can take any tune and make it his. He can sing a standard in calypso or a prayer in R & B. His renditions are honest and singular. Though smaller in stature, when he is singing, you cannot take your eyes off him or pay attention to anything else.

With that talent, comes an endearing and self-effacing manner. This dichotomy is the heart of his beloved Gospel Hours. His faith and reverence are obvious, but so too is his humor and playful manner. In the space of a single song, he can make you think, cry, laugh and pray.

His personal story is of growing up in apartheid South Africa, literally dirt poor, and using his talents to become that country’s rarest of all entertainers, a black man heralded by whites. Then off to New York at a very young age to launch a career that continues today.

No performer has performed on The Smooth Jazz Cruise more than Jonathan Butler. Not hard to figure out why.

Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director
Signature Cruise Experiences

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Over 98% Reserved ! 

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DAVID FOSTER: THE HITMAN CRUISE
is in Open Booking

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
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THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
are Fully Reserved

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THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
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BOTTI AT SEA’26
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The post Jazz Notes: 7.9.25 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

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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.

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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

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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!

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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!

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

In a few days, June will be over and, with the coming of July, it is time to assess how we are doing thus far in ’25. The “we” is jazz fans. The “doing” is the world of jazz. Though I am biased, but, from our point of view, the first half of ’25 was a winner. 

From all accounts, jazz events are doing well. There is certainly a lot of new music being produced and our artists and musicians are as busy as ever. Certainly, the travails that plague all live entertainment, rising costs and travel issues, are present, but we seem to be getting along just fine.

At Signature Cruise Experiences, our events earlier this year were wonderful and we are preparing the final the programming for Journey of Jazz ’25, rounding out the manifests and schedules for our ’26 programs, while assembling lineups and determining itineraries and lineups for our ’27 programs. 

From late February through July 4th, we are busy, but it is very manageable. From there through the Winter Sailing Season (ending in February ’26), it gets a bit harried, which is one of the reasons we take the week of July 4th off as a holiday. The team is told to go have some fun, but be more than ready to come back and do great things for our guests.

In This Edition of Jazz Notes

In this edition of Jazz Notes, our jazz consultant, Lee Mergner will be sharing insights on Christian McBride‘s impressive work as the host for two national jazz radio shows. He also writes about our very special opportunity to enjoy both Chucho Valdés and Paquito D’Rivera on The Jazz Cruise ’26.

Michael Lazaroff will bring you up to date with the latest news with our ’26 Cruises and will profile a few of the “hidden gems” in the David Foster: The Hitman Cruise lineup.

Signature Cruise Experiences’ July 4th Holiday – While We Are Away Protocol

As has been the case for several years, the Signature Cruise Experiences’ office will be closed for the week of July 4th during which time our While We Are Away protocol will be in effect. Starting on Saturday, June 28 through Sunday, July 6, if you wish to contact us to ask questions, you will need to email us at info@scecruises.com and one of our representatives will contact you. You are never out of our thoughts, and we are never out of your reach!

Tomorrow, you will receive a While We Are Away email that will outline how to use the online reservation system while we are on holiday.  

Our online reservation system will be fully functional during this time. If you wish to learn more about a cruise, make a reservation or just check in, go to www.scecruises.com and select the cruise you are seeking.

Our offices will be open as usual (10 AM ET – 6 PM ET) on Monday, July 7.

The next edition of Jazz Notes will be Wednesday, July 9. The Weekender will be presented on Saturday, June 28, as usual, but will skip a week and return on Saturday, July 12.

Christian McBride’s World at Sea
Christian McBride: Cruise Host AND Radio Host

As the host of McBride’s World at Sea, Christian McBride brings a lot to the table, as a bassist, band leader and curator. He’s also an adept interviewer with skills he’s developed as host of the SiriusXM radio show The Lowdown: Conversations With Christian. The show was initially created as a podcast in 2009, but it eventually migrated to the Real Jazz channel where it currently airs on Tuesdays at 6 PM ET and Saturday at 11 PM ET. Most of the episodes are taped in front of a live audience and feature not only interviews with notable musicians, but also impromptu and stripped-down musical performances by the guests with Christian.

