Happy Thanksgiving Eve! No, that is not a real thing, but it may be my favorite day/night of the year!

It starts with the office closing around 2PM, followed by an errand or two, an hour of tennis and then home for my date with Tom…Tom the turkey that is!
 
I love cooking a turkey. Tom is always a fresh bird without any injections or flavor enhancers. If Tom is to be elected to the Turkey Hall of Fame, he must avoid all Performance Enhancing Drugs. A brine, though? It is not just allowed; it is mandatory. And that’s how early Thanksgiving Eve evening is spent. Preparing that brine.
 
The latter part of the evening is for making Tom ready for his overnight brine bath. I remove the neck and the gizzards, and there is also a bit of fat trimming as well. Tom has not been introduced to Ozempic yet, so surgery is sometimes required to make him neat and tidy. This part, of course, is always undertaken later in the evening to avoid upsetting Paula, my wife, who has a significant case of Tom anxiety. Raw poultry is not part of her regimen. She does like to supervise as Tom enters the brining bag and is submerged in his herb and seasoning bath.
 
Upon waking on Thanksgiving Day, Tom is rewarded for his patience with a nice rinse and careful placement in the pan. Tom’s empty portion is stuffed with lemons and onions and he is coated with oil. A few pieces of string to properly truss Tom for roasting, and we are ready to go.
 
At this point, just like a good football game, it is all about the clock. First, when do you want to eat? Once established, you start subtracting an hour for Tom to nap post-cooking, cooking time equal to 20 minutes per pound and whatever time it takes for the oven to reach the magical temperature. The resulting number is your start time.
 
I know your next question. What do you do for the hours between cooking the brine and messing with Tom on Thanksgiving Eve evening? 

Wine and jazz. Though most wine lovers might not be caught dead drinking it, I choose the seasonal Beaujolais Nouveau. Released less than a week before Thanksgiving and aged in weeks, not years, the wine is very fruity and often harsh. Yet, it remains a tradition that I continue year after year.
 
My Thanksgiving Eves have been the same when single or married, with a crowd or by myself. The perfect Tom, the perfect wine and the perfect music was all that I needed to reflect on the blessings in my life. When my son and daughter are there, it’s even better. When Paula is there, that makes it very special indeed.
 
The next day, of course, is chaos. Cooking anxiety. Side dish timing. Massive clean-up. Thanksgiving Eve is the calm before the storm. The rise before the fall. Today and tonight are wonderful. Tomorrow? A very long 24-hour journey…though still preferable to being Tom.

Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director
Signature Cruise Experiences

Cruise Program Updates and While We Are Away Info

The offices of Signature Cruise Experiences close today around 2PM CT and will not reopen until 9AM CT on Monday, December 1. Though you cannot catch up with us by phone, you can learn about our programs, start and complete a Reservation, sign up for a Pre-Sail reservations and ask us questions – all by email (info@scecruises.com).

Keeping up with the status of our various cruise programs is challenging. We hope that this simple chart will keep you up to date. For more information about the cruises, go to www.scecruises.com.

Christian McBride’s World at Sea
Christian Returns to the Village Vanguard

December finds Christian McBride returning to perform at the Village Vanguard, first with guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel and drummer Savannah Harris (December 2-7) and then with Inside Straight (December 9-14). Christian first performed at that venerable venue as a member of Roy Hargrove’s band in 1990. In 2007, the Village Vanguard invited Christian to perform there as a leader and he recruited his former bandmate in Freddie Hubbard’s group, drummer Carl Allen, saxophonist Steve Wilson, pianist Eric Reed (who subsequently was replaced by Peter Martin) and an amazing young musical prodigy who had enrolled in McBride’s summer camp program Jazz at Aspen, Colorado, vibraphonist Warren Wolf. The group he named Inside Straight would not only go on to record numerous albums together, but also to perform at the club every year since 2009 (with the exception of 2020).

The Village Vanguard, the oldest operating jazz club in New York City, was opened in its location on 7th Avenue in 1935 by impresario Max Gordon, who initially presented folk music, comedy and beat poetry there. Eventually, in the mid-50s, it became a jazz venue, one that featured virtually every jazz great at one time or another. In November 1957, Sonny Rollins recorded the first live album from the Village Vanguard. In subsequent years, dozens of artists would release Live at The Village Vanguard recordings, including John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Art Pepper and, of course, Christian McBride.

The club’s legacy has many facets, including the list of artists who have appeared there, but also the way the music sounds in that basement venue.The pianist Fred Hersch, who has recorded numerous live albums there, said that the acoustics of the room are entirely unique. 

“With minimal amplification in there, when you play very, very quietly, it has presence throughout the entire room,” he explained. “There’s a certain kind of stillness, a kind of hush, that you don’t get anywhere else.”

The late jazz producer Orrin Keepnews recorded there for more than 25 years. “Even in the late ’50s and early ’60s, it was a very popular place,” he told JazzTimes’ Thomas Conrad. “It had a lot of things going for it, some of them accidental, like the acoustics. That odd shape really works. It’s the kind of room that can be comparatively empty and the recording sounds like it’s full. And for a nightclub, that’s quite a high ceiling. It was always a good atmosphere. Musicians liked Max Gordon. It was always a comfortable place to work, although not physically comfortable. In all those years, there was not even an attempt at a musicians’ dressing room.” Indeed, photos of artists “backstage” at the club show musicians in what is clearly a kitchen.

