For those who bet on this week’s Our Take being a commentary on Jazz Appreciation Month, you win. For those who felt otherwise, you are invited to our weekly poker game. Bring your money and something comfortable upon which to sit.

JAM reminds me of the Star Trek Cruise we produced for years. Though our guests wore Star Trek costumes all the time, the cruise gave them the unfettered right to do so all day and all night for seven days and not feel the least guilty or self-conscious. During April, I am free to annoy my friends who are not jazz fans with stories about the music and 24/7 jazz references. Actually, I have only one friend who does not like jazz. Now, my other friend loves jazz. No worries there.

Most of my jazz world interaction is with our guests, our musicians and our team. Next week (Friday), I will be at the Berks Jazz Fest in Reading, Pennsylvania, which will be my first significant jazz interaction since the cruises. I cannot wait to see our jazz friends and to enjoy some great music. Marcus Miller and Eric Marienthal will be reprising their brilliant Tribute to David Sanborn on Friday, April 11 at the Scottish Rites Cathedral. Mindi Abair and her wine expert husband, Eric Guerra, will conduct a wine tasting at the venue immediately before the show.

Signature Cruise Experiences is the sponsor of the event and the wine reception and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the David Sanborn Fund at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. David’s widow, Alice Soyer Sanborn, will be in attendance and will participate in the show as well. If you have the opportunity to join us for this special show and for the rest of Berks Jazz Fest, by all means do so. 

I promised you that I would take this month to detail those jazz events and jazz opportunities that I believe would enhance your knowledge and love of jazz. In thinking about this, my first thought was The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian, Christian McBride’s tour de force weekly show where he spends nearly an hour with an icon of jazz. They talk about their careers, laugh at their pitfalls, perform some live music together and play one of Christian’s quiz games. Those games include identifying musicians from recordings, a sports quiz or other mind-bending event.

The Lowdown is presented on the Real Jazz channel of SiriusXM radio, channel 67. Shows are broadcasted on Saturday mornings, but repeated throughout the week. And, like everything else in the world, you can stream the shows of your choice. About the only things that you cannot stream these days are The Weekender or one of our cruises. Which reminds me, Christian has recorded several of his shows on our cruises. Though not presented live, I have heard those shows being recorded and the on-air broadcasting sounds as live as it can be. Christian’s interview of Houston Person was particularly fun. Having known Houston for 25 years, I am hip to his funny side, which is in stark contrast to his stoic, seemingly standoffish, demeanor on stage.

Like so many of the icons of jazz, Houston takes his role very seriously and believes that the bandstand is for working, not joking. I get it, but it would be wonderful if everyone who loves jazz would be able to see Houston as the loving, caring and warm person that he is. I guess that if you listen to his music, you would know that only a truly kind person could make such beautiful music.

For those of you who are only casual jazz fans, you would love the people who love jazz and the musicians who play that music. Just as it is with Houston, it is difficult to imagine a bad person loving a music genre so beautiful. JAM is our Jam and it has only just begun.

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

Christian McBride’s World at Sea

Join Christian for his First Ever “Cruise” Lowdown Livestream

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

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

Learn why guests are calling this cruise the best of past programs such as North Sea Jazz Cruise, Playboy Jazz Cruise and Blue Note at Sea cruise. Christian McBride is the only bandleader we know whose ensembles make that boast.

When you add in the warmth, spirit and talents of Christian, you know that something special is about to happen. Join us for “The Cruise Lowdown” livestream on April 29.

Jeff Hamilton Organ Trio’s Coast to Coast

Guests on The Jazz Cruise earlier this year were treated to performances by a new band – the Jeff Hamilton Organ Trio, featuring Jeff with organist Akiko Tsuruga and guitarist Steve Kovalcheck. They’ve just released a new album, Coast to Coast, which is Jeff’s 23rd album as a band leader.

The title comes in part from the bandmembers’ divergent geographic bases – with Akiko coming from NYC, Steve from Colorado and Jeff, of course, based in LA. The three cover some classic organ trio cuts, as well as a few new compositions by Jeff. 

