We have been celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month in The Weekender and Jazz Notes for the past few weeks. Our tribute ends next Wednesday with a special edition of Jazz Notes and the recognition of International Jazz Day (IJD) which is hosted in Abu Dhabi this year. Since this is the last edition of The Weekender during April, I thought we should take a moment to reflect on the impact of our music on our lives, our outlook and our community.
Regardless of your political, religious or world views, we should agree that we are living in a world where change, uncertainty and anxiety appear to be significant. Some say that it is the most difficult time ever. Not sure that is right. The Great Depression, World War II and The Pandemic are “recent” examples of existential threats to our way of life. Perhaps the ability to see and hear things in real time from all around the world makes our current state of affairs more frightening. Ranking difficult times is not a very productive exercise, so I will move from that to a discussion of how our music provides solace, space and even safety from the travails of the day.
Especially, when you are in your car!
When you get into your car, the first thing you do is to turn on the engine, then you fasten your seatbelt and, before you shift into your required gear, you adjust the station and audio level of your radio. Few of us are willing to begin the morning drive to work or the return drive home without music. Your selection reflects your mood. As an SXM subscriber, my choices include Real Jazz (Channel 67) and Watercolors (Channel 66), of course. With our shows from The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25 being rebroadcasted on Watercolors every evening in April, that station is my “go to” for now.
Saturday mornings, when I am running errands and, in the car more than usual, I am a Real Jazz guy. I try never to miss an edition of The Lowdown with Christian McBride. Here, too, there is a direct connection, as the recent shows were recorded live on The Jazz Cruise ’25. I will cop to feeling proud that our cruises can be the backdrop to these shows. No Sunday would be complete without a full shot of Miller Time, Marcus Miller’s show where he presents a full circle of jazz. And, as often as I can, I find Mark Ruffin’s shows. They are in the afternoon for me, so I sneak him into our office when I can.
Most of what I have shared, thus far, is predictable behavior for someone whose occupation is producing jazz cruises. But there is a dark side to my radio music selections. Call them guilty pleasures, alternative listening or, as most of you would say, really bad taste in music listening, but there are two SXM channels that appear on my Favorites list that I select when the mood is right…or wrong: ’60s Gold and The Blend.
I offer no excuses or apologies for my selection of “60s Gold. They say that the music of your life is the music you listened to when you were in high school. As a ’68 graduate, I can recall vivid moments of those years by listening to the music of ’60s Gold. As that era moved from innocence to turmoil, so, too, did the music. 15 minutes of that station will sometimes allow me to relive my life from being 10 to being 20. At times I can feel my hair growing longer and my sideburns becoming more prominent.
The Blend as a selection is more difficult to explain. When I began to listen to that channel, the song mix was pretty broad, hence the name “blend.” Its eclectic array of pop hits from the ’70’s to now was a nice journey. Random as heck, but most of the time the music was appealing. That format has been refined to be hits from the ’70s and ’80s. I guess that is still a “blend.” Though what was once a sundae with syrup, nuts, cherries and whipped cream, is now ice cream with chocolate sauce. Still tasty, but not as interesting.
I continue to listen to The Blend as it has become the compromise selection if Paula (my wife) and I are in the car together. In her car alone, she selects soothing mood music to combat the world of bad drivers. Songs with words are selected in rare instances. The monotony of that music to me is noted by my wife and she will vocally change the station. The sound of her saying “Please play The Blend” makes me smile. Me doing the same when I am alone in the car is simply a sign that I wish she were there.
I cannot remember the last time she was willing to “let me drive.” I have had no accidents and I am a much better parker than she is, but, once in the car with her, I am a passenger! By the way, at home, there are no deviations from jazz, the Great American Songbook or any of our favorite cruise performers. I have no idea how our sound system works, however, so, once again, she is “driving” and I am a “passenger.”
By this time, I will assume that our female readers are smiling and nodding, and our male readers are frowning and wincing. Early warning….Mother’s Day is May 11.
By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Journey of Jazz, Homecoming: The Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.
