From its inception, our company, now named Signature Cruise Experiences (SCE), has contributed to funds and foundations that promote jazz education and those who provide relief and assistance to jazz musicians in need. Our contributions have been sent to organizations from New York to Los Angeles and countless recipients in between.
Over the years, many of the organizations we supported have reduced in size and most have become highly localized. Though our contributions remain a valuable aspect of the funding of these organizations, our ability to impact the constituencies they serve has been limited.
Consolidation of our efforts and helping the most people possible are our goals now. The first step was to create the Signature Cruise Experiences Foundation, LLC, an entity funded by our company the sole goal of which is to promote and support the world of jazz. Now in place, SCEF fields all requests for contributions and is actively pursuing opportunities to become involved in worthwhile undertakings.
Finding ways to “help the most people possible” has proven to be a more difficult task. Today, there exist many jazz organizations that support jazz education, funding for those in need and more. As I mentioned above, their memberships are not expanding and their charitable reach is narrowing.
I wish that there was a United Way of Jazz, an umbrella organization that could streamline the process of raising money and distributing money where and when needed. If anyone reading this note wants to work with me to establish such an organization, now is the time.
I have gathered a list of all charitable organizations in the world of jazz. I wish I knew what to say that would energize others to swap their parochial interests for the benefits of a larger organization.
The closest organization to my ideal seems to be Jazz Foundation of America. Not perfectly aligned, but appears to be trying to do what I am seeking, JFA will be the recipient of our ’26 contributions. I am hoping that SCE and JFA can forge an alliance that will move the cause of benefits for needy musicians forward and, in the near future, become a force for good in jazz education for kids.
I promise to continue to report on this subject in future editions.
By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti 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.
Our Newest Stateroom Category: Veranda Plus Staterooms
Since moving to their ships in 2017, Celebrity Cruises has, from time to time, changed the names of the Stateroom Categories for various marketing reasons. Creating new stateroom categories affords Celebrity Cruises the opportunity to assign various amenities to those categories and provide more choices for their guests. Believe it or not, most Celebrity Cruises’ ships have as many as 16 different stateroom categories.
For our cruises, the category distinctions are not amenity-driven. Our guests share the same amenities, mainly our amazing music programs, on an equal basis. Any stateroom category difference that we have is intended to describe the size or the nature of the stateroom.
Bucking the trend to name more staterooms, Signature Cruise Experiences is reducing the number of stateroom categories. Current categories, Concierge Class and AquaClass Staterooms, are virtually identical in size with only minor amenity differences. Starting now with Botti at Sea III (’26), those staterooms will be known as Veranda Plus Staterooms and will share the same amenities. Over time, other cruises will have a similar adjustment.
To celebrate the new category, those reserving a Veranda Plus Stateroom now will be entitled to the following special amenities:
- Special Embarkation Day Lunch in the Cosmopolitan Restaurant
- Daily Breakfast in Blu Restaurant
- Complimentary Excursion in Victoria BC
- …and, for a limited time, a Reserved Seat for All Seven (7) Nightly Main Shows
If you have already reserved a stateroom in this category, you automatically qualify for these benefits.
Special Message from Christian McBride
As promised in this week’s edition of Jazz Notes, here’s a special video from Christian McBride filmed when we met up with him after his incredible concert in St. Louis last weekend.
Upcoming Livestreams
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Livestream
5.14.26 / 4PM ET
Join us for the David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Livestream to meet the lineup, including exciting new additions, learn about the ports, get the details about events performances and learn why one sailing is never enough!
Livestreams On-Demand
Journey of Jazz ’27 Livestream Now Available On-Demand
If you missed our recent Journey of Jazz Livestream or just want to give it another watch, the livestream is now available to view on-demand. We discussed the incredible lineup, explored the exciting ports of call and discussed the unforgettable shore excursions New Orleans!
Both of our hosts, Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter, made special guest appearances – you don’t want to miss this!
Chris Botti at Sea III Perfect Cruise Livestream Now Available On-Demand
If you weren’t able to drop-in during this week’s Botti at Sea Livestream, it’s now available to view on demand!
This perfect cruise experience comes to life while we discussed our exciting lineup of world-class talent, explored the beautiful ports of call and introduced the unforgettable shore excursions that make this year’s sailing truly special.