“The compatibility of this trio is what reaches the ears,” Jeff told us. “There is a musical friendship of thinking the same way and trusting each other…while tapping your foot.”

LEARN MORE

Berks Jazz Fest Wine Reception with Mindi Abair

Join Mindi Abair and her husband, wine producer Eric Guerra, for a special VIP Wine Tasting Reception at Berks Jazz Fest immediately prior to the David Sanborn Tribute Concert. During the reception, you will enjoy a meet-and-greet with Eric Marienthal, Marcus Miller and other concert performers.

The reception will be held on Friday, April 11 at 4PM in the banquet area of the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Tickets are $55 and all proceeds benefit the David Sanborn Memorial Fund at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Click below to reserve your spot today.

WINE RECEPTION RSVP

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025

Cruise Programs – 2026

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Promotional pricing is available on Ocean View and Inside Staterooms for Journey of Jazz! Make your reservation today using promo code WEEKENDER for significant savings*! Exciting land-based concerts and excursions are also available! *Discount applies to new reservations only. 

BOOK NOW

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HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Join us for a celebration of HBCUs and inspired by the tradition of the Divine Nine Challenge from recent sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Sailing January 15 – 20, 2026 (including MLK Day), this cruise will deliver Excellence, Education and Entertainment. For the best available prices on all Stateroom Categories, use Promo Code HTC during the booking process. Reserve Your Stateroom Today! 

BOOK NOW

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

9X GRAMMY® winner Christian McBride will host our newest Signature Jazz Cruises’ program, Christian McBride’s World at Sea! The cruise will feature legions of musicians who comprise the various ensembles that are the hallmarks of Christian’s music world AND first-class comedy talent. See the full lineup here! Open Booking has begun! Right now, special pricing is available for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms*. To save, use the promo code CMW during the reservation process. *Discount applies to new reservations only.

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Now Available

Hailed as “Jazz Heaven” by musicians and guests alike, The Jazz Cruise ’26 lineup will feature some of the most iconic musicians from the straight-ahead jazz genre. See the full lineup here. The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when!

BOOK NOW

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

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and staterooms are more than 96% reserved. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved, but you may join the Waitlist. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Open Booking Now Available

The inaugural sailing will feature headline artist Keith Urban and widely popular personalities from iHeartMedia’s The Bobby Bones Show, led by Bobby Bones himself. Top Shelf Country Cruise is now in Open Booking! Anyone may select any available stateroom and complete a reservation. Guests are not required to submit a Pre-Sail Reservation and may proceed directly to the Stateroom Selection process. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Open Booking Now Available

For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast, embarking in Vancouver, sailing to Victoria and San Francisco before disembarking in Los Angeles. Exciting land excursions will be available in the ports-of-call! The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. 

BOOK NOW

BOTTI AT SEA’26
Open Booking Now Available

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

BOOK NOW

Send us Your Mug Shots

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

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

Mug Shots of the Week

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

The post Our Take: JAM is Our Jam appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Tribute to David Sanborn at Berks Jazz Fest

The amazing tribute to the late David Sanborn that Marcus Miller and Eric Marienthal produced for the recent sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise is being repeated on Friday, April 11, 2025 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in the midst of the Berks Jazz Fest. 

Joining Marcus and Eric for the event are Kirk Whalum, Mindi Abair, Eric Darius, Rickey Peterson, Arlington Jones, Jay Williams, Nate Phillips, Kevin Turner, and David’s widow, singer Alice Soyer Sanborn. Prior to the event, Signature Cruise Experiences will host a special wine reception for concert guests who purchase a Wine Reception Pass. The event will be conducted by Mindi and her husband, wine producer Eric Guerra. 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of Wine Reception Passes will be contributed to the David Sanborn Memorial Fund at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

For more information about Berks Jazz Fest:

For ticket information for the David Sanborn Tribute Concert on Friday, April 11, 2025 at Berks Jazz Fest:

To make a direct contribution to the David Sanborn Memorial Fund:

Tickets to Mindi Abair and Eric Guerra’s Wine Reception event, benefiting the David Sanborn Memorial Fund at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, are available now. The event will take place 90 minutes before the David Sanborn Tribute Concert in the banquet area of the Scottish Rite Cathedral. A $55/person fee will be collected at the door. Email your name and the number of guests in your party to wine@scecruises.com to reserve your place now.

