From now through the end of ’26, Signature Cruise Experiences will produce nine full ship charters. Seven of those sailings are primarily jazz programs. The 8th is Top Shelf Country Cruise, which, as the title suggests, features country music. The 9th, and the newest, is David Foster: The Hitman Cruise. Its lineup features David, of course, Michael McDonald and Babyface along with a string of other top performers. Not sure what genre that would be, other than the world of David Foster, which is probably sufficient.
One common thread among all nine programs is that there is a “Host” or “Hosts” for each sailing. I am often asked “what makes a good host?” and “what do hosts do?” Fair questions, to be sure. In keeping with the improvisational nature of our jazz programs, the answers vary from program to program, host to host. Without judging the reasoning or avoiding the questions, let’s take a look at each program’s host(s) and see if we can find some answers.
The order of our inquiry took some time to resolve. Do we start with the oldest cruise (The Jazz Cruise), the program with the most sailings (The Smooth Jazz Cruise) or do we focus on the newest programs each of which have the name of the host imbedded in the program’s title (Botti at Sea, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Christian McBride’s World at Sea)? When confronted with having to establish a pecking order, the safest option is alphabetical. The second safest is some numerical nuance that cannot be interpreted or misunderstood. Chronological order based upon when they sail will determine the order of inquiry.
With that issue behind us, let’s examine how Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter became the co-hosts of Journey of Jazz ’25. The selection of Marcus is simple. First, Marcus has hosted many, many of the 100 or so cruises we have presented since 2001. Starting with North Sea Jazz Cruise, Marcus has hosted Playboy Jazz Cruise, Signature Jazz Cruise, Blue Note at Sea Cruise and The Smooth Jazz Cruise. I would say that he has worn a lot of hats over the years, but, in truth, some version of his porkpie hat has been more than adequate for the tasks at hand.
The addition of Gregory Porter was simple. The man embodies what is great about jazz. His warmth. His originality. His spirit. Those are the traits that make a great host. We are very fortunate to have him as part of our team.
Before we go to the three cruise name hosts, let’s talk about Emmet Cohen. Though far from a rags to riches story, Emmet began as a student performer on The Jazz Cruise, moved up to significant sideman, then on the ship as a leader which led to him co-hosting and now being the host of The Jazz Cruise and a key player on other programs. His progression was fueled by talent, dedication, and a true love and respect for jazz fans.
Chris Botti, Christian McBride and David Foster are hosts of cruise programs that bear their name. In part, this is a nod to their popularity and stature, but, more importantly, the identity and tone of their cruises is automatically conveyed when their name is mentioned. A Chris Botti cruise will have a broad range of topflight talent melded together, somewhat eclectically, to provide a week of talent that surprises and delights you every night.
Christian McBride’s cruise will be a testament to his amazing array of ensembles, each presenting jazz in their own special way. From his Big Band to Remembering Ray Brown. From Ursa Major to Inside Straight. Christian’s imprint is indelibly apparent in each of these highly successful programs.
And David Foster’s cruise has no boundaries other than excellence at every level. When his name is mentioned, you think of GRAMMY®s, the very best vocalists in the world and more. There is no doubt that the five days of cruising with David Foster will be spectacular.
While thinking about our hosts, I do notice that they share a trait that sets them apart from others. Yes, there are others who have this trait and are not hosts of our cruises, but the inverse is also true. Not one of our hosts is void of this rare and significant aspect in their persona. There is likely no term for this ability, but I can describe it in a few words.
I have noticed over the years that it is easy to differentiate the “artists” from the “performers.” The artists seem to play for their personal artistic goals and measure their success by reviews and peer acceptance. The performers rely upon guest/audience response as their metric for success. Often the artists compromise audience satisfaction in pursuit of artistic accolades. Similarly, there are the musicians who are content with their audience profile and do less to continue their artistic growth.
Our hosts do both! First, and perhaps foremost, they are players, excellent players, and that judgment is universally shared among audiences, colleagues, and professional critics. Though confirmation of their talent from other musicians is appreciated, these musicians make sure that they use their talent to provide their guests with an amazing experience. They know that they are performing for the pleasure of others and that providing a meaningful level of entertainment, education and elation is important at all times.
