That is not the message you want to hear from someone producing a jazz cruise, but, fortunately, the weather at the time of year we sail is customarily very good. 

Having recently completed 28 days at sea in January and February, we had only one morning of rain. It is too early to scope out the weather for our ’26 Sailings, but the weather we are expecting for Journey of Jazz ’25 (Vancouver to Los Angeles) in mid-September is expected to be lovely. Typically, 55 degrees to 70 degrees and generally dry. Perfect weather for a journey to Napa or Sonoma or a tour of the restaurants in San Francisco and Victoria. If it sounds like I am excited about that sailing, you are right! It would seem to be a perfect combination of amazing music and great on land events. Something new.

Journey of Jazz ’25 is co-hosted by Gregory Porter and Marcus Miller. The premise of the cruise is based upon Marcus’ History of Jazz Shows which he has curated, produced, and performed on several of our cruises. Working with our Music Director, Eric Marienthal, he has expanded the concept to include additional nights of celebration of jazz. We are particularly keen to that idea during April (Jazz Appreciation Month). Hopefully, you enjoyed Thursday’s edition of Jazz Notes which highlighted the thoughts and musings of some of our musicians about the meaning of Jazz Appreciation Month.

Last night, Marcus and Eric collaborated on a different theme, that being a tribute to David Sanborn. For those who sailed on either The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25.1 or ’25.2, you were treated to their amazing presentation, featuring the entire lineup of musicians on the ship performing the tunes that made Sanborn famous and sharing intimate and personal feelings about David and his contributions to music. Though the event last night could not include the full cavalcade of stars that were on the ship, as Adam Sandler would say, the turnout was “not too shabby!”

Performing under the direction of Marcus Miller and Eric Marienthal were Eric Darius, Kirk Whalum, Mindi Abair, Alex Han, Ricky Peterson, Arlington Jones, Nate Phillips, Jay Williams, Kevin Turner and Munyungo Jackson. Alice Soyer Sanborn, David’s widow, was a special guest and performer, providing a fitting tribute to one of the greatest musicians and people of all time. Contributions were made to the David Sanborn Foundation at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The first-year anniversary of his death will be in May. In some respects, it feels like yesterday, but the empty feeling that his absence engenders is so deep that it feels like a wound of many years. My first thought upon hearing about his death was that I would never hear that amazing sound he made again. Not live anyway. That feeling has proven to be accurate, but it gets worse. I have come to realize that my love of him and his music encompassed his entire on-stage presence. Never in a hurry. Always in control. Carefully removing the mouthpiece cover when it was time to play and replacing it on the horn when it was time to rest.

Of course, I can still imagine those movements and can see them on YouTube or other similar media. But, when the tune is over now, I cannot wait for him backstage, joke with him about the show, the size of the crowd or who was the next person we would laugh about. Nor will I be party to the hijinks between him and his techs, such as Wulle Roche, a Damon Runyon character if there ever was one. 

For those who sailed on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25.1 or ’25.2, you were also treated to what we called The Summit Band. The group included Bob James, Lee Ritenour, Dave Weckl, Marcus Miller and Patti Austin. Patti was added when David passed and Eric Marienthal stepped in to perform the saxophone parts. The entire concept of the band was a vehicle for David Sanborn to perform on our cruises perhaps for the last time. That fact, until now, was a secret among Marcus, Eric and me. Knowing that we tried our best to honor David during his life makes honoring him upon his death a bit easier. Remember, I said “a bit.”

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.

Christian McBride’s World at Sea

This is Your Best Chance to Join

Christian McBride’s World at Sea is a hit with the fans! It is, perhaps, the most popular new cruise program we have ever offered. With that said, there is a large number of Ocean View and Inside Staterooms remaining. Too many!

We are offering a Jazz Appreciation Month (Super Special) for those staterooms. Use Promo Code JAM when you register online. 

All Prices are per person and non-commissionable. Ocean View and Inside Staterooms are based upon double occupancy. Guests may not apply any other promotion or discount to these prices. For new reservations only.

Check out how excited Christian McBride is for the start of his cruise:

Dave Chappelle to Host Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala

On April 30, which is International Jazz Day, Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) will present its annual star-studded Gala – “Duke Ellington at 125,” hosted by Mark Twain Prize winner Dave Chappelle. The comedian, an alumnus of Washington, D.C.’s Duke Ellington School of the Arts, has a long connection to the music. A jazz fan who cites Thelonious Monk as one of his favorite musicians, Chappelle is an amateur jazz pianist and has appeared at jazz festivals and clubs throughout the years, often with our friend Robert Glasper.  
 
The Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Gala concert will be anchored by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. Special guests include members of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, drummer Jeff Hamilton, flautist

Baqir Abbas, vocalist Kate Kortum, pianist Sean Mason, alongside alumni of Jazzat Lincoln Center’s signature education program, Essentially Ellington, as well as rising stars in the organization’s youth programs. In addition, JALC will honor H.E. Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo with the Ed Bradley Award for Leadership in Jazz and Toshiko Akiyoshi with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Award for Artistic Excellence.

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025

Cruise Programs – 2026

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Join us for Journey of Jazz, our first West Coast sailing in over a decade, featuring a stop in Victoria, British Columbia and an overnight in San Francisco with shows at SFJAZZ and food and wine excursions into Sonoma and Napa Valley. If you haven’t reserved your stateroom yet, this is your cue to hop on board. Limited Time Promotional Pricing is now available on Ocean View and Inside Staterooms! Make your reservation today using Promo Code JOURNEY for significant savings*! *Discount applies to new reservations only. 

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HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Set to sail January 15-20, 2026, Homecoming: The Cruise is more than a vacation—it’s a floating cultural experience centered on Black Greek unity and HBCU pride. 100% of net proceeds from the cruise will go directly toward scholarships and support for HBCUs and members of the Divine Nine. Not only does booking a cabin help provide scholarships, but you also have the opportunity to give back even more by becoming a Cruise Crew Leader. As a Cruise Crew Leader, you gather friends or a group who wish to reserve a stateroom to join you onboard. By doing this, your cabin could be reimbursed, your crew will receive onboard credits, and a scholarship could be donated in your name. Click here to learn more about the Cruise Crew Leader program!

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

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! Right now, special pricing is available for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms*. To save, use the promo code CMW during the reservation process. *Discount applies to new reservations only.

