Instantly recognizable after just a few notes, Josh Groban is one of the most popular and talented vocalists of his generation. His extraordinary range includes opera, Broadway, pop and more. So does his career: Tony® winner, Emmy® winner, multiple GRAMMY® nominee and one of music’s most respected singer-songwriter-actor-philanthropists. He is truly a Renaissance man.

Cruise Host Chris Botti and Josh Groban are frequent, high-profile collaborators known for their lush pop, jazz and classical performances. Their rendition of “Broken Vow,” which was featured in the PBS special and album Chris Botti in Boston stands as one of the most well-known examples of their musical partnership.
 

“Josh is a longtime friend and colleague.
I love his music and admire the range of projects that he embraces,
each one more amazing than the next one.
It will be fun seeing him on the cruise.”

– Chris Botti

Signature Cruise Experiences is proud to present Chris Botti at Sea III. Few artists do what Chris does aboard this ship: bringing together world-class performers from across genres and weaving them into a great cruise. His own shows have the same attributes: class artistry and variety.

After a year of touring the world, this cruise is where Chris slows down and connects, with the music, his fellow performers and the guests. He loves this cruise.

SPECIAL NOTE: Chris Botti at Sea III is the only Signature Cruise Experiences’ program that has staterooms available in ’26. A limited number of Veranda Plus, Veranda, Ocean View and Inside Staterooms may be reserved at CloseOut Cruise Prices for both Past Guests and New Guests. A payment plan that allows for the final payment to be made after the cruise is also available. Act now! 

Groban Fans

If you are unable to join us on Chris Botti at Sea, Josh Groban is currently touring around the country. Check out his tour schedule to find the show near you. No such thing as too much Josh Groban.

The Branford Marsalis Quartet – A Band for These Ages

Branford Marsalis first came into public notice when he, along with his brother Wynton, enrolled in the noted School of Art Blakey, as a member of the drummer’s longstanding band, the Jazz Messengers, in 1981. He was just 20 years old and fresh out of the Berklee School of Music. After an apprenticeship of a few years, the two left to form their own bands. Of course, Branford would go on to have a long and illustrious career as a bandleader, with stints as a member of Sting’s first post-Police group and as the music director for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He’s also scored numerous films and even appeared in a few.  

However, perhaps his most impressive accomplishment is as the leader of currently the longest running quartet in contemporary jazz. Branford founded the group in 1986, initially featuring pianist Kenny Kirkland, bassist Robert Hurst and drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts. The personnel evolved over the years, but for the last few decades, the group has been comprised by pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Justin Faulkner. Their most recent album is Belonging, featuring the music of another jazz quartet – one led by pianist Keith Jarrett in the ’70s.

“Instrumental music to me is kind of like a play,” Branford told DownBeat’s Phillip Lutz. “Nobody’s going to a play because the words are good or because the actors can read well. You have to convince an audience that these words you’re saying are the character’s words, not the writer’s words. In music, when you play someone else’s song, you have to interpret the song so that you become a character in a play. You have to make that melody believable. That’s what great singers do. They know how to control the room with sound.”

Branford told Lutz that his group is comparable to a string quartet: “The musicians are in contact through their eyes and ears – constant, subtle cues about who has the melody here, who has the melody there. That’s kind of how we operate in the group.”

“I love the band, as people and musicians,” Branford said. “If this band ceased to exist, I don’t see myself trying to get a new one.” 

The Branford Marsalis Quartet will perform for guests of Botti at Sea III in a show at SFJAZZ on September 21.

Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

SCE Sailings in ’26

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3

9.11.26 – 9.18.26
34th Sailing of “The Greatest Party at Sea”

Known as “The Greatest Party at Sea,” The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3, which departs from Vancouver on 9.11.26 and sails to Victoria, BC and San Francisco, before terminating in Los Angeles on 9.18.26, is fully reserved. If you wish to try to join the cruise, go to the website and JOIN WAITLIST for any stateroom category you wish. All cancellations for this cruise will be filled from the waitlist.

Botti at Sea III (’26)

9.18.26 – 9.25.26
Just Announced: Josh Groban

When The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 docks in Los Angeles, we will turn around and head back to Vancouver (via San Francisco and Victoria, BC) under the guidance of superstar Chris Botti. Chris Botti at Sea III will be the perfect combination of a topflight music cruise and exciting excursions.  

In addition to the recently announced Josh Groban, joining Chris on the cruise are several music icons: Elvis Costello, Boz Scaggs and Melody Gardot, and many others. When in San Francisco, guests may take winery tours in Napa and Sonoma, spend the day on the Napa Valley Wine Train, sample the finest cuisine in San Francisco and much more. Another menu of excursions awaits guests when the cruise docks in Victoria, BC. Trust us, this is the perfect music experience!

SPECIAL NOTE: Chris Botti at Sea III is the only Signature Cruise Experiences’ program that has staterooms available in ’26. A limited number of Veranda Plus, Veranda, Ocean View and Inside Staterooms may be reserved at CloseOut Cruise Prices for both Past Guests and New Guests. A payment plan that allows for the final payment to be made after the cruise is also available. Act now!

SCE Sailings in ’27

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. 

The lineup for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Sailing ’27 includes Michael McDonald, Dianne Reeves, Leslie Odom Jr., Katharine McPhee, Erich Bergen and more.

This cruise is now in Open Booking, where anyone may reserve any available stateroom.

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 Jazz Cruise has reached Fully Reserved every year and The Jazz Cruise ’27 is near that goal again (over 85% Reserved). 

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, as well as a special two days in New Orleans featuring 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 who will perform her universally beloved Tribute to Dinah (Washington) program. Recently announced, John Pizzarelli will do tributes to both Nat King Cole and Duke Ellington. 

Journey of Jazz ’27 is the best kind of learning experience…no tests, just recess!

The Smooth Jazz Cruise

  ’27.1 (1.31.27 – 2.7.27)
  ’27.2 (2.7.27 – 2.14.27)

The Greatest Party at Sea presents its customary back to back weeklong programs in the Caribbean. Tampa is the port of embarkation and disembarkation for the first time and both sailings will call on Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Grand Cayman.

The star studded lineup is led by hosts Marcus Miller and Boney James and features Brian Culbertson, Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer, Kirk Whalum, Peter White and more.

Both sailings are in Open Booking and both are 95% reserved at this time.

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

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.3 program will feature an exciting combination of our customary great music, vibrant Fall colors and other special events. 

This cruise is currently in Open Booking, during which anyone may reserve any available stateroom.

The post Jazz Notes: 6.10.26 appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

The age curve for every music cruise skews to the upper end with income and time availability being the main factors. Our programs reflect that demographic in terms of music selection, manner of presentation, non-music events and ship selection. Even the choice of mealtimes, menu, pillow gifts, Artist Hosted Events, showtimes and more are driven by the nature of our guests.

This should not be surprising as the cruises we present are 100% guest-oriented. The programs are for the guests, based upon their interests and requests. Keeping up with the nuances and propensities of our guests is a full-time job, one that we intend to augment in the upcoming year. We want to know what you are thinking.

Let’s talk about our findings. More and more, guests from The Jazz Cruise, our most “in the pocket” jazz program, are adding other cruises to their Sailing Histories. Granted, adding Journey of Jazz is not a huge leap of faith, but those guests are also drawn to Botti at Sea and David Foster: The Hitman Cruise. When asked why, guests call out specific performers and, in the case of Botti at Sea, the spectacular itinerary and excursions being offered.