Jazz Appreciation Month
SCE Artists on Jazz
In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, we asked 30 artists who sail on our programs what jazz means to them. We’ll be posting a new one to our social media pages every day in April. You can read each artist’s entire essay here.
High Holy Days…At Sea
In ’26, Rosh Hashanah starts on the first night of The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3. Yom Kippur (Kol Nidre) takes place during Chris Botti at Sea III. Not optimal scheduling, but manageable.
Years ago, our ultra-luxury program, Signature Jazz Cruise, sailed during Yom Kippur as well and we performed one of the most moving Kol Nidre services ever on the ship. Clarinetist Anat Cohen spent a couple hours learning to play Avenu Malkenu. To paraphrase Tevye (Fiddler on the Roof), the “holiday was never so sweet.”
For those sailing on either cruise or considering doing so, please know that each sailing will have a proper service on the first night of each holiday as well as a Mourner’s Service the next day. Celebrity Cruises will provide a rabbi for us, however, if folks sailing on the cruise would rather conduct a service among ourselves, let us know. We have had rabbis as guests before!
As for the ritual of fasting on Yom Kippur, perhaps there is a cruise vacation exception that we can invoke. Seriously, we know that sailing during the High Holy days is anathema to many and our only goal is to provide a dignified and meaningful option for our guests who observe.
Newport Jazz Festival Lineup Announced
The iconic Newport Jazz Festival has just announced the lineup for its 2026 edition, held July 31 – August 2 at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI.
Curated by drummer/bandleader Nate Smith, who has taken over the artistic director duties from Christian McBride, the lineup includes many artists who have performed on our jazz programs over the years, including Herbie Hancock, Kamasi Washington, Robert Glasper, Chief Adjuah, Lalah Hathaway, Charles Lloyd, Sullivan Fortner and Billy Hart.
Exit Zero Jazz Festival
The spring edition of the Exit Zero Jazz Festival will be held May 15-17 in the scenic seaside town of Cape May, NJ.
Among the headliners are Ravi Coltrane, Jose James (performing the music of John Coltrane), Carmen Lundy, Orrin Evans, Jeremy Pelt, Sarah Hanahan and Ekep Nkwelle. Shows are presented at the town’s Convention Hall, as well as at venues throughout the town.
Jazz Foundation of America’s Great Night Gala
Since 1990, the Jazz Foundation of America (JFA) has provided assistance and support to jazz musicians in need, in the form of housing assistance, pro bono medical care, disaster relief, dignified employment, free community concerts and direct financial support. Their annual Great Night Gala will be held on May 21 at Jazz at Lincoln Center in NYC.
This year’s program includes headliner Norah Jones. In addition, featured acts include a centennial tribute to Miles Davis with Gary Bartz, Patrice Rushen and JFA Artistic Director Steve Jordan; Buster Williams’ Something More (including Steve Wilson, Stefon Harris, George Colligan and Lenny White), A Tribute to Ernest Ranglin featuring 17-year old guitar phenom Marel Hidalgo, with more talent to be announced.
“This is my favorite night of the year,” says actor and activist Danny Glover. “It’s so meaningful, with the best musicians in the world coming out for an organization that helps so many, straight from the heart.”
Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs
Sailing in the Next 12 Months
Botti at Sea III (’26)
9.18.26 – 9.25.26
Chris Botti hosts a West Coast Cruise with Amazing Talent and Fabulous Excursions & Events
Botti at Sea III (’26) is in Open Booking. Anyone may select any available stateroom and complete a reservation.
The lineup has been set for a few months. Joining Chris Botti will be Elvis Costello, Boz Scaggs, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle, Emmet Cohen, Veronica Swift, Candy Dulfer, John Splithoff, Morgan James, Benny Benack III, Kandace Springs, Harold Lopez-Nussa Trio ft. Gregoire Maret and more. The cruise will sail from Los Angeles to Vancouver, with calls in San Francisco and Victoria.
Botti at Sea III incorporates two experiences. First, is another edition of our famous cruise programs with nightly special shows, hours of additional music and intimate and insightful opportunities to learn more about our performers.
The second aspect of the programs is a robust offering of excursions and events when we dock in San Francisco (overnight) and in Victoria, BC (full day). You can visit wineries in Napa or Sonoma, tour Napa Valley on the Napa Valley Wine Train, dine at the finest restaurants, see special shows at SFJAZZ, and more. Each of these events are curated, produced and presented by us.