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Open Booking 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. The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when!

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
Open Booking Now Available

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and staterooms are more than 97% reserved. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved, but you may join the Waitlist. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Open Booking Now Available

The inaugural sailing will feature headline artist Keith Urban and widely popular personalities from iHeartMedia’s The Bobby Bones Show, led by Bobby Bones himself. Top Shelf Country Cruise is now in Open Booking! Anyone may select any available stateroom and complete a reservation. Guests are not required to submit a Pre-Sail Reservation and may proceed directly to the Stateroom Selection process. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Open Booking Now Available

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. 

BOOK NOW

BOTTI AT SEA’26
Open Booking Now Available

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello and Melody Gardot will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26. Of course, Chris Botti will be there with his very talented band and, as always, we will fill the remaining performance slots with a variety of great music, comedy and more.  Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

Send us Your Mug Shots

We know many readers of The Weekender like to peruse each edition over their morning coffee. And, if you’ve sailed with us, you likely have at least one (or perhaps many) Signature Cruise Experiences mugs just for that purpose. Over the years, The Weekender has featured several pictures of cruisers showing off their mugs, pictures we affectionately refer to as “Mug Shots.”

If you want to share your “Mug Shot” with the 100,000+ readers who receive The Weekender each Saturday, email a photo of yourself and your mug to mugshot@scecruises.com. Who knows? You may just see yourself in a future edition.

Mug Shot of the Week

Tag us @thejazzcruise, @bottiatsea, @thesmoothjazzcruise, #signaturecruiseexperiences and #theweekender. Email your photo to MugShot@scecruises.com.

The post Our Take: Hanging at Berks Jazz Fest appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

For those who bet on this week’s Our Take being a commentary on Jazz Appreciation Month, you win. For those who felt otherwise, you are invited to our weekly poker game. Bring your money and something comfortable upon which to sit.

JAM reminds me of the Star Trek Cruise we produced for years. Though our guests wore Star Trek costumes all the time, the cruise gave them the unfettered right to do so all day and all night for seven days and not feel the least guilty or self-conscious. During April, I am free to annoy my friends who are not jazz fans with stories about the music and 24/7 jazz references. Actually, I have only one friend who does not like jazz. Now, my other friend loves jazz. No worries there.

Most of my jazz world interaction is with our guests, our musicians and our team. Next week (Friday), I will be at the Berks Jazz Fest in Reading, Pennsylvania, which will be my first significant jazz interaction since the cruises. I cannot wait to see our jazz friends and to enjoy some great music. Marcus Miller and Eric Marienthal will be reprising their brilliant Tribute to David Sanborn on Friday, April 11 at the Scottish Rites Cathedral. Mindi Abair and her wine expert husband, Eric Guerra, will conduct a wine tasting at the venue immediately before the show.

Signature Cruise Experiences is the sponsor of the event and the wine reception and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the David Sanborn Fund at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. David’s widow, Alice Soyer Sanborn, will be in attendance and will participate in the show as well. If you have the opportunity to join us for this special show and for the rest of Berks Jazz Fest, by all means do so. 

I promised you that I would take this month to detail those jazz events and jazz opportunities that I believe would enhance your knowledge and love of jazz. In thinking about this, my first thought was The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian, Christian McBride’s tour de force weekly show where he spends nearly an hour with an icon of jazz. They talk about their careers, laugh at their pitfalls, perform some live music together and play one of Christian’s quiz games. Those games include identifying musicians from recordings, a sports quiz or other mind-bending event.

The Lowdown is presented on the Real Jazz channel of SiriusXM radio, channel 67. Shows are broadcasted on Saturday mornings, but repeated throughout the week. And, like everything else in the world, you can stream the shows of your choice. About the only things that you cannot stream these days are The Weekender or one of our cruises. Which reminds me, Christian has recorded several of his shows on our cruises. Though not presented live, I have heard those shows being recorded and the on-air broadcasting sounds as live as it can be. Christian’s interview of Houston Person was particularly fun. Having known Houston for 25 years, I am hip to his funny side, which is in stark contrast to his stoic, seemingly standoffish, demeanor on stage.

Like so many of the icons of jazz, Houston takes his role very seriously and believes that the bandstand is for working, not joking. I get it, but it would be wonderful if everyone who loves jazz would be able to see Houston as the loving, caring and warm person that he is. I guess that if you listen to his music, you would know that only a truly kind person could make such beautiful music.

For those of you who are only casual jazz fans, you would love the people who love jazz and the musicians who play that music. Just as it is with Houston, it is difficult to imagine a bad person loving a music genre so beautiful. JAM is our Jam and it has only just begun.

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.

Christian McBride’s World at Sea

Join Christian for his First Ever “Cruise” Lowdown Livestream

Want to learn more about Christian McBride’s World at Sea cruise? Sign up now to join the first ever “Cruise” Lowdown Livestream with Christian McBride on Tuesday, April 29 at 3 PM ET for information about the cruise straight from the host!

Christian will preside over this livestream, share his thoughts, ideas and goals for this amazing cruise and talk about the first-class musicians who will be joining him. Guests will have the opportunity to send in questions and comments which will be answered in real time!

Learn why guests are calling this cruise the best of past programs such as North Sea Jazz Cruise, Playboy Jazz Cruise and Blue Note at Sea cruise. Christian McBride is the only bandleader we know whose ensembles make that boast.

When you add in the warmth, spirit and talents of Christian, you know that something special is about to happen. Join us for “The Cruise Lowdown” livestream on April 29.

Jeff Hamilton Organ Trio’s Coast to Coast

Guests on The Jazz Cruise earlier this year were treated to performances by a new band – the Jeff Hamilton Organ Trio, featuring Jeff with organist Akiko Tsuruga and guitarist Steve Kovalcheck. They’ve just released a new album, Coast to Coast, which is Jeff’s 23rd album as a band leader.

The title comes in part from the bandmembers’ divergent geographic bases – with Akiko coming from NYC, Steve from Colorado and Jeff, of course, based in LA. The three cover some classic organ trio cuts, as well as a few new compositions by Jeff. 

“The compatibility of this trio is what reaches the ears,” Jeff told us. “There is a musical friendship of thinking the same way and trusting each other…while tapping your foot.”