Notwithstanding the kitchen as dressing room, jazz artists and fans consider the venue hallowed ground. “It’s like Yankee Stadium or Madison Square Garden,” said Ron Carter, who has played and recorded there regularly for more than 50 years. “Events that take place there are, by default, more important.”     

Lee Mergner
Jazz Consultant
Signature Cruise Experiences

Jazz Cruises Conversations Podcast:
Legacies of Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson with
Cècile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner & More

This episode, from a Jazz on Film session on the Journey of Jazz cruise, features a discussion about the legacies of Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson, with guests Cècile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner and Kelly Peterson, Oscar’s widow. 

The post Jazz Notes: 11.26.25 appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

“Jazz Notes, From Vancouver“? Now, those are four words that have never been written before in this column. A large portion of the Signature Cruise Experiences’ team is either in Vancouver or on their way here in anticipation of our sailing (Journey of Jazz ’25), which starts on Friday. We arrive in Los Angeles on September 19 after stops in Victoria and an overnight in San Francisco.

It has been years since we sailed on the West Coast and it’s our first time ever sailing from Canada. It will take a minute to realize that there will be no Diamonds International or Margaritaville to visit. Somehow, Napa, Sonoma and the Golden Gate Bridge will have to do.

More to be shared next week when we will be nearing the end of the cruise. But, as always, we have a full lineup of jazz information for you.

Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director
Signature Cruise Experiences
michael@scecruises.com

In This Edition of Jazz Notes

In this edition of Jazz Notes, Executive Director, Michael Lazaroff authors this week’s Signature Cruise Experiences News. With our ’25 Cruise season ending, he focuses on our cruise programs for ’26 and ’27, including Special Cruise Prices for certain ’26 cruises.

Our jazz guru, Lee Mergner, goes in-depth with Christian McBride and Brad Mehldau on their upcoming tour and also introduces us to Nathan and Noah East, the father-son duo performing on David Foster: The Hitman Cruise. 

SIGNATURE CRUISE NEWS: 

While We Are Away Special Cruise Prices

One of the longstanding traditions of Signature Cruise Experiences is the offering of Special Cruise Prices when we are at sea. So, starting today and going through September 22, 2025, we are offering Special Cruise Prices on the following programs:

(*) Your Concierge Class reservation includes a Reserved Seat for Nightly Main Shows

And be sure to check out Best Value #1, Best Value #2 and Best Value #3! The more you sail, the more you save.

Begin ’26 with Special Cruise Prices for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Christian McBride’s World at Sea!

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise

Our ’26 Cruise season starts with the inaugural sailing of David Foster: The Hitman Cruise, a program showcasing the amazing talents of one of the most decorated and honored persons in the world of music. David’s abilities as a performer, composer, arranger, and producer have resulted in 16 GRAMMY® Awards and 47 nominations.

Among the stars joining David for the 5-day/5-night program (1.15.26 – 1.20.26) are his wife and star vocalist Katherine McPhee, Babyface, Peter Cincotti, Pia Toscano, Daniel Emmet, Morgan James and Brenna Whitaker. David’s very special guest is Michael McDonald. 

SPECIAL CRUISE PRICES: End of Summer ’25 special prices for Ocean View and Inside staterooms continue through September 22. Concierge Class Staterooms are also available in this offer. Guests reserving a Concierge Class Stateroom will also receive a Reserved Seat for the Nightly Main Shows. Use Promo Code: EOS25.

Christian McBride’s World at Sea
Sail for 7 Days/ Pay for 5 – Two Days Free!

Just a few hours after David Foster: The Hitman Cruise docks in Ft. Lauderdale on 1.20.27, another inaugural sailing launches. Christian McBride’s World at Sea will set sail for 7-days and 7-nights of Christian’s fabulous ensembles, along with the very best lineup of vocalists we have ever presented.

Imagine Ledisi, Samara Joy, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Angélique Kidjo, Melissa Walker and José James on the same ship!

SPECIAL CRUISE PRICES: We want every music fan in the world to enjoy this cruise! For the time being, we are offering staterooms for a 7-day/7-night cruise at 5-day/5-night cruise prices! Clearly, the very best value we have ever offered. Join us and enjoy Christian McBride’s World…at sea. Sail for 7 days, pay for 5 with Promo Code: EOS25.

BEST VALUE #1

12 Days/Nights of Great Music

Guests who sail on both cruises not only enjoy End of Summer ’25 Cruise Prices, but also will be provided additional benefits related to sailing for 12 days in terms of beverage packages, laundry or specialty dining. If you have previously reserved a stateroom on one of the cruises, you will receive those benefits when you add the second cruise.

The Jazz Cruise ’26 – 90% Reserved
The Jazz Cruise ’27 – Launch Update

Following the McBride cruise is The Jazz Cruise ’26, the longest sailing full-ship charter in the world. While jazz festivals all over the world, including those with legendary names and histories, are including performers outside the world of jazz, The Jazz Cruise is the standard bearer of this music.

Emmet Cohen serves as the host of The Jazz Cruise ’26 and leads a group of jazz icons: Dee Dee Bridgewater, Paquito D’Rivera, Chucho Valdés, Monty Alexander, Ron Carter, Houston Person, John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, Lewis Nash, Benny Green, Herlin Riley, a cadre of “recurring stars” that include John, Jeff, Houston, John Pizzarelli, Kurt Elling, Shelly Berg, Catherine Russell, Ken Peplowski, Wycliffe Gordon, Niki Haris and some “frequent stars” such as Anat Cohen, James Morrison, Sean Jones, Terell Stafford, Benny Benack, Veronica Swift and more.