To learn more about the cruise and the amazing excursions, check out the Botti Cruise Livestream Video on-demand on our website and on YouTube.
The Smooth Jazz Cruise
’26.3 (9.11.26 – 9.18.26)
’27.1 (1.31.27 – 2.7.27)
’27.2 (2.7.27 – 2.14.27)
3 Sailings of “The Greatest Party at Sea”
Known as “The Greatest Party at Sea,” The Smooth Jazz Cruise has sailed over 30 times since 2004. Year after year, there is a waitlist for staterooms and the cruises hit Fully Reserved earlier and earlier.
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 is fully reserved. Guests wishing to sail on the cruise should Join the Wait List now. Any cancellations by current guests will be filled by the Wait List.
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.1 and ‘27.2 are both in Open Booking and both are more than 90% reserved at this time. Please note that the itineraries for both sailings have been updated.
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.1
Tampa – Cozumel – Grand Cayman – Tampa
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.2
Tampa – Grand Cayman – Ocho Rios – Tampa
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore
1.12.27 – 1.17.27
One Sailing is Never Enough!
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise ’26 (Foster ’26) was a runaway hit program. From the first note to the last song, the brilliance of David Foster was evident in every show and event.
The lineup for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Sailing ’27 has been announced and includes Michael McDonald, Dianne Reeves, Leslie Odom Jr., Katharine McPhee, Erich Bergen and more.
Foster ’26 Guests have finalized rebooking their staterooms and Pre-Sail Reservations holders are currently selecting staterooms and completing their reservations.
Open Booking, where anyone may reserve any available stateroom, begins on April 27, 2026.
The Jazz Cruise ’27
1.17.27 – 1.24.27
Still the Greatest Jazz Festival at Sea
The Jazz Cruise is the first program that Signature Cruise Experiences ever produced. Since its first sailing in 2001, The Jazz Cruise has been the world leader in presenting “straight ahead” jazz at sea.
The cruise is in Open Booking, where anyone may reserve any available stateroom.
The Jazz Cruise reaches Fully Reserved every year and staterooms for The Jazz Cruise ’27 are being reserved faster and sooner than ever.
Journey of Jazz ’27
1.24.27 – 1.31.27
Now in Open Booking
Journey of Jazz ’27 will be an amazing cruise program featuring hosts Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter, a full lineup of great musicians and vocalists and a special two days in New Orleans which features Wynton Marsalis and a group of his hand-picked musicians.
In its second season, Journey of Jazz proudly combines the very best music with opportunities to live the jazz life and learn more about the history of jazz. As an example, Journey of Jazz ’27 will present Ledisi as a main show performer on the ship. In keeping with the theme of the cruise, Ledisi will perform her universally beloved Tribute to Dinah (Washington) program.
Details for the overnight stay in New Orleans are nearly complete. There will be special jazz shows in the city, dining at iconic New Orleans restaurants (Brennan’s, Commander’s Palace, Arnaud’s and more), tours of the city on land and by ship and much more. Each event in New Orleans will be curated, produced and presented by Signature Cruise Experiences.
Journey of Jazz ’27 is in Open Booking. You may select and reserve any available stateroom at this time. This may be the jazz experience of the year.
Sailing in 18 Months
Botti at Sea IV (’27)
10.6.27 – 10.13.27
Chris Botti Takes His Cruise from Boston to Quebec
A Canadian itinerary in the Fall is one of the most popular cruise itineraries in the industry. Fall colors, beautiful scenery, hands on adventures in famous ports-of-call. If nothing else was taking place on the ship, a cruise with these features would be in high demand. So, when Chris Botti decided to take his amazing cruise program from Boston to Quebec City, with a full complement of the entertainers and performers that you have grown to love and expect, not only was he gilding the lily, but he was creating one of the top music cruise experiences ever offered.
Stay tuned for more programming and reservation procedure details. As is always the case on a Signature Cruise Experiences program, guests on Botti at Sea III (’26) (’26 Guests) will be able to rebook their current staterooms and those who are not ’26 Guests will be eligible to submit a Pre-Sail Reservation which will establish their stateroom selection priority after the ’26 Guests complete their rebooking procedure.
Look for most of this to happen around 8.15.26!
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.3
10.13.27 – 10.20.27
Now in Open Booking!
This program will be an exciting combination of our customary great music, Fall colors and other special events.
This cruise is currently in Open Booking, where anyone may reserve any available stateroom.