Which artists stoke the moves? Elvis Costello, Boz Scaggs and Melody Gardot are mentioned frequently when folks are taking in the Botti cruise. And Michael McDonald, Leslie Odom, Jr. and Dianne Reeves have jazz fans reserving staterooms on the Foster cruise. Do you see the pattern? It is the Hunt for Mature Music that moves the needle.

Journey of Jazz has its own set of stalwarts (Marcus Miller, Gregory Porter, Wynton Marsalis, Ledisi), but those artists are much closer to the core of our guests than the others mentioned above.

At this point, we need to point out that Top Shelf Country Cruise, while presenting superstar Keith Urban last cruise and meteorically rising Riley Green on the next cruise, is outside of our revolving door of cruise programs. Of the 2,500 guests on Top Shelf Country Cruise ’26, only three guests had sailed on other Signature Cruise Experiences programs. It may be time to either jazz up the country cruise or country up the jazz cruises. Guitarist Bruce Forman performed a cowboy jazz set on The Jazz Cruise many years ago.

For those still trying to guess who the new guest on the Botti cruise is, they fit right in the middle of this illustrious grouping of performers. I love a good riddle, particularly when I know that the answer will elicit a “Wow!”

Basically, our jazz fans, when not listening to jazz, seem to favor Adult Contemporary (AC) music. A wide range of AC music to be sure, but their tastes are not Pop or gimmicky. They enjoy great vocalists who present with substance and style. Musicians who separate themselves by the significance of their playing.

In short, our jazz fans are music snobs – in a good way. As we have heard so many times over the years, there are only two kinds of music: good and bad. When we ask our guests, “when you are not listening to Jazz, what is your music?” the answer is an easy one. 

They listen to good music.

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.

Journey of Jazz Welcomes John Pizzarelli

Journey of Jazz ’27 is a cruise that entertains, excites and educates. We’ve already spent time sharing the entertainment and excitement portions of the cruise, so let’s explore the educational aspects.

It begins the very first night, when Marcus Miller takes you on a musical journey sharing the history of jazz from all angles. Not only does he share rare insights on the musicians that have paved the way for jazz, but he examines how the music itself was born, raised and matured. To quote the tagline from Marcus’ Real Jazz Marcus Time show, his History of Jazz cruise show is the “full 360 degrees.”

Gregory Porter and Ledisi will have their own tribute shows and, of course, Wynton Marsalis will be the conductor of History of Jazz – New Orleans style. There will be several other shows of this type, including our most recent addition: the great John Pizzarelli. Longtime member of the core of The Jazz Cruise, John will be bringing his Nat King Cole and Duke Ellington tribute shows to Journey of Jazz ’27.

Jazz’ #1 raconteur is also one of the most talented musicians in the genre who takes pride in his dedication to the music and his knowledge of our history is as deep as his affection for it.

Peabo Bryson on Watercolors

In the wake of Peabo Bryson‘s untimely passing, it is a balm to so many of us that his legacy lives on in our memories and in the music he left behind.

In the spirit of his memory living on, it means a great deal to us that Sirius XM’s Watercolors with Talaya will be rebroadcasting Peabo’s 2016 performance from The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Remember him in music this Saturday, June 6 at 4 PM ET

Last Chance to Sail in ’26: Chris Botti at Sea III

Since January, Signature Cruise Experiences has produced six sailings, serving well over 13,000 guests. The last two sailings are in September, The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 (SJC ’26.3) and Chris Botti at Sea III. SJC ’26.3 is fully reserved. You may join the Waitlist for the sailing, but there are nearly 1,000 entrants at this time.

Your last chance to sail with us in ’26 is Chris Botti at Sea III and that sailing has a limited number of staterooms remaining. Due to the significant planning required to set up the Signature Cruise Experiences’ excursions that are being offered in San Francisco and Victoria, BC, the guest manifest for Chris Botti at Sea III will need to be finalized sooner than normal.

To make all this happen, remaining Veranda, Ocean View and Inside Staterooms will be sold at CloseOut Cruise Prices. This offer is first come, first served.

For more information about Chris Botti at Sea III, CloseOut Cruise Prices or to learn more about the excursions available, visit www.bottiatsea.com 

Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

SCE Sailings in ’26

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3

9.11.26 – 9.18.26
Vancouver – Victoria – San Francisco – Los Angeles

Known as “The Greatest Party at Sea,” The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 is Fully Reserved.

If you wish to join the cruise, go to the website and JOIN WAITLIST for any stateroom category you wish. All cancellations for this cruise will be filled from the waitlist.

Botti at Sea ’26

9.18.26 – 9.25.26
Los Angeles – San Francisco – Victoria – Vancouver

STATEROOM CLOSEOUT SALE IN EFFECT
For more information, see above.

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David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore

1.12.27 – 1.17.27
Tampa – Cozumel – Costa Maya – Tampa

Now Available: Special Cruise Prices for
Ocean View & Inside Staterooms

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise ’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 star-studded lineup for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore includes Michael McDonald, Dianne Reeves, Leslie Odom Jr., Katharine McPhee, Erich Bergen and more.

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The Jazz Cruise ’27

1.17.27 – 1.24.27
Tampa – Cozumel – Belize – Costa Maya – Tampa

Now Available: Special Cruise Prices for
Ocean View & Inside Staterooms

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 Jazz Cruise has reached Fully Reserved every year it has sailed and The Jazz Cruise ’27 is on its way to reaching that goal again.

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Journey of Jazz ’27

1.24.27 – 1.31.27
Tampa – New Orleans – Progreso – Tampa

Now Available: Special Cruise Prices for
Ocean View & Inside Staterooms

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.

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise

’27.1 (1.31.27 – 2.7.27)
Tampa – Ocho Rios – Grand Cayman – Tampa
  ’27.2 (2.7.27 – 2.14.27)
Tampa – Grand Cayman – Ocho Rios – Tampa

The Greatest Party at Sea presents its customary back-to-back weeklong programs in the Caribbean. Tampa is the port of embarkation and disembarkation for the first time and both sailings will call on Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Grand Cayman.

The star studded lineup is led by hosts Marcus Miller and Boney James and features Brian Culbertson, Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer, Kirk Whalum, Peter White and more.

Both sailings are in Open Booking and both are nearly 95% reserved at this time.

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Botti at Sea ’27

10.6.27 – 10.13.27
Boston – Portland – Saint John – Sydney –
Charlottetown – Quebec City

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 (8.15.26) 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.

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.3

10.13.27 – 10.20.27
Quebec City – Charlottetown – Sydney –
Saint John – Portland – Boston

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.3 program will be an exciting combination of our customary great music, Fall colors and other special events. Marcus Miller, Boney James, Brian Culbertson, Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer and others will lead the team for another edition of this iconic program.

This cruise is currently in Open Booking, where anyone may reserve any available stateroom.

The post Our Take: What’s Your Music When Not Listening to Jazz? appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

The saving grace was that SXM’s Real Jazz channel dedicated the entire holiday to Miles Davis in honor of his Centennial Birthday. It was not all Miles, but you could hear him play in just about every configuration known to music. Solo. Trio. Quartet. Big Band. I heard tunes from Miles for the first time. Songs I never knew he recorded. That was fun.

One song caught my attention more than the others, “Star on Cicely,” Miles’ tribute to the most important woman in his life, Cicely Tyson. Their relationship began in the ‘60’s and was famously an up and down affair until 1981 when they married. “Star on Cicely” was recorded in 1982, likely at the height of their relationship.
 