Christian McBride’s World at Sea
Join Christian for his First Ever “Cruise” Lowdown Livestream
Featuring Special Guests & a Major Lineup Announcement
Want to learn more about Christian McBride’s World at Sea cruise? Sign up now to join the first ever “Cruise” Lowdown Livestream with Christian McBride on Tuesday, April 29 at 3 PM ET for information about the cruise straight from the host!
Christian will preside over this livestream, share his thoughts, ideas and goals for this amazing cruise and talk about the first-class musicians who will be joining him. Guests will have the opportunity to send in questions and comments which will be answered in real time!
Christian will be joined by a few of the musicians on the cruise and be prepared for an important announcement regarding the lineup for the cruise. Big News!
Top musicians, great ship, and fun programming are the hallmarks of this cruise. When you add in the warmth, spirit and talents of Christian, you know that something special is about to happen.
To learn more, join us for “The Cruise Lowdown” livestream on April 29.
Journey of Jazz ’25
Food Lover’s Choices
On the Ship
Besides the award winning “included” food service on Celebrity Summit, guests will be able to select among various specialty restaurants as well. Celebrity Cruises’ famous Tuscan Grille and the elegant Luminae are guest favorites and available by reservation. Sushi on Five has always been a popular hang for guests and talent. No reason to believe that will change for this sailing. Recently, we took over the menu of Blu at night and converted that restaurant to a first-class steakhouse, we call Chop’s. Almost over night that concept has become one of the most popular dining choices for guests.
Another, Signature Cruise Experiences’ concept is in the works and may be ready in time for the cruise.
In San Francisco
Brad Pavlik, who serves as our Hotel Director, has been working with Michael Bauer to curate some amazing dining experiences in San Francisco for brunch and lunch on both days we are in port and for dinner on the first night. Dinner the first night is limited in numbers so that we can ensure that guests can both dine and see the main show, that night being the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. For those unfamiliar with Michael Bauer, for 32 years he was the Food Critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. Donning disguises and making reservations under false names, Michael was the most feared, revered and sometimes disliked food critic in San Francisco, a city known for high end dining and high end expectations. Telling it like it is can be a difficult road to follow when you are doing it night after night in a defined geographic area. Upsetting people is easy to do and hard to overcome.
The list of dining experiences that we are offering is amazing….we are about two weeks away from full disclosure and the opportunity to sign up.
Ron Carter Quartet Performance
At the time of contracting, NEA Jazz Master Ron Carter was not willing to sail, but was excited about performing for our guests at SFJAZZ. To make that work for SFJAZZ, a below market fee was required for our guests, together with preferred seating. Subsequently, Ron has addressed his concerns and will be sailing on The Jazz Cruise ’26. Since the plans with SFJAZZ were already completed we were compelled to go ahead with the SFJAZZ plan which includes subsequent performances of the Ron Carter Quartet at SFJAZZ.
Sailing on Journey of Jazz ’25
Journey of Jazz ’25 is nearly 92% reserved. What remains are a few Concierge Class Staterooms, 20 or so Veranda Staterooms, a few Ocean View Staterooms and a nice choice of Inside Staterooms. If you are interested in sailing, you have some new choices available.
- Veranda Staterooms may be reserved at the Past Guest Price, regardless of your cruise history. The promo code is PAST.
- Some Veranda Staterooms and Inside Staterooms may be reserved as singles. The promo code is SINGLE.
- And for guests who are 10+ Status or who are on the Wait List for Journey of Jazz, there are price opportunities for all remaining staterooms. The promo code is VIP.
If you act now, there is still time for you to sign up for the excursions. Only the Napa Valley Wine Train events are fully reserved.
You do not want to miss this cruise!
Guess What’s New? You Are Right With The First Guess!
Signature Cruise Experiences is Launching a New Cruise!
Check out the April 30 edition of Jazz Notes. In addition to our celebration of International Jazz Day, we will be announcing a new cruise program! It is a fun one, so stay tuned!
