Happy New Year! I trust that everyone had a fun and safe New Year’s Eve celebration and that we are ready to take on the challenge and excitement of a new year.
We had a wonderful New Year’s Eve. Nice (early) dinner and then a show. There was no jazz show for us to attend, but we did the very best next thing. We saw Alonzo Bodden’s New Year’s Eve Show. He was hilarious, topical and brought the house down. All that was missing was his typical calling out of the musicians. That will have to wait for a few more weeks.
In most years, we would start packing on New Year’s Day for the weeks on the cruises coming up. With Celebrity Summit being in drydock, our four weeks of amazing music starts on January 28, 2025, at least two weeks later than usual, so packing will start next week or so.
For those who are sailing on the upcoming cruises, be sure to join us for the webinars scheduled for each of the sailings. In each session, we walk through the various aspects of the cruises, talk about check-in, provide hints to make the cruise experience more enjoyable and answer your questions in real time.
For more information check out our Cruise ’25 Webinars below.
Customarily, I take the first “OUR TAKE” of the year and detail the New Year’s Resolutions for the company and for me personally. As someone who will soon be 75, I must choose resolutions that are important, but do not require extensive commitment. Learning Chinese or going around the world in a canoe have been ruled out, as an example.
What has not been ruled out is continuing to enjoy every moment of our cruises and to broaden my personal music palate and experiences. For the company, meaning Signature Cruise Experiences, our resolutions center on broadening our reach as well, while making sure that our jazz programs are stronger than ever.
Following up on the resolutions for Signature Cruise Experiences, you have seen, or heard about, two new programs we are advancing, Homecoming: The Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise.
Homecoming is active and we are pleased to report that the HBCU and Divine Nine communities are enthusiastically supporting the programs. The scholarship component of the cruise is up and running and our entertainers, Debbie Allen, Norm Nixon, Babyface, MC Lyte, Nephew Tommy, Chante Moore, Take 6, etc., are completing their own promotional materials.
Top Shelf Country Cruise will be launched in the coming weeks. If we were unsure as to the meaning of “mosey,” finalizing the terms and conditions of this program has confirmed our understanding. Crystal clear. But, when it is ready, it will be amazing. We are working closely with iHeart Radio on the concept and the cruise will feature some of their top country music proponents. Led by Bobby Bones, radio personalities Crook & Chase, Lunchbox and others will be key elements of the promotion and on ship programming. Top performers are being lined up for what will be the “top-shelf” example of a country music cruise.
2025 will also see the promotion of a new jazz program, as Christian McBride’s World at Sea ’26 joins The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Botti at Sea and Journey of Jazz as the largest fleet of jazz cruises in the world. We will strive to make each program unique and special yet sharing the ideals and branding that Signature Cruise Experiences draws from its predecessor producer, Jazz Cruises, LLC.
Other company goals including continuing to expand our management team and to add services and opportunities for our guests to enjoy great music with great musicians. Being able to provide such joy and spirit for a week each year is inspirational to our entire team. We know how much our guests look forward to being with their friends, family and colleagues on the ship and we are dedicated to continuing to make that experience special.
And, we want to spend more time understanding what our guests want to see in future programs, whether that means additional genres, different talent or other aspects of the cruise program. Our programs belong to the guests, are defined by the guests and will be designed for the guests for the future.
Learning about more musicians is my main personal resolution for 2025. To do so, I have identified 10 musicians (4 vocalists and 6 instrumentalists) that I have “heard of,” but do not know well. Each month, I will write about one of these folks, telling you their story and how I went about learning about them. No need to send in names for me to consider, as I spent several hours on New Year’s Day making my selections. Combing the internet to learn about names I have accumulated over the past few months was fun and provided respite from watching some really bad football.
Now that project fits my definition of a resolution for me. Important, but not overly ambitious or too long term. If you want to share your musical New Year’s Resolution, feel free to send them to me. We will print these Wish Lists right next to the Mug Shots.
Bring on 2025! We are more than ready!
By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Journey of Jazz, Homecoming: The Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com
Join the Webinars
Below is the schedule for the upcoming webinars related to the ’25 Cruises. We urge you to sign up and attend. If that is not possible, each webinar will be recorded and available on the respective website of each cruise.