They divorced a few years later, but maintained a relationship for the rest of their lives and beyond. Their resting places are near each other in Woodlawn Cemetery, where so many jazz icons are, including our good friend Ken Peplowski. When I attended the service recently for Ken, I sheepishly asked our guide to direct me to Miles’ resting place. He pointed it out and we could see it from afar.
 
But the song “Star on Cicely” evoked another emotion in me altogether. I have learned since that the band on the song was called Miles’ Comeback Band. It included Mike Stern (guitar), Al Foster (drums), Bill Evans (reeds) and Mino Cinelu (percussion). Miles played trumpet and synthesizer.

No one needed to tell me who played electric bass. That sound could be produced by no one else but Marcus Miller. Confirming my intuition by Google made me smile. That would be the end of the story except it dawned on me that this tune was recorded 44 years ago. Marcus had just turned 23! (Note: Mark your calendar for June 14…an early Happy Birthday for Marcus and June 13, for his, and our, good friend Alonzo Bodden‘s birthday.)
 
I shared this moment with Marcus, and he offered his own memories on the Miles/Cicely relationship.
 
“I was in the band when they reunited in ’81. At that time, Miles’ health was beginning to fail. He was pretty weak moving pretty slowly. It was so beautiful to see the regal/legendary larger-than-life Cicely Tyson (of Roots fame!) lovingly attend to Miles Davis in the role of being a loving/supportive wife. She literally nurtured him back to life. 
 
I left Miles’ band in ’83 to develop my composing/producing skills. When I came back to do “Tutu” in ’85, I walked in the door on our first day working together and couldn’t believe how great Miles looked. He was a totally new, vibrant artist and he looked fantastic. I knew it was all due to Cicely. He was full of energy and humor and ready to dive into the music I had written. I’m not sure we would have had a “Tutu” or an “Amandla” if Cicely had not been there by his side. The world got another 10 years from Miles for sure because of Cicely!”

Marcus has reunited the band, with Russell Gunn assuming the Miles Davis role, and is touring this summer in honor of Miles’ Centennial. I have not seen the show yet, but I hope that “Star on Cicely” is performed. The tune is not your everyday jazz tune. It requires some thought and concentration for sure. I have four plays under my belt and I hear something different and more intense with each playing.
 
Readers of this note know that Marcus resides at the top of the music food chain at Signature Cruise Experiences. His talent, intellect, dedication and respect for music are models for everyone. Never a wasted word. Never a wasted note. When he speaks or plays, pay attention. If not, you will miss something important. There is no trivial when regarding Marcus Miller.
 
Marcus once referred to me as someone who believed in what he was doing and will ardently pursue those beliefs. That meant the world to me, even though the street interpretation of those lovely words would be “he is a stubborn ass and you cannot tell him anything.”
 
Either view is accurate. But, when the time comes to write my epitaph, I would ask that Marcus be consulted before they start inscribing in stone.

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 First ’27 Sailing Isn’t For 230 Days!
Do You Want to Wait THAT Long? 

As of today, over 13,000 guests have sailed on a Signature Cruise Experiences program in ’26. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 (9.11.26) is fully reserved upping the guest total to 15,000. The lone remaining sailing in ’26 is Chris Botti at Sea III:

Botti at Sea III (’26)

Los Angeles – San Francisco – Victoria – Vancouver
9.18.26 – 9.25.26

Nearly fully reserved as well, the good news is that staterooms are available in select Stateroom Categories, and the great news is that planning this cruise, with a full schedule of both onboard events and on land excursions, requires us to close the manifest sooner than usual.

What that means to you is that some of the remaining inventories (Veranda/Ocean View/Inside Staterooms) are available at CloseOut Cruise Prices.

So the question becomes…would you rather spend a week this Fall sailing the stunning West Coast with Chris Botti and friends, enjoying performances by Elvis Costello, Boz Scaggs, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle and more, exploring Napa and Sonoma wine country, riding the Napa Valley Wine Train, enjoying the cuisine and culture of San Francisco, attending a Branford Marsalis Quartet show at SFJAZZ, whale watching in Victoria and strolling through the Butchart Gardens…or….wait more than 230 days until the first Signature Cruise Experience sailing of ’27 departs in mid-January?

Opportunities like this rarely happen. Our CloseOut Sale is your invitation to join one one of the most unique and intimate music travel experiences anywhere. We would love to welcome you aboard. Reserve your stateroom today before remaining inventory is gone.

R.I.P. Tenor Titan Sonny Rollins

Earlier this week, on Monday, May 25, Sonny Rollins passed away in his home in Woodstock, NY. The iconic and influential saxophonist was 95 years old and had been suffering from various pulmonary and respiratory ailments. He hadn’t performed or recorded in many years, but was still widely acclaimed as our greatest living jazz musician. Who could argue that point?

We will not provide you with a proper obituary here, given that every major media outlet from The New York Times to NPR has provided in-depth coverage of his life and music. If you had to read just one, I’d recommend the Washington Post obituary by Matt Schudel which is both comprehensive and engaging.

Even better, we recommend without reservation Aidan Levy’s remarkable biography of Sonny, the aptly titled Saxophone Colossus. Indeed, that title would define Sonny going back to his emergence on the jazz scene in the ’50s, when he burst out of the shadow of Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins and Charlie Parker to spearhead a new modernist form of bebop.

Sonny was in fact a large figure, whose height merely reinforced his powerful sound and presence. During one of his famous hiatuses from public appearances, he retreated to the upper reaches of the Williamsburg Bridge where he not only practiced without bothering his wife or neighbors, but also worked out, doing pull-ups on the bars amidst the guardrails. There is a movement to rename the bridge in Sonny’s name. With his passing, that honor could become a reality.

We were never able to get Sonny to sail with us, either as a performer or even as a guest. He had a standing invitation to join us in the latter role, but eschewed traveling in his later years. Nonetheless, he had an outsized influence on so many of the musicians who have sailed with us over the years, including Melissa Aldana, Tivon Pennicott and Ravi Coltrane, whose father was a close friend and colleague of Sonny’s, though John Coltrane was often misperceived as a rival, thanks to their seminal recording together Tenor Madness. Bringing things full circle, Ravi performed material from that album with Tivon in a tribute to Sonny during Journey of Jazz this past September.

During his long and prolific career, Sonny recorded more than 60 albums as a leader, many of which are considered vital additions to the jazz canon. But it was his electric live performances that made him a singular figure in jazz during the 20th century. His often long solos would quote popular songs, calypsos from his family’s Virgin Islands and even nursery rhymes, all delivered with power and expression unmatched by any saxophonist, or any instrumentalist, for that matter.

“Play every concert as if it is your last time,” Sonny told JazzTimes in 2016. “That’s what I have learned. Do everything as if it is your last time.” Words to live by.

– Lee Mergner

The Sonny Rollins Bridge?

A petition is now circulating to rename the Williamsburg Bridge in Sonny Rollins’ honor, a tribute to the legendary saxophonist who famously spent months practicing alone on the bridge in the early ’60s while living on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Supporters say the bridge symbolizes Rollins’ discipline, resilience, and enduring connection to New York City. If you wish to join the petition, click below.

Signature Cruise Experiences Congratulates Brian Culbertson

For as long as we can remember, Brian Culbertson has been a major part of the magic of The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Each year, Brian puts together a unique show that includes the very best musicians, high production value and, most of all, HIM! The amazingly talented first-class showman.

That level of creativity, attention to detail and raw talent is evident every year at his Napa Valley Jazz Getaway. The proof is that this is the 13th Annual event and, trust us, success over time is no fluke. It takes talent and work.