Newport Jazz Festival
The lineup for the iconic Newport Jazz Festival, held August 1-3 on the grounds of Fort Adams in Newport, RI, has just been announced. Curated by artistic director Christian McBride, host of McBride’s World at Sea, the festival’s lineup features many artists who have sailed on our programs in the past or will sail with us in the future, including Dianne Reeves, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Marcus Miller, esperanza spalding, Emmet Cohen, Antonio Sanchez, Ron Carter, Etienne Charles and, of course, Christian.
Also performing, will be Christian’s Big Band, as well as the Philadelphia Experiment (featuring Questlove and Uri Caine). Other headliners include The Roots, Jacob Collier, Janelle Monae, Rachael & Vilray and Hiromi.
Stateroom Availability
Cruise Programs – 2025
| Journey of Jazz | Over 92% Reserved. Balcony Staterooms Available – Special Pricing for Remaining Staterooms |
Cruise Programs – 2026
| Christian McBride’s World at Sea | Open Booking Now; Special Prices for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms. Promo Code: JAM |
| The Jazz Cruise ’26 | Open Booking Now |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 | 98%+ Reserved – Open Booking Now |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 | Fully Reserved |
| Top Shelf Country Cruise | Full Lineup and Itinerary Announced Open Booking Now |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 | 77% Reserved – Open Booking Now |
| Botti at Sea ’26 | Open Booking Now |
Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs
JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing
The cruise is more than 92% reserved! The remaining staterooms consist, mainly, of Veranda Staterooms, Inside Staterooms and Single Inside Staterooms!
We would like to close out the manifest as soon as possible so that we can finalize the arrangements for the amazing JOJ Excursions. Availability remains for most of the excursions, but they will close shortly.
These remaining staterooms are favorably priced through May 15, 2025(*). You can learn those prices by calling the office or starting a reservation online. Please use the promo code: PORTER. There is no obligation to complete a reservation once you learn the prices.
(*) Restrictions do apply and some selections and choices are no longer available. These prices are per person, based upon double occupancy, non-commissionable and may not be combined with other offers or discounts. For new reservations only.
CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Limited Time Promotional Pricing
9X GRAMMY® winner Christian McBride will host 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! From now through April 30, 2025, we are offering a Jazz Appreciation Month (Super Special) for those staterooms. Use Promo Code JAM when you register online.
*Discount applies to new reservations only
THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Now Available
Hailed as “Jazz Heaven” by musicians and guests alike, The Jazz Cruise ’26 lineup will feature some of the most iconic musicians from the straight-ahead jazz genre. See the full lineup here.
The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking!
Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when!
THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
Open Booking Now Available
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and staterooms are more than 97% reserved. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved, but you may join the Waitlist.
Reserve your stateroom today!
THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Open Booking Now Available
Our headliners are Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes, Thelma & James and Kassi Ashton. As you can see, the lineup is Top Shelf country music star power!
When the talent is combined with the iHeartMedia Team of Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, Lunchbox, Eddie and Lorianne Crook & Charlie Chase, the ultra-luxurious Celebrity Reflection cruise ship and wonderful ports of call (Key West, Nassau and Bimini), Top Shelf Country Cruise earns its title as the First-Class Country Music Cruise. Reserve your stateroom today!
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.
BOTTI AT SEA’26
Open Booking Now Available
We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello and Melody Gardot will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26.
Of course, Chris Botti will be there with his very talented band and, as always, we will fill the remaining performance slots with a variety of great music, comedy and more.
Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today!
Send us Your Mug Shots
We know many readers of The Weekender like to peruse each edition over their morning coffee. And, if you’ve sailed with us, you likely have at least one (or perhaps many) Signature Cruise Experiences mugs just for that purpose. Over the years, The Weekender has featured several pictures of cruisers showing off their mugs, pictures we affectionately refer to as “Mug Shots.”
If you want to share your “Mug Shot” with the 100,000+ readers who receive The Weekender each Saturday, email a photo of yourself and your mug to mugshot@scecruises.com. Who knows? You may just see yourself in a future edition.
Mug Shot of the Week
Tag us @thejazzcruise, @bottiatsea, @thesmoothjazzcruise, #signaturecruiseexperiences and #theweekender. Email your photo to MugShot@scecruises.com.