When he started the show, he said “I’m not only excited about being able to expose different aspects of my personality, but also exposing different facets of the diverse guests who will appear on the show. Imagine hearing Chick Corea talk about football and to hear Angélique Kidjo imitating a New York cab driver. I mean, the show is special – if I do say so myself.”

In 2011, Mack Avenue released an album of 13 performances from the show including duets with Kidjo, Corea, Sting and Dee Dee Bridgewater.  Christian also presents the guests with a trivia pop quiz about sports, movies, comedy or other topics. Occasionally, he’ll give guests his version of a Blindfold Test, playing a track and asking the subject to identify the artist. Guests of The Jazz Cruise have been fortunate enough to watch many tapings of shows with everyone from John Clayton to Houston Person and can attest to the show’s lively and fun format.

But The Lowdown is not the only national jazz radio show that Christian is involved with. He’s also the host of the weekly NPR show Jazz Night in America, produced since 2014 by WBGO. Each episode of Jazz Night in America looks at a specific artist, scene, event or trend with a combination of documentary style interviews, footage and live performances. As the host, Christian acts as the narrator of these hour-long stories about the jazz community. Airing on more than 100 public radio stations nationwide, it’s more than a radio show, because many episodes feature video content which can be viewed online. This multi-platform format is something that NPR has had great success with its Tiny Desk Concert series.

Like his mentor, the late Dr. Billy Taylor, Christian has used broadcast media platforms to promote jazz artists, projects and organizations to a wider audience. Guests on McBride’s World at Sea will witness his unique gifts as an interviewer, honed through years of experience talking with his fellow artists for the radio.

– Lee Mergner

The Jazz Cruise ’26
When Does 1 + 1 = 3?
When Paquito and Chucho Each Bring Their Own Bands & Perform Together

Although Paquito D’Rivera and Chucho Valdés started playing together as teens in Cuba, it has only been in recent years that they have reunited for both a recording (I Miss You Too!) and tour. The two performed together during The Jazz Cruise ’24 and will reprise that pairing again on The Jazz Cruise ’26. In addition, both will be inducted into The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame during a special concert in the Celebrity Theater on the ship. Guests of The Jazz Cruise will also be treated to performances by each of these legendary artists leading their own special ensembles. 

Paquito will present music from his upcoming release, La Fleur de Cayenne, highlighting his work with the Madrid-New York Connection Band, an ensemble of Cuban expatriates and a Colombian vibraphonist, who live in Madrid, Spain. The project began in the late 1990s. Paquito was enjoying a quiet evening at his New Jersey home when a car pulled up nearby. A handful of young musicians called out to him, explaining that they were Cuban musicians living in Spain who wanted to see where Paquito lived. That was how Paquito met Pepe Rivero, a pianist and composer originally from Manzanillo, thus beginning a long and fruitful musical relationship. Rivero introduced Paquito to other Cubans living in Spain, including drummer Georvis Pico, percussionist Yuvisney Aguilar, and bassist Reinier “El Negrón” Elizarde. While in Spain, Paquito would regularly reunite with his fellow Cuban musicians, along with the Colombian vibraphonist Sebastián Laverde. The Jazz Cruise audience will get a rare opportunity to hear the results of this unique collaboration.

During the cruise, Paquito’s longtime friend and colleague Chucho, who received the prestigious NEA Jazz Master award in April, will lead his acclaimed Royal Quartet, featuring three generations of top Cuban jazz musicians: Horacio “El Negro” Hernández (drums), José A. Gola (bass) and Roberto Jr. Vizcaíno (percussion). The group’s emphasis on percussion reflects the musical DNA from his homeland. “Every party in Cuba ends with the conga,” Chucho says. “Once the congas ignite, we all dance together.”