Be sure to sign up today for one of the various event options. We cannot think of any better place to be from June 10–13 than in Napa Valley listening to great music, enjoying great wine and hanging with Brian Culbertson and friends. Join a special show on Thursday night with Brian, Marcus Miller and Jonathan Butler.

When purchasing tickets for Thursday and/or Friday Nights, use the Promo Code: SJC27 for a 20% discount.

You do not want to miss these shows!

Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

SCE Sailings in ’26

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3

9.11.26 – 9.18.26
Vancouver – Victoria – San Francisco – Los Angeles

Known as “The Greatest Party at Sea,” The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 is Fully Reserved.

If you wish to join the cruise, go to the website and JOIN WAITLIST for any stateroom category you wish. All cancellations for this cruise will be filled from the waitlist.

Botti at Sea ’26

9.18.26 – 9.25.26
Los Angeles – San Francisco – Victoria – Vancouver

STATEROOM CLOSEOUT SALE IN EFFECT
For more information, see above.

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David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore

1.12.27 – 1.17.27
Tampa – Cozumel – Costa Maya – Tampa

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise ’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 star-studded lineup for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore includes Michael McDonald, Dianne Reeves, Leslie Odom Jr., Katharine McPhee, Erich Bergen and more.

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The Jazz Cruise ’27

1.17.27 – 1.24.27
Tampa – Cozumel – Belize – Costa Maya – Tampa

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 Jazz Cruise has reached Fully Reserved every year it has sailed and The Jazz Cruise ’27 is on its way to reaching that goal again.

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Journey of Jazz ’27

1.24.27 – 1.31.27
Tampa – New Orleans – Progreso – Tampa

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.

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise

’27.1 (1.31.27 – 2.7.27)
Tampa – Ocho Rios – Grand Cayman – Tampa
  ’27.2 (2.7.27 – 2.14.27)
Tampa – Grand Cayman – Ocho Rios – Tampa

The Greatest Party at Sea presents its customary back-to-back weeklong programs in the Caribbean. Tampa is the port of embarkation and disembarkation for the first time and both sailings will call on Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Grand Cayman.

The star studded lineup is led by hosts Marcus Miller and Boney James and features Brian Culbertson, Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer, Kirk Whalum, Peter White and more.

Both sailings are in Open Booking and both are nearly 95% reserved at this time.

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Botti at Sea ’27

10.6.27 – 10.13.27
Boston – Portland – Saint John – Sydney –
Charlottetown – Quebec City

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 (8.15.26) for more programming and reservation procedure details.

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.3

10.13.27 – 10.20.27
Quebec City – Charlottetown – Sydney –
Saint John – Portland – Boston

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.3 program will be an exciting combination of our customary great music, Fall colors and other special events. Marcus Miller, Boney James, Brian Culbertson, Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer and others will lead the team for another edition of this iconic program.

This cruise is currently in Open Booking, where anyone may reserve any available stateroom.

The post Our Take: Miles at 100, Marcus at 23 appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Ever wonder how a lineup is created for a particular cruise? Lord knows, we wonder how it happens all the time. What could (and perhaps should) be a methodical, calculated process of selecting talent that works for the program and forms an identifiable karma all its own is often a random series of good luck and bad luck with a bit of ingenuity thrown in for good measure.

Take David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore ’27. This is a five day program built to reflect the image, music and taste of David Foster, a 16X GRAMMY® winner and one of the most successful and respected music producers, arrangers, musicians and composers now or ever. Having worked with David on Foster ’26, we know that he can fine-tune his concept at any time and the talent that’s ultimately needed may be different from the talent originally signed.

Of course, guests have the right to know who is performing on the cruise. The core lineup must be shared now and sufficient to draw interest, while leaving room for maneuvering as the final program is set in stone.

The first Foster cruise was simply amazing. I cannot recall a larger and more diverse array of talent on any cruise that we have ever presented. Of course, Foster’s application of the artists was brilliant. He was like a great chef taking the ingredients before him and cross-purposing them into something altogether different and wonderful. The components were very good to begin with and David’s deft touch elevated them to be more than the sum of their parts. 

This presents an age-old dilemma. When a cruise is as successful as the first Foster Cruise, there is the tendency to utter those famous words “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Please know that I loathe that phrase and do not adhere to its message at all. Taken literally, the phrase says there is no way to do better, so do not try to do so. 

I prefer to retain some portion of the grand success and then move it forward with new ideas and new horizons. In the case of the Foster lineup for ’27, the grand success being retained is Michael McDonald (pictured). As is true with the cowbell on SNL, you can never get enough Michael McDonald.

For the new, one name was easy, Katharine McPhee. Unable to join us on the first sailing, Katharine becomes a new addition to Foster ’27. The fans are so excited that she will be sailing. Her talents are so diverse that choosing her program will be the most difficult decision she has to make.

In looking for a “new” headliner voice for the cruise, we wanted to move from the Pop and Broadway world and closer to the accessible section of the jazz world. For us, that could only mean Dianne Reeves. As one of only a handful of living female vocalists who have earned the title of NEA Jazz Master, she is better than a legend. She is now.  

Dianne is a favorite of Signature Cruise Experiences and we know her show will be amazing. She will also be participating in one of the surprise events on the cruise.  As the kids say, it will be “epic.”

The final “headliner” took some time and some thought. A show-stealing facet of the first cruise was David’s musical tour of Broadway. We considered many incredible options for our third headliner, and we felt incredibly smart (and fortunate) when we thought of and booked the one and only – Leslie Odom, Jr. His turn as Aaron Burr in Hamilton is one of the legendary roles in Broadway history. We know that he will command the Celebrity Summit stage as well. (Be sure to check out Lee Mergner’s take below.)

Just as the great chefs in the world rely on certain spices or cooking methods, David’s go-to group of vocalists and performers includes Pia Toscano, Sheléa, Daniel Emmett and Erich Bergen (pictured). Each of them contributed mightily to the success of the first cruise. Watch for Erich to host several special shows and events. We only scratched the surface of his talents on the first sailing.

For the most part, the lineup for the Foster cruise is now set, but, trust me, David’s wheels are still in motion. No doubt there will be some additions or modifications before we sail! The creation of a lineup is art, not science, and we have the ultimate artist in charge of this cruise.

(Foster ’26 Guests are currently able to finalize rebooking of their staterooms through April 10, after which Pre-Sail Reservation holders will be eligible to select a stateroom and complete their Reservation. Guests who did not sail on the ’26 sailing may still complete a PRE-SAIL RESERVATION – no deposit or obligation required – through April 10.)

Leslie Odom, Jr.: A Singer’s Singer

Thanks to his Tony Award-winning role as Aaron Burr in the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, Leslie Odom Jr. became an overnight success. Except that all that acclaim came after nearly two decades of scuffling. As reported in a 2016 profile in the New York Times, Odom was actually considering taking a job as a hotel clerk just before getting that big gig with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s smash show. Such is life in show business.

Make no mistake. Leslie Odom Jr. is a singer. A singer who can dance. A singer who can act. But a singer first and foremost. He was born in Queens, but when he was 7 his family moved to Philadelphia. He went to the local Fame-type school for creative types, the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), the same one that produced Boyz II Men, Christian McBride, Joey DeFrancesco and the Roots. With a keen interest in musical theatre, Odom continued that performing-arts training at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, and managed to score some jobs in the NYC theatre scene, including a stint in the company of Rent when he was only 17.

In 2003, he moved to Los Angeles where he did the usual potpourri of acting jobs, including walk-on parts in shows like Gilmore Girls, Grey’s Anatomy and The Good Wife and, more notably, regular roles on CSI: Miami, Smash and Person of Interest. After coming back to NYC for a Broadway show as well as for Smash, Odom returned to live in the city in 2012.