SPECIAL CRUISE PRICES: Presenting nearly 100 jazz musicians in total, The Jazz Cruise ’26 is nearly 90% reserved and reaches fully reserved status every year, so act now. Special Cruise Prices for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms are available through September 22, 2025.

LAUNCH UPDATE: The Jazz Cruise ’27 will be announced before Thanksgiving ’25.

BEST VALUE #2

14 Days/Nights of Great Music

Guests who sail on both cruises enjoy End of Summer ’25 Cruise Prices as well as additional benefits related to sailing for 14 days in terms of beverage packages, laundry and specialty dining. If you have previously reserved a stateroom on one of the cruises, you will receive those benefits when you add the second cruise.

BEST VALUE #3

16 Days/Nights of Great Music
The Jazz Trifecta

All three sailings are on Celebrity Summit, begin and end in Ft. Lauderdale and feature world class entertainment from morning to afternoon to night. If you were to sail on all three programs, in just 19 days you will have seen and heard the following:

David Foster • Michael McDonald • Babyface
Katharine McPhee • Take 6 • Peter Cincotti
Christian McBride • Ledisi • Samara Joy
Cécile McLorin Salvant • Dee Dee Bridgewater
Paquito D’Rivera • Chucho Valdés • Kurt Elling
& More than 200 other musicians and vocalists

The Cruise Price for the Jazz Trifecta will depend upon many factors (cruise history, current reservations, stateroom category, etc.). Each opportunity is different, so contacting the office (888.852.9987) is the only way to learn what the Cruise Price will be. We do promise, however, that if you are sailing for 19 days, we will make sure that you have a great time and an even better Cruise Price.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise
‘26.1/’26.2/’26.3/’27.1/’27.2/’27.3

A lot to talk about on The Smooth Jazz Cruise front. Taking them in order, The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1 & ’26.2 are fully reserved. Cancellations do create availability which is filled from the 3,000 guests on the Waitlist.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3, sailing September 11 – 18, 2026, mirrors the itinerary that Journey of Jazz ’25 will be using next week and is nearly 90% reserved, despite being more than a year out! Still, staterooms are available!

Last week featured the launch of The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.1 & ’27.2. Guests on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1 & ’26.2 have until November 26, 2025, to rebook their current stateroom. Those who are not sailing in ’26 may complete a Pre-Sail Reservation now. Doing so establishes their priority to select a stateroom after the November 26, 2025 deadline.

Information about The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.3 will be presented later this year. Completing that rundown was quicker than anticipated.

Botti at Sea III
’26

The complete lineup for Chris Botti at Sea III has been announced and it is spectacular! Joining international star trumpeter Chris Botti are three international superstar talents, each one instantly recognizable and beloved:
 

• Elvis Costello
• Boz Scaggs
• Melody Gardot
  

The lineup also includes Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle, John Splithoff, Candy Dulfer, Emmet Cohen, Morgan James, Wycliffe Gordon, Terell Stafford, Taylor Eigsti, Reuben Rogers, Herlin Riley and more.

This program is in Open Booking and, though it sails more than a year from now, the cruise is filling up fast. Stay tuned for more information about the fabulous excursions that will be offered when Botti at Sea III docks in Victoria, BC and overnights in San Francisco.

Christian McBride & Brad Mehldau On Tour

Throughout October, Christian McBride will be touring the U.S. in a duo with his longtime friend and bandmate Brad Mehldau. The two first played together as members of Joshua Redman’s quartet in the early 90s. That band, which includes Brian Blade on drums, would reunite several times over the next three decades for both recordings and tours, while each of the members established their own formidable careers as band leaders. Among that quartet’s highly acclaimed recordings together are MoodSwing (1994), RoundAgain (2020), and LongGone (2023).

“Brad is justifiably revered as one of the greatest pianists of all time,” Christian says.“I’m very proud to have been friends and cohorts with him for almost 35 years. He was one of the first people I met when I moved to NYC in 1989, and it continues to be an uplifting experience every time we play together.” For the record, Christian often rocks his Philadelphia Eagles jersey with the number 89, which is not in celebration of either Eagles players Calvin Williams or Chad Lewis, but rather as a remembrance of his entry into the New York City jazz scene.

Brad arrived on the New York City jazz scene a little earlier in the ’80s and spent a few years just absorbing the incredible music being made on a nightly basis there. He was just 20 years old in 1990 when he found himself in what he called jazz heaven. 

“I moved from St. Mark’s Place into a studio apartment on Jones Street in the West Village, smack in the middle of jazz heaven,” he wrote in his memoir. “Surrounding me within several blocks were blue-chip jazz clubs: the Village Vanguard, Sweet Basil, the 55 Bar, the Blue Note and the Village Gate. And Visiones, Bradley’s, Fat Tuesdays, Condon’s and the Knitting Factory were only a ten-minute walk away as well. There was so much great music around me every night. Often, there were tough decisions to make. Pianists Tommy Flanagan, Cedar Walton, Kenny Barron, Barry Harris and Hank Jones were all titans, at the top of my list.”

Of course, he would channel all of that into his own music, but he found a kinship with Christian during those halcyon days and he’s grateful to rekindle that connection during this tour. “It is a dream come true to play with Christian in this duo setting” Brad says. “Playing with Christian, especially in this configuration, is both joyful and daunting all at once. His level of sophistication and swing, of emotional power and grace, is unsurpassed – not in the least on what he has achieved on his instrument, but also as one of our strongest voices in the music more generally, at the top of his game. I’m so honored to be on stage with him.”