Chucho’s Royal Quartet recently released Cuba & Beyond, which pays homage to a few of his influences like Chick Corea (on “Armando’s Rhumba”) and Mozart (on “Mozart a la Cubana”), while remaining true to his unique blend of jazz and Afro-Cuban music. As the son of the legendary pianist Bebo Valdés, Chucho is in fact descended from Cuban music royalty, yet as our guests can readily attest, he, like Paquito, is both generous and humble with his fans and fellow musicians. We’re looking forward to hearing Chucho’s Royal Quartet during The Jazz Cruise ’26.

– Lee Mergner 

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise
Behind the Stars…Lots of Talent

Having produced cruise programs for more than 25 years, I know that we and our guests define our programs in terms of the headliners. Emmet Cohen is the focal point of The Jazz Cruise, Marcus Miller and Boney James, with a nice push by Brian Culbertson, embody The Smooth Jazz Cruise and, of course, David Foster, Christian McBride and Chris Botti are the epicenters of the cruises that bear their names. 

Totally understandable. Yet, when guests are pressed as to why they are excited about a particular program, most often the names you hear in response are those with less exposure for this particular cruise. 

It would be overkill to call them “hidden gems” of course, as they are often superstars in the genre. Perhaps, the best way to describe this phenomenon is that most Signature Cruise Experiences’ programs are an “embarrassment of riches” and it takes a minute to sort them all out.

In the case of David Foster’s cruise, there is David and Katharine, Babyface and, of course, Michael McDonald. If they were the only performers on the cruise, that would be more than enough to fill the bill. But the balance of the lineup is more than stellar.

We have shared our adoration for Take 6 many times. They are amazing. If you were on the last Botti at Sea sailing, you heard Peter Cincotti tear it up. The JR Robinson Band of JR Robinson, Myles Jasnowski and Mitch Towne combine legendary musicians at the top of their game. Nathan East is a monster.

Though I have not heard her perform live, the word on Pia Toscana is that she will be a huge hit on the cruise, as will Daniel Emmet and Frederic Yonnet.

Point made? One of the features of a cruise that sets this experience apart from any land based event is that the ship is more than a vessel for travel. It is a crucible in which very talented people are placed together for several days at a time. What emerges is a rich experience that includes the talents of superstars, stars and supporting performers.

As the old song said, “you can’t have one without the other.”

Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director
Signature Cruise Experiences

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Over 98% Reserved ! 

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DAVID FOSTER: THE HITMAN CRUISE
is in Open Booking

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
is in Open Booking

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THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
is in Open Booking

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
are Fully Reserved

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THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
is in Open Booking

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BOTTI AT SEA’26
is in Open Booking

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The post Jazz Notes: 6.25.25 appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

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.”

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

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

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

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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.

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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

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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 ‘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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

In a few days, it will be Summer, as per the calendar. Depending upon where you live, the hot days may have already taken hold. But, even if your mailing address is the North Pole, Summer means jazz festivals and enjoying the great world of jazz!

At Signature Cruise Experiences, our events are heating up as well, as we close out our manifests and finalize the programming for Journey of Jazz ’25 and our ’26 programs, while assembling lineups and determining itineraries for our ’27 programs.

In this edition of Jazz Notes, our jazz consultant, Lee Mergner, will be sharing insights on the amazing lineup of vocalists on Christian McBride’s World at Sea, the return of Monty Alexander to The Jazz Cruise and an insider’s look at Kenny G, poised to perform for the first time on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘ 26.1 & ‘26.2..

Michael Lazaroff will bring you up to date with the lineup for Botti at Sea ’26 and will share his view as to why Take 6 may be the Band for All Seasons on our programs.

Those stories and more, including a quick update on the upcoming cruises.

Journey of Jazz ’25

Never Sailed With Us? Check This Out!

In just over 80 days, Journey of Jazz ’25 will begin its inaugural sailing. A few staterooms are available even now.

That does not mean that the cruise is not sold out. You see, the staterooms left are available only because a guest has had to cancel their reservation due to illness or other circumstances.

In fact, every stateroom has been reserved at some point in the process, some more than once. Rather than continue to promote those few staterooms, we would like to use them to invite folks who have never sailed with us to do so.

What remains available are a few Veranda and Inside Staterooms. The online Cruise Prices are intended for new guests and those prices have been lowered dramatically. Check it out at https://journeyofjazz.com/pricing/.

