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.

“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.

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.

Nowadays, horses are bred and trained specifically for the shorter distance of The Preakness and the longer route of the Belmont Stakes. Optimism wanes as the races move on which reduces the fields considerably. Famously, only four horses competed against Secretariat as he captured the Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown.

I know what you are thinking…when will he stop horsing around and talk about jazz. I had no idea that he was a racetrack junkie. Well, I am not a horse racing fan. Actually, I am afraid of horses and do not understand why people wait around for 30 – 45 minutes between races and wager money on animals they do not know and on jockeys they have never met.

In high school, my friends and I went to a local racetrack, snuck in with fake I.D.’s and bet on a horse called Oklahoma Miss. The bet was prompted by a lowlife we called Shooter who told us “the only way this horse loses is if he dies.” Shooter was dead on! The horse died somewhere in the back stretch. Too much “energy” was the proclaimed cause of death.

Heading for home, it is time to “shoe” horn in a jazz analogy. Just like the Kentucky Derby, lots of musicians with high hopes begin careers in jazz. They train. They workout. They have handlers and teachers. Then they play in small clubs, just like the horses run in small races. Finally, one day they have a chance to show their stuff and complete with the other young musicians who have been groomed and trained the same way. The results are always the same. There is one winner, a handful of others who showed well and a larger group of also-rans.

When it is time for the next race, The Preakness for horses, another festival or concert for the musicians, the cadre of those who did well before gather and a couple new guys are added, guys who are specialists and have trained just for this event. Finally, when you get to the big time, the Belmont Stakes or Carnegie Hall, the many have become the few. There may be a ringer or two, but, for the most part, this battle of attrition leads to one winner.

Becoming a top jazz musician is a long and difficult road. You have to fight and scrape every inch of the way. Yes, there is some luck involved, but without talent and hard work, luck will never be enough. Like I said above, I know little about horses, so I cannot discern the gleam in their eyes or the detect the burning in their hearts, but I can detect those feelings when I watch a young musician soaking up the chops of a true star. I have joked that if you wanted to have a gathering of pianists on one of our cruises, all you need to do is schedule a Brad Mehldau gig. We have to issue special talent passes when Michael McDonald sings or when Lewis Nash/Herlin Riley/Jeff Hamilton square off.

In horse racing, getting to the top is winning the Triple Crown. In jazz, it may be induction as a NEA Jazz Master. The path to that glory is the same. Many start out trying. Very few succeed.

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.

Ben Williams’ Between Church and State

A veteran of several of our cruise programs, including Botti at Sea and Blue Note at Sea, Ben Williams has just released Between Church and State, a new album in which he addresses social issues. On this follow-up to his I Am a Man recording, the bassist (who has performed or recorded with Pat Metheny, George Benson, David Sanborn, Wynton Marsalis, Robert Glasper, and Jose James) explores his family history, on both sides, and discovers the rich legacy of activism from the pulpit of the Black church to the halls of Congress (and a connection to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.). While telling his own story, he unpacks not only his personal experience as a Black man, but also explores broader issues such as spirituality, addiction/escapism, police brutality, anxiety, and afro-futurism. His fourth album as a leader, Between Church & State features Ben on upright and electric bass, as well as vocals, backed by a band of Justin Brown (drums), Brandon Coleman (keyboards), Hailey Niswanger (sax, flute, bass clarinet), Sasha Berliner (vibraphone), and Andrew Renfroe (guitar).  Among Ben’s special guests on the recording are Kamasi Washington, Chief Adjuah, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Sy Smith, and Keyon Harrold.

Where’s Alonzo?

Our comedian-in-residence Alonzo Bodden has some big shows coming up this month and next.  On May 8-9, he’ll be appearing at the prestigious Halifax Comedy Festival up in Canada.  On June 6-7, he’ll hold forth at the Comedy Bar in Toronto, followed by a show on June 8 at the Paramount Theatre in Thunder Bay.  Alonzo promises that all the shows in Canada will be tariff-free.  During June 16-22, Alonzo will be in residence at the Cellar Comedy Club at the Rio in Las Vegas. And, as always, keep an ear out for him on the popular NPR show, Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me!, on which he frequently appears as a panelist, offering up his informed and witty takes on current events.  

Music Legend Hosts a 5 Day/5 Night Super Cruise
featuring Michael McDonald and Babyface

Numbers can often tell the story. David Foster has 47 GRAMMY® nominations and 16 GRAMMY® Awards, including three awards for “Producer of the Year.”  He has been inducted in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, enshrined in both Canada’s and Hollywood’s Walk of Fame nominated three times for an Academy Award (Oscar) and won a Golden Globe.
 
His collaborations with vocalists and bands is extraordinary, creating hit songs and successful albums for Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Diana Krall, Natalie Cole, Michael Bolton, Seal, Chaka Khan, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Chicago, Hall & Oates, Brandy, ’N Sync, Boz Scaggs and Gloria Estefan.
 
Now, after two wonderful stints as a guest performer on our Chris Botti at Sea cruise, we are proud to announce that David Foster will be the host of our newest cruise program, David Foster, the Hitman Cruise. This five day / five night super cruise will sail from Ft. Lauderdale on Celebrity Summit from January 15 – 20, 2026.
 