During a recent sailing of The Jazz Cruise, the two performed together, along with vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant, in shows that illustrate the unique aspects of our cruises. Specifically, one-of-a-kind collaborations that you’ll only find on our cruise programs at sea.

But throughout October you can catch Christian and Brad at any number of theaters across the country, starting with The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center in College Park, MD (outside Washington, DC) on October 2, ending with the Brendel Recital Hall in Winston Salem, NC on October 21. Among the cities where they’ll be playing in between those dates are: Boston, Kansas City, Chicago, Minneapolis, Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Catch them if you can.

– Lee Mergner

Nathan and Noah East: A Family Affair

Even if you don’t recognize his name, you have been hearing him all your life. That’s because bassist Nathan East has played with a virtual who’s who of American popular music, including Phil Collins, Kenny Loggins, Van Morrison, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and, most notably, Eric Clapton with whom he’s played for more than 40 years and who said about Nathan, “He’s the most supportive and caring musician I’ve met.” In fact, Nathan – along with Leland Sklar, Carol Kaye and Ron Carter – is one of the most recorded bassists in history. A founding member of the contemporary jazz super group Fourplay, Nathan is a jazz guy too, having also played with Stanley Turrentine, Al Jarreau, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and other legends.

Born in Philadelphia as one of eight children, Nathan’s family moved to San Diego when he was four. He was just 14 when he started playing around town with a local funk band called Power who were soon picked up by Barry White to tour as his backing band. Nathan was just 16. He soon became a first-call musician for both recordings and tours and hasn’t looked back since.

Among the many huge hits he’s played on include Collins and Philip Bailey’s “Easy Lover” (which East co-wrote), Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” and “Change the World,” Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky,” Anita Baker’s “Giving You The Best That I Got,” Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose,” Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love For You” and Michael Jackson’s “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You.” 

Earlier this year Nathan collaborated with his 24-year-old son Noah, a keyboardist and vocalist, to release the appropriately named Father Son. Together they perform original compositions, as well as jazz classics and a reimagining of the Beatles‘ hit “Yesterday.” The two are joined by special guests Clapton, Hubert Laws, Seiko Matsuda, Merry Clayton, Billy Valentine and others.

“As a father, you try to lead by example,” Nathan says. “Noah showed extraordinary talent from an early age and it’s been a joy to watch him grow into a sought-after artist in his own right. I couldn’t be more proud of the musician and person he has become and this album is truly a dream come true.”

The process has been equally special for Noah. “Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to witness my dad’s career up close,” he explained. “Growing up around so many different amazing musicians has provided me with a rich musical background, which has immensely shaped my playing. Recording this album together is an experience I will cherish forever.”

We’re looking forward to hearing Nathan and Noah perform songs from this project during the David Foster Hitman Cruise in January.  

– Lee Mergner

Signature Cruise Experiences Programs

’25 CRUISES

Journey of Jazz ’25
9.12.25 – 9.19.25

’26 CRUISES

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise
1.15.26 – 1.20.26

Christian McBride’s World at Sea
1.20.26 – 1.27.26

The Jazz Cruise
1.27.26 – 2.3.26

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1
2.3.26 – 2.10.26

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.2
2.10.26 – 2.17.26

Top Shelf Country Cruise ‘26
2.27.26 – 3.6.26

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3
9.11.26 – 9.18.26

Botti at Sea III
9.18.26 – 9.25.26

’27 CRUISES

Journey of Jazz ’27
1.24.27 – 1.31.27

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.1
1.31.27 – 2.7.27

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.2
2.7.27 – 2.14.27

The post Jazz Notes 9.10.25 appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

The year was 1954. Elaine and Louis Lorillard hired pianist George Wein to create a “family-friendly seaside jazz event.” Reacting to their disdain of the dreary world of jazz clubs, they sought to bring our music to the open air!    

The Lorillard’s had the money and the love of jazz, and George had the guile and ingenuity to pull it off. His brilliant stroke was the decision to advertise the musicians almost equally, as a group, creating what is now known as “festival style billing.”

The location was the Newport Casino tennis stadium. First billed as the American Jazz Festival, the event featured Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Gerry Mulligan, Milt Jackson, Errol Garner and more!

In 1955, the event moved to a larger park and assumed its current moniker, “Newport Jazz Festival.” George would go on to create similar festivals all over the world and rightfully be known as the founder/creator of the music festival.

In reviewing this story, I am struck by the overlaps in my own life. The jazz festival part is obvious, but I wound up going to college in Rhode Island, loving both jazz and tennis, and, most importantly, being tutored in the art of music events by George.

I have shared this before, but George performed on The Jazz Cruise, our first program, and loved the concept of jazz on a ship. He was free with his comments and suggestions and I was willing to listen to them all. We had different views on some issues, mainly because a festival guest’s commitment and expectations are different from a cruise guest.

In our case, a guest is “living, dining and being” with us for an entire week. If something is not to their liking, they do not have the opportunity to get in their car and leave. We must make it work for everyone.

There is a similar dichotomy with respect to the compensation and arrangements for the musicians. George ruled the festivals with an iron hand and a rather tight fist. Our plan is different, probably for the same reasons for our commitment to our guests. A festival musician arrives, performs departs. A cruise musician spends 7 days/7 nights/21 meals with us.