LEARN MORE

Berks Jazz Fest Wine Reception with Mindi Abair

Join Mindi Abair and her husband, wine producer Eric Guerra, for a special VIP Wine Tasting Reception at Berks Jazz Fest immediately prior to the David Sanborn Tribute Concert. During the reception, you will enjoy a meet-and-greet with Eric Marienthal, Marcus Miller and other concert performers.

The reception will be held on Friday, April 11 at 4PM in the banquet area of the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Tickets are $55 and all proceeds benefit the David Sanborn Memorial Fund at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Click below to reserve your spot today.

WINE RECEPTION RSVP

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025

Cruise Programs – 2026

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Promotional pricing is available on Ocean View and Inside Staterooms for Journey of Jazz! Make your reservation today using promo code WEEKENDER for significant savings*! Exciting land-based concerts and excursions are also available! *Discount applies to new reservations only. 

BOOK NOW

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HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

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. Sailing January 15 – 20, 2026 (including MLK Day), this cruise will deliver Excellence, Education and Entertainment. For the best available prices on all Stateroom Categories, use Promo Code HTC during the booking process. Reserve Your Stateroom Today! 

BOOK NOW

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

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! Right now, special pricing is available for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms*. To save, use the promo code CMW during the reservation process. *Discount applies to new reservations only.

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Open Booking 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. The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when!

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
Open Booking Now Available

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and staterooms are more than 96% reserved. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved, but you may join the Waitlist. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Open Booking Now Available

The inaugural sailing will feature headline artist Keith Urban and widely popular personalities from iHeartMedia’s The Bobby Bones Show, led by Bobby Bones himself. Top Shelf Country Cruise is now in Open Booking! Anyone may select any available stateroom and complete a reservation. Guests are not required to submit a Pre-Sail Reservation and may proceed directly to the Stateroom Selection process. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Open Booking Now Available

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. 

BOOK NOW

BOTTI AT SEA’26
Open Booking Now Available

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello and Melody Gardot will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26. Of course, Chris Botti will be there with his very talented band and, as always, we will fill the remaining performance slots with a variety of great music, comedy and more.  Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

Send us Your Mug Shots

We know many readers of The Weekender like to peruse each edition over their morning coffee. And, if you’ve sailed with us, you likely have at least one (or perhaps many) Signature Cruise Experiences mugs just for that purpose. Over the years, The Weekender has featured several pictures of cruisers showing off their mugs, pictures we affectionately refer to as “Mug Shots.”

If you want to share your “Mug Shot” with the 100,000+ readers who receive The Weekender each Saturday, email a photo of yourself and your mug to mugshot@scecruises.com. Who knows? You may just see yourself in a future edition.

Mug Shots of the Week

Tag us @thejazzcruise, @bottiatsea, @thesmoothjazzcruise, #signaturecruiseexperiences and #theweekender. Email your photo to MugShot@scecruises.com.

The post Our Take: JAM is Our Jam appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

So, what type of jazz fan are you? In golf you are judged by your handicap. Tennis has numerical rankings. Other sports have beginners, novices, intermediates, advanced, etc. Let’s see if we can derive a system to measure the degree and type of jazz fan each of us are. It will not be easy nor will it be determinative, but, with any luck, it will be fun and thought provoking.

Level 1: “I Think I Know What Jazz Is”

Once people know what I do for a living, most will say (politely) “I like jazz, too.” Three ways to respond here. Smile and move on. Ask them to name their favorite jazz musicians (usually the best way to learn about the jazz tastes of someone who is, in fact, listening to jazz). Or, if you are in a diabolical mindset and wish to “out” an impostor, ask them “what type of jazz do your prefer?” If the response is on point, then you should feel badly about judging them. If not on point, then you have found a Level 1 Jazz Fan – someone who believes they know what jazz is, but simply cannot articulate it.

Level 2: “Fake It ‘Til You Make It”

Level 2 folks know a few names and may have seen a show or two. They know that being a “jazz” person is cool and will elevate their status in your eyes. It is entirely up to you as to how to handle this person. The most benevolent approach is to let them bask in the glory of making you think that they know jazz. Whether you take that approach or circle in for the kill is largely dependent upon your sense of whether the person is harmless or not. In defining “harm,” the test is whether the person is perpetrating their limited knowledge upon others, particularly those who are genuinely trying to learn.

I would argue that, in those cases, you have a duty to burst their bubble. It is hard enough to encourage folks to learn more about jazz without someone feeding them the wrong information. The unsuspecting fan may pass that wrong information on and could become embarrassed by someone who is more knowledgeable. This would likely thwart our hopeful pupil from trying to learn more.

I am reminded of the guest who grilled Freddy Cole on his latest recordings, claiming to know each of his sidemen. At one point, he asked Freddy “do you come from a musical family?” No recovery from that one.

Level 3: “I Know What I Like”

These are my favorite fans. They know what they like to hear and could care less about who wrote the song, who arranged the song and who the sidemen are on the recording. There is an authenticity and genuineness in someone who likes what they like and does not need to justify or explain it away. Hopefully, at some point, their curiosity will blossom and they will delve into the “who,” “when” and “what” of a tune. Or not!

Level 4: “Of Course I Know That One”

This fan is tricky. Not only do they love the music, but they know a lot about it. Only they do not know everything about it and are unwilling to admit that. It will take a moment to identify one of those as they will be on subject most of the time. Their fatal flaw is not that they do not know everything, it is their refusal to be okay with that. I’ve never understood why someone would fear having others know that they do not know a particular song, singer, instrumentalist, composer or arranger. Unless you selected “JAZZ” as a topic on Jeopardy!, the penalty for being wrong is minimal at best.

Level 5: “I Love Jazz. Tell Me More”

This level is sublime. You know you love the music. You know a lot about the music. Enough to be able to realize the context of the song, to identify the instruments, if not the musicians themselves, and to know that you can “feel” what is happening. If you are at a live set, you are watching the interaction of the musicians. If you are listening to a recording of the music, you are imagining what that interaction must be like.

You are at peace with yourself, your surroundings and your purpose in listening. As the nuances of the music are unveiled to you, you ask yourself if you have heard other renditions of this song, who performed on those recordings and whether you like the new version or the older version. Your mind wanders, relaxes and settles in to enjoy the music. Your thoughts are simplified. You love Jazz. You want more.