Everyone should sail on an SCE Cruise at least once. This is your chance.

Botti at Sea ’26

Full Lineup Coming Soon

While several headliners, Elvis Costello, Boz Scaggs, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle have been announced, since Botti at Sea III does not sail for 15 months, Chris and Signature Cruise Experiences have been very deliberate in completing the lineup for the cruise. We have waited long enough. Sometime between July 9 and July 16, the full (and final) lineup will be announced. You will love it.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise

‘26.1 & ‘26.2 Fully Reserved; ‘26.3 Staterooms Available
Update on ’27

Both The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1 & ’26.2 are fully reserved. Cancellations will continue to occur, but they are filled immediately from the vast Waitlist. Staterooms are available for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3, which sails in 450 days.

In response to questions from our guests, we will be announcing the lineup for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.1 & ’27.2 (Caribbean Itinerary) no later than August 15, 2025. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.3, which will have a “first time ever” itinerary, will be presented at the same time, though the lineup will not be confirmed until later.

For those wishing to mark their calendars now, here is the ’27 schedule for The Smooth Jazz Cruise:

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.1: 1.31.27 – 2.7.27
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.2:  2.7.27 – 2.14.27
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.3: 10.13.27 – 10.20.27

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2

It’s Not Just an OG…This is Kenny G

My interview with the iconic smooth jazz saxophonist who talked about his music (and his golf)

Kenny G loves to practice. Although his distinctive saxophone sound seems almost effortless, in fact it’s the result of hours upon hours of picking up that horn every day. “To me practicing is two parts,” he explained. “One part is that you’ve got to get that saxophone and mouthpiece in your mouth. You have to. Otherwise, you lose the muscle control. It’s a physical thing. It’s hours of practicing. I’ll turn on a golf tournament and watch while I’m playing my saxophone. That way I’m going to play longer and stronger.”

The second part is all about the technique. “It’s like a gym,” he said. “You’re exercising. I play every one of my exercises in every key and I play them slow or I play them fast. I try to circular-breathe them. Sometimes I go like 15 minutes without taking my mouthpiece out of my mouth because I’m circular-breathing a bunch of exercises. When I’m done with that, it’s like I take a 5-minute break now. That’s how you work it. So that when I play live, nothing is holding me back from what I want to do with the saxophone.”

The saxophonist sees an analogy with his aforementioned favorite sport. “Jack Nicklaus always said at the driving range, you practice the shots you’re going to use when you play,” said Kenny. “You’re not just going to hit a ball a certain way because you’re at a driving range. My practice sessions are so that when I’m out playing my game, figuratively speaking, then I’m going to be able to recall all these things that are in my muscle memory and they’re going to be licks that are going to be awesome.”

Those references to golf are not the idle comments of a fan or even a weekend hacker. Kenny G is apparently a kick-ass golfer with a scratch handicap, which—for those unfamiliar with the sport’s terminology—means he generally can make par on any course. Most of us mere mortals are happy to break 100, whereas the G-force on an average day is scoring in the ’70s. Perhaps one of the reasons that his playing in both music and golf seems to be related is that he started both at nearly the same age. He was 10 when he picked up both a saxophone and a golf club. The two pursuits have been symbiotically intertwined ever since. “I played in high school on the golf team. When I went to college, I stopped playing. Then when I went on the road, I did play more. Over the years, it’s been in and out of my life a lot.”

It wasn’t until the early ’00s that he got as serious about the sport as he did about the music. “Back in 2005 or so, I decided I wanted to get good and I said, ‘I’m just going to approach it like playing the saxophone, so I need to practice.’ But how do I practice? I have to practice the right things. I have to practice correctly. I sought out teachers. Fortunately, when you have a name that people know, you can make a phone call to people that wouldn’t normally take your call. You can go get a lesson from Tiger Woods’ teacher. I got the information I needed and then I just practiced.”

He takes his clubs with him when he goes on the road and does his best to fit in a round of nine or eighteen holes between all the rigors of touring. And, when he’s home, he practices the golf almost as much as the music. 