As I said earlier, George loved the cruise and tried to work out a way for us to incorporate a cruise with the Newport Jazz Festival. The idea was for the cruise ship to provide much needed “rooms” for festival guests. We would add either a pre- or post-festival element to make the cruise more appealing.  

Did we succeed in doing so? No. The governing bodies of Narragansett Bay nixed the idea of a cruise ship hanging around for 7 days. They were not concerned about what was going to happen in or on the ship. It was a case of what would come “out” of the ship every day.

If anyone needs a better explanation, please email me! I am leaving the rest of the festival story to Lee Mergner, including his take on the amazing job that Christian McBride, our host of Christian McBride’s World at Sea, does as the Music Director of the Newport Jazz Festival.

No one does jazz better than Christian McBride.

Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director
Signature Cruise Experiences
michael@scecruises.com

Xmas in August Cruise Prices for Christian McBride’s World at Sea

Jazz Fans from all over are raving about Christian McBride’s World at Sea! 9X GRAMMY® Winner Christian McBride is bringing together many of his world renowned ensembles with a virtual treasure trove of top vocalists.

Can any event vocalist lineup top Ledisi, Samara Joy, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Melissa Walker, José James and Angélique Kidjo? Making this cruise available to the entire jazz world was part of Christian’s mission from the start. Given the support of the cruise, he has decided to continue the Christmas in July Offers through Labor Day. Use Promo Code: XMAS.

Christian has also expanded the staterooms available for the offer beyond the original selections. As Christian would say, “check this out!”

Lee Mergner at the Newport Jazz Festival

The Top Ten Things
I Love About the Newport Jazz Festival

I’ve been going to the Newport Jazz Festival for almost three two decades now – initially as a fan, then later on behalf of JazzTimes as a marketing partner and for the last ten years as a temp employee in media relations. That’s why Michael asked me to write about this year’s three-day event which happened the past weekend. He also knew that I could share how our cruise programs have much in common with this storied festival. I decided to put my reflections into the form of a Top Ten list, ala ‘80s era David Letterman.

10. The Setting
The festival is held on the grounds of Fort Adams, built in 1841 at the mouth of the Newport Harbor and the Narragansett Bay. The grounds offers grand views and a natural setting, while the long circular stone fort enables the festival to use three large stages that can present live performances whose sound doesn’t bleed. The Fort Stage is the largest venue and the most iconic as it looks out onto the Bay that, beyond the field of thousands of listeners, hosts probably another few hundred fans in boats of all sizes, meaning they didn’t pay for tickets but they paid in full for their ride. During day-ending sets by artists like The Roots, Janelle Monae and Jacob Collier you could see those loaded freeloaders getting down. Inside the fort is the Quad Stage, which has a large tent and expansive grounds that allows for listening in seats or dancing on the grass. Going through a tunnel, you then come upon the Harbor Stage, which ended up hosting many jazz artists associated with SCE, including Emmet Cohen, Etienne Charles and Tyreek McDole.

9. The Weather
For just about anyone sweating through a 100-degree summer, finding the cooler and less humid climate of the renowned seaside town was a welcome respite. Thunderstorms do come and go, but this year’s festival featured dry and glorious weather in the ’70s and low ’80s, along with cool breezes. For our part, we’re so grateful that our concerts during the cruises are held indoors, except for the occasional pool party, so that we don’t depend on good weather for crowd comfort.

8. The Food
Every jazz festival has the usual choices from their food vendors – BBQ, pokey bowls, pizza, burgers, fries, cheesesteaks, ice cream, et al. But I don’t know of any that have the famous Matunuck Oyster Bar on-site offering lobster rolls and freshly shucked oysters. When in New England…

7. The Merch
In addition to all the food vendors ringing the grounds, there are also a host of arts & crafts folks, which has been a long tradition at the festival. Then there’s the jazz merch, with the festival selling all sorts of t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and other apparel. Walking around the grounds, you see fans sporting shirts from festivals of yore, just like on our cruises, where you’re sure to spot a T-shirt from the inaugural sailing of either The Jazz Cruise or The Smooth Jazz Cruise.

6. The Diversity
I’m talking here not just about the music, which featured a wide cross-section of jazz and “jazz-adjacent” genres, but also about the audience, which included a diverse cross-section of age, gender and race. You were as likely to see seniors as kids in baby carriages, sometimes with the former pushing the latter. As anyone who goes to a lot of jazz concerts can tell you, that is an unusual but welcome sight.

5. The Community
This aspect is yet another commonality with our cruise programs. Throughout the three days, there was a real sense of community amongst the attendees, who treat the festival as an opportunity to reconnect and share the experience with family and friends. The same goes for the artists, who come to each other’s performances to listen and applaud. I saw the popular pianist Hiromi, who was headlining the last day at the Harbor stage, come out from her dressing room trailer to sit side-stage and watch Emmet Cohen play with his trio featuring Yasushi Nakamura and Joe Farnsworth. As Emmet came off the stage, she was the first person to congratulate and hug him (there would be others). Emmet in turn raced over to the Quad stage to see Nakamura play with his friends Cécile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner and Kyle Poole. The same day that Questlove headlined with The Roots, he played on a secondary stage with the Philadelphia Experiment with his lifelong friend Christian McBride. It’s the sense of close camaraderie that we see from the artists on our cruises year after year.

