The Weekender Archives - Signature Cruise Experiences

Our Take: Signature Cruise Experiences Foundation LLC

Kim Kelley — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 03:50:00 +0000

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
$50/person Onboard Credit for Specialty Dining
And, for a limited time, a Reserved Seat for All Seven (7) Nightly Main Shows (through 5.31.26)

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!

WATCH ON-DEMAND

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.

WATCH ON-DEMAND

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.

LEARN MORE

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.

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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.”

LEARN MORE

Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

VIEW ALL UPCOMING SCE SAILINGS

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 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.

The post Our Take: Signature Cruise Experiences Foundation LLC appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Our Take: Excursions…or Experiences?

Kim Kelley — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 02:11:00 +0000

Recently, we added land-based excursions to our programming on several cruises. Sometimes words are used to describe something without regard to their true meaning. I wondered if “excursion” was one of those words. It was not. The Oxford Dictionary defines “excursion” as “a short journey or trip, especially one engaged in as a leisure activity.” Accurate, but, for us, not quite complete.

At Signature Cruise Experiences what we offer goes beyond that definition. Across our upcoming sailings, The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3, Botti at Sea ’26 and Journey of Jazz ’27, we are curating moments that reflect the jazz life. Some are jazzy all by themselves and some reflect the types of activities that jazz fans adore.

Many of these offerings were created by us. All were chosen by us and we will escort our guests on every event. This is not new to us, as many years agoin New Orleans, The Jazz Cruise connected guests with the city’s finest dining and unforgettable local tours. But more recently, Journey of Jazz ’25 elevated the idea entirely.

Sailing from Vancouver to Los Angeles, with a full day in Victoria and an overnight in San Francisco, Journey of Jazz ’25 offered more immersive jazz shows, fine dining, visits to Napa and Sonoma, a culinary tour of San Francisco and more. Our guests didn’t just visit these places. They experienced them.

This Fall, The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 will follow that same itinerary with Chris Botti at Sea III retracing the journey north back from Los Angeles to Vancouver. In each case, our guests will be able to enjoy the wonderful opportunities in San Francisco and Victoria.

Then comes Journey of Jazz ’27. Having spoiled our Journey of Jazz ’25 guests, we have made sure that the next sailing of that program continues our jazz journey. Mission accomplished. From Tampa to an overnight stay in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, Journey Of Jazz ’27 is writing an entirely new chapter.

Private jazz shows. Iconic dining at Arnaud’s, Commander’s Palace and Antoines. We have rented out the entire premises of Brennan’s for a New Orleans style brunch event. There will be tours galore, a steamboat trip and more.

Having now buried the lead, our guest host for New Orleans is Wynton Marsalis, the undisputed spokesperson for the Crescent City and its population. What more appropriate subject to be discussed during Jazz Appreciation Month than how we are going to bring our guests together with Wynton in New Orleans.

Since 2001, SCE has presented the “jazz life ”at sea. Good food, warm receptions, camaraderie, late night jam sessions, fine wine and lots of laughter. Those elements will always be a part of our cruise programs, but now we are extending that life beyond the ship to the ports of call.

Whether these activities on land can truly be called “excursions” depends upon how you define “leisure activity.” I prefer “experiences,” the “direct observation, participation, or undergoing of events, sensations or emotions.”

When we sat down to rename our company to reflect that we were producing a variety of cruise programs, we knew that “cruise” would be at the center of the name. To convey the high-end nature of our cruises, the term ”signature” made the most sense. The phrase “I will sign my name to that” provided the inspiration.

But, when it came to telling people what our “Signature Cruise” offerings would entail, “experiences” was the only answer! Our goal is to create experiences that are true to the “jazz life” and provide both immediate joy and long time memories.

We have conquered providing those experiences at sea and on a ship. Land events as part of our cruise programs are next.

Livestream Updates

Want to Learn More About Chris Botti at Sea III?
Step Inside the “Perfect” Cruise Livestream

4.23.26 / 7PM ET
Join us for a special livestream on April 23 at 7 PM ET to learn more about the Perfect Cruise Experience on Botti at Sea III. Get an inside look at our exciting lineup of world-class talent, explore the beautiful ports of call and discover the unforgettable shore excursions that make this year’s sailing truly special. Don’t miss this opportunity to see what makes Botti at Sea III so exceptional.

Journey of Jazz ’27 Livestream

4.23.26 / 4PM ET
Join us for a special livestream on April 23 at 4 PM ET to explore the Journey of Jazz. We’ll showcase our incredible lineup of world-class jazz artists, explore exciting ports of call, and uncover unforgettable shore excursions to experience the best of the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans! Don’t miss this chance to learn more about the Journey of Jazz.

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!

Jazz Appreciation Month

SCE Artists on Jazz

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s We The People

We The People, the newest recording from the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, is the first in a series of albums released by Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Blue Engine Records that articulate jazz’s ethical relationship to democracy, freedom and collective life. We The People emerged from a collaboration with the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra reflected on the unfolding story of our nation by writing twelve original compositions inspired by works from the Crystal Bridges collection. Recorded in 2018 at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater in NYC, We The People pays tribute to the diversity and complexity of the American experience on display in the museum.

LEARN MORE

Tierney Sutton’s Spring

Tierney Sutton, who has sailed on The Jazz Cruise numerous times, has just released her 17th album as leader or co-leader and her first voice-and-piano duo project. For the recording Spring she collaborated with pianist Tamir Hendelman who also has sailed with us on The Jazz Cruise over the years. “There are only a couple of pianists I really love to work with in a duo setting,” Tierney said. “Tamir is one of my favorites. He’s an encyclopedia of songs, and nobody swings harder.”

LEARN MORE

Oscar Peterson Trio Live at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge

The estate of Oscar Peterson has released another archival recording by the legendary pianist. Live at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge features Peterson performing with his famous trio of Ray Brown on bass and Ed Thigpen on drums at the noted Detroit jazz club. The live recording features previously unissued performances, all taped on a single Friday night in August 1960.

LEARN MORE

Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

VIEW ALL UPCOMING SCE SAILINGS

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

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. ’27.1 is more than 80% reserved and ’27.2 is more than 90% reserved. 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!

The Jazz Cruise ’27

1.17.27 – 1.24.27

Still the Greatest Jazz Festival at Sea

Journey of Jazz ’27

1.24.27 – 1.31.27

Now in Open Booking

Sailing in 18 Months

Botti at Sea IV (’27)

10.6.27 – 10.13.27

Chris Botti Takes His Cruise from Boston to Quebec

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.3

10.13.27 – 10.20.27
Now in Open Booking!

The post Our Take: Excursions…or Experiences? appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Our Take: Livestreams…Our Newest Connection

Kim Kelley — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 05:43:00 +0000

It was the Summer of 2000 when we began to advertise our first cruise program, The Jazz Cruise 2001. We went to some office supply store and used their mimeograph machine to churn out 1,000 copies of a flyer. Sometimes I can still smell the ink. I would share whether I liked that fragrance or not, but it might disclose too much information!

The front of the flyer listed the cruise dates. the name of the ship, the ports-of-call and, of course, the names of the musicians. The back listed the staterooms, the prices, and the reservation procedure for completing a reservation. No art. No logo. Just the facts!

We folded each flyer in thirds, placed it in an envelope, sealed, it and labeled it with our return address and the address of the guest. Or, in this case, the “hoped for” guest. The mailing list was a compilation of names and addresses gathered during many years of participating in NCL’s Jazz at Sea program. Never a full ship charter, the cruise did attract more than 1100 patrons each year.

For those in the know, you must be scratching your head as to my use of the word “we,” a reference that would seemingly include myself and others. Yes, I was there for the start of that program. I’m not sure what I was doing and I am certainly sure that I did not know much. My mother ran the show then and she was in her element.

In 2000, a standard first-class U.S. postage stamp cost 33 cents. If we mailed out 1,000 flyers, that would have been a cost of $330. If we mailed out 1,000 flyers, that would have been a cost of $330. Our labor force were the folks in Mom’s travel agency, Traveline, Ltd. A nice dinner and some cocktails made that happen. I certainly was not being paid The mailer worked. The cruise sold out in weeks. Pretty simple and certainly cost effective.