Berks Sails on Journey of Jazz

Per John Ernesto’s request, Signature Cruise Experiences will be auctioning a stateroom on Journey of Jazz ’25 at the Berks Jazz Fest. John selected this cruise as many of those associated with Berks Jazz Fest have expressed interest in sailing on Journey of Jazz, which departs from Vancouver on September 12 and ends in Los Angeles on September 19, with stops in Victoria BC and San Francisco.

John tells us that fans who have never visited Napa, Sonoma or San Francisco are excited to combine another first class music cruise experience with the opportunity to visit these locales using the cruise ship as their hotel. That the cruise features Marcus Miller, Gregory Porter, Diana Krall, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Chucho Valdes, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner, Wycliffe Gordon, Emmet Cohen, Benny Benack III, Bria Skonberg and more just adds to the excitement.

Journey of Jazz ‘25 is more than 80% reserved, but we have an inventory of Ocean View Staterooms and Inside Staterooms that are being favorably priced for a limited time. To learn more about this pricing, initiate a reservation (www.journeyofjazz.com) and use the promo code: WEEKEENDER. Reserving an Ocean View or Inside Stateroom is a great way to enjoy Journey of Jazz ’25. The staterooms are large, well appointed, and the savings are significant. 

As we used to say years ago, “try it, you’ll like it.”

One Last (Albeit, Reluctant) Note

Today is my 75^th birthday. I spent my first 25 years being a kid and getting educated. The next 25 years was spent in business and practicing law. The last 25 years has been producing cruise programs, mostly jazz programs and being involved with our musicians, staff and crew. My first 25 years was necessary. The second 25 years was rewarding, but tumultuous. 

The last 25 years has been everything in life that matters to me. An amazing, loving and talented wife. Two great kids. Two magical grandchildren. Fabulous co-workers. The finest musicians and performers in the world. And, most of all, the opportunity to share the music vacations of thousands of truly wonderful guests. Some have been with us from the start. Some of those guests are no longer with us. Most come and go as their lives and interests change.

I know that I have been blessed. I trust that I have given back to each of you. Who knows what the future holds, but I promise to continue to produce great programs, treat everyone with respect and dignity and enjoy every minute, every note and every person who is associated with Signature Cruise Experiences.  At some point today, I will toast all of you and wish you the very best. 

My parting wisdom for the day is simple…..if applicable, be sure to turn your clocks forward tonight as Daylight Savings Time is back. So profound.

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

Christian McBride & Angelique Kidjo Perform at Pucci Gallery for
JAZZ HOUSE KiDS’ Benefit

On Thursday, Christian McBride and Angelique Kidjo, the host and featured performer for Christian McBride’s World at Sea Cruise, joined forces for a priceless one-night-only evening at the exclusive Ralph Pucci Manhattan gallery, raising vital funds to support JAZZ HOUSE KiDS’ mission as an instrument for change creating avenues of access, learning career development and community building. This was the 9^th Annual Ralph Pucci Annual Jazz Set during which time Christian has been joined by some of the very top musicians in the world, including Sting, Gregory Porter, Wynton Marsalis, Diana Krall, Norah Jones and John Pizzarelli.

“For over 20 years, JAZZ HOUSE KiDS has been transforming lives using the power and legacy of jazz through world-class education and performances that create avenues of access, learning, career development and community building. The organization and students have received more than 125 awards and honors for excellence in jazz and jazz education. Every day of the week through a series of in-school and out-of-school programs, the JAZZ HOUSE helps young people gain an artistic edge through music, mentoring, education and apprenticeship, building thriving communities, and fostering community leaders and global citizens. The organization’s far-reaching cultural signature program is the award-winning Montclair Jazz Festival, the largest free jazz festival in the NYC area, attracting more than 25,000 attendees to downtown Montclair each year.”

