While We Are At Sea

Though we are at sea for the next several weeks (January 28 – February 25), please know that while some of us are away, our office will be open during normal business hours, our email lines will be open and the websites for each of our cruise programs will be available 24/7.

These services are available to guests who have questions about their upcoming ’25 Sailings and those who wish to complete or discuss a ’26 Reservation. To contact us, you may choose among the following:

  Call the Office: 
Toll Free US & Canada – 888.852.9987
Toll Free International – 01.800.852.99872
Monday – Thursday: 10 AM ET – 6 PM ET
Friday: 10 AM ET – 5 PM ET

Inquire by E – Mail:
info@scecruises.com

Learn More or Make a Reservation:
www.scecruises.com or review SCE Brand Book
Select the Cruise Program You Wish
Follow prompts

Stateroom Availability

With 13 active cruise programs, it is difficult to keep up with Stateroom Availability. To assist you with your planning, below is a chart that we will update weekly in The Weekender. 

Cruise Programs 2025

Cruise Programs 2026

Hot Offers

Inside Staterooms are available on Journey of Jazz ’25. From now through February 28, you can reserve an Inside Stateroom on the cruise for under $2,000/person. Reservations 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: ATSEA).

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25.2 has been fully reserved for months. Guests do cancel their reservations for various reasons and we place those staterooms with guests on the Wait List. If you are on the Wait List or wish to reserve a stateroom for one of these sailings, call the office for availability and pricing.

Sullivan Fortner’s Southern Nights

The pianist Sullivan Fortner, who was a big hit during the last two weeks with our guests sailing on The Jazz Cruise and Botti at Sea, has just released Southern Nights, his fifth album as a leader. 

Recorded live at the iconic Village Vanguard in NYC, the album features a wide-ranging repertoire, including tunes by Allen Toussaint and Clifford Brown, and tributes to Sullivan’s late mentor Bill Lee and Lee’s sister, the underappreciated pianist and educator Consuela Lee, as well as an original from Sullivan. Accompanied by bassist Peter Washington and drummer Marcus Gilmore, Sullivan celebrates his roots in the Crescent City.

“New Orleans is at the top of the Caribbean,” he explains. “It’s definitely not America. The Spanish and Caribbean influences run deep, and you can hear that in the music.”

LEARN MORE

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Now through February 28, or until fully reserved, promotional pricing is available on 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

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HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Now Available!

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. 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. Reserve Your Stateroom Today! 

BOOK NOW

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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
Open Booking Starts February 19!

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 who registered for the Pre-Sail are selecting their staterooms now, and Open Booking will begin on February 19!

LEARN MORE

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

 The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2 are in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and staterooms are more than 85% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Headline Artist Just Announced – Keith Urban

Fans of the country genre love the music that represents the simple, humble American lifestyle and they love to party. Top Shelf Country Cruise brings these ideas together on a luxury ship for one unforgettable week, February 27 – March 6, 2026! 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. Pre-Sail reservations are open now through tomorrow, February 9! Visit topshelfcountrycruise.com for more information and join the Pre-Sail today! 

LEARN MORE

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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!
Pre-Sail Reservations Accepted Until February 11!
Open Booking Begins February 28

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello and Melody Gardot will be onboard the 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. Establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail. 

LEARN MORE

Mug Shot 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: From Botti to Smooth 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. 

BOOK NOW

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.

For those who are sailing on the upcoming cruises, be sure to join us for the webinars scheduled for each of the sailings. In each session, we walk through the various aspects of the cruises, talk about check-in, provide hints to make the cruise experience more enjoyable and answer your questions in real time.

For more information check out our Cruise ’25 Webinars below.

Customarily, I take the first “OUR TAKE” of the year and detail the New Year’s Resolutions for the company and for me personally. As someone who will soon be 75, I must choose resolutions that are important, but do not require extensive commitment. Learning Chinese or going around the world in a canoe have been ruled out, as an example.

What has not been ruled out is continuing to enjoy every moment of our cruises and to broaden my personal music palate and experiences. For the company, meaning Signature Cruise Experiences, our resolutions center on broadening our reach as well, while making sure that our jazz programs are stronger than ever.

Following up on the resolutions for Signature Cruise Experiences, you have seen, or heard about, two new programs we are advancing, Homecoming: The Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. 

Homecoming is active and we are pleased to report that the HBCU and Divine Nine communities are enthusiastically supporting the programs. The scholarship component of the cruise is up and running and our entertainers, Debbie Allen, Norm Nixon, Babyface, MC Lyte, Nephew Tommy, Chante Moore, Take 6, etc., are completing their own promotional materials.

Top Shelf Country Cruise will be launched in the coming weeks. If we were unsure as to the meaning of “mosey,” finalizing the terms and conditions of this program has confirmed our understanding. Crystal clear. But, when it is ready, it will be amazing. We are working closely with iHeart Radio on the concept and the cruise will feature some of their top country music proponents. Led by Bobby Bones, radio personalities Crook & Chase, Lunchbox and others will be key elements of the promotion and on ship programming. Top performers are being lined up for what will be the “top-shelf” example of a country music cruise.

2025 will also see the promotion of a new jazz program, as Christian McBride’s World at Sea ’26 joins The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Botti at Sea and Journey of Jazz as the largest fleet of jazz cruises in the world. We will strive to make each program unique and special yet sharing the ideals and branding that Signature Cruise Experiences draws from its predecessor producer, Jazz Cruises, LLC.

Other company goals including continuing to expand our management team and to add services and opportunities for our guests to enjoy great music with great musicians. Being able to provide such joy and spirit for a week each year is inspirational to our entire team. We know how much our guests look forward to being with their friends, family and colleagues on the ship and we are dedicated to continuing to make that experience special.

And, we want to spend more time understanding what our guests want to see in future programs, whether that means additional genres, different talent or other aspects of the cruise program. Our programs belong to the guests, are defined by the guests and will be designed for the guests for the future.

