Jazz Notes: 3.18.26

Chris Botti at Sea III: Great Talent + Great Travel 

Last September’s sailing of Journey of Jazz ’25 was one of the very best programs produced by Signature Cruise Experiences (SCE) in its 26 year/100+ cruise history.

This fall, SCE has two sailings that call on the same ports, offer similarly curated land-based programs and, of course, deliver SCE’s iconic onboard music experiences.

The first is The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 (SJC ’26.3) which starts in Vancouver and ends in Los Angeles with stops in Victoria, BC and San Francisco. Following the grand tradition of its past sailings, SJC ‘26.3 has been fully reserved for months.

When SJC ’26.3 docks in Los Angeles, the Celebrity Summit transforms, becoming Chris Botti at Sea III (CBIII) and begins its voyage back to Vancouver, again calling on San Francisco and Victoria. Currently, staterooms in several categories remain available for CBIII. That will not last very long!

A different cruise means a different lineup, though several performers on SJC ’26.3 are signed up for the return sailing to Vancouver, performing different roles and with different shows. As for guests doing both cruises, why not! An entirely different lineup each week and whatever amazing excursions in San Francisco and Victoria missed on the way down can be enjoyed on the way back.

Many guests have already booked both sailings. For those interested in doing so, the procedure is outlined below. CBIII is the perfect complement to a week on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3.

This edition of Jazz Notes is dedicated to learning more about CBIII. For additional information, including a special message from cruise host Chris Botti, check out the Botti at Sea III Livestream, which was presented to hundreds of guests on February 19.

In terms of exciting talent, great music and amazing travel opportunities, CBIII has it all.

Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director
Signature Cruise Experiences

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CBIII is Hosted by Chris Botti

If you were to Google the term “cruise host,” a photo of Chris Botti would most likely appear. Chris is an amazing musician whose shows are curated brilliantly and feature a full complement of performers, music styles and arrangements. Always present and always in charge, his shows are a tour de force of musical acumen.

Chris’ formula for his own shows dominates the theme of the talent for the cruise. Though Chris often introduces himself as “jazz trumpeter” Chris Botti, the reality of his music and his show is much broader, more eclectic and less prone to being categorized. Chris is clearly a disciple of the old saying ”there are two kinds of music, good and bad.” The only difference for Chris is that “good” is never “good enough.” He requires “great.”

Chris shares the stage beautifully in his show and extends that capability to the cruise format.  He is the perfect host, always engaging and never self-serving, allowing his amazing guests to shine.

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CBIII Presents Superstar Performers:

Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle

Speaking of amazing guests, Chris’s lineup is chosen with the greatest of care and scrutiny. These amazing performers blend perfectly by offering different styles and genres while maintaining a common thread of class and stature.

The list of headliners joining Chris on this cruise are household names, each representing a clear and exciting musical profile and history. American singer, songwriter and guitarist, Boz Scaggs, began his solo career after stints with Steve Miller. His selection for his band for his hit album, Silk Degrees, famously led to the formation of Toto.

English singer and songwriter, Elvis Costello, is described as a “rock and roller in the tradition of Bob Dylan and Van Morrison.” He is a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Melody Gardot’s story is one of tragedy and triumph. Struck by a car at 19, Melody sustained a head injury that has impacted her life and music. Often wearing sunglasses and being seated to perform, she has become a strong advocate of music therapy. Her contralto voice and sultry jazz vocals are unmistakable. 

Peabo Bryson is one of the most prominent soul balladeers in the genre. Besides his solo career, Peabo is best known for his legendary duets with Roberta Flack, Celine Dion and fellow CBIII performer Regina Belle. We can hardly wait for Peabo and Regina to take the stage and sing their mega hit “A Whole New World.” That will be a cruise highlight for sure.

Those are just the headliners! There is star power galore in the balance of the lineup. Young top musicians and vocalists abound, including Emmet Cohen, Veronica Swift, John Splithoff, Benny Benack III, Kandace Springs, Morgan James and Harold Lopez-Nussa with Gregoire Maret. Each has performed recently with SCE and many have shared the bandstand with each other. This is an exciting group of talent.

No SCE cruise is complete without amazing bands. Check out these names: Wycliffe Gordon, Taylor Eigsti, Terell Stafford, Reuben Rogers, Herlin Riley, Caroline Campbell, Darnell Taylor, Carnell Harrell, David Dyson, Chris Miskel and, our Music Director, Eric Marienthal. 

Chris’ versatility is reflected in the lineup as many of you will recognize several performers who have sailed on other SCE programs. In addition to those mentioned, we are thrilled that our comic in residence Alonzo Bodden will be doing his “funny” thing on the cruise.  

And the amazing Candy Dulfer will be not only performing on the main stage but will be “in charge” of several late-night jam sessions and parties. She has several surprises lined up for those events. Be prepared to dance, laugh and have a ball.

With this level of talent, the cruise could drop anchor in San Francisco harbor and not sail at all. But, excursions are part of the special nature of CBIII.

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CBIII Presents “Bucket List” Excursions:

Shows at SFJAZZ, Napa Valley Wine Train, Top SF Dining, Winery Visits

CBIII overnights in San Francisco, providing guests with two full days and one night to enjoy the wonders of the City by the Bay, Napa and Sonoma and we’ve got a full day in the idyllic city of Victoria, again allowing for the enjoyment of great excursions.

The best way to peruse the excursions is to visit our website: https://bottiatsea.com/sce-excursions/, but here are a few of the highlights:

San Francisco:

• Napa Valley and Sonoma Winery Tours
• Napa Valley Wine Train (chartered by SCE)
• Brunch, Lunch & Dinner offerings in SF
• SF Jazz Show on 9/21: Artist TBD

Victoria BC:

• Craigdarroch Castle
• Butchart Garden
• Whale Watching

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Great Sailing & Weather Conditions

SCE tries to avoid Caribbean-based cruise programs in the Fall due to seasonal weather considerations. Last September, we sailed from Vancouver to Los Angeles on Journey of Jazz ’25, by all accounts one of the very best sailings SCE has produced. Between the mind-blowing lineup and the fascinating excursions when in port, the cruise offered everything.

One of the more underrated and unheralded aspects of that program, though, was the lovely weather and sea conditions for the week. Though no one can guarantee great weather, Autumn sailings off the Great Northwest are known for pleasant temperatures and calm seas.

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Great Time to Reserve a Stateroom

Botti at Sea I and Botti at Sea II were fully reserved months before sailing. And, since Botti at Sea III is the only SCE program remaining in ’26 with availability, we advise guests to select a stateroom and complete a reservation now. 

The sooner you finalize your reservation, the sooner you can reserve your spot on any of the amazing excursions in San Francisco and Victoria. Stateroom selection and reservation may be completed online or by calling the office during regular business hours.

Guests sailing on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 who add Botti at Sea III to their travel plans may select any of our excursions in Victoria, BC as our gift!

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Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

It has been a while since we outlined and discussed our upcoming programs in detail. As you will see, many of the programs have important updates or changes in the itineraries, lineups and stateroom availability. Our goal here is to provide a comprehensive outline of all sailings remaining in ’26, as well as the full lineup of sailings for ’27.

SCE Sailings in ’26

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SCE Sailings in ’27

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