The organization is led by Melissa Walker, jazz vocalist and wife of Christian McBride. Signature Cruise Experiences has been a supporter of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS and the Montclair Jazz Festival for years. The Jazz House All-Stars, the top performers from Jazz House Kids, have performed on The Jazz Cruise ’24 and The Jazz Cruise ’25.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Concerts

In the coming weeks, several artists associated with our cruises will be performing concerts in NYC at Jazz at Lincoln Center, known as the House of Swing. Among the upcoming shows at the beautiful venues there at Columbus Circle (Rose Theater, Appel Room and Dizzy’s) are performances:
 

• Anat Cohen March 14-15 
• Chris Brubeck & the Real Ambassadors April 4-5
• Paquito D’Rivera April 18-19
• Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra April 25-26
• Christian McBride & Ursa Major + Ray Brown Tribute May 2-3

SFJazz Concerts

On the West Coast, our friends at SFJAZZ will also be presenting artists with close ties to Signature Cruise Experiences programs.  Artists performing concerts at the SFJAZZ Center this Spring include:
 

• Etienne Charles March 15
• Christian McBride & Ursa Major March 22-23
• Bob James March 29-30
• Brad Mehldau/Christian McBride/Marcus Gilmore April 3-6
• Billy Hart April 10
• Herlin Riley April 11
• Marvin “Smitty” Smith April 13
• Kenny Barron April 10-13

Stateroom Availability

Having been at sea for four weeks, we thought it best to share what is new with respect to our next 9 cruise programs and to highlight special offers for select programs.

Cruise Programs 2025

Cruise Programs 2026

Hot Offers

Ocean View and Inside Staterooms are available on Journey of Jazz ’25. You can reserve an Inside Stateroom on the cruise for under $2,000/person and there are special prices for Ocean View staterooms. Reservations may be completed online or by calling the office and are based upon double occupancy, available for new reservations only and non-commissionable. Further, this discount may not be combined with any other offer (Promo Code: WEEKENDER).

Signature Cruise Experiences ‘ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Promotional pricing is available on Ocean View and Inside Staterooms for Journey of Jazz! Make your reservation today using promo code WEEKENDER for significant savings*! Exciting land-based concerts and excursions are also available!

*Discount applies to new reservations only. 

BOOK NOW

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HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Join us for a celebration of HBCUs and inspired by the tradition of the Divine Nine Challenge from recent sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Sailing January 15 – 20, 2026 (including MLK Day), this cruise will deliver Excellence, Education and Entertainment. 

For the best available prices on all Stateroom Categories, use promo code HTC during the booking process.

Reserve Your Stateroom Today! 

BOOK NOW

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

9X GRAMMY® winner Christian McBride will host our newest Signature Jazz Cruises’ program, Christian McBride’s World at Sea! The cruise will feature legions of musicians who comprise the various ensembles that are the hallmarks of Christian’s music world AND first-class comedy talent. See the full lineup here!

Right now, special pricing is available for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms. To save, use the promo code CMW during the reservation process. Open Booking has begun! Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Now Available

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

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

BOOK NOW

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

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and staterooms are more than 95% reserved. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved, but you may join the Waitlist.

Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Open Booking Now Available

The inaugural sailing will feature headline artist Keith Urban and widely popular personalities from iHeartMedia’s The Bobby Bones Show, led by Bobby Bones himself. 

Top Shelf Country Cruise is now in Open Booking! Anyone may select any available stateroom and complete a reservation. Guests are not required to submit a Pre-Sail Reservation and may proceed directly to the Stateroom Selection process. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Open Booking Now Available

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

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

BOOK NOW

BOTTI AT SEA’25 is Fully Reserved!
Open Booking Now Available

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

Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

Send Us Your Mug Shots

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

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

Mug Shot of the Week

Jon & Joycelyn R.
Virginia

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

The post Our Take: Countdown to Berks Jazz Fest appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

“Jazz speaks for life. The Blues tell the story of life’s difficulties.”