Although he wasn’t part of Miranda’s usual crew of actors, Odom auditioned and campaigned for the part of Aaron Burr in Miranda’s Hamilton in 2013, when the show was being readied for its initial run off-Broadway at the Public Theater. The show’s director, Thomas Kail, told the Times that Odom “was coming to play.” The show went on to an historic run on Broadway, winning awards and selling tickets at rates heretofore unseen – all with Odom in the so-called villain role as Burr, the dramatic nemesis of Miranda’s title character.

“Coming up in Philly, it’s not a musical-theatre town,” Leslie explained. “When I was a singer, I was training with singers. I was far from the best. When I was learning dancing, I was with dancers, and those people are now with Alvin Ailey or who are Beyoncé’s choreographers. Acting was the same way. When I came into the musical theatre, I found I was a little more prepared than some people because I had been shedding with people in those individual disciplines. They were masters. To come back and remove all that and get back to singing … I wasn’t trying to be a singer on Broadway. I was just trying to be a singer.”

Since July 2016, when Miranda, Odom and Phillipa Soo – three of the principal actors from the original cast – left the show, Odom concentrated on his solo singing career in between acting stints in major movies. First, Odom re-released an eponymous album that had been quietly released in 2014 but with three newly recorded songs. In addition, he recorded a holiday EP/album, Simply Christmas, that included a sensational version of “Winter Song” by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson. He also performed at jazz festivals like Newport and Monterey.

“I do reconnaissance on all these gigs,” he told me. “My parents didn’t have a whole lot of money, so we weren’t traveling the country going to jazz festivals. So I hadn’t been to many of them before. When we do these festivals, I’m always nervous. Is this the moment when we’re going to get booed off the stage? Now I can watch Herbie Hancock do his set at Newport or wherever. And what I see is people onstage being themselves.”

Odom will be certainly be himself when he performs on the David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore ’27 in January. And he’ll be among other notable singers like Katharine McPhee, Michael McDonald, Erich Bergen, Morgan James, Pia Toscano and Sheléa.

Lee Mergner
Jazz Consultant

SCE Artists on Jazz

In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, we contacted 30 artists who sail on our jazz programs to ask them about their affinity and love for jazz – from the first jazz album they bought to their first jazz concert to what jazz means to them. We hope you enjoy their reflections. Below are excerpts from the first seven we received. You can read each artist’s entire essay in the link below.

– Lee Mergner

“Jazz reflects the human spirit in all its beauty, simplicity and complexity.” 
– Bria Skonberg

“Jazz is the most wonderful portrait of true democracy and equality, I believe, that exists in the world to date.” 
– Kirk Whalum

“Jazz gives me purpose in life. It means community and mentorship.” 
– Catherine Russell

“Jazz to me is about communication. Being aware of what each member of the band has to say and responding to it.” 
– Eric Marienthal

“Jazz is a universal language people from all backgrounds and cultures of the world can speak to one another with.” 
– Benny Benack III

“Jazz is really all I know. Benny Goodman, Zoot Sims, Slam Stewart and Bucky Pizzarelli, amongst many others, were my teachers. Jazz never stops teaching me.” 
– John Pizzarelli

“Jazz to me has always meant freedom to explore.” 
– Boney James

Step Inside the “Perfect” Cruise:
Botti at Sea III Livestream on 4.23

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.

Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

SCE Sailings in ’26

The Smooth Jazz Cruise

  ’26.3 (9.11.26 – 9.18.26)

34th Sailing of “The Greatest Party at Sea”

Known as “The Greatest Party at Sea,” The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3, which departs from Vancouver on 9.11.26 and sails to Victoria, BC and San Francisco, before terminating in Los Angeles on 9.18.26 is fully reserved. If you wish to try to join the cruise, go to the website and JOIN WAITLIST for any stateroom category you wish. All cancellations for this cruise will be filled from the waitlist.

Botti at Sea III (’26)

9.18.26 – 9.25.26
The West Coast Edition – The Perfect Music Experience

When The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 docks in Los Angeles, we will turn around and head back to Vancouver (via San Francisco and Victoria BC) under the guidance of superstar Chris Botti. Chris Botti at Sea III will be the perfect combination of a topflight music cruise and exciting excursions.  

Joining Chris on the cruise are several icons of the world of music:  Elvis Costello, Boz Scaggs, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle and many others. When in San Francisco, guests may take winery tours in Napa and Sonoma, spend the day on the Napa Valley Wine Train, sample the finest cuisine in San Francisco and much more.  

Another menu of excursions awaits guests when the cruise docks in Victoria, BC. Trust us, this is the perfect music experience!

SCE Sailings in ’27

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise ’27

1.12.27 – 1.17.27

Encore! Encore!

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 outlined above, the lineup for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Sailing ’27 includes Michael McDonald, Dianne Reeves, Leslie Odom Jr., 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) on the website here.

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 Jazz Cruise has reached “fully reserved” every year it has sailed and The Jazz Cruise ’27 is on its way to reaching that goal again. Open Booking began on February 24, 2026 and the cruise is nearly 80% reserved.  

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.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise

  ’27.1 (1.31.27 – 2.7.27)
  ’27.2 (2.7.27 – 2.14.27)

The Greatest Party at Sea presents its customary back to back weeklong programs in the Caribbean. Tampa is the port of embarkation and disembarkation for the first time and both sailings will call on Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Grand Cayman.

The star studded lineup is led by hosts Marcus Miller and Boney James and features Brian Culbertson, Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer, Kirk Whalum, Peter White and more.

Both sailings are in “Open Booking” and both are 90% reserved at this time.

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

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 are now beginning to select their stateroom and complete their reservation. 

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.

The post Jazz Notes: 4.8.26 appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

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

120 Days Until Journey of Jazz

By the numbers, Journey of Jazz ’25 sails in 120 days. 78 Staterooms remain available. 2nd Show Seating is 100% filled. If you act now, and are willing to accept a few restrictions, you can save up to 20%.

Anyone reserving a stateroom now on Journey of Jazz ’25 will be part of the “BLUE” guest group. What does that mean? We divide our guests into two groups: “BLUE” and “RED.” Guests with “BLUE” Cruise Identification Cards attend the 1st main show each night and dine afterwards. Guests with “RED” Cruise Identification Cards dine first and attend the 2nd Main Show.

The “RED” option is full, so anyone reserving one of the 78 remaining staterooms will be part of the “BLUE” group. Since the element of choice is gone, we have decided to provide savings for those who book now.

*Applies to new reservations only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Pricing is per-person, based on double occupancy and does not include pass-through charges. Offer expires June 15 (or while staterooms are available). 

Openings remain on most of the excursions that Signature Cruise Experiences has curated for this cruise.

David Foster: The Hitman Cometh

Signature Cruise Experiences has been fortunate through the years to be able to present some of the most respected and successful musicians and vocalists in the world. We have also worked with a few of the true legends of music in terms of writing, arranging and producing. Johnny Mandel and George Wein come to mind.

Johnny Mandel, known best for his “Suicide is Painless” theme, was a 5-time GRAMMY® Winner. He sailed on The Jazz Cruise and will forever be remembered as the man who received a standing ovation from the Big Band he was conducting as he walked onto the stage. George Wein, the founder of the Newport Jazz Festival among other jazz promotions, was a leader of a topflight band on The Jazz Cruise and is a member of that cruise program’s Hall of Fame.