Learning about more musicians is my main personal resolution for 2025. To do so, I have identified 10 musicians (4 vocalists and 6 instrumentalists) that I have “heard of,” but do not know well. Each month, I will write about one of these folks, telling you their story and how I went about learning about them. No need to send in names for me to consider, as I spent several hours on New Year’s Day making my selections. Combing the internet to learn about names I have accumulated over the past few months was fun and provided respite from watching some really bad football.

Now that project fits my definition of a resolution for me. Important, but not overly ambitious or too long term. If you want to share your musical New Year’s Resolution, feel free to send them to me. We will print these Wish Lists right next to the Mug Shots.

Bring on 2025! We are more than ready! 

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

Join the Webinars

Below is the schedule for the upcoming webinars related to the ’25 Cruises. We urge you to sign up and attend. If that is not possible, each webinar will be recorded and available on the respective website of each cruise. 

(Note: It is much more fun to be on the webinar. We have fun doing it.)

The Jazz Cruise ’25
Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM ET

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘25.1 & ‘25.2
Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM ET

Homecoming: The Cruise
Pre-Sail Reservation Ends on 01.15.25

Due to high volume and some confusion as to dates over the holiday, Pre-Sail Reservations for Homecoming: The Cruise will be accepted through Wednesday, January 15! Guests holding Pre-Sail Reservations will receive information and directions for selecting a stateroom and completing a Reservation soon thereafter. As of now, Pre-Sail Reservations will be activated starting on Monday, January 20.

Securing a Pre-Sail Reservation is easy, without cost and does not obligate the guest in any way. A Pre-Sail Reservation is, however, the very best way to jump to the head of the line to select a stateroom.

Journey of Jazz ’25

Our First West Coast Cruise in More than 10 Years!
Limited Offer/Significant Savings!

With all that is happening at Signature Cruise Experiences, we have not spent much time talking about Journey of Jazz ’25, our first West Coast cruise in more than 10 years. Though we do not sail for over 9 months from now, the cruise is 80% reserved and many of the special excursions are fully subscribed.

The first excursion that filled up was the Napa Valley Wine Train, which was surprising only because it was the most expensive of all the choices. We are investigating chartering another train for those who wish to enjoy traveling through the wine country, drinking great wine and enjoying gourmet food. Reading that description takes some of the mystery out of why the excursion sold out so quickly.

Most Expensive First Special Offer

The “Most Expensive First” syndrome for Journey of Jazz also applies to stateroom selection. The higher end staterooms were the first to go and most of the remaining inventory are Ocean View and Inside Staterooms! Amazing! Since our entire team will soon be “at sea” for a month, we decided to offer some of these staterooms at favorable prices. From now through February 25, 2025, the day we head back home or until the staterooms are fully reserved, you can use promo code ATSEA to reserve an Ocean View or Inside Stateroom at these amazing prices.

And, with the significant savings, you can afford a luxurious excursion! 

Cruise Prices are Per Person based on Double Occupancy
Reservations are Non-Commissionable 
This Offer may not be combined with any other offer or discount
Cruise Prices do not include per person Pass Through Charges

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘25.1 Hotel Reservations:
Stay with the Artists!

Still arranging your travel plans for The Smooth Jazz Cruise 25.1? Good news: We’ve managed to reserve another room block at a special rate for our guests at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina!

And because you’re reading this, you’re one of the first to know that this is the same hotel the artists will be staying at!

We will also be offering coach transportation from the hotel to the pier on Embarkation Day. Guests may register for this service now ($30/person) by completing the transportation form. 

There are a limited number of rooms available, so make sure you book soon. Just click the button below to get started.

Jazz in NYC

In large part because of the sprawling APAP conference dedicated to performing arts presenters, early January in New York City has become a hotbed for jazz artists, professionals and fans. Three major jazz-focused events during that time bring together members of the jazz community from all over the world. And you’ll find many artists who have been associated with our cruise programs involved in each of those events.

Jazz Congress (January 8-9)

This jazz industry conference, produced by Jazz at Lincoln Center and our own Lee Mergner, features a series of panels, workshops and events, dedicated to expanding the audience for jazz. John Clayton will receive the Bruce Lundvall Visionary Award, named for the longtime jazz record executive. The life and music of Russell Malone will be celebrated in an all-star performance featuring John, Ron Carter, Diana Krall, Christian McBride, Monty Alexander, Kenny Barron, Benny Green and others. Bryan Stevenson, the founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, will give the keynote address. Other artists from our cruises who are participating in the conference include Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bria Skonberg, Etienne Charles and Patrice Rushen.

Unity Jazz Festival (January 10-11)

Now in its second year, this two-day jazz festival will also take place at the beautiful facilities of Jazz at Lincoln Center and will feature more than 20 performances by artists such as Sullivan Fortner, Rachael & Villray, Helen Sung and many others. Our own Emmet Cohen will host a musical celebration of one of his mentors, Tootie Heath. In addition, there will be a special all-star tribute to Roy Haynes, featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dave Holland, Graham Haynes, Marcus Gilmore, Terri Lyne Carrington, John Patitucci, Dave Kikoski, Jaleel Shaw, Kenny Barron and more.

LEARN MORE

Winter JazzFest (January 9-15)

Founded in 2005 by impresario Brice Rosenbloom, this festival takes place at various venues throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn and is anchored by two “Marathon” nights on January 10 and 11. During those evenings, performances by more than 40 groups take place at 18 venues. Attendees get a pass to experience the music in pub crawl fashion with Friday night being held in Manhattan and Saturday night in Brooklyn. The lineup features a mix of established and emerging artists, with an emphasis on the more cutting-edge styles of jazz. Among the more mainstream jazz performers in the program are the Christian McBride Big Band, Orrin Evans Big Band with Lisa Fischer, Matthew Whitaker, Tyreek McDole, Melissa Aldana and JD Allen.

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

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

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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

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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. 

BOOK NOW

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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

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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

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JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Excursions Available to Book Now!