These words were delivered by Dr. King as a written introduction to the Berlin Jazz Festival in 1964, the same city where Jesse Owens showed the world what true greatness looks like on a track field, where one of the world’s most odious governments was based and where, for decades, a divided city was the symbol of unrest and fear for us all.

1964 proved to be an important milepost in Dr. King’s life and career as his dream of passing the Civil Rights Act was achieved for which he was heralded worldwide and became Time Magazine’s “Man of the Year.” 60 years later, the efficacy of that legislation can be debated of course, but, at that time, it was groundbreaking and significant. 
 

“Much of the power of our Freedom Movement in the United States has come from this music. It has strengthened us with its sweet rhythms when courage began to fail. It has calmed us with its rich harmonies when spirits were down.”

I have read Dr. King’s speech dozens of times. The passage above speaks to me personally. How many times have you turned to jazz to soothe your nerves, lift your spirits or simply cope? For me, the number is “countless.”

Besides being on the precipice of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we are also just days away from Signature Jazz Cruises’ annual four weeks of jazz at sea. Four weeks of great music, lovely people sharing and being inclusive in every way, and, selfishly, a time to simply take in the beauty of life through music.
 

“…they (Jazz musicians) take the hardest realities of life and put them into music, only to come out with new hope and sense of triumph.”

Not every Jazz musician has suffered or has had to overcome adversity, but, as a genre, jazz clearly reflects that struggle and that pain. In the end, those who succeed in jazz are those who climb onto the bandstand and have something relevant to say. Not just as a solo performer, but mostly as part of a group of like-minded and like-talented musicians.

Strength of the individual blended with the need to share and get along. Dr. King was talking about jazz, for sure, but, as we who love this music know, jazz is a metaphor for life and how you should conduct your life.
 

“Everybody longs for meaning. Everybody needs to love and be loved. Everybody needs to clap hands and be happy. Everybody longs for faith. In music, especially this broad category called Jazz, there is a stepping stone towards all of these.”

Whether your cause is Civil Rights, saving the environment, curing diseases or, simply providing entertainment and solace for your guests, in living your life every day, remember Dr. King’s words.

May all our actions provide the path, the stepping stones, for happiness and love. It is with great honor for our entire Signature Cruise Experiences’ family to join in the global celebrations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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

Angelique Kidjo at Jazz House Kids Benefit in March

On March 6, the dynamic vocalist Angelique Kidjo will perform as the special guest with Christian McBride in NYC at the Ralph Pucci 9th Annual Jazz Set that benefits the Jazz House Kids organization. Kidjo, who will be sailing on Christian McBride’s World at Sea next year, is a five-time GRAMMY® winner with 16 albums to her name. Her striking voice, stage presence and fluency in multiple cultures and languages have won respect from her peers and expanded her following across national borders. Kidjo has cross-pollinated the West African traditions of her childhood in Benin with elements of American R&B, funk and jazz as well as influences from Europe and Latin America.

Held at the ultra-modern 30,000 square-foot New York City showroom and warehouse of Ralph Pucci International, the event features both performance and conversation and will be taped for The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian on SiriusXM. Past performers in this gala event which has raised almost $2 million include Sting, Norah Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Diana Krall, Laurie Anderson, Gregory Porter, John Pizzarelli and esperanza spalding. “I am so excited to join my friend Christian at the Ralph Pucci 9th Annual Jazz Set,” Angelique said. “Music unites people from across the globe, and strengthens our communities. The work that Jazz House Kids does every day exemplifies this and I am honored to support its mission.”