Times changed. As the number and size of the cruises grew, so did the marketing efforts. Radio spots and print ads were the next level. Our relationship with the Sabin family, owners of Jazz Times, became a significant factor in our advertising. On a cost of sale analysis, this method of marketing was the most expensive in our history. Even today, the cost of print ads and radio spots are very high, despite their reduced effectiveness and popularity.

We became firmly entrenched in the digital world of marketing, using emails, social media, and other forms of communication as ~~are~~ the vehicles for “getting the word out.” The actual transmission of the information is fairly priced;, ~~but~~ the real costs lie in is what you need to do to create a good plan and the people you need to hire to implement it. Even so, the effectiveness of digital marketing can be difficult to discern.

One thing for sure, the very best advertising is to make sure that our cruises are top notch and that our guests are treated well and believe that our cruises are good values. We try to maintain a personal connection with our guests whenever possible. When asked why we do not issue “surveys” or “questionnaires,” our response is that we do not have to, we know what they are thinking because we talk to them.

In recent years, we have added that level of connection to our pre-cruise activities. Livestreamed conversations have proven to be a great addition to our panoply of touchpoints, ranging from introductory and informational forums aimed at guests considering a sailing to addressing booked guests with key tips and updates on particular cruises.

Not only are we able to present information in an organized and consistent manner, but we can field questions in real time. Even when there are hundreds of folks on the call, the livestreams have the feel and impact of talking to each other on a one-on-one basis.

We have three Livestream presentations coming up. One each for Chris Botti at Sea III, Journey of Jazz ‘27 and David Foster: The Hitman Cruise ’27. The first two are on the same day, April 23, featuring Journey of Jazz in the late afternoon (4 pm ET) and Chris Botti at Sea III in the early evening (7 pm ET). A cruise program version of a day/night double header. (One baseball reference per edition of The Weekender: Our Take is mandatory!)

For more information about the Livestreams, check out “Livestream Update” below.

As for keeping in touch with us, we include my email address in each edition for a reason. Anytime you have a comment, criticism, suggestion or question, feel free to contact me. Regardless of the subject matter of the note, I love hearing from you, learning from you, and simply connecting with the music fans of the world.

Talk soon?

Livestream Updates

Want to Learn More About Chris Botti at Sea III?
Step Inside the “Perfect” Cruise Livestream

Journey of Jazz ’27 Livestream

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Livestream

Jazz Appreciation Month

SCE Artists on Jazz

Jazz Memorial for Ken Peplowski

Ken Peplowski’s friend Pamela Stark (with help from Loren Schoenberg and Mark Lopeman) has organized a memorial service and concert to be held on Tuesday, May 19 at 5:30 PM at Saint Peter’s Church in NYC.

This celebration of Ken’s life will feature many artists who performed with Ken on The Jazz Cruise, including John Pizzarelli, Jessica Molaskey, Catherine Russell, Terell Stafford, Shelly Berg, Tierney Sutton and others. Admission is free, but to attend you must get a ticket from the EventBrite site by clicking below. The event will be streamed and also made available for viewing on YouTube. In lieu of flowers, Ken’s family encourages people to donate in Ken’s memory to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation here.

To honor Ken’s 25+ year contribution to its programs and guests, Signature Cruise Experiences and The Jazz Cruise are responsible for the burial expenses for him to rest in the famed “Jazz Corner” in Woodlawn Cemetery, along with Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Fats Waller, among many other jazz greats.

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Jeff Hamilton’s A New Chapter

Jeff Hamilton, a longtime favorite of The Jazz Cruise audience, has released A New Chapter, a new album from his trio featuring pianist Tadataka Unno and bassist Jon Hamar. The album, Jeff’s 24th as a leader, was recorded live in Memphis, TN and mixes original compositions by the trio with classic songs that the group has reimagined.

“This recording captures the swinging energy of the trio and a new level of freedom in the ensemble,” Jeff says.

LEARN MORE

Peter Cincotti’s In Color: Part One

Singer-songwriter and pianist Peter Cincotti, who sailed with us on the David Foster Hitman Cruise earlier this year, has just released In Color: Part One, which features numerous guest artists performing music composed by Peter and lyricist John Bettis. Joining Peter on the album are Marcus Miller, Angélique Kidjo, hip-hop artist IAMSU! and French vocalist Anne Sila.

“This project is about melody and storytelling, above all,” says Peter. “By collaborating with artists from different cultures and genres, we’ve been able to color these songs in ways I never imagined when John and I first sat down to write them.”

LEARN MORE

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 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”

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.1
Tampa – Ochos Rios – Grand Cayman – Tampa

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.2
Tampa – Grand Cayman – Ocho Rios – Tampa

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise ’27

1.12.27 – 1.17.27

Stay Tuned for the Lineup and Detail

Foster ’26 Guests have finalized rebooking their staterooms and Pre-Sail Reservations holders are soon becoming be eligible to select a stateroom and complete their reservation.

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

RESERVE A STATEROOM ON THE JAZZ CRUISE ’27

Journey of Jazz ’27

1.24.27 – 1.31.27

Now in Open Booking

RESERVE A STATEROOM ON JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’27

Sailing in 18 Months

Botti at Sea IV (’27)

10.6.27 – 10.13.27

Chris Botti Takes His Cruise from Boston to Quebec

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

This program will be an exciting combination of our customary great music, Fall colors and other special events.

The exclusive Rebooking window for guests of The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 closed on March 31, 2026. Guests who completed a Pre-Sail Reservation have been invited to select their stateroom and complete their reservation starting on April 6, 2026.

Open Booking begins April 16, 2026.

The post Our Take: Livestreams…Our Newest Connection appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Our Take: I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket

Kim Kelley — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 04:06:00 +0000

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. I spent some time this week researching jazz tunes that have an Easter theme or connection. Irving Berlin’s “I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket” popped up. The history of the tune and the common meaning of this idiom drew my attention immediately.

First introduced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in the 1936 musical comedy film Follow the Fleet, the song took a decidedly jazzy turn when Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong created their version. Fred and Ginger. Ella and Louis. One of the earliest examples of “first name only” recognition.

Leaning into the Easter theme for the song was easily done and, at that level, the song can be placed in the “fun” and “whimsical” categories. Nothing wrong with that. We can always use some laughter and smiles. But when I hear the words “Putting All My Eggs in One Basket” other thoughts come to mind.

Depending upon the circumstances, the phrase is apt for one’s total commitment to a cause, a goal or an objective. This pursuit can be laudatory. Watching someone pursue a dream with all their heart and soul is inspirational and to be admired.

But, at what point does “putting all my eggs in one basket” become dangerous, even delusional? Don Quixote wanted to spend his life righting wrongs. That is all that mattered to him. His passion led to his false belief that he was a knight. Not being able to live up to that pursuit, Don Quixote lived a life that was unfulfilled.

Recently, in various ways, I have spent time with young jazz musicians. One of the most gratifying and fascinating undertakings of our new Signature Cruise Experiences Foundation is our dedication to supporting these dedicated performers in the pursuit of their dream, that being a full time jazz musician.

That is the goal. To earn a living playing music and to play the type of music that they love. Many know that teaching and other music related duties may be required to support their pursuit, but most of them hope that the ratio of performing and other music pursuits is heavily in favor of being on the bandstand.

These young artists are “Putting All [Their] Eggs in One Basket.” How long they continue “tilting at windmills” will depend on luck, persistence and the ability to survive. For every Samara Joy and Patrick Bartley, there are hundreds of talented jazz performers who find their pursuit to be “The Impossible Dream.” While they are tilting at those windmills and keeping those baskets full, it will be the mission of Signature Cruise Experiences Foundation to help them stay with that dream as long as possible, to help them to reach “the unreachable stars.” “And the world will be better for it.”

We will be releasing more information about the newly-formed Signature Cruise Experiences Foundation in the coming weeks. We look forward to sharing this vision and the stories and music it creates. We may not impact the world, but we will help young musicians.

I apologize to those who wanted to know more about the relationship of jazz and Easter. Maybe next year we will explore that topic in more depth. Though, perhaps the plight of young musicians, their solemn devotion to what they believe, their pursuit of excellence and the sacrifices they make along the way may, in some ways, echo themes found in the Easter story.