In addition to a spectacular lineup of musicians, Journey of Jazz ’25 includes a brilliant offering of special excursions, events and entertainment while the ship is docked in both Victoria, BC and San Francisco, CA.
  Check out the wide range of Signature Jazz Cruises’ curated trips to Wine Country, Special Land Based Concerts and more. New opportunities are available to book now.

BOOK NOW

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HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
New Cruise Just Announced!

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. 

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! Establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail.

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: 2025 is Here. We are Ready! appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Sometimes, when we are working on our cruise programs, we view our stars without the stature and recognition that they enjoy elsewhere. We are so immersed in the trees (tasks and undertakings to make the cruises work) that we lose sight of the forest in which we reside. That forest is the international world of top talent, amazing musicians and world-renowned performers.

Earlier this year, my wife, Paula, was escorting Paquito D’Rivera and Chucho Valdes from one site to another in Miami. She described that four block walk as being part of a rock star entourage, with many, many people stopping to say hello and pay their respects. A similar reaction occurred years ago when David Sanborn joined the musicians of The Jazz Cruise for the pre-cruise meeting. The muttering of “that’s David Sanborn” resembled the “wave” that fans initiate in arenas and stadiums.

Seeing musicians that we know well and are part of our cruise programs year after year on national television and in worldwide settings is an example of the “proof is in the pudding” that our guests know and understand the significance of the entertainment they enjoy on our programs.

Jesus suggested that “a prophet has little honor in his hometown.” I doubt that is an idiom. Probably just a wise saying, but it points out the fact that let’s not forget the forest while discussing the trees.

The big picture here is that we are blessed to be able to enjoy great music, performed by the very best musicians in the world, and we have access to them that is unlike most other music genres. Next time you are fighting about the merits of fusion, the importance of smooth jazz or the current state of straight ahead jazz, just remember to realize that you are in the greatest forest in the world of music.

“Does a tree that falls in the forest when no one is there make a sound?” is not a question we need to ask in jazz. We will always be there. We will always hear those sounds. We will continue to plant and nourish our trees.

God bless our music and may everyone enjoy a very Happy and Healthy New Year!

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 and Homecoming: The Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

What Are They Doing on New Year’s Eve?

Several of our artists have made plans to perform shows tied to the welcoming of the New Year. Here’s a partial list (in alphabetical order). Our apologies for any we may have missed.

Mindi Abair
December 29-31
Loews Coronado Bay Resort, San Diego, CA

Monty Alexander
December 28-31
Blues Alley, Washington, DC

Benny Benack III
December 28-31
Black Cat, San Francisco, CA

Alonzo Bodden
December 31
Helium Comedy Club, St. Louis, MO

Chris Botti
December 28-31
The Blue Note, New York, NY

Rick Braun with Gerald Albright,
Richard Elliot and Peter White
December 30
Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, FL

Kurt Elling & SuperBlue 
December 31
The Kennedy Center, Washington, DC

Boney James
December 29-31
Yoshi’s, Oakland, CA

Gregory Porter
December 30
Dolby Theater, Hollywood, CA

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’25
Lineup Just Announced!

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-SAIL

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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

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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. 

BOOK NOW

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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 early next year, 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

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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

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JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Excursions Available to Book Now!

In addition to a spectacular lineup of musicians, Journey of Jazz ’25 includes a brilliant offering of special excursions, events and entertainment while the ship is docked in both Victoria, BC and San Francisco, CA.

Check out the wide range of Signature Jazz Cruises’ curated trips to Wine Country, Special Land Based Concerts and more. New opportunities are available to book now.

BOOK NOW

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HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE
New Cruise Just Announced!

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. 

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! Establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail.

BOOK NOW

Mug Shot 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: Seeing the Forest for the Trees appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Buoyed by this continued growth, last Thursday we launched Homecoming: The Cruise, our tribute to the rich history and grandeur of HBCUs and Divine Nine organizations. Yesterday was the public launch of Christian McBride’s World at Sea ’26, our newest jazz cruise program, and an homage to the vast world of jazz that Christian has created.

That we launched those sailings during the holiday season is no accident. These programs exude a reverence and aura of celebration that befits this season. Both will be joyous celebrations of inspiration, excellence, and service.

And at the heart of each program will be music, dance and camaraderie — the sacred trio of expressing joy at sea. Homecoming: The Cruise will be hosted by Debbie Allen and her husband, Norm Nixon. The music headliner will be Babyface with Chanté Moore and Take 6 joining as well. Determined to promote higher education through the HBCU system, up to $100,000 in scholarship grants will be made as part of the cruise’s activities.

For those in the know, Homecoming at an HBCU institution is a “can’t miss” event. Planned all year, the celebration includes both traditional events as well as today’s entertainment. 

When we sat down to talk to Christian McBride about the direction of his cruise, we shared with him our respect for his ability to create and perpetuate several jazz projects at the same time. Tribute to Ray Brown, Inside Straight, Christian’s Big Band, Ursa Major and others travel the globe individually and seasonally, presenting an array of jazz profiles.

Christian McBride’s World at Sea cruise will feature the amazing musicians who comprise those groups, plus top vocalists and guest musicians. Being able to see and hear virtually all of Christian’s projects at one time has never been available. The cruise format provides this rare and exciting opportunity.

Though the lineup is not final, we’re excited to share that Jose James, Cecile McLorin Salvant and Angelique Kidjo will be joining Christian and his groups.

What you may not know is that Christian is a deft DJ, operating under the moniker Brother Mister. Check him out on the cruise. And Christian is a comedy fan as well. Of course, that means the presence of Alonzo Bodden, our favorite comics, but to gild the lily, the legendary George Wallace will be onboard as well.

Soon, we will have updates on Botti at Sea ’26, which is sailing on the West Coast in Fall ’26. The lure of this new itinerary and dates for Chris’ cruise has enabled us to secure two amazing guests. Doing so with more than 650 days before sailing is a testament to Chris’ stature in the world of music and the excitement for the new program.

