After last night’s fabulous opening show which featured host Marcus Miller educating, entertaining and enlightening us about the History of Jazz, our “journey” has taken us to Victoria BC for a full day in port to be followed by an evening with Diana Krall.
Marcus’ History of Jazz show has been a staple of several of our cruise programs and is so revered that it became the impetus and theme of our Journey of Jazz program. Last night’s editions were expanded to include performances by Gregory Porter, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Chucho Valdés, Wycliffe Gordon, John Clayton, Niki Haris, Sullivan Fortner, Bria Skonberg, Benny Benack III, Russell Gunn, Eric Marienthal, Tivon Pennicott, Julian Pollack, Anwar Marshall and Rickey Woodard.
But Journey of Jazz is more than the history of our music and more than the destinations chosen. The journey embodies every aspect of the jazz experience. Always tethered to the very best musical performances and performers, Journey of Jazz will expand our horizons.
Journey of Jazz ’25 is exploring wine country, presenting shows on land in historic and iconic venues, and sharing activities that complement the enjoyment of jazz. Today, our guests will be engaged in excursions ranging from whale watching to a Warren Wolf show at a local Victoria music venue. Future sailings of this program will continue this quest.
If you have never visited Victoria, you should do so. It is beautiful, almost magical in appearance.
Victoria was settled in 1843 by the British which accounts for the colonial architecture and aura. Often called the Garden City, among the many public gardens throughout the city is the famous Butchart Gardens which is at least 120 years old and spans more than 55 acres.
But the most important British Columbia landmark today is Diana Krall, who was born in Nanaimo BC, slightly more than an hour drive from Victoria. We know that she is excited about performing so close to “home” and we are eagerly awaiting her show.
The next edition of Jazz Notes will be in your inbox on 9.17.25, next Wednesday. Journey of Jazz ’25 will have overnighted in San Francisco and be headed for Los Angeles. We promise you a full report.
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.
Monterey Jazz Festival
Don’t miss the 68th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival happening September 26-28, 2025,
featuring Christian McBride & Ursa Major, Gregory Porter, John & Gerald Clayton, Benny Green, Dianne Reeves and more!
September 26-28
Monterey Fairgrounds, Monterey, CA Featuring
Christian McBride & Ursa Major, Gregory Porter,
John & Gerald Clayton, Benny Green, Dianne Reeves and others
FESTIVAL SEASON CONTINUES
Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jubilee
September 13
Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair, NJ
Featuring Christian McBride & Ursa Major, Jazzmeia Horn, Lakecia Benjamin & Phoenix and others
Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
September 18-21
Pittsburgh, PA
Featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jonathan Butler & Dan Wilson, Kandace Springs and others
Gulf Coast Jazz Festival
September 19-21
Sanders Beach – Corrine Jones Resource Center, Pensacola, FL
Featuring Mindi Abair, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Peter White and others
Signature Cruise Experiences Programs
Stateroom Availability
5 Days, 5 Nights,
5 Star Experience!
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise will deliver five incredible days & nights of five-star entertainment, centered around the music of 16-time GRAMMY® winner David Foster, including Michael McDonald, Katharine McPhee, Babyface and other incredible talents. Open Booking has begun and staterooms are moving fast! Act soon to reserve your stateroom using Promo Code: EOS25 for special End of Summer Pricing. Ends 9.22.25!
Limited Time Promotional Pricing
Join us on Christian McBride’s World at Sea to see Christian and amazing vocalists like Samara Joy, Ledisi, José James, Angélique Kidjo and more! 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
Open Booking Available
The Jazz Cruise ’26 will be sold out before you know it. It’s happened every year since 2001. Book Now with Promo Code: 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 Both Fully Reserved
Of course, you may join the Waitlist. Or, if you’d prefer to sail the West Coast this fall, consider joining us on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3.
Open Booking Now Available
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!
Open Booking Available
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!
Open Booking Now Available
The full lineup of artists and excursions has been announced! Though the cruise is more than a year away, staterooms are going fast. Reserve your stateroom today to see Chris Botti, Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle and more!
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.1 & ‘27.2
Marcus Miller and Boney James announced headliners and itinerary for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.1 and ‘27.2 in a live Lineup Reveal last week. If you missed it, catch it HERE!
Now through 11.26.25, Guests on ’26.1 & ’26.2 have the exclusive opportunity to rebook their stateroom for ‘27. During that same timeframe, all other guests may complete a Pre-Sail Reservation, giving them the opportunity to book any available stateroom after the Rebooking Period is complete.
Journey of Jazz ’27
Journey of Jazz ’27 will be announced no later than January 15, 2026. Sailing dates are 1.24.27 – 1.31.27 and will include special programming in New Orleans.