EASTER Archives - Signature Cruise Experiences https://scecruises.com/tag/easter/ The Gold Standard for Charter Theme Cruises Since 2001 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:07:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://scecruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cropped-web-app-manifest-512x512-1-32x32.png EASTER Archives - Signature Cruise Experiences https://scecruises.com/tag/easter/ 32 32 Our Take: I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket https://scecruises.com/2026/04/04/our-take-im-putting-all-my-eggs-in-one-basket/ Sat, 04 Apr 2026 04:06:00 +0000 https://scecruises.com/?p=10098 Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. I spent some time this week researching jazz tunes that have an Easter theme or connection. Irving Berlin’s “I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket” popped up. The history of the tune and the common meaning of this idiom drew my attention immediately. First introduced by Fred Astaire and Ginger […]

The post Our Take: I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

]]> Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. I spent some time this week researching jazz tunes that have an Easter theme or connection. Irving Berlin’s “I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket” popped up. The history of the tune and the common meaning of this idiom drew my attention immediately.

First introduced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in the 1936 musical comedy film Follow the Fleet, the song took a decidedly jazzy turn when Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong created their version. Fred and Ginger. Ella and Louis. One of the earliest examples of “first name only” recognition.

Leaning into the Easter theme for the song was easily done and, at that level, the song can be placed in the “fun” and “whimsical” categories. Nothing wrong with that. We can always use some laughter and smiles. But when I hear the words “Putting All My Eggs in One Basket” other thoughts come to mind.

Depending upon the circumstances, the phrase is apt for one’s total commitment to a cause, a goal or an objective. This pursuit can be laudatory. Watching someone pursue a dream with all their heart and soul is inspirational and to be admired.

But, at what point does “putting all my eggs in one basket” become dangerous, even delusional? Don Quixote wanted to spend his life righting wrongs. That is all that mattered to him. His passion led to his false belief that he was a knight. Not being able to live up to that pursuit, Don Quixote lived a life that was unfulfilled.

Recently, in various ways, I have spent time with young jazz musicians. One of the most gratifying and fascinating undertakings of our new Signature Cruise Experiences Foundation is our dedication to supporting these dedicated performers in the pursuit of their dream, that being a full time jazz musician.

That is the goal. To earn a living playing music and to play the type of music that they love. Many know that teaching and other music related duties may be required to support their pursuit, but most of them hope that the ratio of performing and other music pursuits is heavily in favor of being on the bandstand.

These young artists are “Putting All [Their] Eggs in One Basket.” How long they continue “tilting at windmills” will depend on luck, persistence and the ability to survive. For every Samara Joy and ​Patrick Bartley, there are hundreds of talented jazz performers who find their pursuit to be “The Impossible Dream.” While they are tilting at those windmills and keeping those baskets full, it will be the mission of Signature Cruise Experiences Foundation to help them stay with that dream as long as possible, to help them to reach “the unreachable stars.” “And the world will be better for it.” 

We will be releasing more information about the newly-formed Signature Cruise Experiences Foundation in the coming weeks. We look forward to sharing this vision and the stories and music it creates. We may not impact the world, but we will help young musicians.

I apologize to those who wanted to know more about the relationship of jazz and Easter. Maybe next year we will explore that topic in more depth. Though, perhaps the plight of young musicians, their solemn devotion to what they believe, their pursuit of excellence and the sacrifices they make along the way may, in some ways, echo themes found in the Easter story.

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

Jazz Appreciation Month

SCE Artists on Jazz

In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, we asked 30 artists who sail on our programs what jazz means to them. We’ll be posting a new one to our social media pages every day in April. You can read each artist’s entire essay here.

READ MORE

Patrick Bartley and John Pizzarelli Perform in Dallas

If you are in the Dallas area this spring, you can hear two performers from The Jazz Cruise playing with a full big band. Both concerts are at the Eisemann Center in Richardson, TX.

Patrick Bartley will perform on Sunday, April 19. And John Pizzarelli will perform on Sunday, May 31. They will both perform with the 18-piece Texins Jazz Band, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. They have hosted 82 concerts with guest artists over those years.

LEARN MORE

Vail Jazz Festival

Our friends at Vail Jazz have let us know that tickets are now on sale for the 32nd Annual Vail Jazz Festival, taking place over Labor Day Weekend, September 4–6, 2026.

The lineup features many artists familiar to guests of The Jazz Cruise, including John Clayton, Niki Haris, Jeff Hamilton, Terell Stafford, Wycliffe Gordon, Lewis Nash, Camille Thurman, Sean Jones and many more.

Consider a trip to Vail to experience extraordinary music, stunning scenery, and a vibrant jazz community. Signature Cruise Experiences has supported Vail Jazz for more than 20 years.