4. The Signs
Jazz fans who have attended JazzFest in New Orleans, the Saratoga Jazz Festival, the Montclair Jazz Festival or any number of jazz and music festivals across the country will surely recognize the ubiquitous signage that’s everywhere. Written in bold colors with a distinct hand-drawn font, the signs of Nan Parati comprise a special treat for festival-goers. For JazzFest, the largest of the bunch, she makes about 3,000 of them. For Newport, that number is closer to 1,000, but still impressive. She also applies her clever wit to the messaging, so that folks are always taking pictures of the signs. Below is an example of one she made for me in order to quietly let the accredited photographers know to leave the photo pit, and another for my wife Irene who runs the media hospitality tent. I’m keeping both for annoying house guests.

3. The Production
Just like with our cruises, Newport Jazz takes advantage of going back-to-back, in its case following the famous Newport Folk Festival held on the previous weekend, enabling them to use the same backline of sound equipment. In addition, they have retained the same A-list of production people who have done it for many years, ensuring a glitch-less production that runs on time. Good sound and punctuality truly matter to serious jazz and music fans.

2. The Discoveries
Of course, the music itself matters, and it’s a given that Newport Jazz always endeavors to present some of the most popular and acclaimed artists on the jazz scene, this year including musicians very familiar to our guests such as Dianne Reeves, Ron Carter, Marcus Miller, Terence Blanchard and esperanza spalding. But as we have learned in programming our jazz cruises, audiences also relish discovering new and emerging artists. For my part, I enjoyed seeing a full set by vocalist Ekep Nkwelle, who combines incredible vocal chops with a deep respect for the jazz tradition. Tyreek McDole, who has sailed with us as a member of the Jazz House All-Stars, is another singer who made an auspicious Newport debut. The powerful organ trio Parlor Greens knocked out the crowd, me included, with a funky and electric set, on Sunday morning no less. Those are just three examples of seeing musicians who represent the bright future of jazz. The festival further acknowledged the importance of introducing new artists by presenting a Friday night concert in town called Jazz Futures, featuring Christian along with numerous up-and-coming talents.

1. The Host
Speaking of the artistic director, throughout this year’s Newport Jazz Festival, Christian’s charismatic presence loomed large. He seemed to be everywhere – introducing sets, participating in workshops, doing press interviews, talking with both fans and artists and of course, performing on both acoustic and electric bass. In addition to the funky set by the Philadelphia Experiment, Christian presented a dynamic set by his big band, along with special guests Cécile McLorin Salvant and Jeffrey Osborne, two of the many vocalists appearing on his upcoming album, Without Further Ado, Vol. 1, coming out on August 29. But it’s in his role as the host of the festival that Christian really shines, setting a ton of warmth and inclusiveness all day, every day. He should host a cruise. Yes, indeed.

– Lee Mergner

The post Jazz Notes: 8.6.25 appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

David Sanborn shared his daily practice regimen with me once. I was exhausted just listening to it. It began with fundamentals, moved to what he called exercises and then proceeded to encompass however many genres of music he felt was necessary to feel accomplished. Cruise host, Chris Botti, is famous for his rigorous practice routine, as is the amazing Arturo Sandoval. Our Music Director, Eric Marienthal, is so obsessed with practicing that he has been known to put himself on mute during our conference calls while he plays his saxophone.

I have asked Dave Weckl, Jeff Hamilton, Herlin Riley and Lewis Nash to share their drum practice routines with me. They each lost me when they said “…and for the second hour, I do….”. I was looking for the 15–20 minute daily routine that would elevate my drumming to a professional level. Not so much!

At that point I could hear Andy Maloney saying to me, between sips of buttermilk to ease his ulcer, “you need to practice more or you will be wasting your parents’ money.” He was right! $5/hour in 1957 was a lot of money!

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.

Samara Joy & the Christian McBride Big Band

On July 30, Mack Avenue released a single featuring guest star vocalist Samara Joy performing the jazz standard “Old Folks” with the Christian McBride Big Band. This track is the second single from Christian’s upcoming release Without Further Ado, Vol 1, a new album featuring his big band and an all-star cast of special guests, including Joy, Ledisi, Angélique Kidjo, Sting, Andy Summers, Jeffrey Osborne, José James, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Dianne Reeves and Antoinette Henry, several of whom will also perform with Christian during McBride’s World at Sea.

The album will be released on August 29. On Sunday, the big band, along with some surprise guests, will perform at the Newport Jazz Festival.

LEARN MORE

Kurt Elling Joins Hadestown Cast

Starting on September 2, Kurt Elling will be joining the cast of Hadestown, the hit Broadway musical written by singer-songwriter Anais Mitchell. Kurt will take over the role of the Greek god Hermes, which is currently being played by Tony Award nominee Daniel Breaker. The musical, which debuted six years ago, has won eight Tony awards, including one for Best Musical.

“Just as at the rarified banquet table of the jazz family, people in the Broadway world have given their lives and sacrificed in a million ways to earn a seat,” Kurt told us.

“And here I come. Certainly having earned my little perch or pulpit, but owing it to them, to the craft, to opportunity in front of me, and to the show itself to come in hot and ready to work. It is a thrill to step into a wholly new creative circle. I am excited about connecting to, collaborating with, and learning from whole constellations of artists that are unknown to me at this time.”

Upcoming Webinars

Whether you’re counting down the days to your next adventure or just daydreaming about ocean breezes and island escapes, we have upcoming cruise webinars for almost everyone. Get insider tips if you’re already booked, explore destinations and excursions if you’re still browsing or simply join us to be in the virtual presence of some of our cruise superstars. 