We have one more surprise to share, but we will leave that for the next “Our Take.” Before taking us to task for the scope of the new program, remember that embracing all forms of music can be an important bridge for fans all over the world. If this sounds ominous, it is, but all in good fun.

I will leave our year-end musings for next week’s edition as well, but, to tease that note, we at Signature Cruise Experiences had a wonderful and enjoyable year. Our core cruises were exciting. Our “pop-up” cruise featuring Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle was a hit. We expanded our programs and embarked upon a new path for the future under a new name and organization.

But most of all, we were able to provide our guests with the very best cruise experience without the restriction imposed by the Pandemic, the fear of harm to our patrons and limitations on the talent we could present. I am not sure what “back to normal” means anymore, but, let’s just say that 2024 felt good.

Hug your family and say hi to your friends this holiday season. None of us can predict the future, so enjoy what you can when you can, whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa or another holiday. This admonition holds true for a cruise vacation as well.

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 and Homecoming: The Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

Still Searching for that Perfect Holiday Gift?
Check out Holiday Prices for Journey of Jazz ’25!

Journey of Jazz ’25 is our first West Coast sailing in many years. Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter are the hosts and we are featuring an amazing lineup that includes Cecile McLorin Salvant, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Diana Krall! 

Overnighting in San Francisco allows us to visit Napa, Sonoma and have shows at SFJAZZ. This program is very special in so many ways.

Staterooms are being reserved at a record pace, but we do have more Ocean View and Inside Staterooms available than usual. We decided that this is a great opportunity to lower the prices for those staterooms significantly for holiday purchases. 

From now through January 15, 2025, the promo code HOLIDAY will open the door for you to reserve an Ocean View or Inside Stateroom and sail on our Journey of Jazz ’25.

Jazz at Sam First in LA

We’re always excited to hear about a new venue presenting jazz, so we were happy to learn about Sam First, a jazz club in LA located inexplicably near the LAX airport. Honestly, we’re a little late to this party because the club has been quietly building an audience there since 2017. In the ensuing years, the club has been a go-to spot not only for serious jazz fans but also for so many great jazz artists, many of whom have sailed with us over the years.

Their upcoming schedule of shows includes the Joe LaBarbara Quintet (January 10-11), Gilad Hekselman Trio with Ben Williams (January16-18), Edward Simon Trio (January 24-25), Larry Goldings Trio (February 14-15), Ben Allison Trio (Mar. 8), Anthony Wilson Nonet (March 21-22) and Tamir Hendelman Quartet (March 28-29). Sam First is also a record label, but more on that in a later edition of The Weekender

Jazz at Birdland in LA

We don’t need to introduce our guests and followers to Birdland Jazz in NYC, who have been a valued partner with The Jazz Cruise for many years. But we’re pleased to share with you news of the upcoming performances by so many of our artists. 

Kurt Elling returns to Birdland January 8-11 for performances with the Ulysses Owens, Jr. Big Band. Performing sets in the Birdland Theater on January 9 are Tierney Sutton and Tamir Hendelman. Two of our favorite pianists, Isaiah J. Thompson and Emmet Cohen, follow Kurt and Tierney with shows on January 12 and 13, respectively. Later than month, Dee Dee Bridgewater, another longtime favorite of our guests, will appear for four nights (January 22-25). Two more great vocalists follow in shows by Lisa Fischer (January 28 – February 1) and Catherine Russell (February 11-15), the latter coming from her week as a host of The Jazz Cruise. Her friend and frequent collaborator, John Pizzarelli will perform at Birdland for five nights (March 4-8). Tell Gianni we sent you!

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Excursions Available to Book Now!

In addition to a spectacular lineup of musicians, Journey of Jazz ’25 includes a brilliant offering of special excursions, events and entertainment while the ship is docked in both Victoria, BC and San Francisco, CA.

Check out the wide range of Signature Jazz Cruises’ curated trips to Wine Country, Special Land Based Concerts and more. New opportunities are available to book now.

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’25
Lineup Just Announced!

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-SAIL

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

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Reserve your Stateroom Today! 

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

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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 early next year, just before Botti at Sea II (’25) sails in February! 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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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

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HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE
New Cruise Just Announced!

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. 

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! Establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail.

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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 Gift of Celebration appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

For many years, cruisers on The Smooth Jazz Cruises would gather to honor both their HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) heritage and their participation in the sororities and fraternities of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), affectionately known as the “Divine Nine.” By way of background, there are more than 100 Historic Black Colleges and Universities in the United States. Based upon information from the National HBCU Alumni Alliance, 50% of all Black lawyers, 80% of all Black judges and 40% of all Black members of Congress are HBCU alumni.

These numbers are even more impressive when you consider that HBCUs represent only 3% of all colleges and universities

NPHC organizations are often located on non-HBCU campuses and not everyone who attends an HBCU is a member of an NPHC organization.

The celebrations on the ship included guests who graduated from an HBCU as well as those who were members of an NPHC organization regardless of campus location. Of course, you can be both an HBCU graduate and a member of an NPHC organization. It took me more than a minute to work the Venn diagrams applicable here to figure out who was who, but, once you get there, it is easy to remember. 

On recent sailings we initiated a Divine Nine Challenge, encouraging guests to don their colors and show up at the lower staircase for a group photo. A scholarship was awarded to the sorority or fraternity with the largest turnout. In each instance, the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta took home the honors and the money.

These events were exciting and fun. The level of pride, commitment and excellence shown by these organizations was stunning to experience. We began to think that the idea of expanding this celebration to embrace all that HBCUs mean and the wonderful camaraderie of the NPHC organizations should be combined into one great event.

Since the only events that we know well are cruises, we headed in that direction. So, very soon we will be announcing the full details of our newest program:

Homecoming: The Cruise
1.15.26 – 1.20.26 (including MLK Day)
Celebrity Summit
Ft. Lauderdale/Bimini/Nassau/Ft. Lauderdale

Presented by 
Signature Events Cruises
in association with
National HBCU Alumni Alliance

This cruise is meant to produce education, entertainment and excellence in the tradition of HBCUs and the NPHC. For those in the know, you know the types of events we are talking about. For those who do not know, a complete list of interactive and special activities will be presented soon.