Our next music icon to become a part of our team is probably the most significant living music impresario in the world. Though numbers are not determinative, at some point, they matter. David Foster has won 16 GRAMMY® Awards, been nominated 47 times and has launched, catapulted or redirected the careers of countless super vocalists. At the risk of forgetting someone, that list includes Celine Dion, Kenny Loggins, Joni Mitchell, Babyface, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, Renee Olstead, Clarice, Kenny Rogers, Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, Boz Scaggs, Toni Braxton, LeAnn Rimes, Whitney Houston, Peter Cetera, Katharine McPhee, Brian McKnight, Blake Shelton, Chris Botti, Barbra Streisand, Andrea Bocelli, Bryan Adams, Jewel and more.

Superstar Chris Botti, when creating the lineup for his first cruise, chose David Foster (and his wife, Katharine McPhee), as his first guest. He reprised that role for the second sailing and, to our pleasant surprise, was interested in hosting his own cruise program. When a slot opened for us (January 15-20, 2026), we went to work, finalized a deal and proceeded to work with David on a lineup. Digging into his repertoire of talented friends, Babyface and Michael McDonald were called and committed. Pia Toscano, Peter Cincotti and Daniel Emmet were next, followed closely by Nathan East, Noah East, Frédéric Yonnet, Emmet Cohen, Yacht Jazz Trio (John JR Robinson, Tom Scott, Mitch Towne) and one of our all-time favorite groups, Take 6.

The cruise will sail from Ft. Lauderdale to Key West and Nassau. Celebrity Summit, our customary cruise ship, will be the vessel. Pre-Sail Reservations are being processed now through May 23 and Open Booking starts on May 30.

SFJAZZ Events

SFJAZZGala

On Thursday, June 12, SFJAZZ will present its annual gala that includes a VIP cocktail reception and dinner, followed by an All-Star concert featuring Executive Artistic Director Terence Blanchard, Kurt Elling, Ambrose Akinmusire, Melissa Aldana, Bill Frisell, Charles Lloyd, the SFJAZZ Collective and many others. In addition, Blue Note Records President Don Was will be presented with the SFJAZZ Lifetime Achievement Award.

San Francisco Jazz Festival

SFJAZZ has revamped its San Francisco Jazz Festival, held this year June 13-15 at the SFJAZZ Center and Festival Tent, featuring 35 concerts over three days, with performances by Stanley Clarke, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Patrice Rushen, Cimafunk, The Soul Rebels, Charles Lloyd, Lakecia Benjamin, Ambrose Akinmusire, Dave Holland, Lisa Fischer and many others. It will also include an outdoor festival street market with rotating DJs, food trucks, beer garden, specialty wine vendors, art and a vinyl record swap and more.

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025

Cruise Programs – 2026

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

Journey of Jazz ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

The cruise is more than 92% reserved! The remaining staterooms consist, mainly, of Veranda Staterooms, Inside Staterooms and Single Inside Staterooms! These remaining staterooms are favorably priced through June 15, 2025(*). Please use the promo code: NOW. There is no obligation to complete a reservation once you learn the prices. *New reservations only.

BOOK NOW

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David Foster: The Hitman Cruise
5 Days, 5 Nights, 5 Star Experience

Join us aboard the luxurious Celebrity Summit for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise — five incredible days and nights celebrating timeless hits, legendary artists and 5-star entertainment, all curated by one of the greatest musical minds of our time. Join the Pre-Sail to register for first access to your stateroom of choice before Open Booking becomes available to the public. Register below! 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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Christian McBride’s World at Sea
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Open Booking has begun! Special pricing is available for a limited time on Ocean View and Inside Staterooms. Use Promo Code CMW when you make your reservation! *New reservations only

BOOK NOW

The Jazz Cruise ’26
is in Open booking

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 is in Open Booking
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved, but you may join the Waitlist. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking and staterooms are 99% reserved.

BOOK NOW

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Top Shelf Country Cruise
is now in Open Booking

With premium talent like Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes, Thelma & James and Kassi Ashton, Top Shelf Country Cruise earns its title as the First-Class Country Music Cruise! Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3
is in Open Booking

For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast! 

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking and staterooms are more than 75% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

Botti at Sea ’26
is in Open Booking

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello, Melody Gardot and Peabo Bryson will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26. 

Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

The post Our Take: Peabo is Back! appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

While We Are At Sea

Though we are at sea for the next several weeks (January 28 – February 25), please know that while some of us are away, our office will be open during normal business hours, our email lines will be open and the websites for each of our cruise programs will be available 24/7.

These services are available to guests who have questions about their upcoming ’25 Sailings and those who wish to complete or discuss a ’26 Reservation. To contact us, you may choose among the following:

  Call the Office: 
Toll Free US & Canada – 888.852.9987
Toll Free International – 01.800.852.99872
Monday – Thursday: 10 AM ET – 6 PM ET
Friday: 10 AM ET – 5 PM ET

Inquire by E – Mail:
info@scecruises.com

Learn More or Make a Reservation:
www.scecruises.com or review SCE Brand Book
Select the Cruise Program You Wish
Follow prompts

Stateroom Availability

With 13 active cruise programs, it is difficult to keep up with Stateroom Availability. To assist you with your planning, below is a chart that we will update weekly in The Weekender. 

Cruise Programs 2025

Cruise Programs 2026

Hot Offers

Inside Staterooms are available on Journey of Jazz ’25. From now through February 28, you can reserve an Inside Stateroom on the cruise for under $2,000/person. Reservations 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: ATSEA).

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25.2 has been fully reserved for months. Guests do cancel their reservations for various reasons and we place those staterooms with guests on the Wait List. If you are on the Wait List or wish to reserve a stateroom for one of these sailings, call the office for availability and pricing.

Sullivan Fortner’s Southern Nights

The pianist Sullivan Fortner, who was a big hit during the last two weeks with our guests sailing on The Jazz Cruise and Botti at Sea, has just released Southern Nights, his fifth album as a leader. 

Recorded live at the iconic Village Vanguard in NYC, the album features a wide-ranging repertoire, including tunes by Allen Toussaint and Clifford Brown, and tributes to Sullivan’s late mentor Bill Lee and Lee’s sister, the underappreciated pianist and educator Consuela Lee, as well as an original from Sullivan. Accompanied by bassist Peter Washington and drummer Marcus Gilmore, Sullivan celebrates his roots in the Crescent City.

“New Orleans is at the top of the Caribbean,” he explains. “It’s definitely not America. The Spanish and Caribbean influences run deep, and you can hear that in the music.”

LEARN MORE

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Now through February 28, or until fully reserved, promotional pricing is available on Inside Staterooms for Journey of Jazz! Make your reservation today using promo code ATSEA 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
Open Booking Now Available!

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. ALLBLK’s 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. Reserve Your Stateroom Today! 

BOOK NOW

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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! 

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Starts February 19!

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 who registered for the Pre-Sail are selecting their staterooms now, and Open Booking will begin on February 19!

LEARN MORE

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

 The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2 are in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and staterooms are more than 85% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Headline Artist Just Announced – Keith Urban

Fans of the country genre love the music that represents the simple, humble American lifestyle and they love to party. Top Shelf Country Cruise brings these ideas together on a luxury ship for one unforgettable week, February 27 – March 6, 2026! 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. Pre-Sail reservations are open now through tomorrow, February 9! Visit topshelfcountrycruise.com for more information and join the Pre-Sail today! 

LEARN MORE

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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!
Pre-Sail Reservations Accepted Until February 11!
Open Booking Begins February 28

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello and Melody Gardot will be onboard the 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. Establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail. 