Being entertaining and accessible without diminishing one’s dedication to excellence is an incredibly difficult gauntlet to assume. The hosts of the Signature Cruise Experiences’ programs are more than up to the challenge proudly pick up that challenge every day.
By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Journey of Jazz, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com
New Albums
Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to present many young musicians who at that time were largely unknown to the wider jazz audience, but whom we knew our guests would love. We’re proud that nearly all have gone on to successful careers. Two of those artists emerging as stars in the jazz world released albums this week.
Tyreek McDole’s Open Up Your Senses
There are not a lot of male jazz singers out there, so we were thrilled to have Tyreek McDole show his unique vocal gifts during The Jazz Cruise in ’24, when he performed with the Jazz House All-Stars and impressed our guests. Tyreek, who won the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in 2023, has just released his debut album, Open Up Your Senses.
Jazz scholar Will Friedwald, who also contributed liner notes to the project, referred to Tyreek as “the leading jazz voice of his generation.” And acclaimed DJ Gilles Peterson said “it is refreshing to hear a new voice that is so clearly connected to the tradition but also pushing it forward with such strong energy. This is a brilliant opening statement from someone I reckon will be around for some time.”
Isaiah J. Thompson’s
The Book of Isaiah: Modern Jazz Ministry
The pianist Isaiah J. Thompson has sailed on The Jazz Cruise a few times as a member of John Pizzarelli’s trio with whom he’s continued to tour, but his nascent career has ascended in the last year or two. For one, he was the recipient of the 2023 American Piano Awards, a prize previously won by Emmet Cohen, Sullivan Fortner and Aaron Diehl. And, in recent months, Isaiah has been touring with the renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by Wynton Marsalis.
For The Book of Isaiah: Modern Jazz Ministry, his debut on Mack Avenue, Isaiah enlisted veteran pianist Cyrus Chestnut to produce his eight-song autobiographical musical statement exploring faith, musicianship, race and humanity.
Stateroom Availability
Cruise Programs – 2025
| Journey of Jazz | Over 96% Reserved. Final Pricing for Remaining Staterooms (Veranda and Inside) Now Announced on Website |
Cruise Programs – 2026
| David Foster: The Hitman Cruise | Open Booking Now |
| Christian McBride’s World at Sea | Open Booking Now; Special Prices for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms. Promo Code: CMW |
| The Jazz Cruise ’26 | Over 75% Reserved – Open Booking Now |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 | Join Waitlist |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 | Join Waitlist |
| Top Shelf Country Cruise | Open Booking Now |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 | Nearly 80% Reserved – Open Booking Now |
| Botti at Sea ’26 | Open Booking Now |
Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs
Journey of Jazz ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing
Journey of Jazz is more than 95% reserved! The remaining staterooms consist mainly of Veranda and Inside Staterooms.
These remaining staterooms are favorably priced through June 15, 2025. Please use the Promo Code: NOW. There is no obligation to complete a reservation once you learn the prices.
*New reservations only
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise
5 Days, 5 Nights, 5 Star Experience
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise will deliver five incredible days and nights of five-star entertainment, all centered around the music and career of 16-time GRAMMY® winner David Foster. Michael McDonald, Babyface, Katharine McPhee and other preeminent talents will join us aboard.
Open Booking started last week and staterooms are already moving fast! Act soon to reserve your stateroom of choice.
Christian McBride’s World at Sea
Limited Time Promotional Pricing
Open Booking has begun! Special pricing available for a limited time on Ocean View & Inside Staterooms. Use Promo Code CMW when you make your reservation! *New reservations only
The Jazz Cruise ’26
is in Open booking
The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking!
Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when!
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & 26.2 are Fully Reserved
Of course, you may join the Waitlist. Or, if you’d prefer to sail the West Coast this fall (two novel concepts for this program), consider joining us on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3.
Top Shelf Country Cruise
is now in Open Booking
With premium talent like Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes, Thelma & James and Kassi Ashton, Top Shelf Country Cruise earns its title as the First-Class Country Music Cruise!
Reserve your stateroom today!
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3
is in Open Booking
For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast!
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking and staterooms are more than 78% reserved.
Reserve your stateroom today!
Botti at Sea ’26
is in Open Booking
We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello, Melody Gardot and Peabo Bryson will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26 in Fall 2026.
Reserve your stateroom today!