Joining David for this amazing event are Michael McDonald, Babyface, Peter Cincotti, Take 6, Pia Toscano and, of course, Katharine McPhee.  More performers to be added soon.
 
Michael McDonald was recently a co-host with Patti LaBelle on a 4 day cruise that bore their names. Signature Cruise Experiences’ guests have begged for another top sailing that was fewer than a week. David Foster: The Hitman Cruise fills that request. 
 
This cruise will be the first sailing on a Signature Cruise Experiences’ program for both Babyface and Pia Toscano. Peter Cincotti and Katharine McPhee have sailed with us before and Take 6 has been on our cruise programs six times.
 
For more information, and to complete a Pre-Sail Reservation ahead of the open booking rush, go to the David Foster: The Hitman Cruise website and follow the prompts. As of yesterday, nearly 800 Pre-Sail Reservations have been completed, so act now.

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 May 15, 2025(*). Please use the promo code: PORTER. 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
Pre-Sail Registration Now Open!

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
Open Booking Now Available

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 ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved, but you may join the Waitlist.
  
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking and staterooms are more than 98% reserved.

BOOK NOW

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THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Open Booking Now Available

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
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. 

Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today! 

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.

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

The post Our Take: And They’re Off! appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Do numbers alone tell the story of a man? Not really, but sometimes the numbers are so astounding that you must take notice. Is Rafael Nadal the greatest clay court tennis player ever? He is 112 – 4 at Roland Garros. Frank Sinatra sold more than 95 million records! Amazing, until you hear that Elvis Presley sold 135 million records! Who knows how they measure sales today given the fractured record industry.

So, when I first heard that David Foster had been nominated for a GRAMMY® Award 47 times and won 16, I had to take a hard look at who else was so prolific and successful. 24 people have won more than David Foster, with Beyoncé leading the field with 32. In the producer/arranger/songwriter world, only Quincy Jones, John Williams and Henry Mancini have won more. As you might expect, the nomination rankings are very similar.

To me, the number of Foster’s GRAMMY® Awards, though very impressive, pales in comparison to the span of time that he was winning them. His first was in 1979. His last was in 2009 and he was nominated in 2010. Being on the hunt for glory in the music business for 30 years is astounding. Whether you count that time in years, records, pivots, or musicians, that is a serious achievement. Jack Nicklaus won his first major in 1962 and his last, famously, in 1986, making his run of excellence 24 years long. My limited knowledge of most things does not include greater spans of excellence, though the popularity of The Rolling Stones might qualify.

Foster’s span of excellence was not simply doing the same thing over and over. In his own words, he meted out his success in stages:

Again, using his own words, Foster began as a studio musician, arranger, and recording artist. That period saw some success, but it was the foundation for the full-on haymaker in his second round when he became one of the most successful songwriters and record producers in the genre. Known for an astounding array of charitable interests and contributions, David’s efforts are legendary. A good friend of mine sat on the board of Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf’s annual tennis tournament and charity in Las Vegas. He says that Foster provides his time, his ability to secure talent and his production efforts in a humble, understated and generous manner.

The Third Round is now and, thankfully for us, it includes performing with his wife, Katharine McPhee, a former runner-up on American Idol. Her run on that show was in 2006, back when I watched the show intently. That she would lose to someone who had no talent, has had no career, and has no following was a crisis of confidence back then and now. Think I am being harsh? When was the last time you played a Taylor Hicks song? I thought so!

For those who were not on Botti at Sea ’24, I have two questions and one comment. First question, why weren’t you on that amazing cruise? Second, have you heard about Katharine’s tour de force performance during which she jumped on the piano being played by David, danced among the seated guests, stood on one of the venue chairs and slid across the stage? For those who might say “So what?”, what you are missing is that the night of their performance was the bumpiest night of the entire four weeks we sailed in ’24! 

Ginger Rogers once offered that she did everything that Fred Astaire did, only she did it going backwards wearing heels. Yes, Katharine had a mean set of heels on that night as well. Our comment is a simple one. The Foster/McPhee show was one of the most memorable shows in the 25-year history of Jazz Cruises. Asking them to come back for Botti at Sea II was a no brainer. That they accepted is a great result.

We have been told that Foster/McPhee are working on a special show just for Botti at Sea II! That should not be a problem. All of their shows are special. Who knows, the show may wind up being a GRAMMY^® Award-winning album 

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

Join Us For the First Botti 250

For the past several weeks, Chris Botti and his band have been traveling in Europe performing for great crowds of his International fans. June brings him back to the U.S. for several weeks of touring! While back, Chris will be putting the final touches on Chris Botti at Sea II (’25).
 
To learn more about the cruise, join our “Botti 250” webinar at 3 pm ET on June 4, 2024, as Chris shares the latest news about our lineup (one more star to be added), special programming and more! Despite his passion for fast cars and racing, Botti 250 is not the name of an automobile race. “250” refers to the number of days between then and the sailing date of Botti at Sea II (’25).