Jazz Appreciation Month

SCE Artists on Jazz

Patrick Bartley and John Pizzarelli Perform in Dallas

If you are in the Dallas area this spring, you can hear two performers from The Jazz Cruise playing with a full big band. Both concerts are at the Eisemann Center in Richardson, TX.

Patrick Bartley will perform on Sunday, April 19. And John Pizzarelli will perform on Sunday, May 31. They will both perform with the 18-piece Texins Jazz Band, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. They have hosted 82 concerts with guest artists over those years.

LEARN MORE

Vail Jazz Festival

Our friends at Vail Jazz have let us know that tickets are now on sale for the 32nd Annual Vail Jazz Festival, taking place over Labor Day Weekend, September 4–6, 2026.

The lineup features many artists familiar to guests of The Jazz Cruise, including John Clayton, Niki Haris, Jeff Hamilton, Terell Stafford, Wycliffe Gordon, Lewis Nash, Camille Thurman, Sean Jones and many more.

Consider a trip to Vail to experience extraordinary music, stunning scenery, and a vibrant jazz community. Signature Cruise Experiences has supported Vail Jazz for more than 20 years.

LEARN MORE

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.

We recently had Chris Botti participate in a livestream for both booked guests and those interested in sailing. Members of our team detailed the events, shows and special excursions that this cruise offers in a 60+ minute video presentation which you can see below.

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. ’27.1 is more than 80% reserved and ’27.2 is more than 90% reserved. Please note that the itineraries for both sailings have been updated.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.1
Tampa – Ochos Rios – Grand Cayman – Tampa

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.2
Tampa – Grand Cayman – Ocho Rios – Tampa

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise ’27

1.12.27 – 1.17.27

Stay Tuned for the Lineup and Detail

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. As you recall, David wanted to learn more about how the cruise programs unfold before he casted the lineup for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Sailing ’27.

That moment has arrived. The lineup for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Sailing ’27 has been announced and includes Michael McDonald, Dianne Reeves, Katharine McPhee, Erich Bergen and more.

Foster ’26 Guests are currently able to finalize rebooking of their staterooms through April 10, after which Pre-Sail Reservations holders will be eligible to select a stateroom and complete their reservation. There is still time to complete a Pre-Sail Reservation (no deposit or obligation required)—just click below.

JOIN DAVID FOSTER: THE HITMAN CRUISE ’27 PRE-SAIL

The Jazz Cruise ’27

1.17.27 – 1.24.27

Still the Greatest Jazz Festival at Sea

RESERVE A STATEROOM ON THE JAZZ CRUISE ’27

Journey of Jazz ’27

1.24.27 – 1.31.27

Now in Open Booking

RESERVE A STATEROOM ON JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’27

Sailing in 18 Months

Botti at Sea IV (’27)

10.6.27 – 10.13.27

Chris Botti Takes His Cruise from Boston to Quebec

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.3

10.13.27 – 10.20.27

This program will be an exciting combination of our customary great music, Fall colors and other special events.

The exclusive Rebooking window for guests of The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 closed on March 31, 2026. Guests who completed a Pre-Sail Reservation will be invited to select their stateroom and complete their reservation starting on April 6, 2026.

Pre-Sail Reservations remain open through April 10, 2026 and are the best way to reserve a stateroom prior to Open Booking, which begins April 16, 2026.

JOIN THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘27.3 PRE-SAIL

The post Our Take: I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Our Take: An April to Remember

Kim Kelley — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 04:12:00 +0000

There are times in the year when there is so much going on that you are overwhelmed with choices and the dreaded Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) takes control of your mind. The beginning of April is one of FOMO’s high seasons.

After taking time for work, family and staying healthy, most of us, particularly those who read this column weekly, spend their time (1) enjoying sports, (2) observing religion and, of course, (3) enjoying music. We take time to eat, learn and, relax, but mostly we are actively pursuing those three endeavors.

When April 1 comes around next week, Major League Baseball will have had its opening games, the NCAA Final Four (men and women) will be determined and we will be one week or so away from the Masters Tournament. Almost nothing says Spring more than those three events.

I said “almost,” for the hands down harbinger of Spring is Easter. Though solemn and significant, the universal images are families dressed in the colors of the season heading to church, visiting family, enjoying Easter egg hunts and the first bloom of flowers. For those who live in Florida, Arizona, California or any place that has fewer than four Seasons, I apologize for the Hallmark card edition of Easter. I grew up and live in the center of the country.

April 1 is the first day of Passover, a holiday that centers around family and the enjoyment of the Passover Seder, a ritual meal recounting the story of the exodus from slavery in Egypt. Also, solemn and significant, the holiday celebrates renewal, which is the main theme of most Spring holidays.

Though Easter and Passover do not always overlap in the calendar, they are connected in many ways. For example, The Last Supper was a Passover Seder.

At this point, I will stop discussing religion, as the depth of my knowledge has been fully displayed above. Nor will I discuss more about sports, where my knowledge is extensive, but not pertinent nor would be of interest to anyone.

Guess what we will spend the rest of The Weekender talking about? For those who chose Jazz Appreciation Month, you are correct. Anyone who selected another topic should seriously consider requesting to be deleted from our mailing list.

We have a lot of exciting elements to our month-long celebration. We will share some of them with you today, some later and some will be surprises along the way.

Are you ready to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month? We are!

JAM Artist of the Day

Last time we looked, April had 30 days. We selected 30 of our jazz performers and asked them the following question: “What is the meaning of Jazz Appreciation to you?”

SCE Jazz Master Lee Mergner will be curating those responses and will present one each day on our Facebook and Instagram pages along with his commentary on their response.

You may recall that Lee was recently named the recipient of the Bruce Lundvall Visionary Award. The annual award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and vision in expanding the audience for jazz and has made a difference for artists, the music and audience.

Guests will be invited to respond to the answers as well. Hopefully, we can create a dialogue that will result in a shared understanding of the meaning of the celebration.

SCE FACEBOOK

SCE INSTAGRAM

SCE Charity Goals for Jazz

One significant aspect of Jazz Appreciation Month is to learn more about the genre’s commitment to assisting jazz musicians in crisis and to providing jazz education and opportunities for young people to become involved. Over the years, SCE has supported many organizations that undertake those tasks. Some relationships have existed for more than 20 years.

With Lee Mergner’s help and assistance, SCE is embarking upon a new path to provide needed support to the jazz community. We will announce the formation of the Signature Cruise Experiences Foundation at the close of Jazz Appreciation Month.

Name Your Mt. Rushmore of Jazz

In 1941, in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln, created a 60-ft.-high granite sculpture of the faces of U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Though the choice of these four presidents has been discussed in length, it is believed that they represent the founding, expansion, preservation and unification of our country.

Many of you would have chosen others to represent the nation, but what is done is done. What has not been determined is what four jazz greats (living and deceased) should be featured if a sculpture were created to honor the history of jazz.

In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, we’re asking our readers to name the four jazz performers that you think should be enshrined in stone as the people who are the heart of the jazz world. In fairness, we are seeking two lists, one for performers still active and one for those who have passed.

Email your ballots to info@scecruises.com or click below to enter your submission. The results will be announced in the 5.2.26 edition of The Weekender.

SUBMIT YOUR JAZZ MT RUSHMORE CHOICES

Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala

With a theme of “Rhythms that Move the World,” the Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala will be held on April 15 at the Frederick Rose Hall in New York City.

Under the music direction of Carlos Henriquez, the Gala concert will feature performances by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, along with special guests Rubén Blades, Aymeé Nuviola, Shenel Johns, Ekep Nkwelle, Anthony Almonte, Herlin Riley, Jeremy Bosch and more.

The Gala will also honor Kathryn & Ken Chenault (Ed Bradley Award for Leadership in Jazz), Weedie Braimah (Award for Artistic Excellence) and Joan Chamorro (Global Citizen Award).

LEARN MORE

SFJAZZ Gala

On May 7, SFJAZZ presents its annual gala with the theme of “Milestones: Celebrating Miles & Trane at 100,” honoring the centennials of Miles Davis and John Coltrane. The SFJAZZ Gala will also honor guitar icon George Benson with the SFJAZZ Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his innovation and lasting influence on generations of musicians and fans.