LEARN MORE

Mug Shot 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: From Botti to Smooth appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

“Jazz speaks for life. The Blues tell the story of life’s difficulties.”

These words were delivered by Dr. King as a written introduction to the Berlin Jazz Festival in 1964, the same city where Jesse Owens showed the world what true greatness looks like on a track field, where one of the world’s most odious governments was based and where, for decades, a divided city was the symbol of unrest and fear for us all.

1964 proved to be an important milepost in Dr. King’s life and career as his dream of passing the Civil Rights Act was achieved for which he was heralded worldwide and became Time Magazine’s “Man of the Year.” 60 years later, the efficacy of that legislation can be debated of course, but, at that time, it was groundbreaking and significant. 
 

“Much of the power of our Freedom Movement in the United States has come from this music. It has strengthened us with its sweet rhythms when courage began to fail. It has calmed us with its rich harmonies when spirits were down.”

I have read Dr. King’s speech dozens of times. The passage above speaks to me personally. How many times have you turned to jazz to soothe your nerves, lift your spirits or simply cope? For me, the number is “countless.”

Besides being on the precipice of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we are also just days away from Signature Jazz Cruises’ annual four weeks of jazz at sea. Four weeks of great music, lovely people sharing and being inclusive in every way, and, selfishly, a time to simply take in the beauty of life through music.
 

“…they (Jazz musicians) take the hardest realities of life and put them into music, only to come out with new hope and sense of triumph.”

Not every Jazz musician has suffered or has had to overcome adversity, but, as a genre, jazz clearly reflects that struggle and that pain. In the end, those who succeed in jazz are those who climb onto the bandstand and have something relevant to say. Not just as a solo performer, but mostly as part of a group of like-minded and like-talented musicians.

Strength of the individual blended with the need to share and get along. Dr. King was talking about jazz, for sure, but, as we who love this music know, jazz is a metaphor for life and how you should conduct your life.
 

“Everybody longs for meaning. Everybody needs to love and be loved. Everybody needs to clap hands and be happy. Everybody longs for faith. In music, especially this broad category called Jazz, there is a stepping stone towards all of these.”

Whether your cause is Civil Rights, saving the environment, curing diseases or, simply providing entertainment and solace for your guests, in living your life every day, remember Dr. King’s words.

May all our actions provide the path, the stepping stones, for happiness and love. It is with great honor for our entire Signature Cruise Experiences’ family to join in the global celebrations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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.

Angelique Kidjo at Jazz House Kids Benefit in March

On March 6, the dynamic vocalist Angelique Kidjo will perform as the special guest with Christian McBride in NYC at the Ralph Pucci 9th Annual Jazz Set that benefits the Jazz House Kids organization. Kidjo, who will be sailing on Christian McBride’s World at Sea next year, is a five-time GRAMMY® winner with 16 albums to her name. Her striking voice, stage presence and fluency in multiple cultures and languages have won respect from her peers and expanded her following across national borders. Kidjo has cross-pollinated the West African traditions of her childhood in Benin with elements of American R&B, funk and jazz as well as influences from Europe and Latin America.

Held at the ultra-modern 30,000 square-foot New York City showroom and warehouse of Ralph Pucci International, the event features both performance and conversation and will be taped for The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian on SiriusXM. Past performers in this gala event which has raised almost $2 million include Sting, Norah Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Diana Krall, Laurie Anderson, Gregory Porter, John Pizzarelli and esperanza spalding. “I am so excited to join my friend Christian at the Ralph Pucci 9th Annual Jazz Set,” Angelique said. “Music unites people from across the globe, and strengthens our communities. The work that Jazz House Kids does every day exemplifies this and I am honored to support its mission.”

JANUARY 28
Official Launch of Homecoming: The Cruise

In honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his profound connection to Morehouse College and membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, in 2026 the inaugural Homecoming: The Cruise will set sail. Excellence, Education and Entertainment are the guiding themes for this cruise as we honor the importance of Historic Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the sororities and fraternities of the National Pan – Hellenic Council (NPHC), more commonly referred to as the Divine Nine organizations.

The HBCU story, along with the history of the Divine Nine Sororities and Fraternities, are providing the impetus and energy for Homecoming: The Cruise, a Signature Cruise Experiences’ cruise program that will sail in one year from now. Excellence/ Education/ Entertainment…our goal for that sailing.

The Pre-Sail Reservation Procedure ended this week and we are preparing for the Official Launch of Homecoming: The Cruise on January 28, 2025. At that time, anyone may select any available stateroom and complete a reservation for this inaugural cruise.

Whether you are interested in the program’s HBCU Scholarship Program, enjoying the entertainment of Babyface, MC Lyte, Chanté Moore, Take 6, Nephew Tommy and more, or participating in the traditional events that make Homecoming at an HBCU institution or a Divine Nine sorority or fraternity so special. 

Open Booking begins at 10 AM ET on January 28. You can call our office or complete your reservation online. To learn more, go to Homecoming: The Cruise.

Support John Clayton

Kudos to Jeff Hamilton for establishing a support system for his longtime friend and colleague, John Clayton. John and his daughter each lost everything they own in the Los Angeles wildfires. They were not the only ones, of course, but John’s connection to our music, our programs and to our lives has been, and will continue to be, very special.

Besides the fund described below, you may send support to Gail Boyd, John’s longtime manager. For more information, go to gailboyd@gailboyd.com. Signature Cruise Experiences provided support in this manner as it allows for anonymity and avoids the cost of the GoFundMe process. Please note that GoFundMe keeps 14% of the donations.

Either way, we ask that you consider supporting John now. He has earned our assistance.

SUPPORT JOHN CLAYTON

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Now through February 25, or until fully reserved, promotional pricing is available on Ocean View and Inside Staterooms for Journey of Jazz! Make your reservation today using promo code ATSEA for significant savings*! Exciting land-based concerts and excursions are also available!

*Discount applies to new reservations only. 

BOOK NOW

HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Coming Soon!

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. 

ALLBLK’s 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. Open Booking begins on January 28th! 

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! 

BOOK NOW

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.

JOIN PRE-AIL

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!

BOOK NOW

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. 

BOOK NOW

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. 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

The post OUR TAKE: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. & Jazz appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

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

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! 

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.

LEARN 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.

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: 2025 is Here. We are Ready! appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Sometimes, when we are working on our cruise programs, we view our stars without the stature and recognition that they enjoy elsewhere. We are so immersed in the trees (tasks and undertakings to make the cruises work) that we lose sight of the forest in which we reside. That forest is the international world of top talent, amazing musicians and world-renowned performers.

Earlier this year, my wife, Paula, was escorting Paquito D’Rivera and Chucho Valdes from one site to another in Miami. She described that four block walk as being part of a rock star entourage, with many, many people stopping to say hello and pay their respects. A similar reaction occurred years ago when David Sanborn joined the musicians of The Jazz Cruise for the pre-cruise meeting. The muttering of “that’s David Sanborn” resembled the “wave” that fans initiate in arenas and stadiums.

Seeing musicians that we know well and are part of our cruise programs year after year on national television and in worldwide settings is an example of the “proof is in the pudding” that our guests know and understand the significance of the entertainment they enjoy on our programs.

Jesus suggested that “a prophet has little honor in his hometown.” I doubt that is an idiom. Probably just a wise saying, but it points out the fact that let’s not forget the forest while discussing the trees.

The big picture here is that we are blessed to be able to enjoy great music, performed by the very best musicians in the world, and we have access to them that is unlike most other music genres. Next time you are fighting about the merits of fusion, the importance of smooth jazz or the current state of straight ahead jazz, just remember to realize that you are in the greatest forest in the world of music.