Our commitment to authenticity in terms of programming and experience is what attracted National HBCU Alumni Alliance to our program as one of our inaugural name sponsors. Their participation in the programming and talent selection has been invaluable. Stay tuned for the addition of two more very special sponsors.

And, though this program is a lot more than a music cruise, the entertainment will be first class. How else can you describe Babyface, Chante Moore and Take 6, who are among the performers? And, just this week, the all-time power couple of Debbie Allen and Norm Nixon have accepted our invitation to be hosts of the program.

Nephew Tommy, MC Lyte and our very own Homecoming Super Band will be sailing with us and will be supporting all the traditional HBCU and NPHC activities we have planned.

But, the real winner on this cruise will be education as we will be awarding at least $200,000 in HBCU scholarships during the cruise. The procedure for applying will be shared when the cruise is formally announced. The National HBCU Alumni Alliance is assisting us with this process.

Someone asked me recently “So, you are doing another cruise?” Those words triggered my mind and my emotions. “No, this is not another cruise. This is an important cruise that is long overdue and we are honored to be a part of its beginning.”

Have you ever seen an HBCU Marching Band or Drumline perform…on a ship? Join us.

Click the link below to join our list and be the first to get information on Homecoming: The Cruise! Doing so automatically places you at the head of the line when the Pre-Sail Reservation process opens on December 18, and that much closer to the pursuit of Education, Entertainment and Excellence.

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 and Homecoming: The Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com

Chris Botti’s Holiday Residence at Blue Note

Now in its 18th year, the Chris Botti Annual Holiday Residency at the Blue Note NYC kicked off this week. During the rest of December through to early January, Chris will perform more than 60 shows through January 5. He’ll be supported by a rotating cast of many of his longtime band members including Caroline Campbell, Julian Pollack, Lee Pearson, Daniel Chmielinski and Anastasia Mazurok, as well as vocalists John Splithoff and Veronica Swift.

In addition, the run always features some surprise guests. But don’t expect Christmas music. “I felt like there are so many bands out on the road playing Christmas music, that we just decided we’re not gonna do it,” Chris explained to our own Lee Mergner. “And we’ve never had one complaint about it. Not one. On Christmas Day, they all hang with the family and they come down to our show and it’s packed and everyone loves it.”

LEARN MORE

Concerts at SF Jazz

During the next few months, our friends at SFJAZZ will be featuring several artists familiar to guests of our jazz cruises. Take 6 will perform at the Miner Auditorium on December 28 and 29. On January 9-12, Botti at Sea host Chris Botti will also appear at the Miner Auditorium.

During January 23-26, SFJAZZ artistic director Terence Blanchard performs with E-Collective, joined by the acclaimed Turtle Island Quartet, performing music from his 2005 GRAMMY®-nominated album Flow (on January 23), 2007 GRAMMY®-winning recording A Tale of God’s Will (A Requiem for Katrina) and with special guest Dianne Reeves (on January 26). Jazzmeia Horn who sailed with us on The Jazz Cruise earlier this year performs on Febuary 13. At the Paramount Theatre on February 22, Chucho Valdes and Arturo Sandoval reunite to celebrate the music of Irakere, the influential Cuban jazz band of the ’70s and ’80s that launched both of their careers.

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’25
Lineup Just Announced!

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

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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

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Reserve your Stateroom Today! 

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

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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 early next year, 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

---

CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Lineup Just Announced!

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 begins December 20th! 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

---

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Special Guest – Diana Krall
Excursions Available to Book Now!

In addition to a spectacular lineup of musicians, Journey of Jazz ’25 includes a brilliant offering of special excursions, events and entertainment while the ship is docked in both Victoria, BC and San Francisco, CA.

Check out the wide range of Signature Jazz Cruises’ curated trips to Wine Country, Special Land Based Concerts and more. New opportunities are available to book now.

BOOK NOW

Signature Cruise Experiences Mug Shots

DC Cruise Crew
Gloria, Benny, John, Greg, Debbie, Gerrie, Sharon, Gladys

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: From “Divine Nine Challenge” to Homecoming: The Cruise appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Do Not Miss the Pre-Sail Reservation Deadline

If initial responses are the measure of interest, then Christian McBride’s World at Sea ’26 might be the single most exciting cruise program we have launched in many years. Whether it is the lineup, the concept or, likely, the aura of our host, folks are completing Pre-Sail Reservations in record number. Again, completing a Pre-Sail Reservation puts you at the head of the line when special booking time commences.

There is still time to complete your Pre-Sail Reservation, but the window is closing. That opportunity will terminate on Monday, December 9 at 10AM ET. Soon thereafter, those who have completed a Pre-Sail Reservation will be notified as to the time and procedure for selecting a stateroom and completing a reservation.

You do not want to miss this opportunity to beat the crowd!

Renee Rosnes’ Crossing Paths

Renee Rosnes, a longtime favorite of The Jazz Cruise audience, has just released Crossing Paths, a new album in which she reimagines quintessential Brazilian songs, joined by two of Brazil’s greatest artists and composers, Edu Lobo and Joyce Moreno. Also featured on the recording are Maucha Adnet, Chris Potter, Steve Davis, Chico Pinheiro, John Patitucci, Adam Cruz and Rogério Boccato. 

“This project was sparked in my mind about three decades ago,” Renee explained. “I’ve always been passionate about the music of Brazil, and finally, the time felt right to embark on it. With this band, I knew I was with players who hold great respect and love for this music and that together we could make these songs come alive in the way I had imagined.”