Botti at Sea: Live Lineup Reveal

Set your sights on the horizon! While we may be a year away from embarkation, there’s already plenty of exciting news to share about Botti at Sea III (‘26). 

Join Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of Signature Cruise Experiences, and the SCE team for an exclusive webinar filled with the latest updates – including an expanded artist lineup, special excursion details, programming previews and more. 

Plus, enjoy a special appearance from Chris Botti, stopping by to share in the excitement! Whether you’re already booked or considering joining us, this is your chance to get a first look at what’s in store for this unforgettable musical journey at sea. 

DATE: AUGUST 6, 2025
TIME: 3:00 PM ET

Christian McBride World at Sea: Livestream

Back in April, Christian McBride hosted a livestream to cover all the ins and outs of Christian McBride’s World at Sea. The event was so much fun that Christian wants to do it all over again! So, as we draw closer and closer to embarkation day, we hope you’ll join us for another Christian McBride’s World at Sea Livestream event! Plus, word on the street is that Christian will be welcoming a special guest. Who will it be? Sign up to find out!

DATE: AUGUST 11, 2025
TIME: 2:00 PM ET

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Connect

Join us for programing insights, cruise news and more can’t miss information about David Foster: The Hitman Cruise! Plus, hear from The Hitman himself, David Foster, his wife, Katharine McPhee and more of the stars of David Foster: The Hitman Cruise.

Connect with us on August 13!

DATE: AUGUST 13, 2025
TIME: 3:00 PM ET

Journey of Jazz: Get Ready Webinar

Now that Celebrity’s Mobile App Check-In for Journey of Jazz is open, we know many of you are ready to dive into Check-In and the Pre-Cruise Planner. We’re here to help! 

Join us as we walk through important last-minute reminders, share helpful tips, and answer your questions in real time. This is your opportunity to hear the latest updates and get the clarity you need for smooth sailing.

DATE: AUGUST 14, 2025
TIME: 3:00 PM ET

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025

Cruise Programs – 2026

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

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

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise will deliver five incredible days and nights of five-star entertainment, all centered around the music and career of 16-time GRAMMY® winner David Foster. Michael McDonald, Babyface, Katharine McPhee and other preeminent talents will join us aboard. 

Open Booking has begun and staterooms are already moving fast! Act soon to reserve your stateroom of choice. 

BOOK NOW

Christian McBride’s World at Sea
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Open Booking has begun! Special Christmas in August pricing available on ALL remaining staterooms beginning August 8. 

BOOK NOW

The Jazz Cruise ’26
is in Open booking

The Jazz Cruise ’26 will be sold out before you know it. It happens every year since 2001. Book Now to secure your place on the Greatest Jazz Festival in the World.

BOOK NOW

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 and‘26.2 are Fully Reserved

Of course, you may join the Waitlist. Or, if you’d prefer to sail the West Coast this fall (two novel concepts for this program), consider joining us on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3. 

BOOK NOW

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

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 85% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

Botti at Sea ’26
is in Open Booking

On August 6, the full lineup of artists and excursions will be announced. Though the cruise is more than a year away, staterooms are being reserved at a record clip. Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

Journey of Jazz ’25 is Fully Reserved

Journey of Jazz is now fully reserved. All cancellations will be filled through the Waitlist. 

JOIN WAITLIST

The post Our Take: How Do You Get To Birdland? appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christian McBride’s World at Sea

Join Christian for his First Ever “Cruise” Lowdown Livestream

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

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

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

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

Jeff Hamilton Organ Trio’s Coast to Coast

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

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

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

LEARN MORE

Berks Jazz Fest Wine Reception with Mindi Abair

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

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

WINE RECEPTION RSVP

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025

Cruise Programs – 2026

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

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

BOOK NOW

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HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Join us for a celebration of HBCUs and inspired by the tradition of the Divine Nine Challenge from recent sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Sailing January 15 – 20, 2026 (including MLK Day), this cruise will deliver Excellence, Education and Entertainment. For the best available prices on all Stateroom Categories, use Promo Code HTC during the booking process. Reserve Your Stateroom Today! 

BOOK NOW

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

9X GRAMMY® winner Christian McBride will host our newest Signature Jazz Cruises’ program, Christian McBride’s World at Sea! The cruise will feature legions of musicians who comprise the various ensembles that are the hallmarks of Christian’s music world AND first-class comedy talent. See the full lineup here! Open Booking has begun! Right now, special pricing is available for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms*. To save, use the promo code CMW during the reservation process. *Discount applies to new reservations only.

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Now Available

Hailed as “Jazz Heaven” by musicians and guests alike, The Jazz Cruise ’26 lineup will feature some of the most iconic musicians from the straight-ahead jazz genre. See the full lineup here. The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when!

BOOK NOW

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

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

BOOK NOW

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THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Open Booking Now Available

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

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Open Booking Now Available

For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast, embarking in Vancouver, sailing to Victoria and San Francisco before disembarking in Los Angeles. Exciting land excursions will be available in the ports-of-call! The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. 

BOOK NOW

BOTTI AT SEA’26
Open Booking Now Available

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

BOOK NOW

Send us Your Mug Shots

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

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

Mug Shots of the Week

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

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

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

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

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

For more information about Berks Jazz Fest:

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

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

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

Berks Sails on Journey of Jazz

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

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

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

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

One Last (Albeit, Reluctant) Note

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jazz at Lincoln Center Concerts

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

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

SFJazz Concerts

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

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

Stateroom Availability

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

Cruise Programs 2025

Cruise Programs 2026

Hot Offers

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

Signature Cruise Experiences ‘ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

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

*Discount applies to new reservations only. 