“Does a tree that falls in the forest when no one is there make a sound?” is not a question we need to ask in jazz. We will always be there. We will always hear those sounds. We will continue to plant and nourish our trees.

God bless our music and may everyone enjoy a very Happy and Healthy New Year!

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 and Homecoming: The Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

What Are They Doing on New Year’s Eve?

Several of our artists have made plans to perform shows tied to the welcoming of the New Year. Here’s a partial list (in alphabetical order). Our apologies for any we may have missed.

Mindi Abair
December 29-31
Loews Coronado Bay Resort, San Diego, CA

Monty Alexander
December 28-31
Blues Alley, Washington, DC

Benny Benack III
December 28-31
Black Cat, San Francisco, CA

Alonzo Bodden
December 31
Helium Comedy Club, St. Louis, MO

Chris Botti
December 28-31
The Blue Note, New York, NY

Rick Braun with Gerald Albright,
Richard Elliot and Peter White
December 30
Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, FL

Kurt Elling & SuperBlue 
December 31
The Kennedy Center, Washington, DC

Boney James
December 29-31
Yoshi’s, Oakland, CA

Gregory Porter
December 30
Dolby Theater, Hollywood, CA

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’25
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 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!

BOOK NOW

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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. 

BOOK NOW

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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 early next year, just before Botti at Sea II (’25) sails in February! Establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail. 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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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! 

BOOK NOW

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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.

BOOK NOW

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HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE
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.

BOOK NOW

Mug Shot 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: Seeing the Forest for the Trees appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Buoyed by this continued growth, last Thursday we launched Homecoming: The Cruise, our tribute to the rich history and grandeur of HBCUs and Divine Nine organizations. Yesterday was the public launch of Christian McBride’s World at Sea ’26, our newest jazz cruise program, and an homage to the vast world of jazz that Christian has created.

That we launched those sailings during the holiday season is no accident. These programs exude a reverence and aura of celebration that befits this season. Both will be joyous celebrations of inspiration, excellence, and service.

And at the heart of each program will be music, dance and camaraderie — the sacred trio of expressing joy at sea. Homecoming: The Cruise will be hosted by Debbie Allen and her husband, Norm Nixon. The music headliner will be Babyface with Chanté Moore and Take 6 joining as well. Determined to promote higher education through the HBCU system, up to $100,000 in scholarship grants will be made as part of the cruise’s activities.

For those in the know, Homecoming at an HBCU institution is a “can’t miss” event. Planned all year, the celebration includes both traditional events as well as today’s entertainment. 

When we sat down to talk to Christian McBride about the direction of his cruise, we shared with him our respect for his ability to create and perpetuate several jazz projects at the same time. Tribute to Ray Brown, Inside Straight, Christian’s Big Band, Ursa Major and others travel the globe individually and seasonally, presenting an array of jazz profiles.

Christian McBride’s World at Sea cruise will feature the amazing musicians who comprise those groups, plus top vocalists and guest musicians. Being able to see and hear virtually all of Christian’s projects at one time has never been available. The cruise format provides this rare and exciting opportunity.

Though the lineup is not final, we’re excited to share that Jose James, Cecile McLorin Salvant and Angelique Kidjo will be joining Christian and his groups.

What you may not know is that Christian is a deft DJ, operating under the moniker Brother Mister. Check him out on the cruise. And Christian is a comedy fan as well. Of course, that means the presence of Alonzo Bodden, our favorite comics, but to gild the lily, the legendary George Wallace will be onboard as well.

Soon, we will have updates on Botti at Sea ’26, which is sailing on the West Coast in Fall ’26. The lure of this new itinerary and dates for Chris’ cruise has enabled us to secure two amazing guests. Doing so with more than 650 days before sailing is a testament to Chris’ stature in the world of music and the excitement for the new program.

We have one more surprise to share, but we will leave that for the next “Our Take.” Before taking us to task for the scope of the new program, remember that embracing all forms of music can be an important bridge for fans all over the world. If this sounds ominous, it is, but all in good fun.

I will leave our year-end musings for next week’s edition as well, but, to tease that note, we at Signature Cruise Experiences had a wonderful and enjoyable year. Our core cruises were exciting. Our “pop-up” cruise featuring Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle was a hit. We expanded our programs and embarked upon a new path for the future under a new name and organization.

But most of all, we were able to provide our guests with the very best cruise experience without the restriction imposed by the Pandemic, the fear of harm to our patrons and limitations on the talent we could present. I am not sure what “back to normal” means anymore, but, let’s just say that 2024 felt good.

Hug your family and say hi to your friends this holiday season. None of us can predict the future, so enjoy what you can when you can, whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa or another holiday. This admonition holds true for a cruise vacation as well.

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 and Homecoming: The Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

Still Searching for that Perfect Holiday Gift?
Check out Holiday Prices for Journey of Jazz ’25!

Journey of Jazz ’25 is our first West Coast sailing in many years. Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter are the hosts and we are featuring an amazing lineup that includes Cecile McLorin Salvant, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Diana Krall! 

Overnighting in San Francisco allows us to visit Napa, Sonoma and have shows at SFJAZZ. This program is very special in so many ways.

Staterooms are being reserved at a record pace, but we do have more Ocean View and Inside Staterooms available than usual. We decided that this is a great opportunity to lower the prices for those staterooms significantly for holiday purchases. 

From now through January 15, 2025, the promo code HOLIDAY will open the door for you to reserve an Ocean View or Inside Stateroom and sail on our Journey of Jazz ’25.

Jazz at Sam First in LA

We’re always excited to hear about a new venue presenting jazz, so we were happy to learn about Sam First, a jazz club in LA located inexplicably near the LAX airport. Honestly, we’re a little late to this party because the club has been quietly building an audience there since 2017. In the ensuing years, the club has been a go-to spot not only for serious jazz fans but also for so many great jazz artists, many of whom have sailed with us over the years.

Their upcoming schedule of shows includes the Joe LaBarbara Quintet (January 10-11), Gilad Hekselman Trio with Ben Williams (January16-18), Edward Simon Trio (January 24-25), Larry Goldings Trio (February 14-15), Ben Allison Trio (Mar. 8), Anthony Wilson Nonet (March 21-22) and Tamir Hendelman Quartet (March 28-29). Sam First is also a record label, but more on that in a later edition of The Weekender

Jazz at Birdland in LA

We don’t need to introduce our guests and followers to Birdland Jazz in NYC, who have been a valued partner with The Jazz Cruise for many years. But we’re pleased to share with you news of the upcoming performances by so many of our artists. 

Kurt Elling returns to Birdland January 8-11 for performances with the Ulysses Owens, Jr. Big Band. Performing sets in the Birdland Theater on January 9 are Tierney Sutton and Tamir Hendelman. Two of our favorite pianists, Isaiah J. Thompson and Emmet Cohen, follow Kurt and Tierney with shows on January 12 and 13, respectively. Later than month, Dee Dee Bridgewater, another longtime favorite of our guests, will appear for four nights (January 22-25). Two more great vocalists follow in shows by Lisa Fischer (January 28 – February 1) and Catherine Russell (February 11-15), the latter coming from her week as a host of The Jazz Cruise. Her friend and frequent collaborator, John Pizzarelli will perform at Birdland for five nights (March 4-8). Tell Gianni we sent you!

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

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.

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’25
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

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!

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Reserve your Stateroom Today! 

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

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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 early next year, just before Botti at Sea II (’25) sails in February! 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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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!

BOOK NOW

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HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE
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.

JOIN 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.

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