Make no mistake, whether on the course or on stage, Kenny G is fully prepared to give it his best. We’re looking forward to welcoming him for his debut sailing on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 and ‘26.2.

– Lee Mergner

Christian McBride’s World at Sea

Songs of Singing

It should come as no surprise that McBride’s World at Sea is top-loaded with great vocalists, including Ledisi, Angélique Kidjo, Samara Joy, Cécile McLorin Salvant, José James and Melissa Walker. After all, our host has performed and recorded with numerous pop stars like Queen Latifah, Billie Eilish and James Brown, as well as veritable who’s who of jazz singers.

For Christian, his first experience working with singers came with one of his earliest gigs as a teenager in his hometown of Philadelphia.. He was just 15 years old when he was hired by saxophonist Joe Sudler and his Swing Machine big band that worked at just about every sort of function around town—from weddings to bar mitzvahs to private parties—albeit with a who’s who of local Philly jazz and soul cats including pianist Uri Caine, trumpeter John Swana, drummer David Gibson and saxophonist Zach Zachary.

For the young Christian, it was a crash course as part of the rhythm section for a band that featured vocalist Michelle Beckham, who could sing material from any genre. “I had to be ready for just about any tune that would be called,” he recalled. “The band’s book was huge. I had to learn so many songs and also learn how to think on my feet.”

In the ensuing years, Christian would go on to play with many great singers, and not just jazz stars like Abbey Lincoln, Betty Carter and Diana Krall, but also vocalists in R&B, soul, funk, blues and pop. So when it came to curate McBride’s World at Sea, he knew who he wanted as headliners alongside his various groups—singular vocalists who transcend category. He first met the Afro-pop legend Angélique Kidjo at the grand opening of the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville in 2005. “She basically put her finger in my chest and said, ‘We’re going to play together,’” he laughs.“ Later we recorded one of her hit anthems – ‘Afirika.’ She’s just a force of nature.”

As one of the judges for the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, Christian got an early look at Samara Joy who took the first-place prize in 2019 and who would then go on to become one of the music’s most popular vocalists, with multiple GRAMMY® awards and sold-out tours. “What most impressed me about Samara from the beginning was her diligence in wanting to learn,” Christian explained. “That’s what you want to see in a young musician. But she’s really an old soul.”

Speaking of old souls, Cécile McLorin Salvant seems to have channeled so many jazz greats into her creative DNA, yet has emerged as one of the most important jazz singers of her generation with a voice all her own. Often paired with the gifted pianist Sullivan Fortner, Cécile creates musical tapestries that draw on so many artistic colors. Quick, name the jazz singers who have received the famous MacArthur Fellowship, familiarly known as the Genius Grant? Yep, she’s the only one.

Christian was introduced to Ledisi by Peter Williams, a noted Bay area presenter, who told him, “You have to hear this singer.”  He indeed heard her and was knocked out by her facility to sing across many genres – jazz, R&B, soul, blues, etc. – but still retains her own unique voice. “Ledisi is everything – 50% jazz, 50% R&B, 100% soul.” 

José James has been a longtime favorite of Christian’s and is yet another vocalist who can sing jazz, as well as R&B, soul and funk. From his acclaimed tribute albums to Billie Holiday and Bill Withers to his own recordings of original music, José has carved out his own path as a once-in-a-generation singer and songwriter. “Way back in 2008, Terri Pontremoli, who was then artistic director of the Detroit Jazz Festival, introduced me to José,” Christian said. “We’ve been close collaborators ever since. It’s his jazz knowledge and understanding of tradition that makes his contemporary sound so amazing.”

Before Melissa Walker was Christian’s wife, he took note of her powerful presence on the ’90s jazz scene, fueled by the Young Lions movement, with a lot of machismo and notes. “It was a time when it was all about the instrumentalists,” Christian said. “But Melissa stood out as a jazz singer who broke through all that instrumental young lion energy.”

Christian’s deep-seated love of vocalists will be on display not only on McBride’s World at Sea, but also on his next two Big Band albums on Mack Avenue, which will feature several of the aforementioned vocalists. More on that later.