Even if I never reach Level 5, the Holy Grail of Jazz, I am having a great time trying!

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.

Hot Offers: Journey of Jazz ’25

Regardless of your Jazz Fan Level, Journey of Jazz ’25 fits your jazz acumen. In many respects, the cruise is a 7-day tutorial on the life of jazz. Marcus Miller will reprise his History of Jazz, only this time doing so in 100, not 60 minutes. Each performer has been selected to reflect one or more aspects of what makes jazz so special. 

And, the West Coast itinerary, while not customarily associated with the history of the music, is certainly in line with the music’s lifestyle. Excursions to Sonoma and Napa, shows at SFJAZZ, culinary opportunities in San Francisco. No other music would be as perfect for those settings than jazz.

Journey of Jazz ’25 sails in about 6 months and fewer than 100 staterooms remain available. While staterooms with balconies (Concierge Class/AquaClass and Veranda) remain available, the largest inventory are Ocean View and Inside Staterooms.

You can reserve an Inside Stateroom on the cruise for under $2,000/person and there are special prices for Ocean View staterooms. Reservations may be completed online or by calling the office and are based upon double occupancy, available for new reservations only and non-commissionable. Further, this discount may not be combined with any other offer (Promo Code: JOURNEY).

Berks Jazz Fest Wine Reception with Mindi Abair

Join Mindi Abair and her husband, wine producer Eric Guerra, for a special VIP Wine Tasting Reception at Berks Jazz Fest immediately prior to the David Sanborn Tribute Concert. During the reception, you will enjoy a meet-and-greet with Eric Marienthal, Marcus Miller, and other concert performers.

The reception will be held on Friday, April 11 at 4PM in the banquet area of the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Tickets are $55 and all proceeds benefit the David Sanborn Memorial Fund at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Click below to reserve your spot today.

WINE RECEPTION RSVP

John Splithoff’s Far From Here

Singer-songwriter John Splithoff, a regular performer on Botti at Sea, has just released Far From Here, a new album that reflects upon his move from New York to Los Angeles.  “City Days” which features Chris Botti on trumpet, pays homage to his relationship with New York City at the various stages of his life. Tracks like “Glacier” symbolize relationships growing apart against the backdrop of Montana’s natural beauty, while “Oh Betty” tells a nostalgic story about the Buick Century he drove during his college days in Miami. “Same Page” recalls a transformative camping trip in Arizona that inspired his move west, and “Kyoto Snow” transports listeners to Japan, where he saw snowfall for the first time at a temple in Kyoto.
 
“A lot of these songs are associated with a time and place that hold a lot of meaning to me,” John explained. “I also noticed, within all that change, how my relationships ebbed and flowed—I felt closer to people I didn’t know as well, and I felt distant from people who I considered my best friends and family. So it’s been an eye-opening path.”

100th Episode of Jazz Cruises’ Conversations Podcast

John Pizzarelli with Catherine Russell

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025

Cruise Programs – 2026

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Promotional pricing is available on Ocean View and Inside Staterooms for Journey of Jazz! Make your reservation today using promo code WEEKENDER for significant savings*! Exciting land-based concerts and excursions are also available! *Discount applies to new reservations only. 

BOOK NOW

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HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

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. Sailing January 15 – 20, 2026 (including MLK Day), this cruise will deliver Excellence, Education and Entertainment. For the best available prices on all Stateroom Categories, use promo code HTC during the booking process. Reserve Your Stateroom Today! 

BOOK NOW

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

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! Right now, special pricing is available for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms*. To save, use the promo code CMW during the reservation process. *Discount applies to new reservations only.

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Open Booking 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. The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when!

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
Open Booking Now Available

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and staterooms are more than 95% reserved. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved, but you may join the Waitlist. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Final Lineup & Itinerary Now Available!

Our headliners are Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes, Thelma & James and Kassi Ashton. As you can see, the lineup is Top Shelf country music star power. 

When the talent is combined with the iHeartMedia Team of Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, Lunchbox, Eddie and Lorianne Crook & Charlie Chase, the ultra-luxurious Celebrity Reflection cruise ship and wonderful ports of call (Key West, Nassau and Bimini), Top Shelf Country Cruise earns its title as the First-Class Country Music Cruise. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Open Booking Now Available

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. 

BOOK NOW

BOTTI AT SEA’26
Open Booking Now Available

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello and Melody Gardot will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26. Of course, Chris Botti will be there with his very talented band and, as always, we will fill the remaining performance slots with a variety of great music, comedy and more.  Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

Send us Your Mug Shots

We know many readers of The Weekender like to peruse each edition over their morning coffee. And, if you’ve sailed with us, you likely have at least one (or perhaps many) Signature Cruise Experiences mugs just for that purpose. Over the years, The Weekender has featured several pictures of cruisers showing off their mugs, pictures we affectionately refer to as “Mug Shots.”

If you want to share your “Mug Shot” with the 100,000+ readers who receive The Weekender each Saturday, email a photo of yourself and your mug to mugshot@scecruises.com. Who knows? You may just see yourself in a future edition.

Mug Shot of the Week

Tag us @thejazzcruise, @bottiatsea, @thesmoothjazzcruise, #signaturecruiseexperiences and #theweekender. Email your photo to MugShot@scecruises.com.

The post Our Take: Almost Jazz Appreciation Month appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Tribute to David Sanborn at Berks Jazz Fest

The amazing tribute to the late David Sanborn that Marcus Miller and Eric Marienthal produced for the recent sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise is being repeated on Friday, April 11, 2025 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in the midst of the Berks Jazz Fest. 

Joining Marcus and Eric for the event are Kirk Whalum, Mindi Abair, Eric Darius, Rickey Peterson, Arlington Jones, Jay Williams, Nate Phillips, Kevin Turner, and David’s widow, singer Alice Soyer Sanborn. Prior to the event, Signature Cruise Experiences will host a special wine reception for concert guests who purchase a Wine Reception Pass. The event will be conducted by Mindi and her husband, wine producer Eric Guerra. 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of Wine Reception Passes will be contributed to the David Sanborn Memorial Fund at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

For more information about Berks Jazz Fest:

For ticket information for the David Sanborn Tribute Concert on Friday, April 11, 2025 at Berks Jazz Fest:

To make a direct contribution to the David Sanborn Memorial Fund:

Tickets to Mindi Abair and Eric Guerra’s Wine Reception event, benefiting the David Sanborn Memorial Fund at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, are available now. The event will take place 90 minutes before the David Sanborn Tribute Concert in the banquet area of the Scottish Rite Cathedral. A $55/person fee will be collected at the door. Email your name and the number of guests in your party to wine@scecruises.com to reserve your place now.