(Note: It is much more fun to be on the webinar. We have fun doing it.)
The Jazz Cruise ’25
Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM ET
Botti at Sea ’25
Date: Thursday, January 14, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM ET
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘25.1 & ‘25.2
Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM ET
Homecoming: The Cruise
Pre-Sail Reservation Ends on 01.15.25
Due to high volume and some confusion as to dates over the holiday, Pre-Sail Reservations for Homecoming: The Cruise will be accepted through Wednesday, January 15! Guests holding Pre-Sail Reservations will receive information and directions for selecting a stateroom and completing a Reservation soon thereafter. As of now, Pre-Sail Reservations will be activated starting on Monday, January 20.
Securing a Pre-Sail Reservation is easy, without cost and does not obligate the guest in any way. A Pre-Sail Reservation is, however, the very best way to jump to the head of the line to select a stateroom.
Journey of Jazz ’25
Our First West Coast Cruise in More than 10 Years!
Limited Offer/Significant Savings!
With all that is happening at Signature Cruise Experiences, we have not spent much time talking about Journey of Jazz ’25, our first West Coast cruise in more than 10 years. Though we do not sail for over 9 months from now, the cruise is 80% reserved and many of the special excursions are fully subscribed.
The first excursion that filled up was the Napa Valley Wine Train, which was surprising only because it was the most expensive of all the choices. We are investigating chartering another train for those who wish to enjoy traveling through the wine country, drinking great wine and enjoying gourmet food. Reading that description takes some of the mystery out of why the excursion sold out so quickly.
Most Expensive First Special Offer
The “Most Expensive First” syndrome for Journey of Jazz also applies to stateroom selection. The higher end staterooms were the first to go and most of the remaining inventory are Ocean View and Inside Staterooms! Amazing! Since our entire team will soon be “at sea” for a month, we decided to offer some of these staterooms at favorable prices. From now through February 25, 2025, the day we head back home or until the staterooms are fully reserved, you can use promo code ATSEA to reserve an Ocean View or Inside Stateroom at these amazing prices.
And, with the significant savings, you can afford a luxurious excursion!
| Journey of Jazz ’25 | Current Price | Special Price |
| Ocean View | $3,000 | $2,500 |
| Inside | $2,850 | $2,250 |
Cruise Prices are Per Person based on Double Occupancy
Reservations are Non-Commissionable
This Offer may not be combined with any other offer or discount
Cruise Prices do not include per person Pass Through Charges
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘25.1 Hotel Reservations:
Stay with the Artists!
Still arranging your travel plans for The Smooth Jazz Cruise 25.1? Good news: We’ve managed to reserve another room block at a special rate for our guests at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina!
And because you’re reading this, you’re one of the first to know that this is the same hotel the artists will be staying at!
We will also be offering coach transportation from the hotel to the pier on Embarkation Day. Guests may register for this service now ($30/person) by completing the transportation form.
There are a limited number of rooms available, so make sure you book soon. Just click the button below to get started.
Jazz in NYC
In large part because of the sprawling APAP conference dedicated to performing arts presenters, early January in New York City has become a hotbed for jazz artists, professionals and fans. Three major jazz-focused events during that time bring together members of the jazz community from all over the world. And you’ll find many artists who have been associated with our cruise programs involved in each of those events.
Jazz Congress (January 8-9)
This jazz industry conference, produced by Jazz at Lincoln Center and our own Lee Mergner, features a series of panels, workshops and events, dedicated to expanding the audience for jazz. John Clayton will receive the Bruce Lundvall Visionary Award, named for the longtime jazz record executive. The life and music of Russell Malone will be celebrated in an all-star performance featuring John, Ron Carter, Diana Krall, Christian McBride, Monty Alexander, Kenny Barron, Benny Green and others. Bryan Stevenson, the founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, will give the keynote address. Other artists from our cruises who are participating in the conference include Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bria Skonberg, Etienne Charles and Patrice Rushen.