The event features a reception, dinner, all-star concert and after party at the SFJAZZ Center and at City Hall. Appearing at the All-Star Gala Concert are Terence Blanchard, Benson, Christian McBride, Marcus Miller, Lakecia Benjamin, Keyon Harrold, Tia Fuller, Randy Waldman, Isaiah Sharkey, Richard Bona and the SFJAZZ Collective.

LEARN MORE

Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

VIEW ALL UPCOMING SCE SAILINGS

Sailing in the Next 12 Months

Botti at Sea III (’26)

9.18.26 – 9.25.26
Chris Botti hosts the Perfect Music Experience – At Sea & on Land!

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. ’27.1 is more than 85% reserved and ’27.2 is more than 95% reserved. 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 Sailing ’27

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. As you recall, David wanted to learn more about how the cruise programs unfold before he casted the lineup for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Sailing ’27.

That moment has arrived. Last week, the lineup for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Sailing ’27 was announced and includes Michael McDonald, Dianne Reeves, Katharine McPhee, Erich Bergen and more.

Foster ’26 Guests are currently able to finalize rebooking of their staterooms through April 10, after which Pre-Sail Reservations holders will be eligible to select a stateroom and complete their reservation. There is still time to complete a Pre-Sail Reservation (no deposit or obligation required)—just click below.

JOIN DAVID FOSTER: THE HITMAN CRUISE ’27 PRE-SAIL

The Jazz Cruise ’27

1.17.27 – 1.24.27

Still the Greatest Jazz Festival at Sea

RESERVE A STATEROOM ON THE JAZZ CRUISE ’27

Journey of Jazz ’27

1.24.27 – 1.31.27

Now in Open Booking

RESERVE A STATEROOM ON JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’27

Sailing in 18 Months

Botti at Sea IV (’27)

10.6.27 – 10.13.27

Chris Botti Takes His Cruise from Boston to Quebec

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.3

10.13.27 – 10.20.27

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.3, which departs from Quebec City on 10.13.27 and sails through Canada terminating in Boston on 10.20.27, has been announced and will be an exciting combination of our customary great music, Fall colors and other special events.

From now through 3.31.26, guests sailing on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 (’26 Guests) have the exclusive opportunity to reserve their ’26 stateroom for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.3. Those who are not ’26 Guests may establish their priority for selecting a stateroom for that cruise by completing a Pre-Sail Reservation. Pre-Sail Reservations will be activated in mid-April.

JOIN THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘27.3 PRE-SAIL

The post Our Take: An April to Remember appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Our Take: It’s the People Almost More Than the Jazz

Kim Kelley — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 07:01:00 +0000

Having attended a few jazz programs in the past weeks and on the heels of weeks at sea with jazz fans, I have come to realize that while I love the music, I am equally drawn — perhaps even more so — into the music by the folks who perform and the folks who listen.

This awakening reminds me of a time when watching Andy Rooney on 60 Minutes was a must for me. The very definition of “curmudgeonly,” Andy’s short humorous essays had the perfect mix of grumpiness and heart.

There was one segment where he debated, with himself whether he liked Bill Clinton more than Newt Gingrich or the other way around. His answer has stuck with me for all these years and has proven to be helpful in so many ways.

Andy said that he did not know if he liked Bill or Newt more than the other, but that he liked the people who liked Bill better than the people who liked Newt.

That thinking is brilliant. I have no interest in soccer or the mixed martial arts, but I certainly like the people who like soccer more than the people who like mixed martial arts. The analysis is not ironclad or always on point, but it is a quick read and pretty reliable.

I would be lying if I told you that I like all forms of jazz. I would be lying if I told you that I like all forms of any music genre. Heck, I would be lying if I told you that I like all flavors of ice cream. There is always a portion of everything that one does not like.

But I can say, almost without exception, that I love being around the folks who like jazz, who perform jazz and who sit in the audience tapping their toes and watching the bandstand. The feeling in a jazz club or on our ship is amazing. The players are deciding what they want to “say” next and the fans are eagerly listening in anticipation of what is to come. The intensity of the experience is palpable and both the musicians and the fans are hanging on every note.

In many ways, sharing the experience with other jazz fans is as rewarding as the music itself. For years at Signature Cruise Experiences, most of my interaction with our team about jazz centered on conversations with Lee Mergner (former editor and publisher of Jazz Times). Recently, Gene Dobbs Bradford, longtime director of Jazz St. Louis and recent leader of the Savannah Music Festival, joined the company and we now have a three-sided conversation on the jazz topic of the day.

Three opinions stir more controversy than two. The back and forth makes me smile, improves my knowledge, and causes me to be a bit more restrained in expressing my likes and dislikes. Which brings me to the only portion of the jazz community that bothers me. The jazz “know-it-all.”

Is there any jazz fan more difficult to endure than the “know-it-all?” I believe in having opinions, but I also know that an opinion is just that…what you believe to be true and right, based on your personal preferences. There are absolutes, to be sure, but, for the most part, our lives are governed and impacted by the opinions of others and our own point of view.

Opinions suggested from ignorance or presented as absolute truisms are not acceptable. The right response when that happens is no response at all, but there are times when “turning a deaf ear” feels like acquiescence. The competitor in me takes over and the battle is on.

But those situations in the world of jazz are the exception… a very narrow exception to be sure. Besides, there are so many lovely and wonderful jazz fans that the few bad ones are so diluted to be not there at all.

Many of you are considering writing to me with the hope of having me list the types of jazz that I do not like. Good luck prying those words out of my mouth. As someone who has been a fool more often than being a wise man, I try mightily to avoid being foolish. Only a fool follows a mistake with an error. The wise man admits the mistake and takes the more prudent road thereafter. Don’t throw good money after bad they say.

Well, my money is always on jazz. I have leaned into that world for 26 years with all my heart, all my resources and all my energy. Along the way, I have met a lot of really great people. I may not like some parts of jazz, but, other than the few “know-it-alls,” I cherish my time with those who love this music.

Bria Skonberg’s Brass

Bria Skonberg, who has sailed on several of our programs, has two albums coming out this year. The first, Brass, is dedicated to the trumpet and was released last week. The second, unnamed as of yet, will focus on her vocals. Bria says that separating her two disciplines has helped her better define her approach to each.

“Ultimately, what parts of my personality get tapped into when I isolate and focus on one of those instruments?” she explains. “The trumpet album has a lot of fire to it, because I love the grittiness and the brassiness of the instrument. There’s an audacity to the music, and I played more with rhythms and time signatures.”

Helping her achieve her vision for the instrumental recording were pianist Luther S. Allison, bassist Eric Wheeler and drummer Darrian Douglas. Brass features a combination of compositions by Bria as well as by Jelly Roll Morton (“New Orleans Bump”) and Harold Arlen (“Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea”). There’s also a mash-up of tunes by Bob Dorough (“Comin’ Home, Baby”) and Cole Porter (“You’d Be So Nice to Come Home to”), carrying on a Skonberg tradition of recording seemingly disparate medleys connected by a theme.

(Personal Note: Gene Dobbs Bradford and I, along with our wives, attended Bria’s show at Jazz St. Louis on Friday, March 13, 2026. The nearly 90 minute set flew by as Bria weaved in and out of various genres and themes while always maintaining the highest level of musicianship and vocal talent. Her bassist, Liany Mateo, a former Jazz House KiDS grad, was elite. Jon Thomas (piano) and Zach Adleman (drums) provided top flight support for what was a challenging and far-ranging set. Zach not only trained with Jazz House KiDS, but he teaches there now. Bria announced on stage that Brass was dropping that day…launching a new recording on Friday the 13th. Now there is a brave….and very talented…woman. – Michael Lazaroff)

Upcoming Jazz Festivals

As spring arrives, FINALLY, all over the country, several jazz festivals and events pop up that feature many SCE artists.