Berks Sails on Journey of Jazz

Per John Ernesto’s request, Signature Cruise Experiences will be auctioning a stateroom on Journey of Jazz ’25 at the Berks Jazz Fest. John selected this cruise as many of those associated with Berks Jazz Fest have expressed interest in sailing on Journey of Jazz, which departs from Vancouver on September 12 and ends in Los Angeles on September 19, with stops in Victoria BC and San Francisco.

John tells us that fans who have never visited Napa, Sonoma or San Francisco are excited to combine another first class music cruise experience with the opportunity to visit these locales using the cruise ship as their hotel. That the cruise features Marcus Miller, Gregory Porter, Diana Krall, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Chucho Valdes, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner, Wycliffe Gordon, Emmet Cohen, Benny Benack III, Bria Skonberg and more just adds to the excitement.

Journey of Jazz ‘25 is more than 80% reserved, but we have an inventory of Ocean View Staterooms and Inside Staterooms that are being favorably priced for a limited time. To learn more about this pricing, initiate a reservation (www.journeyofjazz.com) and use the promo code: WEEKEENDER. Reserving an Ocean View or Inside Stateroom is a great way to enjoy Journey of Jazz ’25. The staterooms are large, well appointed, and the savings are significant. 

As we used to say years ago, “try it, you’ll like it.”

One Last (Albeit, Reluctant) Note

Today is my 75^th birthday. I spent my first 25 years being a kid and getting educated. The next 25 years was spent in business and practicing law. The last 25 years has been producing cruise programs, mostly jazz programs and being involved with our musicians, staff and crew. My first 25 years was necessary. The second 25 years was rewarding, but tumultuous. 

The last 25 years has been everything in life that matters to me. An amazing, loving and talented wife. Two great kids. Two magical grandchildren. Fabulous co-workers. The finest musicians and performers in the world. And, most of all, the opportunity to share the music vacations of thousands of truly wonderful guests. Some have been with us from the start. Some of those guests are no longer with us. Most come and go as their lives and interests change.

I know that I have been blessed. I trust that I have given back to each of you. Who knows what the future holds, but I promise to continue to produce great programs, treat everyone with respect and dignity and enjoy every minute, every note and every person who is associated with Signature Cruise Experiences.  At some point today, I will toast all of you and wish you the very best. 

My parting wisdom for the day is simple…..if applicable, be sure to turn your clocks forward tonight as Daylight Savings Time is back. So profound.

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.

Christian McBride & Angelique Kidjo Perform at Pucci Gallery for
JAZZ HOUSE KiDS’ Benefit

On Thursday, Christian McBride and Angelique Kidjo, the host and featured performer for Christian McBride’s World at Sea Cruise, joined forces for a priceless one-night-only evening at the exclusive Ralph Pucci Manhattan gallery, raising vital funds to support JAZZ HOUSE KiDS’ mission as an instrument for change creating avenues of access, learning career development and community building. This was the 9^th Annual Ralph Pucci Annual Jazz Set during which time Christian has been joined by some of the very top musicians in the world, including Sting, Gregory Porter, Wynton Marsalis, Diana Krall, Norah Jones and John Pizzarelli.

“For over 20 years, JAZZ HOUSE KiDS has been transforming lives using the power and legacy of jazz through world-class education and performances that create avenues of access, learning, career development and community building. The organization and students have received more than 125 awards and honors for excellence in jazz and jazz education. Every day of the week through a series of in-school and out-of-school programs, the JAZZ HOUSE helps young people gain an artistic edge through music, mentoring, education and apprenticeship, building thriving communities, and fostering community leaders and global citizens. The organization’s far-reaching cultural signature program is the award-winning Montclair Jazz Festival, the largest free jazz festival in the NYC area, attracting more than 25,000 attendees to downtown Montclair each year.”

The organization is led by Melissa Walker, jazz vocalist and wife of Christian McBride. Signature Cruise Experiences has been a supporter of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS and the Montclair Jazz Festival for years. The Jazz House All-Stars, the top performers from Jazz House Kids, have performed on The Jazz Cruise ’24 and The Jazz Cruise ’25.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Concerts

In the coming weeks, several artists associated with our cruises will be performing concerts in NYC at Jazz at Lincoln Center, known as the House of Swing. Among the upcoming shows at the beautiful venues there at Columbus Circle (Rose Theater, Appel Room and Dizzy’s) are performances:
 

• Anat Cohen March 14-15 
• Chris Brubeck & the Real Ambassadors April 4-5
• Paquito D’Rivera April 18-19
• Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra April 25-26
• Christian McBride & Ursa Major + Ray Brown Tribute May 2-3

SFJazz Concerts

On the West Coast, our friends at SFJAZZ will also be presenting artists with close ties to Signature Cruise Experiences programs.  Artists performing concerts at the SFJAZZ Center this Spring include:
 

• Etienne Charles March 15
• Christian McBride & Ursa Major March 22-23
• Bob James March 29-30
• Brad Mehldau/Christian McBride/Marcus Gilmore April 3-6
• Billy Hart April 10
• Herlin Riley April 11
• Marvin “Smitty” Smith April 13
• Kenny Barron April 10-13

Stateroom Availability

Having been at sea for four weeks, we thought it best to share what is new with respect to our next 9 cruise programs and to highlight special offers for select programs.

Cruise Programs 2025

Cruise Programs 2026

Hot Offers

Ocean View and Inside Staterooms are available on Journey of Jazz ’25. You can reserve an Inside Stateroom on the cruise for under $2,000/person and there are special prices for Ocean View staterooms. Reservations may be completed online or by calling the office and are based upon double occupancy, available for new reservations only and non-commissionable. Further, this discount may not be combined with any other offer (Promo Code: WEEKENDER).