BOOK NOW

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HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Join us for a celebration of HBCUs and inspired by the tradition of the Divine Nine Challenge from recent sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Sailing January 15 – 20, 2026 (including MLK Day), this cruise will deliver Excellence, Education and Entertainment. 

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

Reserve Your Stateroom Today! 

BOOK NOW

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

9X GRAMMY® winner Christian McBride will host our newest Signature Jazz Cruises’ program, Christian McBride’s World at Sea! The cruise will feature legions of musicians who comprise the various ensembles that are the hallmarks of Christian’s music world AND first-class comedy talent. See the full lineup here!

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

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Now Available

Hailed as “Jazz Heaven” by musicians and guests alike, The Jazz Cruise ’26 lineup will feature some of the most iconic musicians from the straight-ahead jazz genre. See the full lineup here. 

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

BOOK NOW

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

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

Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Open Booking Now Available

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

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

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Open Booking Now Available

For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast, embarking in Vancouver, sailing to Victoria and San Francisco before disembarking in Los Angeles. Exciting land excursions will be available in the ports-of-call!

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. 

BOOK NOW

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

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

Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today! 

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Send Us Your Mug Shots

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

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

Mug Shot of the Week

Jon & Joycelyn R.
Virginia

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

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

“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. 

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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! 

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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!

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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. 

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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 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.

New Music

Two artists who have sailed on several of our programs have just released new albums. We hope you will give them a listen.

Etienne Charles’ Creole Orchestra

With Creole Orchestra, his 10th album as a leader and first for a large ensemble, trumpeter/composer/arranger (and Trinidad native) Etienne Charles delivers a mix of creole flavors, channeling a cross section of energies from reggae and soca dancehalls to hip-hop and then back in time to the swinging days of the Savoy Ballroom. Showcased on the new album are the Haitian-American rhythm section tandem of drummer Obed Calvaire and bassist Jonathan Michel, as well as pianist Sullivan Fortner, trumpeter Giveton Gelin, saxophonist Godwin Louis, and cuatro maestro Jorge Glem. Vocalist Rene Marie makes a guest star appearance on three tracks, including two of her own compositions.

The history of big band influence in the Caribbean stems from the establishment of two U.S. naval bases on Trinidad during World War II. Along with the military bases came Trinidad’s first radio station, “and the music played was big band music, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington,” said Etienne. “You immediately started hearing mini-big band arrangements mimicking the Ellington and Miller styles on Trinidadian calypso recordings.” 

Matt Wilson’s Good Trouble

Also released this week was drummer/composer Matt Wilson’s latest album which celebrates the legacy of John Lewis. Standing on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama 55 years to the day after he was nearly killed while marching for Civil Rights, Congressman John Lewis urged the crowd to, “Speak up, speak out, get in the way. Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.” Those words have inspired countless Americans in the last few years, Wilson among them.

“I tend to think about what we do as musicians as ‘good trouble,’” Wilson says. “We want to be provocative, we want to make statements, we want to open doors for people. Representative Lewis’ words inspire people to do what they can do from where they are. I’m not an elected official, but there are things we can do with just good deeds.” That mission drives the music on Good Trouble, which also debuts a new quintet, also christened Good Trouble, which features a blend of longtime collaborators and new acquaintances: alto saxophonist Tia Fuller, tenor saxophonist and clarinetist Jeff Lederer, pianist and vocalist Dawn Clement and bassist Ben Allison.

Jazz Cruises’ ’25 Programs

The Jazz Cruise ’25
Celebrating its 25^th Anniversary
The Last 90 Staterooms…Act Now!

The plans for the 25th Anniversary sailing of The Jazz Cruise ’25 are spectacular. The cruise is over 92% reserved and is currently in Open Booking, which means that anyone may reserve any available stateroom. The remaining inventory, totaling 90+ staterooms, includes Veranda, Ocean View and Inside Staterooms.

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘25.1 & ‘25.2
Starting its 3^rd Decade
Both Sailings Fully Reserved

With both sailings being fully reserved, guests wishing to sail on a ’25 sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise should JOIN WAITLIST now. Cancellations will be filled exclusively from the WAITLIST. WAITLIST guests qualify for special terms when reserving a stateroom on The Jazz Cruise ’25 or Botti at Sea II.

JOIN WAITLIST

Botti at Sea ’25
Every Night is a Night on the Town
New Performer – Diana Krall!

Botti at Sea II is over 65% reserved. Anyone may reserve an available stateroom by calling the office during regular business hours or doing so online. It was this time last year that there was a “run” on staterooms, so act now! Diana Krall just added to the lineup! 

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Journey of Jazz ’25
Jazz Life at Sea & On Land 
Reserve Now – Land Events Menu Soon 

Jazz Cruises’ newest program, Journey of Jazz, hosted by Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter, is in Open Booking. Though not sailing for 15 months, the cruise is more than 65% reserved. Menu of land-based events in Victoria and San Francisco to be announced in late July! Reserve your stateroom now to be eligible for events at that time. 

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Mug Shots of the Week

Guests on the ’24 jazz cruises received The Weekender mug, which we hope you will use with your Saturday morning coffee while you read the latest edition. Please share a picture of yourself & your mug with us so that we can include it for the 100,000+ folks who receive The Weekender each Saturday.

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

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