Festival	Date	Location	Lineup	Link
Berks Jazz Fest	March 19-29	Reading, PA	Brian Culbertson; Chris Botti; Vincent Ingala; Eric Marienthal; Marcus Miller & Friends; Boney James; Emmet Cohen; others	LEARN MORE
Denver Jazz Fest	April 3-6	Denver, CO	Bob James; Pat Metheny; Jose James; Branford Marsalis; Carmen Lundy; Ingrid Jensen; Rene Marie; others	LEARN MORE
Earl Klugh’s Weekend of Jazz at Broadmoor	April 9-11	The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO	Earl Klugh; Kenny G; Boney James, Al Di Meola; Peter White, Mindi Abair & Vincent Ingala; Jazz Funk Soul; The War and Treaty; others	LEARN MORE
Charleston Jazz Festival	April 13-21	Charleston, SC	Herlin Riley; Al Di Meola; Alfredo Rodriguez; Danilo Perez; others	LEARN MORE
Seabreeze Jazz Festival	April 22-26	Panama City Beach, FL	DW3; Mindi Abair; Kirk Whalum; Jonathan Butler; Rick Braun, Richard Elliot & Peter White; Vincent Ingala; others	LEARN MORE
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival	April 23-May 3	New Orleans, LA	Ron Carter; Herbie Hancock; Dianne Reeves; Monty Alexander; Terence Blanchard; Ravi Coltrane; Rebirth Brass Band; Hiromi; others	LEARN MORE
International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert	April 30	Chicago, IL	Herbie Hancock; Kurt Elling; Dee Dee Bridgewater; Christian McBride; Marcus Miller; others	LEARN MORE

Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

VIEW ALL UPCOMING SCE SAILINGS

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 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. ’27.1 is more than 80% reserved and ’27.2 is more than 90% reserved. 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 ’27

1.12.27 – 1.17.27

Stay Tuned for the Lineup and Detail

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. As you recall, David wanted to learn more about how the cruise programs unfold before he casted the lineup for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Sailing ’27.

That moment has arrived. Just yesterday, the lineup for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Sailing ’27 was announced and includes Michael McDonald, Dianne Reeves, Katharine McPhee, Erich Bergen and more.

Foster ’26 Guests are currently able to finalize rebooking of their staterooms through April 10, after which Pre-Sail Reservations holders will be eligible to select a stateroom and complete their reservation. There is still time to complete a Pre-Sail Reservation (no deposit or obligation required)—just click below.

JOIN DAVID FOSTER: THE HITMAN CRUISE ’27 PRE-SAIL

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.

RESERVE A STATEROOM ON THE JAZZ CRUISE ’27

Journey of Jazz ’27

1.24.27 – 1.31.27

Now in Open Booking

RESERVE A STATEROOM ON JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’27

Sailing in 18 Months

Botti at Sea IV (’27)

10.6.27 – 10.13.27

Chris Botti Takes His Cruise from Boston to Quebec

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.3

10.13.27 – 10.20.27

JOIN THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘27.3 PRE-SAIL

The post Our Take: It’s the People Almost More Than the Jazz appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Our Take: Charlie Puth

Kim Kelley — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 04:56:00 +0000

Everyone should have a musical guilty pleasure. Mine is Charlie Puth. On the surface, you could say that he is a pop singer and songwriter who rose to prominence by writing “cute” songs like “See You Again,” “One Call Away” and “Marvin Gaye,” as well as featuring other musicians like Wiz Khalifa and Meghan Trainor.

I have seen him perform once and he shared the bill with Meghan. It was a few years ago, before the Pandemic for sure. Notice how we use the Pandemic as the dividing line for so many events. We refer to our cruise programs as Pre-and Post-Pandemic. As I vividly remember, there were certainly no During Pandemic cruise programs.

Forgive me for that diversion, but somethings never go away in your mind. Someone told me that in a few years we would be laughing about the Pandemic. As we say when someone makes a bad joke about a tragic event…”too soon.”

Back to Charlie. Though I have not followed his career much in the past few years, he comes up in conversations in the most amazing and diverse ways. Our readers know that I was close friends with Lee Berk, who led his namesake prestigious music school (Berklee School of Music) for many successful years before retiring.

His recent death was one of the saddest events of my life. If you recall, I cancelled a trip to Berks Jazz Fest because Lee and his wife, Susan, were coming to St. Louis and I wanted to have dinner with them. Two weeks later, Lee died in a car accident.

One of our last conversations was about Charlie Puth. Charlie was one of the top students in the history of Berklee School of Music. I knew this because Eric Marienthal, our Music Director for several cruise programs, recorded the highest final score in the school’s history. That Charlie Puth was a Berklee grad makes me smile today.

Recently, when Kenny G was performing on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1 and ’26.2, he was invited to perform the National Anthem for the Super Bowl in-between the two. I came to learn that the invitation was made by none other than Charlie Puth, who also arranged for a plane to pick Kenny G up in Cozumel, fly him to Santa Clara and back in time for the second cruise.

By all accounts that I have read, Charlie’s rendition of the Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl was a huge hit. Check out the USA Today article “Charlie Puth delivers a pitch perfect national anthem.”

This event came on the heels of learning that Charlie was one of the performers at a 2025 holiday party hosted by David Foster. David’s other guest star was Babyface who performed on the David Foster: The Hitman Cruise a few weeks ago. Remember the “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” rage a few years ago? The premise was that every actor in Hollywood was connected to Kevin Bacon through film roles in six steps. In my life recently, it is the “Six Degrees of Charlie Puth”!

By now, most of you are wondering why am I going on and on about Charlie Puth in The Weekender, which is called “Your Saturday Morning JAZZ Fix Since 2016”? Well, another guilty pleasure of mine is watching Sunday Today with Willie Geist while in bed and drinking coffee. Last Sunday (March 8) was my first opportunity to do so in ’26 due to cruise schedules. As fate would have it, Willie’s Sunday Sitdown guest was Charlie Puth.

Charlie talked about his new recording, the singing of the National Anthem and other aspects of his career. When asked why he thought his songs were different than most pop music, Charlie said the magic words…”I like to add some jazz notes to my tunes.” He referenced his days at Berklee and the influences he has garnered from jazz musicians and songs.

When I heard this, I sat up and smiled. Perhaps my guilty pleasure of liking the music of Charlie Puth is not as “guilty” as I first thought. That revelation was certainly one of the best birthday presents I received that day.

Thank you, Charlie.

Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione

For his latest release, Rick Braun celebrates the music of Chuck Mangione, one of his early heroes. On Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione, the trumpeter and longtime favorite of guests of The Smooth Jazz Cruise performs every track on the same Couesnon flugelhorn he played as a student at the Eastman School of Music (where Mangione had previously served as jazz director) and with the fusion band Auracle. Rick also used a cherished Giardinelli mouthpiece gifted to him by Mangione himself during a meeting at the 2007 Long Beach Jazz Festival.

The collection features an extraordinary roster of collaborators including original Mangione guitarist Grant Geissman, saxophonists Richard Elliot and Tom Scott, keyboardist Philippe Saisse and flutist Steve Kujala.

“Grant talked to me about Chuck as a guy who encouraged a lot of musical freedom from the people he worked with,” Rick says. “And you can really hear that in the music.”

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Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

VIEW ALL UPCOMING SCE SAILINGS

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 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. ’27.1 is more than 80% reserved and ’27.2 is more than 90% reserved. 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 ’27

1.12.27 – 1.17.27

Stay Tuned for the Lineup and Detail

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. As you recall, David wanted to learn more about how the cruise programs unfold before he casted the lineup for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Sailing ’27.

That time is right around the corner. Once the lineup is announced, guests on Foster ’26 will be invited to finalize rebooking of their staterooms after which those with Pre-Sail Reservations will be eligible to select a stateroom and complete a reservation. There is still time to complete a Pre-Sail Reservation (no deposit or obligation required). Just click below.

JOIN DAVID FOSTER: THE HITMAN CRUISE ’27 PRE-SAIL

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.

Rebooking for The Jazz Cruise ’26 Guests is complete. Guests with Pre-Sail Reservations are selecting staterooms and completing reservations now. 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.