Signature Cruise Experiences ‘ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Promotional pricing is available on Ocean View and Inside Staterooms for Journey of Jazz! Make your reservation today using promo code WEEKENDER for significant savings*! Exciting land-based concerts and excursions are also available!

*Discount applies to new reservations only. 

BOOK NOW

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HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

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. Sailing January 15 – 20, 2026 (including MLK Day), this cruise will deliver Excellence, Education and Entertainment. 

For the best available prices on all Stateroom Categories, use promo code HTC during the booking process.

Reserve Your Stateroom Today! 

BOOK NOW

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

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!

Right now, special pricing is available for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms. To save, use the promo code CMW during the reservation process. Open Booking has begun! Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Open Booking 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. 

The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking!
Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when!  

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
Open Booking Now Available

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and staterooms are more than 95% reserved. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved, but you may join the Waitlist.

Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Open Booking Now Available

The inaugural sailing will feature headline artist Keith Urban and widely popular personalities from iHeartMedia’s The Bobby Bones Show, led by Bobby Bones himself. 

Top Shelf Country Cruise is now in Open Booking! Anyone may select any available stateroom and complete a reservation. Guests are not required to submit a Pre-Sail Reservation and may proceed directly to the Stateroom Selection process. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Open Booking Now Available

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. 

BOOK NOW

BOTTI AT SEA’25 is Fully Reserved!
Open Booking Now Available

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello and Melody Gardot will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26. Of course, Chris Botti will be there with his very talented band and, as always, we will fill the remaining performance slots with a variety of great music, comedy and more.

Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

Send Us Your Mug Shots

We know many readers of The Weekender like to peruse each edition over their morning coffee. And, if you’ve sailed with us, you likely have at least one (or perhaps many) Signature Cruise Experiences mugs just for that purpose. Over the years, The Weekender has featured several pictures of cruisers showing off their mugs, pictures we affectionately refer to as “Mug Shots.”

If you want to share your “Mug Shot” with the 100,000+ readers who receive The Weekender each Saturday, email a photo of yourself and your mug to mugshot@scecruises.com. Who knows? You may just see yourself in a future edition.

Mug Shot of the Week

Jon & Joycelyn R.
Virginia

Tag us @thejazzcruise, @bottiatsea, @thesmoothjazzcruise, #signaturecruiseexperiences and #theweekender. Email your photo to MugShot@scecruises.com.

The post Our Take: Countdown to Berks Jazz Fest appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

SIGNATURE JAZZ CRUISES HOLIDAY GIFT LIST

JAZZ PLAYER RUG

This 100% Polypropylene rug is meant to resemble the spines of famous jazz albums. With three sizes to choose from, you can make the rug an accent piece or cover an area 8’ x 5’. One of these babies will soon be part of the décor for our office

SHOP NOW

ARTHURT GETZ’ NEW YORKER COVER –
THE RHYTHM SECTION

The New Yorker has presented several jazz related covers over the years. The Rhythm Section is my favorite. You can choose from several sizes, various frame types and matting. Or you can simply order the print of your choice and complete the process on your own. 

SHOP NOW

JAZZ MAKERS WALL ART –
ERIC WAUGH

I enjoy modern art. My home is replete with such pieces. Some are prints. Some are paintings. Some are metal pieces. One was created by Miles Davis. The only connection among the items is that we like them very much. 

bove is a stretched canvas square that comes in six sizes and can be displayed on various types of floating frames.

SHOP NOW

JAZZ LIFE –
WILLIAM CLAXTON

I own this book. I bought it thinking, worst case, it would be an awesome coffee table book. It is, but it is also an amazing collection of words and photos which brings life and perspective to our world of jazz.

SHOP NOW

When All Else Fails

Obviously, the gifts mentioned above are a small sample of great gifts for jazz lovers. Having received over 20 pairs of jazz socks over the years, that, too, can work. Sue Berk gave me two pairs at dinner in St. Louis several months ago, the last time I had the joy of seeing Lee.

Tickets to a live jazz show is always a great gift or stocking stuffer. You will make everyone happy!

But, if you are looking for something a bit more substantial, I hear that you can reserve a stateroom on cruises that present “jazz” morning, afternoon and night. If you are interested in that type of gift, call me first. I know a guy!

Good luck with your gift hunting. Be kind to all.

By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea and Journey of Jazz. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com

Berk’s Jazz Fest Lineup Announced

John Ernesto and our friends at Berks Jazz Fest have just announced the lineup for their festival held April 1-13, 2025 in Reading, PA. Headliners include Lalah Hathaway, Stanley Clarke, Kurt Elling, Cory Wong, Matthew Whitaker, Raul Midon, Jeff Kashiwa with Four80East, Brian Culbertson, Gerald Albright, Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers and Gerald Veasley. Our own Marcus Miller and Eric Marienthal will reprise their roles as music directors for a special David Sanborn Tribute that will feature Kirk Whalum, Eric Darius, Mindi Abair, Arlington Jones, Nate Phillips, Jay Williams, Kevin Turner, Munyungo Jackson and Alice Soyer Sanborn.

Billy Childs at Athenaeum Jazz

Pianist Billy Childs, who has sailed with us on The Jazz Cruise, will perform a special concert as part of the Athenaeum Jazz series in San Diego, CA. Billy will be joined by Matthew Stubbs on clarinet, Dan Chmielinski on bass and Benjamin Ring on drums.

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

The Jazz Cruise ’26 – LINEUP JUST ANNOUNCED

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.

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & 26.2 – Reserve Your Stateroom Today!  

Both sailings for 2025 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 75% reserved.

BOOK NOW

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is Here – New West Coast Sailing! 

The third sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise in ’26 has been announced! 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! Open Booking begins on November 7th!

BOOK NOW

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Botti at Sea ’25 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 year and the amazing lineup will be announced just before Botti at Sea II (’25) sails next February! Join the Pre-Sail today! 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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Christian McBride’s World at Sea – LINEUP JUST ANNOUNCED

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!

Establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail.

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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Journey of Jazz ’25 – Excursions Available to Book Now!

Hosts Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter will take you on an incredible musical journey onboard Journey of Jazz. This West Coast cruise is currently in Open Booking, meaning anyone may reserve any available stateroom. Land-based excursions are now available to book! Check out Jazz Cruises’ curated trips to Wine Country, Special Shows and more HERE. 