JANUARY 28
Official Launch of Homecoming: The Cruise

In honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his profound connection to Morehouse College and membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, in 2026 the inaugural Homecoming: The Cruise will set sail. Excellence, Education and Entertainment are the guiding themes for this cruise as we honor the importance of Historic Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the sororities and fraternities of the National Pan – Hellenic Council (NPHC), more commonly referred to as the Divine Nine organizations.

The HBCU story, along with the history of the Divine Nine Sororities and Fraternities, are providing the impetus and energy for Homecoming: The Cruise, a Signature Cruise Experiences’ cruise program that will sail in one year from now. Excellence/ Education/ Entertainment…our goal for that sailing.

The Pre-Sail Reservation Procedure ended this week and we are preparing for the Official Launch of Homecoming: The Cruise on January 28, 2025. At that time, anyone may select any available stateroom and complete a reservation for this inaugural cruise.

Whether you are interested in the program’s HBCU Scholarship Program, enjoying the entertainment of Babyface, MC Lyte, Chanté Moore, Take 6, Nephew Tommy and more, or participating in the traditional events that make Homecoming at an HBCU institution or a Divine Nine sorority or fraternity so special. 

Open Booking begins at 10 AM ET on January 28. You can call our office or complete your reservation online. To learn more, go to Homecoming: The Cruise.

Support John Clayton

Kudos to Jeff Hamilton for establishing a support system for his longtime friend and colleague, John Clayton. John and his daughter each lost everything they own in the Los Angeles wildfires. They were not the only ones, of course, but John’s connection to our music, our programs and to our lives has been, and will continue to be, very special.

Besides the fund described below, you may send support to Gail Boyd, John’s longtime manager. For more information, go to gailboyd@gailboyd.com. Signature Cruise Experiences provided support in this manner as it allows for anonymity and avoids the cost of the GoFundMe process. Please note that GoFundMe keeps 14% of the donations.

Either way, we ask that you consider supporting John now. He has earned our assistance.

SUPPORT JOHN CLAYTON

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Now through February 25, or until fully reserved, promotional pricing is available on Ocean View and Inside Staterooms for Journey of Jazz! Make your reservation today using promo code ATSEA for significant savings*! Exciting land-based concerts and excursions are also available!

*Discount applies to new reservations only. 

BOOK NOW

HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Coming Soon!

Join us for a celebration of HBCUs and inspired by the tradition of the Divine Nine Challenge from recent sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Our newest cruise, sailing January 15 – 20, 2026 (including MLK Day), will deliver Excellence, Education and Entertainment. 

ALLBLK’s Homecoming: The Cruise is produced in association with the National HBCU Alumni Alliance and features Babyface, Chanté Moore, Take 6 and more! The best part is that we will award over $200,000 in scholarships to deserving organizations. Open Booking begins on January 28th! 

CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Open Booking Now Available!

9X GRAMMY® winner Christian McBride will host our newest Signature Jazz Cruises’ program, Christian McBride’s World at Sea! The cruise will feature legions of musicians who comprise the various ensembles that are the hallmarks of Christian’s music world AND first class comedy talent. See the full lineup here!

Open Booking has begun! Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Artist Lineup Now Available!

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

Guests sailing on The Jazz Cruise ’25 may reserve their current stateroom for the ’26 sailing now through Jan. 31, 2025. New guests and those not sailing in ‘25 may join the Pre-Sail now.

JOIN PRE-AIL

THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
Reserve Your Stateroom Today!  

Both sailings for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25 are fully reserved and the Waitlist has more than 4,000 entrants. 
  
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2 are in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and are over 80% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Now in Open Booking!

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

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

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BOTTI AT SEA’25 is Fully Reserved!
BOTTI AT SEA ’26 Just Announced!

Sailing from Los Angeles to Vancouver, with calls on San Francisco and Victoria, BC, Botti at Sea III (’26) is moving to the West Coast in September ’26! 

The website for the cruise will be available later this month, just before Botti at Sea II (’25) sails in February
Establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail. 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

The post OUR TAKE: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. & Jazz appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

New Music

Two artists who have sailed on several of our programs have just released new albums. We hope you will give them a listen.