RESERVE A STATEROOM ON THE JAZZ CRUISE ’27

Journey of Jazz ’27

1.24.27 – 1.31.27

Now in Open Booking

RESERVE A STATEROOM ON JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’27

Sailing in 18 Months

Botti at Sea IV (’27)

10.6.27 – 10.13.27

Chris Botti Takes His Cruise from Boston to Quebec

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.3

10.13.27 – 10.20.27

JOIN THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘27.3 PRE-SAIL

The post Our Take: Charlie Puth appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Our Take: Music by Any Name is Music

Kim Kelley — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 03:50:00 +0000

I am home today, in St. Louis, having spent last week on the inaugural sailing of Top Shelf Country Cruise, our first country music cruise in over 10 years The headliner was Keith Urban and featured Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes and so many others keeping our guests moving their boots from morning to late into the night.

The cruise was on a larger Celebrity ship than we charter for our jazz programs and there were nearly 2,500 guests. Only 47 had sailed with us before, so there was a significant amount of “learning” going on, both guests learning about us and us learning about them.

Keith Urban performed in Nassau at the Cruiseport Amphitheatre immediately adjacent to our docking slot (and solely for us). Many guests enjoyed the concert from the ship, but most reveled in the beautiful night and setting of the open air venue. Our team did a lot of work to make that happen and I applaud their efforts.

The week’s entertainment also included country music radio star Bobby Bones, along with his team, Amy Brown, Lunchbox, Eddie, Morgan and Raymundo. They were the lead-in performers and were very funny. Country music broadcasting legends Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase also served as hosts throughout the week, bringing their decades of industry experience to interviews, artist introductions, tastings and much more that added to the experience. So, from the start, the guests were having a ball. The cruise experience escalated from there and, by all metrics, this program was an amazing success.

One clear winner on the cruise was St. Jude Children’s Hospital, a favorite charity of mine and, as fate would have it, of Bobby Bones as well. Between auctioning off a chance to have breakfast with Bobby, some cruise upgrades and a guitar autographed by every performer, more than $250,000 was raised.

Between that lovely result and one of the most inspirational Heroes’ Breakfasts we have ever produced, Top Shelf Country Cruise not only was good, but it did good.

It’s time to talk music. To be clear, my knowledge of country music is very limited. When iHeart approached us about doing a “country” cruise, my response was “which country do you have in mind?” The performances on the ship were wonderful. You cannot help but be drawn in by the energy on stage and in the crowd.

One guest who knew me and my taste for music, said to me “just substitute guitars for saxophones and you have country music.” That comment was more funny than apt. The differences are profound. It is simply a matter of taste and what you enjoy. Not all jazz works for me and there was a lot of country music that made me smile.

Here is the takeaway, though. I spend most of my time at our shows watching the crowd, not the performers. Whether the program is jazz, smooth jazz, adult contemporary, or country music, the smiles on the faces of the audiences are the same. And, after all, isn’t that what live music is all about?

I am not expecting most readers of this note to be signing up for Top Shelf Country Cruise ’27, but, our entire team will be looking forward to the next sailing. It was a lot of fun.

John Pizzarelli’s Dear Mr. Bennett

The charismatic John Pizzarellli has just released Dear Mr. Bennett, an album celebrating the life and legacy of the iconic singer. John and his trio, featuring bassist Mike Karn and pianist Isaiah J. Thompson, perform several of the timeless songs made famous by Mr. Benedetto. Thanks in part to his father Bucky Pizzarelli, who often played with Bennett, John had a lifelong affinity for the great singer and later became close with him on his own. In fact, the illustration on the album cover was done by Tony, a dedicated visual artist, who drew an image on a napkin of John while the singer and guitarist was performing at the Café Carlyle in NYC.

“Tony’s artistry was just so magnificent,” John says. “And he was able to continually reinvent himself. He went from being a pop singer in the ‘60s to a singer/entertainer who always had to play second fiddle to Sinatra in the ‘70s. Then, because he was such a great singer, he was able to do what he really wanted to and move from making commercial records to working with the likes of Bill Evans, George Barnes and Ruby Braff. He had one of the great second acts and became a superstar all over again with the MTV generation, Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga.”

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A Tale of Two Itineraries

They were the worst of itineraries and, now, they are the best of itineraries.

With apologies to Charles Dickens, The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.1 & ’27.2 were a Tale of Two Itineraries.

From the start, our goal was to include calls on Grand Cayman and Jamaica on both sailings. Celebrity Cruises told us that this would not be a problem, but, as we approached the time for sailing on the ’26 cruises, no confirmations were forthcoming. Sadly, our first messaging to guests included a repeat of the ’26 ports-of-call.

We were able to fix the problem for ’27.2 early during the sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1, but, only now are we able to confirm the new set of ports-of-call for ’27.2.

To most of our guests, these changes are welcomed, but, if you are booked on either cruise and these changes do not work for you, feel free to contact us at any time before March 31, 2026, and we will cancel your reservation.

Welcome to the world of theme charters! Consistent with the opening of the baseball season, let’s quote Yogi Berra on this one…”it ain’t over ‘til it is over.”

Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

VIEW ALL UPCOMING SCE SAILINGS

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

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. ’27.1 is more than 80% reserved and ’27.2 is more than 90% reserved. 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!

The Jazz Cruise ’27

1.17.27 – 1.24.27

Still the Greatest Jazz Festival at Sea

Journey of Jazz ’27

1.24.27 – 1.31.27

Now in Open Booking

Sailing in 18 Months

Botti at Sea IV (’27)

10.6.27 – 10.13.27

Chris Botti Takes His Cruise from Boston to Quebec

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.3

10.13.27 – 10.20.27
Now in Open Booking!

The post Our Take: Music by Any Name is Music appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Our Take: Four Letter Words that Matter

Kim Kelley — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 04:53:00 +0000

When we talk about four-letter words, we are usually talking about profanity. Eliminating four-letter words from your vocabulary is often a New Year’s resolution or even a suggestion by others.

Of course, not all four-letter words are bad. No one is campaigning to ban “jazz,” “wine” or “food.” There is an argument to be made for getting rid of “golf” and “beer,“ but that would be a minority view at best. So, what is the most powerful and compelling four-letter word?

I can hear the thousands of our readers saying, in unison, the word “love.” No doubt that love is important. As the songs tell us, it will “set you free,” “keep us together” and “make the world go around.” I have been fortunate to have been in love and be loved, so I know how powerful, comforting and exciting that can be, but, recently, I have come to realize that there is another four-letter word that may be more important than love.

As I wrote earlier, with two more cruise programs to present at sea, it was difficult to fully explore my feelings about the loss of my good friend, Ken Peplowski. Though I have not fully embraced what happened that afternoon (Monday, February 2), I do know that Ken lost his battle against cancer and many of the ramifications of being very sick. Coupled with battling the Pandemic, Ken’s struggles to be healthy, active and relevant were overwhelming.

Ken was a member of our planning team for The Jazz Cruise. Even when he was the most ill, Ken worked for the cruise in terms of programming, talent selection and show creation. Just as the identity of an executioner is hidden for fear of retribution, Ken’s role as a decider of who performed on The Jazz Cruise was a secret. Not all his opinions were followed blindly, but, when the call was close, Ken’s view weighed heavily.

Often those discussions led to more personal matters. For the most part, Ken was his own agent and manager, so securing gigs and creating opportunities for his career was “on him.” I never knew the extent of success he was having in doing so, as his illness impacted his opportunities, both in reality and in perception. Some folks were reluctant to hire Ken, not knowing if he would be able to perform on the required date.

For the most part, Ken was optimistic about his future, but every so often, he would open up about how hard it was for him to find work, especially work that he loved. Particularly difficult was seeing others being offered what used to be his gigs. I would imagine that phenomenon to be a theme among older musicians, but, in Ken’s case, the issue was exacerbated by his illness.

Having just jotted down the sentence above, I need to remind myself that Ken was not that old! His illness found him in his early 60s, an age where most are still active, particularly musicians. If there were ever a profession where growing older gracefully could be achieved, music would be at or near the top of the list. One of Ken’s best friends was Houston Person who is still performing at 90, as are Benny Goldson, Kenny Barron and Ron Carter. The Heath brothers performed in their nineties as did Jimmy Cobb and others.

In some respects, Ken’s concerns about his being able to continue to work was more serious than it seemed. If active, he would have a lot of years to fill and support. Those who know Ken know that being on the bandstand is what gave him life, sustained him and lifted his spirits. So, when we heard that he had failed to show up for a show on The Jazz Cruise with Shelly Berg on that fateful afternoon, many anticipated the worst.