We are counting down the days….Jazz Cruises’ staff will be on the webinar as well, ready to answer your cruise questions in real time.

STL Jazz Fest One-Day Tickets
Available Now!

1-Day tickets for STL Jazz Fest are now on sale! For details about the festival
and information on how to purchase tickets, see below: 

STL JAZZ FEST
Produced by Jazz Cruises
The Factory – Chesterfield (St. Louis) Missouri

FRIDAY AUGUST 23, 2024
Eric Marienthal Quintet, featuring Niki Haris
The Comedy of Alonzo Bodden
GREGORY PORTER

SATURDAY AUGUST 24, 2024
Mindi Abair with Eric Marienthal & Friends
The Comedy of Alonzo Bodden
BRIAN CULBERTSON

Doors 6 PM / Showtime 7 PM

Why Jazz Cruises Sails on Celebrity Cruises Millennium Class Ships

In 2017, Jazz Cruises ended a 17-year association with Holland America Line and moved its jazz programs to Celebrity Cruises. The relocation was met with skepticism by many of our long-time guests. “Change” can be a dirty word among our faithful, but so too, is “trust.” Though the guests were not thrilled with many of the appointments in the staterooms, they did recognize that the Millennium class ships of Celebrity Cruises did offer amazing venues for our music.

The Theatre (main venue) is 100% tiered and has very few sight issues. The Sky Lounge is an inviting and well laid out room for presenting and listening to music. With a full span from port to starboard, the Rendezvous Lounge is the perfect venue for smaller shows, lectures and late-night events. But, the one venue that sets these ships apart is the way we can adapt the main dining room (Metropolitan/Cosmopolitan) to become a showroom during the day and a nightclub in the evening. With its panoramic two-deck window display as the background, and its balcony that hangs over the main floor allowing folks to view the show and the audience, shows in that venue are nothing short of spectacular.

Celebrity Cruises’ place in the cruise world is unique. A recent article in the blog known as CRUISE has presented the tone of Celebrity Cruises brilliantly:

There are four ships in the Millennium Class: Infinity, Summit, Constellation, and, of course, Millennium. Each ship has 1,109 staterooms and The Theatre can accommodate half of the guests at one time. Millennium and Summit have completed the Revolution upgrade during which every stateroom was reconfigured as well as most public areas. Remarkably, though our music venues were upgraded, their usefulness to Jazz Cruises was not compromised in any way.

Great Venues + Revolution Upgrades = Perfect Ship for Jazz Cruises.

Itinerary Change for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘25.1 & ‘25.2

Due to the unrest in Haiti, Celebrity Cruises has removed Labadee from its list of ports-of-call for the near future. Though it is likely that Labadee will be available for future cruises, it will not be part of the itinerary for both The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25.1 & ’25.2.

Jazz Cruises staff has begun meeting with the Itinerary Team at Celebrity Cruises to select an alternative port-of-call. As soon as our choices are confirmed, we will let you know immediately. All other ports-of-call remain as scheduled.

Secure Your Passes for the 2nd Annual Clearwater Smooth Jazz Jam

New Album by Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin

Guitarist Lee Ritenour and keyboardist Dave Grusin, both of whom have sailed on The Smooth Jazz Cruise, have just released Brasil, a new album of contemporary Brazilian music featuring some of that country’s most notable young musicians. Recorded in São Paulo, the album includes five vocal tracks and four instrumental original compositions from Lee and Dave. Special guests include Swiss-born harmonica ace Grégoire Maret and legendary Brazilian vocalist and composer Ivan Lins, who collaborated with Lee and Dave on their GRAMMY® Award winning 1986 album Harlequin. Rounding out the talent are guitarist Celso Fonseca and vocalist Tatiana Parra. The core Brazilian contingent anchoring the rhythm section are drummer Edu Ribeiro, bassist Bruno Migotto, and percussionist Marcelo Costa. Lee announced tour dates stretching through the end of the summer. The tour kicked off on May 24 at the Jacksonville Jazz Fest and headed to the northeast before continuing on to Europe and then returning to the states in August. Dave will join Lee on select dates throughout the tour.

Jazz Cruises’ ’25 Programs

The Jazz Cruise ’25
Celebrating its 25^th Anniversary

The plans for the 25th Anniversary sailing of The Jazz Cruise ’25 are spectacular. The cruise is over 89% reserved and is currently in Open Booking, which means that now anyone may reserve any available stateroom. Staterooms with Verandas remain in inventory, along with Ocean View and Inside Staterooms.

BOOK NOW

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘25.1 & ‘25.2
Starting its 3^rd Decade

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 II
Every Night is a Night on the Town

Botti at Sea II is in the Open Booking stage and is over 60% reserved. Anyone may reserve any available stateroom either 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! 

BOOK NOW

Journey of Jazz ’25
Jazz Life at Sea & On Land 

Jazz Cruises’ newest program, Journey of Jazz ’25, hosted by Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter, has completed the Pre-Sale process and began Open Booking on April 30, 2024. Like a race car, this program as gone from 0 – 60(%) sold in the blink of an eye. 

BOOK NOW

Mug Shots of the Week

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

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

The post OUR TAKE: David Foster appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.