Historically, August is the month that we try to finalize our lineups for next round of cruise programs. No, not the ’26 Cruises, those have been set for months and months. We are working on the lineups for the ’27 Cruises. With 8+ programs in ’27, we are looking to hire over 500 musicians, vocalists, comics and hosts. What was once a relatively simple exercise has become a significant undertaking.
By far, the most difficult aspect is the selection of the performers. Do we repeat someone? When was the last time a particular musician was on the cruise? Have we achieved the proper balance for a meaningful lineup? By necessity, we have compiled lists of every musician who has performed on a particular cruise and when they sailed. We review that list to provide inspiration for our selections. Often, that exercise uncovers someone whom we have not thought of in a while. That is a good thing. Internally, we call that “panning for gold.”
Sometimes, while “panning for gold,” we find sadness and pain. Among the names of past performers are those who are no longer with us and some who are alive, but unable to perform or sail. We have been blessed over the years with many musicians being able to join us well into their 80s or more. Benny Golson and Kenny Barron come to mind. To put their age into perspective, Benny Golson became an NEA Jazz Master nearly 30 years ago. Kenny Barron was honored 15 years ago.
Using the NEA Jazz Master roster as basis for looking at past performers on our cruises, the names of Clark Terry, Roy Haynes, James Moody, Frank Foster, Chick Corea, Phil Woods, Ramsey Lewis, Jimmy Cobb, Cedar Walton, Johnny Mandel and Eddie Palmieri represent icons who have passed. I can remember something special about each of them while they were sailing with us.
Our lineup review proved to be a difficult walk down memory lane based upon another set of great players, great people and friends. Can you believe that Wayman Tisdale has been gone for 16 years, George Duke for 13 years, Joe Sample for 10 years and Jeff Clayton for 5 years? Each of them left their mark on our programs. Each was a giant in their own right and their work and music will live on forever. When you think about it that way, that is a legacy worth pursuing.
Joe Sample’s time on the ship (The Smooth Jazz Cruise) was legendary. Joe became the first (and only) musician to chide his sidemen during a set. Famously, Joe stopped a song, raised a hand in the air and told the musicians that they need to “follow the hand” at all times. Though alarming at the time, the story has become one of the seminal moments of that cruise.
Clearly, I wandered down a contemplative and sad road here. It started earlier this week despite all else in our Signature Cruise Experiences world going well. I have been told that one way to understand your feelings is to ask the question “Why now?” “What was the trigger?” That these great musicians are not alive is not news to me or to anyone else.
The answer came to me yesterday as I was walking into the office. For those who have not been here, our office is decorated with framed mementos of our cruises; usually a t-shirt or a poster. Having completed 100 sailings or so, that is a lot of framed memorabilia. By the way, next to dry cleaning and alterations, framing is one of the most unexpected expensive undertakings in the world.
Back to the story. Among the pictures in the office is one of Anita E. Berry, my mother and the founder of our company. Her birthday was yesterday. She would have been 96. Her legacy remains intact, at least for now. However corny, when I think of her, a Dan Fogelberg song pops into my head. No, not “The Power of Gold“!
From “Leader of the Band“:
My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the (wo)man
I’m just a living legacy
To the leader of the band
Her legacy was to provide jazz enthusiasts with a special experience every year. To enjoy the music in a professional, yet comfortable environment, laden with friends and fellow fans. Though our tools for doing so have changed, her goal remains our watchword, our mission.
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.
Jazz Festivals on Labor Day Weekend
In addition to the Vail Jazz Festival, which we highlighted last week, there are two major jazz festivals that are happening during Labor Day weekend that feature several artists associated with SCE’s jazz programs.
DC Jazz Fest
Aug. 27-31 – Various Locations
This largely free festival is held at various venues around our nation’s capital, with the main shows presented at the Wharf. Headliners include Emmet Cohen, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Lalah Hathaway, Matthew Whitaker, Marcus Miller, Jazzmeia Horn, The Baylor Project, John Scofield and many others.
Detroit Jazz Festival
Aug. 29 – Sep. 1 – Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI
This sprawling, free four-day festival is held downtown at Hart Plaza and is one of the largest jazz festivals (in attendance) in the U.S. Headliners include John Pizzarelli, Kenny Barron, Chucho Valdés & Paquito D’Rivera, Herlin Riley, Rodney Whitaker, Branford Marsalis, Hiromi and many others.
Webinars
Whether you’re counting down the days to your next adventure or just daydreaming about ocean breezes and island escapes, we have upcoming cruise webinars for almost everyone. Get insider tips if you’re already booked, explore destinations and excursions if you’re still browsing or simply join us to be in the virtual presence of some of our cruise superstars.
The Jazz Cruise: Special Edition of Emmet’s Place
DATE: AUGUST 25, 2025
TIME: 1:00 PM ET
Since 2001, The Jazz Cruise has been the hallmark of “straight ahead” jazz, not only “at sea,” but anywhere in the world, which is why The Jazz Cruise is fully reserved every year.
Emmet Cohen, who has moved from student performer to featured performer to co-host to host of The Jazz Cruise, is presenting a special edition of his famed Emmet’s Place to talk about The Jazz Cruise ’26, which sails from 1.27.26 – 2.3.26.
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Connect
DATE: AUGUST 26, 2025
TIME: 3:00 PM ET
Join us for programing insights, cruise news and more can’t miss information about David Foster: The Hitman Cruise! Plus, hear from The Hitman himself, David Foster, his wife, Katharine McPhee and more of the stars of David Foster: The Hitman Cruise.
Connect with us on August 26!
Stateroom Availability
Cruise Programs – 2025
| Journey of Jazz | Fully-Reserved. Cancellations filled from Waitlist |
Cruise Programs – 2026
| David Foster: The Hitman Cruise | Open Booking Now; End of Summer Prices on Select Stateroom Categories Available through 9.22.25 |
| Christian McBride’s World at Sea | Open Booking Now; End of Summer Prices on Select Stateroom Categories Available through 9.22.25 |
| The Jazz Cruise ’26 | Over 80% Reserved; End of Summer Prices on Select Stateroom Categories Available through 9.22.25 |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 | Fully reserved; Join Waitlist |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 | Fully reserved; Join Waitlist |
| Top Shelf Country Cruise | Over 75% Reserved; Open Booking Now |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 | Over 85% Reserved; Open Booking Now |
| Botti at Sea ’26 | Open Booking Now; Final Lineup and Excursions Just Announced! |
Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs
DAVID FOSTER: THE HITMAN CRUISE
is in Open Booking
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 has begun and staterooms are already moving fast! Act soon to reserve your stateroom of choice using Promo Code: EOS25 for special End of Summer Pricing through September 22!
CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
is in Open Booking
We’ve heard your requests! End of Summer Pricing is available for ALL remaining staterooms at incredible savings through the End of Summer! Use Promo Code: EOS25 to book your stateroom about Christian McBride’s World at Sea at the lowest price seen! Offer good through September 22! *New Reservations Only
THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
is in Open Booking
The Jazz Cruise ’26 will be sold out before you know it. It happens every year since 2001. Book Now with Promo: EOS25 to secure the best pricing available and your place on the Greatest Jazz Festival in the World!
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.
THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
is 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 85% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!
BOTTI AT SEA’26
is in Open Booking
The full lineup of artists and excursions was announced last week! Though the cruise is more than a year away, staterooms are being reserved at a record clip. Reserve your stateroom today!
JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Fully Reserved !
Journey of Jazz is now fully reserved. All cancellations will be filled through the Waitlist.