I will not delve into or speculate about Ken’s personal life. I know that his two children live in Sweden and he would visit them as often as he could. And, of course, there was Corker, his beloved dog who provided Ken with years of love and affection.

On the ship Ken shared with us that his cancer was in remission, that he was eating better and feeling better. He also spoke of how arduous the recent years had been for him. He could still quip with the best of them, however, his ability to joke about himself was not as keen as it once was. Not quite a Pagliacci, but you could see a tear on his face when he was clowning.

I do not know the precise cause of his death, nor does it matter at this point. In my mind, his burdens, illnesses and problems triggered something in his body that resulted in his death. He had fought a great fight, but, at this point, he could not answer the bell for the next round.

For those who remember how I started this piece, I am about to return to my original premise, that being what is the most important and significant four-letter word. I concur with those who believe that “love” is important. Without “love,” one lives a lonely and cold life.

But, without “hope,” there is no life at all. Crimes are committed by people with no hope. Wars are fought by people with no hope. Consequences are meaningless if you have no hope. No matter how bad things are, if you can see light at the end of the tunnel, you can muster the energy and resolve to turn things around. If you can summon the strength to reach what you believe to be the “other side,” then you have hope and that hope will propel you, at least until hope becomes only a glimmer.

Ken was loved. We all loved him. I believe that the struggle to survive became overwhelming and his mind reacted accordingly. His reservoir of hope was empty and he could not find any way to refill what was once there.

When the idea of maintaining hope is mentioned, two sports references come to mind, Dan Jansen and Jim Valvano. Despite his great non-Olympic success, Dan Jansen had never won an Olympic medal after having competed in seven Olympic races over a ten-year period. Twice, not only did he fail to win, but he failed to even finish, having fallen on the ice. His last chance saw him nearly fall again, only to rally, surpass the World Record and win a Gold Medal.

NC State basketball coach Jim Valvano, who led his team to the National Championship over a heavily favored Houston team, famously fought cancer for several years. Near the end of his life, at the 1993 ESPYs, Valvano told the world, to face adversity with strength. His motto, “Don’t Give Up. Don’t Ever Give Up” became the rallying cry for a generation of cancer victims and survivors.

To me, jazz, even at its most melancholy, dark and sad iterations, is a symbol of hope. As we sit, listen and try to anticipate the next note, we are hoping that the sound will inspire us, move us forward, and enlighten us. Nothing is perfect and we are often disappointed, but our hope continues.

Maintaining and nurturing hope may be the essential step to being happy, engaged and meaningful. Embracing music, in my mind, is a great way to do so. Never stop listening. Never stop finding new tunes to hear or songs to sing.

With music to inspire you and lift you up, you will never stop looking for something good. You will be inspired to summon your ability to survive and achieve. Most importantly, you will never give up hope. Think of all the inspirational songs that have led us to achieve and have hope.

As corny as this may seem, hearing our National Anthem at the ceremonies of each Gold Medal winner at the recent Winter Olympics was inspirational. We sing our alma mater and our favorite team’s fight song. Every couple has a song they call their own. These are not songs of love. These are songs of hope. Hope for strength, resolve, kinship and the goal of a better day ahead.

Yes, love is wonderful, but love is often outside our grasp, outside our control. It requires two people being on the same page at the same time. “Hope” comes solely from within you. Only you can surrender your hope for the future.

Next time you sense a dip in your reservoir of hope, turn on your music, look in the mirror and summon the courage to move on.

The Jazz Cruise Lands at Birdland

Well, not exactly. But, for the month of March, our friends at Birdland Jazz Club in NYC are presenting several of our favorite artists from The Jazz Cruise.

John Pizzarelli and his trio perform there March 3-7, followed by the Anat Cohen Quartet (March 10-14), Kurt Elling & the Future of Jazz Orchestra (March 18-21) and Emmet Cohen’s Celebration of the Miles and Trane Centennial (March 24-28). Tell Gianni, who hosts Birdland at Sea in the Cosmopolitan Dining Room every night of The Jazz Cruise, that we sent you his way.

LEARN MORE

Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

VIEW ALL UPCOMING SCE SAILINGS

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.

Last week, with Chris Botti participating, Signature Cruise Experiences held a livestream for both booked guests and those interested in sailing. Members of our team detailed the events, shows and special excursions that this cruise offers in a 60+ minute video presentation which you can see below.

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. ’27.1 is more than 80% reserved and ’27.2 is more than 90% reserved. 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 ’27

1.12.27 – 1.17.27

Stay Tuned for Lineup and Details

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. As you recall, David wanted to learn more about how the cruise programs unfold before he casted the lineup for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Sailing ’27.

That time is right around the corner. Once the lineup is announced, guests on Foster ’26 will be invited to finalize rebooking of their staterooms after which those with Pre-Sail Reservations will be eligible to select a stateroom and complete a reservation. There is still time to complete a Pre-Sail Reservation (no deposit or obligation required). Just click below.

JOIN DAVID FOSTER: THE HITMAN CRUISE ’27 PRE-SAIL

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.

Rebooking for The Jazz Cruise ’26 Guests is complete. Guests with Pre-Sail Reservations are selecting staterooms and completing reservations now. Open Booking, when anyone may reserve any available stateroom, begins today, February 24, 2026.

The Jazz Cruise reaches Fully Reserved every year and staterooms for The Jazz Cruise ’27 are being reserved faster and sooner than ever.

RESERVE A STATEROOM ON THE JAZZ CRUISE ’27

Journey of Jazz ’27

1.24.27 – 1.31.27

Now in Open Booking

RESERVE A STATEROOM ON JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’27

Botti at Sea ’27

10.6.27 – 10.13.27

Chris Botti Takes His Cruise from Boston to Quebec

The post Our Take: Four Letter Words that Matter appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Our Take: Home, Sort Of!

Kim Kelley — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 04:28:00 +0000

The Signature Cruise Experiences team members are at their various homes today, with many having completed over 30 days at sea (and some nearly 40!).

If our experience were like an F1 or NASCAR race, this weekend is more like a pit stop for fuel and new tires as many will be boarding Celebrity Reflection (see above) shortly for the first sailing of Top Shelf Country Cruise.

That the theme of Top Shelf is different from the five sailings we just completed is obvious. The only “country” music on those sailings was Daniel Emmet singing in Italian and much of the music of Paquito D’Rivera. That Top Shelf will be a new experience for us can be summed up in a few statistics.

10,000	Number of guests who sailed with us between January 15th to February 17th of this year
22,000	Number of guests who have sailed with us FOUR + times since 2001
200,000	Number of guests who have sailed with us in total since 2001
10 or Fewer	Number of Top Shelf Country Cruise guests who have sailed with us before

This influx of new guests is not entirely unprecedented, as over 80% of the guests on David Foster: The Hitman Cruise ’26 were new cruisers, but, in terms of sheer volume of newbies, Top Shelf stands alone.

Watching new cruisers enjoy our cruise programs is fun and very rewarding. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.2 was the first Signature Cruise Experiences sailing for nearly 40% of the guests. Besides being a testament to the vitality of the genre and the popularity of the program, that volume of fresh eyes and ears added a level of excitement for both the artists and our staff.

We were particularly alert to the comments and observations from the new guests. By far the most common response was, “this cruise is bigger and more exciting than I anticipated.” Understanding the scope of our programming, the number of shows, the quality of the performances and the production level of every event is difficult to anticipate. And, largely due to the advancement of technology, we add “bells and whistles” each year. Hats off to Brian Rachko, our Production Manager, and the entire Production Team.

We try to understand the path that each new guest took to join us for a cruise. Here, again, there was a common theme. “My friends have been coming for years, and they finally convinced me to go. I wish I had listened to them earlier.” Yes, we do “market” the cruises, but the overwhelming majority of new guests are enticed to join us through our loyal “influencers” who sail often and share their experiences.

As I shared with our 10+ Guests (guests who have sailed with us over 10 times) at the events we hosted to honor and thank them for their support, Signature Cruise Experiences is dedicated to providing our past guests with the best of everything, whether it’s cruise prices, stateroom selection, seating or the latest information. The commitment and support of our past guests, particularly during the Pandemic, has sustained us, enabled our growth and allowed us to continue to improve and upgrade our programs.