BOOK NOW

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.

The post OUR TAKE: The Gift of Jazz appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

I am usually doing errands and in the car on Saturday mornings, so I catch parts of his show from time to time. His detail is exquisite. Never misses to announce a sideman. Or an arranger. And certainly not a composer. If I were not driving, I would take notes when he introduces a tune.

With all that going on, when I think of Dick Golden, one of his comments is always at the forefront of my memory. When introducing a tune that featured Eddie Higgins on piano, Dick said that Eddie “never tasted the full fruit of his talents.” I have wanted to ask Dick what he meant by the comment, but I believe he was intimating that Eddie never received the accolades or recognition that he deserved based upon his talents.

Born in Cambridge, MA., Eddie began playing piano at 4 years old. His education was at a high level, attending Andover Prep where his father taught and Northwestern University. During his college years he became a part of the Chicago jazz scene eventually setting up shop with his trio and the famous London House, where he performed with Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz, Bill Evans, Cannonball Adderley, Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard and others. 

In short, he was the leader of a house band where his main obligation was to learn the music of the guest star and blend in as best as he could. What he gained in experience and in popularity with local patrons, he lost in developing his own style, sound and path.

Later moving back to New England, Eddie settled on Cape Cod and performed at local clubs along with his partner and wife, vocalist Meredith D’Ambrosio. There are a couple of ways to look at that arrangement, but one would certainly be that Eddie was her accompanist.

House Band leader and accompanist. If Dick Golden’s comments are the logical extension of that background, I understand his point. Yet, in a review in JazzTimes in 1997, Eddie’s Sunnyside album was called “one of the most impressive piano trio albums in recent memory.” Another critic offered that “Eddie Higgins is on the same level of excellence as Hank Jones and Tommy Flanagan.“  

By now, many of you are wondering why Eddie Higgins’ reputation is so important to me. As some of you know, Eddie was one of the first performers on The Jazz Cruise and was instrumental in helping my mother gather the musicians for the first cruise. For that alone, I hold him in the highest regard.

But, I also spent several cruises listening to him perform solo shows on the ship. They were sublime, beautiful, and heartfelt. Eddie was also on the piano for most of the special events on the cruise. Much like the Jeff Bridges character in The Fabulous Baker Boys, Eddie could do the ham and egg gigs and then go into a phonebooth and become Super Eddie.

I always felt that Eddie was too practical to be an artist. Paying the bills, having a gig, and being useful was just as important to him as being special. Perhaps not entirely telling, Eddie would balk at any performance schedule that interfered with his required dining time. When he could eat dominated his day.

A quiet, introspective man, I always sensed that there was a lot more to him that was bottled up inside, a spirit of which we would only see glimpses. Not all life’s dreams are fulfilled. Sometimes we have to settle for a life well lived. 

By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea and Journey of Jazz. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

David Sanborn Tribute Concert

The life and legacy of our friend David Sanborn will be celebrated with a very special tribute concert on Saturday, November 25 at Sony Hall in NYC. Proceeds from the event, which will feature performances by many of his longtime friends and colleagues, will benefit the David Sanborn Memorial Fund and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Among the artists familiar to Jazz Cruises audiences who are appearing at the concert are Randy Brecker, Kurt Elling, Bob James, Marcus Miller, Eric Marienthal, Geoffrey Keezer and many more.

NOTE: Jazz Cruises will be presenting a tribute to David Sanborn at Berk’s Jazz Fest in April 2025. Stay tuned for more information.

Jazz Cruises’ Programs

The Jazz Cruise ’25 – FULLY RESERVED – The Jazz Cruise ’26 to be Announced Soon!

The Jazz Cruise ’25 is fully reserved. Rooms will become available due to cancellations and vacancies are filled directly from the Waitlist. If you wish to sail on The Jazz Cruise ’25, we urge you to JOIN WAITLIST now. Stay tuned for details about The Jazz Cruise ’26 – to be announced in November! 

JOIN WAITLIST

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2 – Reserve Your Stateroom Today!  

Both sailings for 2025 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 75% reserved.

BOOK NOW

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is Here – New West-Coast Sailing! 

The third sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise in ’26 has been announced! For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast, embarking from Vancouver, sailing to Victoria and San Francisco before disembarking in Los Angeles. Exciting land excursions will be available in the ports-of-call! Open Booking begins on November 7th!

JOIN PRE-SAIL

Botti at Sea ’25 – Every Night is a Night on the Town

Botti at Sea ’25 is more than 98% reserved. Only a limited number of Inside Staterooms remain available, so Act NOW to reserve one.

BOOK NOW

Journey of Jazz ’25 – Jazz Life at Sea & On Land – Reserve Now – Excursions Available to Book Now!

Jazz Cruises’ West Coast program, Journey of Jazz, hosted by Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter, is in Open Booking. Land-based excursions are now available to book! Check out Jazz Cruises’ curated trips to Wine Country, Special Shows and more HERE.

BOOK NOW

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.

The post OUR TAKE: A Life Well Lived appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Today, I confirmed my attendance at the 30th Anniversary of the Vail Jazz Party and spoke with John Ernesto about his new position with the Berks Jazz Fest. The world is in a good place. It is not clear to what extent these new developments are permanent or to what extent the “good old days” have returned, but even if the Vail Jazz Party only extends through this Labor Day weekend and even if John Ernesto’s run with Berks Jazz Fest lasts only a few years, the postponement of the demise of those two relationships makes me smile. As any good tax attorney would tell you, deferment of a bad result is almost as good as forgiveness.

The Vail Jazz Party has always been the mountainside version of The Jazz Cruise. With John Clayton, Lewis Nash, Terell Stafford, Dick Oatts, Bill Cunliffe, Wycliffe Gordon, Obed Calvaire, James Morrison and Niki Haris on the upcoming schedule, you have years and years of performance by stars of The Jazz Cruise to savor. Plus, there are many patrons of the Vail Jazz Party that you see year after year on The Jazz Cruise. It is a cross between a reunion and a pre-cruise planning party.

I have learned that the decision to present the 30th Anniversary edition of the Vail Jazz Party was made, of course, by Cathy Stone herself! One of the calls to arms to be there is directly related to her participation. Cathy is one of those people whose presence alone can insure full participation by others. Neither Paula, nor me would feel good if we missed a Cathy-prompted event. I understand that tickets remain available for each of the days of the festival.