Unity Jazz Festival (January 10-11)
Now in its second year, this two-day jazz festival will also take place at the beautiful facilities of Jazz at Lincoln Center and will feature more than 20 performances by artists such as Sullivan Fortner, Rachael & Villray, Helen Sung and many others. Our own Emmet Cohen will host a musical celebration of one of his mentors, Tootie Heath. In addition, there will be a special all-star tribute to Roy Haynes, featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dave Holland, Graham Haynes, Marcus Gilmore, Terri Lyne Carrington, John Patitucci, Dave Kikoski, Jaleel Shaw, Kenny Barron and more.
Winter JazzFest (January 9-15)
Founded in 2005 by impresario Brice Rosenbloom, this festival takes place at various venues throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn and is anchored by two “Marathon” nights on January 10 and 11. During those evenings, performances by more than 40 groups take place at 18 venues. Attendees get a pass to experience the music in pub crawl fashion with Friday night being held in Manhattan and Saturday night in Brooklyn. The lineup features a mix of established and emerging artists, with an emphasis on the more cutting-edge styles of jazz. Among the more mainstream jazz performers in the program are the Christian McBride Big Band, Orrin Evans Big Band with Lisa Fischer, Matthew Whitaker, Tyreek McDole, Melissa Aldana and JD Allen.
Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs
THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Artist Lineup Now Available!
Hailed as “Jazz Heaven” by musicians and guests alike, The Jazz Cruise ’26 lineup will feature some of the most iconic musicians from the straight-ahead jazz genre. See the full lineup here.
Guests sailing on The Jazz Cruise ’25 may reserve their current stateroom for the ’26 sailing now through Jan. 31, 2025. New guests and those not sailing in ‘25 may join the Pre-Sail now.
THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
Reserve Your Stateroom Today!
Both sailings for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25 are fully reserved and the Waitlist has more than 4,000 entrants.
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2 are in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and are over 80% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!
THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Now in Open Booking!
For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast, embarking in Vancouver, sailing to Victoria and San Francisco before disembarking in Los Angeles. Exciting land excursions will be available in the ports-of-call!
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom.
BOTTI AT SEA’25 is Fully Reserved!
BOTTI AT SEA ’26 Just Announced!
Sailing from Los Angeles to Vancouver, with calls on San Francisco and Victoria, BC, Botti at Sea III (’26) is moving to the West Coast in September ’26!
The website for the cruise will be available later this month, just before Botti at Sea II (’25) sails in February
Establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail.
CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Open Booking Now Available!
9X GRAMMY® winner Christian McBride will host our newest Signature Jazz Cruises’ program, Christian McBride’s World at Sea! The cruise will feature legions of musicians who comprise the various ensembles that are the hallmarks of Christian’s music world AND first class comedy talent. See the full lineup here!
Open Booking has begun! Reserve your stateroom today!
JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Excursions Available to Book Now!
In addition to a spectacular lineup of musicians, Journey of Jazz ’25 includes a brilliant offering of special excursions, events and entertainment while the ship is docked in both Victoria, BC and San Francisco, CA.
Check out the wide range of Signature Jazz Cruises’ curated trips to Wine Country, Special Land Based Concerts and more. New opportunities are available to book now.
HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
New Cruise Just Announced!
Join us for a celebration of HBCUs and inspired by the tradition of the Divine Nine Challenge from recent sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Our newest cruise, sailing January 15 – 20, 2026 (including MLK Day), will deliver Excellence, Education and Entertainment.
Homecoming: The Cruise is produced in association with the National HBCU Alumni Alliance and features Babyface, Chanté Moore, Take 6 and more! The best part is that we will award over $200,000 in scholarships to deserving organizations! Establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail.
Mug Shots of the Week
Guests on the ’24 jazz cruises received The Weekender mug, which we hope you will use with your Saturday morning coffee while you read the latest edition. Please share a picture of yourself & your mug with us so that we can include it for the 100,000+ folks who receive The Weekender each Saturday.
Tag us @thejazzcruise, @bottiatsea, @thesmoothjazzcruise, #jazzcruises and #theweekender. Email your photo to MugShot@scecruises.com.