– Lee Mergner

The Jazz Cruise ’26

Monty Alexander: His Big Mistake

In recent years, Monty Alexander has performed a retrospective concert spotlighting his long and esteemed career that spans both decades and eras. Coming from Jamaica, Monty might surprise you with some of his early influences that include more than jazz, such as the reggae and ska of his native country as well as calypso and even cowboy music.  

“My heroes when I was younger were Roy Rogers and Gene Autry,” Monty explained. “I was a stubborn guy, so when somebody would say, ‘You should do this, you should do that,’ I did the opposite. I never took a lesson. I had a piano teacher who would rap me on the knuckles at seven years old. And I said, ‘The hell with this.’ I went home and I had fun playing boogie-woogie songs and that’s how my career started.”

In his teen years in Kingston, Jamaica, Monty played in a band called Monty & the Cyclones.  He was just 18 years old when he came to Miami to play in what he says were bars for gangsters. “Them guys carried guns,” he says. “That’s right, that was my Juilliard.” It was there that Frank Sinatra saw him perform and brought him to New York to play at Jilly’s Saloon, a club on 49^th Street owned by Sinatra’s longtime friend and aide Jilly Rizzo. As the house pianist there in the early ‘60s, Alexander met and befriended many of his heroes, including Duke Ellington, Milt Jackson, Ray Brown and Miles Davis.

Monty would become friends with Davis, who amongst other things shared his interest in a particular sport. “It was a hell of a time,” he recalls. “I would stop at Miles’s apartment and he had signs that said, ‘Go away.’ I’d knock on the door and he’d say, ‘Who’s there?’ I’d say, ‘Monty.’ He’d say, ‘Monty, come on in.’ And I’d hang out with him. I got to know Miles really well. We both loved boxing and me and Miles went to the Garden for boxing matches.”  Davis also shared with Monty a deep appreciation for Ahmad Jamal.

Ellington in particular looms large for Monty, not just because of his musical influence, but also because he wrote a letter on Monty’s behalf to the Department of Immigration so that the pianist could remain in the U.S. Milt Jackson and Ray Brown took a young Monty under their wings and Monty would pay it forward with our friends John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton, who were both barely out of college when he took them on tour and recorded the seminal album Montreux Alexander in 1976.

“They all impacted me in such a personal way because I never went to any music school,” Monty says. “I don’t read music. If you want to look at it in a sort of silly way, I’m just one big mistake.” We’re thrilled to have that “big mistake” return to wow our guests again on The Jazz Cruise ’26. 

– Lee Mergner

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise

Take 6: The Band for All Reasons

I can name five different cruise programs of ours that have featured Take 6, one of the world’s most beloved and talented acapella singing groups/bands. Their music can fit into virtually every cruise program we produce, which is why you will see them on our cruise roster time and time again.

First of all, they are great performers. 10 GRAMMY® Awards, 10 GMA Doves and three Gold Albums confirm that tout. Second, they are so much fun to be around and they enjoy our cruises and our guests. Third, as I said above, their music makes everyone happy, regardless of the main theme genre of the program.

Last, but certainly not least, they are true professionals. Case in point was last year’s McDonald LaBelle Cruise. When Take 6 learned that Michael McDonald was performing, they jumped at the chance to be his background vocal team. Mind you, this offer was made on the ship!  

No notice. No rehearsal. No hesitation. No doubt, one of the coolest performances on our cruise stage ever. Michael McDonald, a band led by Marcus Miller and Take 6 providing additional vocals. Really? It is moments like that which make me love what we do.

Take 6 will be a featured performer on David Foster: The Hitman Cruise. Now, let me see, who else is on that cruise? Michael McDonald. Can anyone spell “reprise”?

One final confession. Take 6 is my favorite performing group of all time. If it were up to me, they would be on every cruise. Yeah, it may be up to me after all, but you get my point. The only thing better than Dave Brubeck’s “Take 5” is our Take 6!


Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director
Signature Cruise Experiences

The post Jazz Notes: 6.18.25 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. 

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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!

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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

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