Keith was the husband of another legend of The Jazz Cruise, Brenda Dean, Baroness Dean of Thornton-le-Fylde. Brenda came from a modest home, but, at a very young age, she became involved with the National Union of Printing, Bookbinding and Paper Workers, rising through the ranks of the union and becoming one of the most powerful members in the country. Dean was raised to the peerage in October 1993 as Baroness Dean of Thornton-le-Fylde, of Eccles in the County of Greater Manchester and was appointed to the Privy Council in 1998. She passed quite suddenly a few years ago and her life was celebrated in England and on The Jazz Cruise. On my desk is a coffee mug (more likely for tea) that she presented to me from the House of Lords. I treasure that memento.

The Reform Club deserves a few lines of its own. Founded in 1836, the club was formed for the benefit of Radicals and Whigs who supported the Great Reform Act of 1832. Eventually, the club became the political headquarters of the Liberal Party. Perhaps the club is best known as the locale for the start and creation of Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days.

Janis Siegal & Yaron Gershkovsky’s The Colors of My Life

Janis Siegel, longtime vocalist with the Manhattan Transfer, recently released The Colors of My Life, a recording of Cy Coleman compositions, with pianist Yaron Gershovsky and an all-star band including Boris Kozlov, David Finck and Cliff Almond, as well as vocalist Aubrey Johnson and the Crosby Street String Quartet. Janis said that the personal connection that both she and Yaron shared with the legendary composer Coleman helped shape the album’s artistic vision.

“There was definitely a resonance in visualizing how Cy might like what we were doing,” she explained. “He was always a third, silent partner in this endeavor.” Janis, who also co-hosts the radio show “Singers Unlimited” on WBGO in Newark, will be sailing for the first time as a solo artist on The Jazz Cruise ’26. 

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’25
Lineup Just Announced!

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
Reserve your Stateroom Today! 

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!
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 early next year, just before Botti at Sea II (’25) sails in February! 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

---

CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Lineup Just Announced!

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!

Establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail.

JOIN PRE-SAIL

---

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Special Guest – Diana Krall
Excursions Available to Book Now!

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 early next year, just before Botti at Sea II (’25) sails in February! 

BOOK NOW

Mug Shots

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: Jazz & World War II appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

SIGNATURE JAZZ CRUISES HOLIDAY GIFT LIST

JAZZ PLAYER RUG

This 100% Polypropylene rug is meant to resemble the spines of famous jazz albums. With three sizes to choose from, you can make the rug an accent piece or cover an area 8’ x 5’. One of these babies will soon be part of the décor for our office

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ARTHURT GETZ’ NEW YORKER COVER –
THE RHYTHM SECTION

The New Yorker has presented several jazz related covers over the years. The Rhythm Section is my favorite. You can choose from several sizes, various frame types and matting. Or you can simply order the print of your choice and complete the process on your own. 

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JAZZ MAKERS WALL ART –
ERIC WAUGH

I enjoy modern art. My home is replete with such pieces. Some are prints. Some are paintings. Some are metal pieces. One was created by Miles Davis. The only connection among the items is that we like them very much. 

bove is a stretched canvas square that comes in six sizes and can be displayed on various types of floating frames.

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JAZZ LIFE –
WILLIAM CLAXTON

I own this book. I bought it thinking, worst case, it would be an awesome coffee table book. It is, but it is also an amazing collection of words and photos which brings life and perspective to our world of jazz.

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When All Else Fails

Obviously, the gifts mentioned above are a small sample of great gifts for jazz lovers. Having received over 20 pairs of jazz socks over the years, that, too, can work. Sue Berk gave me two pairs at dinner in St. Louis several months ago, the last time I had the joy of seeing Lee.

Tickets to a live jazz show is always a great gift or stocking stuffer. You will make everyone happy!

But, if you are looking for something a bit more substantial, I hear that you can reserve a stateroom on cruises that present “jazz” morning, afternoon and night. If you are interested in that type of gift, call me first. I know a guy!

Good luck with your gift hunting. Be kind to all.

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

Berk’s Jazz Fest Lineup Announced

John Ernesto and our friends at Berks Jazz Fest have just announced the lineup for their festival held April 1-13, 2025 in Reading, PA. Headliners include Lalah Hathaway, Stanley Clarke, Kurt Elling, Cory Wong, Matthew Whitaker, Raul Midon, Jeff Kashiwa with Four80East, Brian Culbertson, Gerald Albright, Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers and Gerald Veasley. Our own Marcus Miller and Eric Marienthal will reprise their roles as music directors for a special David Sanborn Tribute that will feature Kirk Whalum, Eric Darius, Mindi Abair, Arlington Jones, Nate Phillips, Jay Williams, Kevin Turner, Munyungo Jackson and Alice Soyer Sanborn.

Billy Childs at Athenaeum Jazz

Pianist Billy Childs, who has sailed with us on The Jazz Cruise, will perform a special concert as part of the Athenaeum Jazz series in San Diego, CA. Billy will be joined by Matthew Stubbs on clarinet, Dan Chmielinski on bass and Benjamin Ring on drums.

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

The Jazz Cruise ’26 – LINEUP JUST ANNOUNCED

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-SAIL

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & 26.2 – Reserve Your Stateroom Today!  

Both sailings for 2025 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 75% reserved.

BOOK NOW

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is Here – New West Coast Sailing! 

The third sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise in ’26 has been announced! 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! Open Booking begins on November 7th!

BOOK NOW

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Botti at Sea ’25 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 year and the amazing lineup will be announced just before Botti at Sea II (’25) sails next February! Join the Pre-Sail today! 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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Christian McBride’s World at Sea – LINEUP JUST ANNOUNCED

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!

Establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail.

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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Journey of Jazz ’25 – Excursions Available to Book Now!

Hosts Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter will take you on an incredible musical journey onboard Journey of Jazz. This West Coast cruise is currently in Open Booking, meaning anyone may reserve any available stateroom. Land-based excursions are now available to book! Check out Jazz Cruises’ curated trips to Wine Country, Special Shows and more HERE. 