When the Top Shelf guests board (Celebrity Reflection) next Friday, the process of earning their respect and loyalty begins anew. Though we have produced over 100 full ship charters since 2001, we are new to these guests, and they are new to us. This reality is exciting and a bit nerve racking at the same time. I wish we had a few more “off days” between our last sailing and Top Shelf, but the short “pit stop” we are enjoying right now adds to the electric atmosphere among our team.

Making guests happy. Knowing that they have enjoyed their vacation and look forward to the next chapter of the program. Knowing that they feel they made a great choice by sailing with us. These are emotions we wish to produce and the results that matter. Signature Cruise Experiences always takes the long view. We love all guests, no doubt, but, there is something very special about our relationship with our past guests.

The ultimate compliment for us is when a guest elects to rebook a stateroom or return to the cruises after a period. The ultimate challenge for us is providing guests the type of experience that makes them want to do so.

Ron Carter & Ricky Dillard’s Sweet, Sweet Spirit

Ron Carter, who just sailed with us on The Jazz Cruise and also performed during Journey of Jazz in September, has just released a new album in collaboration with the legendary gospel choirmaster Ricky Dillard. Sweet, Sweet Spirit brings together Dillard’s famed New-G choir with the masterful improvisations of jazz bass maestro Carter.

A deeply personal project for Carter, Sweet, Sweet Spirit honors the memory of his late mother, Mrs. Willie O. Carter, whose favorite hymns shaped the musical foundation of the Carter household and the Detroit church community where they worshipped. . The album revives those cherished hymns, originally sung a cappella by parishioners as the only instruments in the room.

. The origins of Sweet, Sweet Spirit trace back nearly thirty years. When Mrs. Carter transitioned to a live-in care facility, her daughters requested that Ron arrange and record ten of her most beloved hymns. Carter composed and captured his bass interpretations so she could listen to them during her final weeks; a private gift of music, memory, and devotion. “I think that when this music is released I predict that it will open up a lot more doors to people’s hearts, unifying them,” said Ron.

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Sarasota Jazz Festival

On March 9-14, the 46th edition of the Sarasota Jazz Festival, sponsored by Signature Cruise Experiences, will be held in that scenic Gulf Coast city. In addition to the main stage concerts in the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, the festival features several performances and events around town. Headliners include the John Pizzarelli Trio (in a tribute to Tony Bennett), Sammy Figueroa (with a tribute to Cal Tjader), Arturo Sandoval and Terell Stafford, who also serves as the festival’s music director.

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Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

VIEW ALL UPCOMING SCE SAILINGS

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)
’27.3 (10.13.27 – 10.20.27)
4 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, and a Wait List is growing. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.1 and ‘27.2 are both in Open Booking. ’27.1 is more than 80% reserved and ’27.2 is more than 90% reserved.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.3, which departs from Quebec City on 10.13.27 and sails through Canada terminating in Boston on 10.20.27, has been announced. This program will be an exciting combination of our customary great music, Fall colors and other special events.

Currently, guests sailing on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 (’26 Guests) have the exclusive opportunity to reserve their ’26 stateroom for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.3 through 3.31.26. Those who are not ’26 Guests may establish their priority for selecting a stateroom for that cruise by completing a Pre-Sail Reservation.

Botti at Sea III (’26)

9.18.26 – 9.25.26
Chris Botti hosts a West Coast Cruise with Amazing Talent

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 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.

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.

Rebooking for The Jazz Cruise ’26 Guests is complete. Guests with Pre-Sail Reservations are selecting staterooms and completing reservations now. Open Booking, when anyone may reserve any available stateroom, begins February 24, 2026.

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, 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.

Journey of Jazz ’27 is in Open Booking

Botti at Sea IV (’27)

10.6.27 – 10.13.27

Chris Botti Takes His Cruise from Boston to Quebec

The post Our Take: Home, Sort Of! appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

The Weekender Archives - Signature Cruise Experiences

Our Take: Signature Cruise Experiences Foundation LLC

Our Newest Stateroom Category: Veranda Plus Staterooms

Special Message from Christian McBride

Upcoming Livestreams

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Livestream

5.14.26 / 4PM ET

Livestreams On-Demand

Journey of Jazz ’27 Livestream Now Available On-Demand

Chris Botti at Sea III Perfect Cruise Livestream Now Available On-Demand

Jazz Appreciation Month

SCE Artists on Jazz

High Holy Days…At Sea

Newport Jazz Festival Lineup Announced

Exit Zero Jazz Festival

Jazz Foundation of America’s Great Night Gala

Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

Sailing in the Next 12 Months

Botti at Sea III (’26)

9.18.26 – 9.25.26Chris Botti hosts a West Coast Cruise with Amazing Talent and Fabulous Excursions & Events

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”

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore

1.12.27 – 1.17.27

One Sailing is Never Enough!

The Jazz Cruise ’27

1.17.27 – 1.24.27

Still the Greatest Jazz Festival at Sea

Journey of Jazz ’27

1.24.27 – 1.31.27

Now in Open Booking

Sailing in 18 Months

Botti at Sea IV (’27)

10.6.27 – 10.13.27

Chris Botti Takes His Cruise from Boston to Quebec

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.3

10.13.27 – 10.20.27Now in Open Booking!

Our Take: Excursions…or Experiences?

Livestream Updates

Want to Learn More About Chris Botti at Sea III?Step Inside the “Perfect” Cruise Livestream

Journey of Jazz ’27 Livestream

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Livestream

Jazz Appreciation Month

SCE Artists on Jazz

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s We The People

Tierney Sutton’s Spring

Oscar Peterson Trio Live at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge

Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

Sailing in the Next 12 Months

Botti at Sea III (’26)

9.18.26 – 9.25.26Chris Botti hosts a West Coast Cruise with Amazing Talent and Fabulous Excursions & Events

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”

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore

1.12.27 – 1.17.27

One Sailing is Never Enough!

The Jazz Cruise ’27

1.17.27 – 1.24.27

Still the Greatest Jazz Festival at Sea

Journey of Jazz ’27

1.24.27 – 1.31.27

Now in Open Booking

Sailing in 18 Months

Botti at Sea IV (’27)

10.6.27 – 10.13.27

Chris Botti Takes His Cruise from Boston to Quebec

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.3

10.13.27 – 10.20.27Now in Open Booking!

Our Take: Livestreams…Our Newest Connection

Livestream Updates

Want to Learn More About Chris Botti at Sea III?Step Inside the “Perfect” Cruise Livestream

Journey of Jazz ’27 Livestream

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Livestream

Jazz Appreciation Month

SCE Artists on Jazz

Jazz Memorial for Ken Peplowski

Jeff Hamilton’s A New Chapter

Peter Cincotti’s In Color: Part One

9.18.26 – 9.25.26
Chris Botti hosts a West Coast Cruise with Amazing Talent and Fabulous Excursions & Events

’27.1 (1.31.27 – 2.7.27)
’27.2 (2.7.27 – 2.14.27)
3 Sailings of “The Greatest Party at Sea”

10.13.27 – 10.20.27
Now in Open Booking!

Want to Learn More About Chris Botti at Sea III?
Step Inside the “Perfect” Cruise Livestream

9.18.26 – 9.25.26
Chris Botti hosts a West Coast Cruise with Amazing Talent and Fabulous Excursions & Events

’27.1 (1.31.27 – 2.7.27)
’27.2 (2.7.27 – 2.14.27)
3 Sailings of “The Greatest Party at Sea”

10.13.27 – 10.20.27
Now in Open Booking!

Want to Learn More About Chris Botti at Sea III?
Step Inside the “Perfect” Cruise Livestream

9.18.26 – 9.25.26
Chris Botti hosts a West Coast Cruise with Amazing Talent and Fabulous Excursions & Events

‘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”

9.18.26 – 9.25.26
Chris Botti hosts a West Coast Cruise with Amazing Talent and Fabulous Excursions & Events

‘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”

9.18.26 – 9.25.26
Chris Botti hosts the Perfect Music Experience – At Sea & on Land!

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise
Encore Sailing ’27