John Ernesto’s return to the Berks Jazz Fest is a bit more complicated. Apparently, the efforts of a new guard with the festival did not pan out as hoped. Applying strong measures and rules to an event that has been successful due to its warmth and sincerity can be a risky tactic. Not everyone in the world around Reading, PA was happy with the new system, so out with the new and in with the…well, the more seasoned group of leaders.

John is not returning to his former chief cook and bottle washer role, but he will be heavily involved in the talent selection process and programming. While speaking with him on the phone, you could hear his smile as he recounted the series of events that have returned him to the event that, more than anyone, he has nurtured and propelled to be a worldwide event. Like hot dogs and beer, you cannot imagine a Berks Jazz Fest without the presence of John Ernesto.

As I have shared before, John’s jazz palate is broad. He can talk about and present musicians in the “straight ahead” world, the “smooth jazz” world, and that vast worldwide world in the middle. The programs he has produced under the Berks Jazz Fest banner reflect this approach to jazz. Brilliantly presented with love and care, John leaves it up to the fan to choose which events and shows fit their particular jazz tastes. A very similar approach to our family of jazz cruises. Our mutual friendship stems from that shared view.

Sadly, you cannot turn back the clock and undo every loss in your life. Sometimes all you can do is cope. We are assisting in the planning and presentation of land events honoring David Sanborn and will have our own remembrance on the cruises. That reality still stings. On the positive side, Houston Person, who missed The Jazz Cruise for the first time since its inception (2001), will be returning just in time for The Jazz Cruise’s 25^th Anniversary. Only 30 or so staterooms remain for that special sailing, by the way.

As each of us age, there is a realization that not everything we do, say, or know is vital to our well-being. Some things are trivial, frivolous, or just plain noise. When juxtaposed against the truly important and meaningful people, things, and events that help define and enrich your life, it becomes easier to discard the outer layers and hold onto the kernels firmly. 

At Jazz Cruises, we know that we cannot be perfect and that, from time to time, mistakes and miscues will occur. But we will never relinquish our love for the music, the joy we feel in serving our guests, and the thrill of presenting our programs. Other emotions come and go, but those three feelings will be ours to share with you forever.

By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea and Journey of Jazz. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2
Will Be Announced on 8.14.24

It has become a tradition to start the reservation process for the next set of sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise (’26 Cruises) right before Labor Day of the year immediately before (’24) the upcoming sailings (’25 Cruises). With more than 4,000 people on the Waitlist for the ’25 Cruises, doing so provides fairness and certainty for those wishing to secure reservations for the ’26 Cruises. 

The details of the ’26 Cruises will be shared with you on 8.14.24, fewer than two weeks from now. On 8.15.24, the Reservation Process for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 or ‘26.2 begins. As that date becomes closer, more information will be sent to you, but below is a quick overview of the process.

How to Reserve a Stateroom for
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 or ‘26.2

Your reservation path depends upon your status for the ’25 Cruises.

Guests Sailing on either The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘25.1 or ‘25.2
Guests sailing on either The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25.1 or ’25.2 have the exclusive opportunity to rebook their current stateroom on their respective sailing at the rate consistent with their Signature Cruise Experiences’ sailing history at any time between 8.15.24 through 9.15.24. A modest deposit is due at that time with no further payments required until after the ’25 Cruises have sailed.

Again, those guests will receive information about the ’26 Cruises and instructions as to how to rebook their current stateroom by email in advance of 8.15.24, including instructions for those seeking a different stateroom or week for sailing.

Guests Not Sailing on The Smooth Jazz Cruise in ’25
If you are not a guest on a ’25 Cruise, you may initiate your reservation procedure and establish your priority for selecting a stateroom and completing a reservation by submitting a Pre-Sale Reservation starting 8.15.24. Your priority in the system is dependent upon your sailing history and the date upon which you completed your Pre-Sale Reservation.

Full instructions for completing a Pre-Sale Reservation will be available to you before 8.15.24. A modest deposit, fully-refundable if no stateroom is reserved, will be required as part of the process.

Shelly Berg’s Alegria

Shelly Berg, who has been an anchor for The Jazz Cruise for so many years as a host and artistic director, has released his latest album, a unique trio project featuring bassist Carlitos Del Puerto and drummer Dafnis Prieto, along with special guest, tenor saxophonist Melvin Butler. The album spotlights brand new originals by Shelly, and fresh takes on classics from Leonard Bernstein and The Beatles. But the record’s true hallmark is its intentional closeness and sharing between creator and listener. “It’s really important that there’s a relationship between artist and audience,” says Shelly. “The more the audience feels included in the music, the better time everybody has — the more opportunity for the music to do what music does — to reach them and move them. When music is at its best, it can create a deep connection between performers and listeners.” 

Bria Skonberg’s What It Means

Bria Skonberg, another favorite of guests of The Jazz Cruise, has also released a new album, What It Means, with the title taken from the standard, “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?” The album features the great New Orleans drum legend Herlin Riley, bassist Grayson Brockamp, pianist Chris Pattishall and horn players Aurora Nealand, Rex Gregory, Ethan Santos and Ben Jaffe. Vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa joins on one track as well. By evoking that standard, the trumpeter immediately aligns the album with the history and tradition of that great musical city. Moreover, by shortening the title to simply state What It Means, Skonberg turns the shortened title into a broader statement and call to her audience to recognize that which is important to each person. “I am affirming ‘what it means’ to me,” she says. “I care about family, I care about getting to make music that brings joy with other people, from a place that reveres its roots, and that looks forward to brighter days.”

Long Beach Jazz Festival

This festival, celebrating its 35th anniversary, will be held August 9-11 at the Marina Green Park on the waterfront of Long Beach, CA. Among the headliners are several artists who have sailed with us over the years on The Smooth Jazz Cruise, including Jeffrey Osborne, Gerald Albright, Jonathan Butler, Kirk Whalum, Keiko Matsui and Jeff Lorber & Everette Harp.

Signature Cruise Experiences’ ’25 Programs

1-Day Tickets to STL Jazz Fest
Are Now On Sale!

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Mug Shots

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.

The post OUR TAKE: Reviving Our Jazz Traditions appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.