BOOK NOW

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 Gift of Jazz appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Signature Cruise Experiences Thanksgiving Break

Our offices will be open for questions during normal business hours on Monday and Tuesday and until 2 PM ET on Wednesday. The office will be closed on Thursday (Thanksgiving) – Sunday and will reopen on Monday, December 2 at 10 AM ET.

The staff of Signature Cruise Experiences wishes you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving!

Holiday Tours

The Thanksgiving holiday is coming up and we all know what that means: Family reunions, turkey dinners, sleepy football watching and perhaps some uncomfortable conversations. True, but musically, it means the onset of holiday music here, there and everywhere – in stores, restaurants and eventually in your head, and not all, or even much of it, good.
 
But several of our favorite artists will be out there on tour bringing you the good holiday music. ‘Tis the season. Here’s a rundown on just a few of the special tours happening during the coming weeks.

Samara Joy

Samara Joy, the great young vocalist who was a sensation not only on our sailings but all over the world, will perform holiday music with her family in a show called “A Joyful Holiday Featuring The McLendon Family” at theaters and performing arts centers across the country December 3-23.

LEARN MORE

Mindi Abair

On November 30, Mindi Abair kicks off her aptly named “I Can’t Wait for Christmas” tour that travels all over the country ending on December 23, just in time to open one of her vintage bottles of wine on Christmas Eve. Then, like Gregory, she’ll host some New Year’s shows, in her case in Coronado, CA, December 29-31.

LEARN MORE

Gregory Porter

The co-host of Journey of Jazz ’25 and a longtime favorite of Signature Jazz Cruises’ audiences, Gregory Porter will be touring in the U.S. to support his GRAMMY®-nominated album Christmas Wish December 8-18. He also performs New Year’s shows at the Paramount Theater in Seattle (December 30) and the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles (December 31).

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Rick Braun

Another favorite of The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Rick Braun recently released his first holiday music album, It’s Christmas, and he’ll be doing shows in Seal Beach, California with his friends Peter White, Richard Elliot and Keiko Matsui. Rick will be hosting Rick Braun’s River Cruise at Christmas from Budapest on December 9 and will host Braun’s New Year’s Eve 2024 on December 30 in Orlando, FL.

LEARN MORE

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

The Jazz Cruise ’26 Full Announcement on 11.26.24!

The Jazz Cruise ’25 is fully reserved and cancellations will be filled directly from the Waitlist. Reservation details for The Jazz Cruise ’26 will be available soon! Sailing from January 27 – February 3, 2026, The Jazz Cruise ’26 will depart from and return to Ft. Lauderdale with calls on the private island of CocoCay and San Juan. Keep an eye out for the cruise lineup and website – coming November 26! 

LEARN MORE

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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

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is Here – New West Coast Sailing! 

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

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Botti at Sea ’25 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 year and the amazing lineup will be announced just before Botti at Sea II (’25) sails next February! Join the Pre-Sail today! 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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Christian McBride’s World at Sea – Sailing January 20-27, 2026!

Christian McBride will be hosting a new Signature Jazz Cruises’ program, Christian McBride’s World at Sea! 

The cruise will set sail from Fort Lauderdale in early ’26 with stops in Jamaica and Grand Cayman. The full lineup and website will be announced on November 26, but you can establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail. 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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Journey of Jazz ’25 – Excursions Available to Book Now!

Hosts Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter will take you on an incredible musical journey onboard Journey of Jazz. The cruise also features a special show from Diana Krall while the ship is in-port in Victoria! 

Land-based excursions are now available to book! Check out Signature Jazz Cruises’ curated trips to Wine Country, Special Land Based Concerts and more HERE.

BOOK NOW

Mug Shots of the Week

Yolanda B. and Sharon S.
California

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 Weekend Before Thanksgiving appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Wrong and dead wrong. Rolling Stones’ iconic drummer, Charlie Watts, when hearing that Roy, at 83, was voted Best Contemporary Jazz Drummer by Modern Drummer in 2006, conjectured that “age is not a part of Roy’s life.” For someone who performed for nine decades and is called a pioneer in jazz drumming, at the very least, age had little impact on his life and career.

He played with almost everybody: Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughan, Bud Powell and Stan Getz. Famous for celebrating his birthdays at the Blue Note Jazz Club (NYC), Roy was a bit of a clothes horse. In 1960, Esquire named him along with fellow jazzman, Miles Davis, as one of America’s Best Dressed Men. If you think that only jazz musicians were winners, Fred Astaire, Clark Gable and Cary Grant were also named.

With nine GRAMMY® Nominations, three GRAMMY® Awards and 14 DownBeat Critics Poll Best Drummer Awards, his being named an NEA Jazz Master in 1995 by the National Endowment of the Arts, the highest award in jazz, should come as no surprise.

Even though his time on The Jazz Cruise was at the latter stages of his career, he was always dapper, sophisticated and dynamic. You could not take your eyes off him playing the drums. Like all great drummers, the drums and cymbals seemed to be extensions of his arms and legs. 

Known to tap dance during gigs, Roy joins a long line of great drummers who have dancing backgrounds and skills. Ever see Buddy Rich tap dance? It is amazing. Check out this YouTube site (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwE6ukSz69c). Great drumming is a full body activity. The player is almost like an octopus, moving his arms and legs in various directions yet maintaining a beat and a purpose.

Even though I play drums, I am not a big fan of the long drum solo. I am not sure how that fits into the “music,” but there are exceptions. Check out some of Roy’s videos or either his, Buddy’s or Gene Krupa’s performances of “Sing, Sing, Sing” or “Caravan.” In those instances, the drums are the music!

Like all great athletes, great drummers, regardless of their training or style, have one thing in common. They make it look effortless. The better they are, the easier they make it appear.

Hard to believe that we will ever see another musician like Roy Haynes perform so late in life. Whenever I say that, I think of Dick Hyman who is performing now at 97! He and I share the same birthday, so it is easy to remember him.

No! We share the same month and day. The birth years are different. There will be one fewer pillow gift for anyone who believes otherwise.

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

Christian McBride’s World at Sea ’26: Cruise Details on Tuesday!