Etienne Charles’ Creole Orchestra

With Creole Orchestra, his 10th album as a leader and first for a large ensemble, trumpeter/composer/arranger (and Trinidad native) Etienne Charles delivers a mix of creole flavors, channeling a cross section of energies from reggae and soca dancehalls to hip-hop and then back in time to the swinging days of the Savoy Ballroom. Showcased on the new album are the Haitian-American rhythm section tandem of drummer Obed Calvaire and bassist Jonathan Michel, as well as pianist Sullivan Fortner, trumpeter Giveton Gelin, saxophonist Godwin Louis, and cuatro maestro Jorge Glem. Vocalist Rene Marie makes a guest star appearance on three tracks, including two of her own compositions.

The history of big band influence in the Caribbean stems from the establishment of two U.S. naval bases on Trinidad during World War II. Along with the military bases came Trinidad’s first radio station, “and the music played was big band music, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington,” said Etienne. “You immediately started hearing mini-big band arrangements mimicking the Ellington and Miller styles on Trinidadian calypso recordings.” 

Matt Wilson’s Good Trouble

Also released this week was drummer/composer Matt Wilson’s latest album which celebrates the legacy of John Lewis. Standing on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama 55 years to the day after he was nearly killed while marching for Civil Rights, Congressman John Lewis urged the crowd to, “Speak up, speak out, get in the way. Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.” Those words have inspired countless Americans in the last few years, Wilson among them.

“I tend to think about what we do as musicians as ‘good trouble,’” Wilson says. “We want to be provocative, we want to make statements, we want to open doors for people. Representative Lewis’ words inspire people to do what they can do from where they are. I’m not an elected official, but there are things we can do with just good deeds.” That mission drives the music on Good Trouble, which also debuts a new quintet, also christened Good Trouble, which features a blend of longtime collaborators and new acquaintances: alto saxophonist Tia Fuller, tenor saxophonist and clarinetist Jeff Lederer, pianist and vocalist Dawn Clement and bassist Ben Allison.

Jazz Cruises’ ’25 Programs

The Jazz Cruise ’25
Celebrating its 25^th Anniversary
The Last 90 Staterooms…Act Now!

The plans for the 25th Anniversary sailing of The Jazz Cruise ’25 are spectacular. The cruise is over 92% reserved and is currently in Open Booking, which means that anyone may reserve any available stateroom. The remaining inventory, totaling 90+ staterooms, includes Veranda, Ocean View and Inside Staterooms.

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘25.1 & ‘25.2
Starting its 3^rd Decade
Both Sailings Fully Reserved

With both sailings being fully reserved, guests wishing to sail on a ’25 sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise should JOIN WAITLIST now. Cancellations will be filled exclusively from the WAITLIST. WAITLIST guests qualify for special terms when reserving a stateroom on The Jazz Cruise ’25 or Botti at Sea II.

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Botti at Sea ’25
Every Night is a Night on the Town
New Performer – Diana Krall!

Botti at Sea II is over 65% reserved. Anyone may reserve an available stateroom by calling the office during regular business hours or doing so online. It was this time last year that there was a “run” on staterooms, so act now! Diana Krall just added to the lineup! 

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Journey of Jazz ’25
Jazz Life at Sea & On Land 
Reserve Now – Land Events Menu Soon 

Jazz Cruises’ newest program, Journey of Jazz, hosted by Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter, is in Open Booking. Though not sailing for 15 months, the cruise is more than 65% reserved. Menu of land-based events in Victoria and San Francisco to be announced in late July! Reserve your stateroom now to be eligible for events at that time. 

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Mug Shots of the Week

Guests on the ’24 jazz cruises received The Weekender mug, which we hope you will use with your Saturday morning coffee while you read the latest edition. Please share a picture of yourself & your mug with us so that we can include it for the 100,000+ folks who receive The Weekender each Saturday.

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

The post OUR TAKE: The Circle of Jazz appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.