Our final cruise program, The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25.2, ended on Tuesday. Since then, we have pressed forward to address Journey of Jazz ’25, which sails this Fall, and to put the pedal to the metal for our ’26 Sailings.
Before turning the page on the past four weeks of programs, I am taking a moment to reflect on what transpired. By far, the prevailing sentiment of each sailing was true happiness. I do not recall a season where each cruise featured guests who were constantly smiling, laughing and sharing a great time with their fellow passengers to this degree.
I would like to believe that our organization, amazing events, top performers and other acts of Signature Cruise Experiences was responsible. And, in part, that is true. I have never been prouder of our team and staff and the dedication and commitment shown by our fabulous lineups of performers.
The shows were crafted brilliantly, executed flawlessly and reflected a true desire by the performers to connect with the guests. A couple of performances missed the target for some, but, overall, the 400 hours of music was memorable, magical and meaningful.
With the benefit of a few days to mull this over, I realize that, though we did a great job, our amazing guests walked onto the ship ready to have fun, craving great music and excited about leaving the travails of the world behind them.
Between the natural disasters, social upheaval and other disorienting events, our guests were seeking the simplicity and joy of these cruise programs. Being able to spend a week with 2,000 like-minded folks, seeing and listening to world class performers and doing so in a safe, friendly and harmonious setting was a small taste of utopia that excited, enthused and invigorated our amazing guests.
In many respects, the fate of the cruises were ours to lose. All we had to do was not mess up and not impair our fans. Granted, we did a lot more than that, but it was an audience ready to party, ready to enjoy themselves and, most of all, ready to share that joy with their fellow passengers.
Among the 8,000 guests we entertained were folks of every gender, race, religion and station in life. At no time did the differences that existed in those categories interfere with or upset the shared experiences on the ship.
For that special feeling, we have the music to thank. Though the music presented on The Jazz Cruise, Botti at Sea and both sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise were different, they shared three commonalities, each of which contributed to the special vibe on the ship.
First, our performers were top notch. Each cruise featured multiple GRAMMY® winners and highly acclaimed musicians. Second, the performances were authentic. No cover bands or tribute artists. It was the real deal at all times.
Finally, the shows were produced with care and expertise, as if each one of them was the main show for that day. The musicians respected the audience’s commitment to excellence and the audience responded with thunderous applause and approval.
Was it 28 days of pure magic and mirth? No cruise program can sustain that level 24/7 for a month, but, from January 28, 2025 – February 25, 2025, we came as close to a perfect score as I can remember. Overall score of 9.8, including the vote of the jazz police.
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.
Stateroom Availability/Special Offers
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
Journey of Jazz
Journey of Jazz ’25 is our first West Coast Cruise and our first cruise featuring Signature Cruise Experiences curated land events in many years. Led by Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter, the cruise features Diana Krall, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Chucho Valdes, Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Ravi Coltrane, Emmet Cohen, Benny Benack III, Brubeck Brothers and more.
When we overnight in San Francisco, you can elect to sign up for many of our very own excursions, including trips to Napa and Sonoma, a day on the Napa Valley Wine Train, and a special show at SFJAZZ featuring Ron Carter, Renee Rosnes, Jimmy Greene & Payton Crossley.
SPECIAL OFFER: Though a few Concierge Class, AquaClass and Veranda Staterooms remain available, the bulk of the available staterooms are Inside and Ocean View. For now, those staterooms are priced favorably for readers of The Weekender. Go online and use the promo code: WEEKENDER, for your price. These are the lowest cruise prices for those staterooms and this promotion will end soon.
Cruise Programs 2026
Homecoming: The Cruise
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 is hosted by Debbie Allen and Norm Nixon 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.
SPECIAL OFFER: Again, patrons of The Weekender are being provided special prices at this time. The promo code for this offer is HTC. These savings are significant and will not last long…act now.
Christian McBride’s World at Sea
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!
SPECIAL OFFER: For now, Inside and Ocean View Staterooms are priced favorably for readers of The Weekender. Go online and use the promo code: CMW, for your price.
The Jazz Cruise
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! Act Now to secure your stateroom on the most important straight-ahead jazz program in the world.
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1/’26.2/’26.3
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.2 is fully reserved and The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1 has fewer than 50 staterooms remaining. Since The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 does not sail for more than 550 days, there is more availability, but, even so, the cruise is over 75% reserved. Go to www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com for details.
Top Shelf Country Cruise
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!
Botti at Sea III
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.
Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today!
New Artist Releases
ARTEMIS’ Arboresque
The supergroup, ARTEMIS, who has sailed with us on The Jazz Cruise, has just released Arboresque, their third album for Blue Note Records. The recording features a new quintet line-up of the band helmed by pianist and musical director Renee Rosnes with trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover, bassist Noriko Ueda, and drummer Allison Miller. The 8-song set presents original compositions by each of the band members, as well as Renee’s arrangements of pieces by Wayne Shorter, Burt Bacharach and the unsung pianist Donald Brown.
“Our goal is to make honest music that touches people,” said Renee. “We inspire one another and feel passionate about playing together. All that positive energy comes through in the music and I believe the audiences feel it.” ARTEMIS will be celebrating the album release with their debut appearance at the legendary Village Vanguard in New York City March 4-9.
Peter White’s Light of Day
Fresh off his two weeks sailing with us on The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Peter White has just released Light of Day, his 17th album as a leader.
Featuring guest appearances by saxophonists Ernie Watts and Vincent Ingala, the recording also includes Peter’s tribute to the late guitarist Nick Colionne.
“I think this recording is one of the best I’ve ever made,” Peter said. “I have as much enthusiasm and energy for music as I did in my twenties!”
Mug Shot of the Week