Ready to learn the details of Christian McBride’s World at Sea ’26? We are!

Check your email early on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. You will receive an announcement letter, access to the website and complete instructions of the Reservation Procedure. 

We are very excited about this cruise…”Once you enter Christian McBride’s World, your world will never be the same.”

GRAMMY® Nomination: Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra

In the 11.13.24 edition of Jazz Notes, we outlined many of “our” musicians who have been nominated for GRAMMY®s this year. The list was outstanding and confirmed our belief that the musicians on our jazz cruises are the very best in the business.

We held back one name, Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, as we wanted to highlight their nomination for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for their “And So It Goes” recording. There have been no greater friends, supporters or stars of our cruise programs than John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton, so it is particularly exciting to see them receive this type of recognition.

Perhaps coincidentally, Journey of Jazz ’25 features CJHO as a special guest when we overnight in San Francisco on September 15, 2025. John and Jeff will also be featured on that cruise as the bassist and drummer for Diana Krall, a vocalist whose career began with those musicians at her side.

No mention of CJHO would be complete without remembering Jeff Clayton, a founder, leader and saxophonist of the group. His smile, talent, sense of humor and all-encompassing humanity were driving forces for the group and our cruises.

Jazz Cruises is Now Signature Jazz Cruises

In most respects, Jazz Cruises becoming Signature Jazz Cruises is nothing more than a change of name. Yet, by doing so, we are acknowledging two points. First, adding “Signature” is our way of saying that we are signing our name on every jazz cruise program we produce. Second, Signature Jazz Cruises takes its place alongside Signature Event Cruises as the two cruise divisions managed and produced by Signature Cruise Experiences.

In English, we are now producing non-jazz programs owned by Signature Events Cruises and our time-honored team at the Jazz Cruises’ office are now under the employment of Signature Cruise Experiences. 

Yes, there is some substance here, but, if Shakespeare were the author of this transition, it would be called….yes, Much Ado About Nothing!

What is important is that our email address is no longer @scecruises.com. To reach me or our staff, use our first name and @scecruises.com (i.e., michael@scecruises.com).

Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra’s Crescent City Jewels

Trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis celebrates his hometown heroes of New Orleans with his latest album, Crescent City Jewels, released on Troubadour Jass Records. The recording features his group the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, along with vocalist Tonya Boyd-Cannon, as well as special guests and fellow Crescent City mainstays Branford Marsalis, Kermit Ruffins, Davell Crawford, Maurice “Miracle Meaux” Trosclair and Herlin Riley. Delfeayo said that the album is like a Gratitude Journal in song. “What the jazz community needs right now are bands that can bring joy and optimism,” he explained. “We not only need it for the audiences, but other bands need to hear it. There are so many bands that play what they consider to be ‘modern’ music which may not be the most uplifting experience for the audience. I feel very fortunate that I have a band, especially coming out of New Orleans, that can bring emotion and joy.”

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Oscar Peterson’s City Lights

Mack Avenue Records, in partnership with Two Lions Records, has just released the fourth recording by Oscar Peterson from their collaboration with Oscar’s wife Kelly Peterson. City Lights: The Oscar Peterson Quartet – Live in Munich, 1994 captures the fourth concert in Oscar’s first tour following his recovery from what turned out to be a “minor” stroke that occurred during a performance in May of 1993. The legendary pianist with ties to so many of the artists on The Jazz Cruise was joined by bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, drummer Martin Drew and guitarist Lorne Lofsky. Oscar’s daughter Celine said that the live recording captures a very different Oscar than in previous releases. “He knew he was not walking on stage with the same power he had a decade earlier, so he didn’t try to pretend or compare,” she explained. “He leaned into what the present was offering him, ran with it and introduced us to a new Oscar Peterson. There was an umbrella of vulnerability over performances which made them even more intimate.”

Donate to the Future of Jazz with Monterey Jazz Festival

With the season of giving upon us, Monterey Jazz depends on you for the future of jazz! When you support their education programs, you are making an indelible impact on the lives of the young people they serve by providing world-class, comprehensive music education, mentorship and performance opportunities, like their Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, directed by Gerald Clayton. Now more than ever, your contribution is needed for young musicians to have access to world-class musicians and the opportunity to advance their passion for jazz. For more information on the various ways you can support Monterey Jazz, please visit www.montereyjazzfestival.org/contribute. 

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

The Jazz Cruise ’25 – FULLY RESERVED! The Jazz Cruise ’26 to be Announced Soon!

The Jazz Cruise ’25 is fully reserved. Rooms will become available due to cancellations and vacancies are filled directly from the Waitlist. If you wish to sail on The Jazz Cruise ’25, we urge you to JOIN WAITLIST now.  

Stay tuned for details about The Jazz Cruise ’26 – to be announced in Late November! 

JOIN WAITLIST

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & 26.2 – Reserve Your Stateroom Today!  

Both sailings for ’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

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is Here – New West Coast Sailing! 

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

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Botti at Sea ’25 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 year and the amazing lineup will follow shortly. Join the Pre-Sail today! 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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Christian McBride’s World at Sea – JUST ANNOUNCED!

Christian McBride will be hosting a new Jazz Cruises’ program, Christian McBride’s World at Sea! 

Christian McBride will be hosting a new Signature Jazz Cruises’ program, Christian McBride’s World at Sea! 

The cruise will set sail from Fort Lauderdale in early ’26 with stops in CocoCay and San Juan. The full lineup and website will be announced on November 15, but you can establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail. 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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Journey of Jazz ’25 – Excursions Available to Book Now!

Hosts Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter will take you on an incredible musical journey onboard Journey of Jazz. The cruise will also feature a special show from the one-and-only Diana Krall while the ship is in-port in Victoria! 

Land-based excursions are now available to book! Check out Signature Jazz Cruises’ curated trips to Wine Country, Special Land Based Concerts and more HERE.

BOOK NOW

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: Roy Haynes – American Drummer appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.