Though instrumentalists dominate the world of jazz and our cruise programs, jazz fans have always cherished those few, very talented jazz vocalists who can take a tune and make you swoon.
It is no coincidence that Gregory Porter is the first and only vocalist to serve as a host (Co-Host of Journey of Jazz) of one of our programs. This fact proves both points above, that instrumentalists reign supreme and that it takes an amazing talent (as Gregory certainly is) to catch the fancy of a jazz fan.
This edition of Jazz Notes is dedicated to the vocalists of our upcoming sailings. Actually, this will be the first of a series of editions on this subject that we will intersperse among future Jazz Notes notices. For today, we will provide a survey of the talented voices of the programs and will take a deeper dive into the world of Ledisi, one of the stars of Christian McBride’s World at Sea.
Check Out These Talented Vocalists!
Journey of Jazz ’25
Hosted by Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter, Journey of Jazz is a treasure trove of vocal talent. Where else could you see and hear such talented and heralded female jazz vocalists as Diana Krall, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and Niki Haris in one place?
The awards, credits, record sales and special appearances by these four ladies are countless and amazing.
Then, when you add Gregory Porter, a once in a generation male vocalist, to the mix, you have the opportunity to enjoy a week of the finest jazz vocalists in the world.
Christian McBride’s World at Sea ’26
Christian McBride’s World at Sea ’26 was created to showcase Christian’s many ensembles, each of which is a headliner act, but collectively is an instrumental tour de force.
Christian McBride’s “World” is more than hip and exciting instrumental music. Christian’s tastes include great vocalists, top comics and fun events of all kinds. Singers joining Christian on the cruise are José James, Angelique Kidjo, Melissa Walker and GRAMMY® Winners Cécile McLorin Salvant and Ledisi.
Ledisi Aboard McBride’s World at Sea
The dynamic vocalist Ledisi was recently added to the already stellar lineup of artists on McBride’s World at Sea. Born in New Orleans and raised in a musical family in Oakland, Ledisi’s name means “To Bring Forth” in Yoruba. The powerful singer certainly does bring forth her music, which combines jazz with gospel, soul and R&B.
This spring she’ll be releasing her 12th album as a leader, The Crown, produced by none other than our cruise host, Christian McBride. In addition, she’ll return the favor with an appearance on Christian’s upcoming Big Band album being released this summer. She’s performed at the White House, the Democratic National Convention and other prestigious events and venues. Much of the world got to see her unique vocal gifts during the recent Super Bowl, where she performed an inspired rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
And, like Christian, she’s more than a musician. She’s also an accomplished actress having played Mahalia Jackson, Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight, amongst her many roles in film and television, and she’s appeared in numerous stage productions. A passionate advocate of music education, she’s currently a professor and artist-in-residence at Berklee College of Music. And she’s the author of two books – Better Than Alright: Finding Peace, Love & Power and Don’t Ever Lose Your Walk: How to Embrace Your Journey.
Leave it to two musical giants to sum up her artistry.
Christian McBride: “Ledisi is not only one of my favorite singers, but she’s one of my favorite people. She’s a beam of light and one of the most fearless artists I know. She can tackle jazz, R&B, Broadway and everything in between. Her performance at the Super Bowl was just incredible.”
John Legend: “As a contemporary vocalist, there’s almost no one I can think of in the world that sings as skillfully as she does. In terms of her range, dexterity, clarity, versatility, she can do anything she wants. She’s one of the great singers in the world, period.”
We’re very fortunate to have Ledisi joining Christian and the other great performers on McBride’s World at Sea ’26.
Win a Free Stateroom on Christian McBride’s World at Sea Cruise
As befits his charitable nature, Christian is offering a Free Veranda Stateroom aboard Christian McBride’s World at Sea to the winner of a drawing which will take place on October 1, 2025. To enter the contest, fill out the McBride’s World Entry Form.
If the winner is someone who has already reserved a stateroom, they will not only sail for free, but will receive a $10,000 bonus for winning.
The Jazz Cruise ’26
Cruise founder, Anita E. Berry, was very particular about vocalists. She thought that most jazz vocalists were not special enough for her cruises. She would refer to many as a “lounge act,” her ultimate put down for a singer.
She would be smiling ear to ear with the vocal lineup of The Jazz Cruise ’26. Dee Dee Bridgewater (who was the very first headliner on The Jazz Cruise) will be joined by Catherine Russell, Manhattan Transfer Star Janis Siegel, Bria Skonberg and Niki Haris on the distaff side, while Kurt Elling leads a cast of male vocalists that includes John Pizzarelli and Benny Benack III.
One of the most cherished programs on The Jazz Cruise is Sing, Sing, Sing, an impromptu, unscripted vocalist jam session hosted by Shelly Berg. With over 90 jazz instrumentalists to listen to, the most difficult seat to secure is at this event.
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1/’26.2/’26.3
When Kenny G is on a cruise program hosted by Marcus Miller and Boney James and that program features both Brian Culbertson and Candy Dulfer, you do not expect to find world class vocalists. But, the ’26.1 & ’26.2 editions of The Smooth Jazz Cruise will be presenting Jonathan Butler, Mindi Abair, Larry Braggs, Ms. Monet and more.
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 goes one better with the addition of the band WAR. In a music world where there are no “smooth jazz vocalists” per se, that is a lot of singing fire power.
Botti at Sea ’26
Perhaps we have saved the best for last. Botti at Sea ’26 sails in September ’26 from Los Angeles to Vancouver with stops in San Francisco and Victoria. With that amount of time remaining before sailing, we have been very deliberate about our lineup selection, but the first three superstars are all vocalists.
Can you believe that Melody Gardot, Boz Scaggs and Elvis Costello will be on the cruise program, each doing an extended show of their own? Not sure what the rest of the lineup will look like, but the “vocals” box has been checked…and how!
Did You Know?
’25 Sailings
- Journey of Jazz ’25: Special Pricing for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms, use promo code: JOURNEY
’26 January/February Sailings
- Christian McBride’s World at Sea ’26: Special Pricing for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms, use promo code: CMW
- The Jazz Cruise ’26: Program is 70% reserved and on its way to its 26th Fully Reserved sailing
- The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1: ’26.2 is fully reserved but you can reserve (limited availability) a Concierge/AquaClass/Veranda/Ocean View/Inside Stateroom on ’26.1
’26 September Sailings
- The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3: Over 70% reserved. No Suites, but all other categories have availability
- Botti at Sea III (’26): Over 72% reserved. No Suites, but all other categories have availability
Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs
Journey of Jazz ’25 – Be on the Lookout for a Message from Gregory Porter! JAM Prices Available!
HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
is in Open Booking
CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
is in Open Booking
THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
is in Open booking
THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 is in Open Booking; 26.2 is Fully Reserved
THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Final Lineup & Itinerary Now Available
THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
is in Open Booking