LEARN MORE

Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

Sailing in the Next 12 Months

Botti at Sea III (’26)

9.18.26 – 9.25.26
Chris Botti hosts a West Coast Cruise with Amazing Talent and Fabulous Excursions & Events

Botti at Sea III (’26) is in Open Booking. Anyone may select any available stateroom and complete a reservation. 

The lineup has been set for a few months. Joining Chris Botti will be Elvis Costello, Boz Scaggs, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle, Emmet Cohen, Veronica Swift, Candy Dulfer, John Splithoff, Morgan James, Benny Benack III, Kandace Springs, Harold Lopez-Nussa Trio ft. Gregoire Maret and more. The cruise will sail from Los Angeles to Vancouver, with calls in San Francisco and Victoria. 

We recently had Chris Botti participate in a livestream for both booked guests and those interested in sailing. Members of our team detailed the events, shows and special excursions that this cruise offers in a 60+ minute video presentation which you can see below.

Botti at Sea III incorporates two experiences. First, is another edition of our famous cruise programs with nightly special shows, hours of additional music and intimate and insightful opportunities to learn more about our performers.

The second aspect of the programs is a robust offering of excursions and events when we dock in San Francisco (overnight) and in Victoria, BC (full day). You can visit wineries in Napa or Sonoma, tour Napa Valley on the Napa Valley Wine Train, dine at the finest restaurants, see special shows at SFJazz, and more. Each of these events are curated, produced and presented by us.

To learn more about the cruise and the amazing excursions, check out the Botti Cruise Livestream Video on-demand on our website and on YouTube.

THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES

The Smooth Jazz Cruise

‘26.3 (9.11.26 – 9.18.26)
’27.1 (1.31.27 – 2.7.27)
’27.2 (2.7.27 – 2.14.27)
3 Sailings of “The Greatest Party at Sea”

Known as “The Greatest Party at Sea,” The Smooth Jazz Cruise has sailed over 30 times since 2004. Year after year, there is a waitlist for staterooms and the cruises hit Fully Reserved earlier and earlier.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 is fully reserved. Guests wishing to sail on the cruise should Join the Wait List now.  Any cancellations by current guests will be filled by the Wait List.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.1 and ‘27.2 are both in Open Booking. ’27.1 is more than 80% reserved and ’27.2 is more than 90% reserved. Please note that the itineraries for both sailings have been updated.


The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.1
Tampa – Ochos Rios – Grand Cayman – Tampa

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.2
Tampa – Grand Cayman – Ocho Rios – Tampa

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise ’27

1.12.27 – 1.17.27
Stay Tuned for the Lineup and Detail

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise ’26 (Foster ’26) was a runaway hit program. From the first note to the last song, the brilliance of David Foster was evident in every show and event.  As you recall, David wanted to learn more about how the cruise programs unfold before he casted the lineup for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Sailing ’27.

That moment has arrived. The lineup for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Sailing ’27 has been announced and includes Michael McDonald, Dianne Reeves, 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)—just click below.

JOIN DAVID FOSTER: THE HITMAN CRUISE ’27 PRE-SAIL
the jazz cruise 27

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

The Jazz Cruise reaches Fully Reserved every year and staterooms for The Jazz Cruise ’27 are being reserved faster and sooner than ever.

RESERVE A STATEROOM ON THE JAZZ CRUISE ’27

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 and 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.

Details for the overnight stay in New Orleans are nearly complete. There will be special jazz shows in the city, dining at iconic New Orleans restaurants (Brennan’s, Commander’s Palace, Arnaud’s and more), tours of the city on land and by ship and much more. Each event in New Orleans will be curated, produced and presented by Signature Cruise Experiences.

Journey of Jazz ’27 is in Open Booking. You may select and reserve any available stateroom at this time. This may be the jazz experience of the year.

RESERVE A STATEROOM ON JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’27 

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 will be invited to select their stateroom and complete their reservation starting on April 6, 2026. 

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.

JOIN THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘27.3 PRE-SAIL

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]]> Our Take: An April to Remember https://scecruises.com/2026/03/28/our-take-an-april-to-remember/ Sat, 28 Mar 2026 04:12:00 +0000 https://scecruises.com/?p=10003 There are times in the year when there is so much going on that you are overwhelmed with choices and the dreaded Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) takes control of your mind. The beginning of April is one of FOMO’s high seasons. After taking time for work, family and staying healthy, most of us, particularly […]

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]]> There are times in the year when there is so much going on that you are overwhelmed with choices and the dreaded Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) takes control of your mind. The beginning of April is one of FOMO’s high seasons.

After taking time for work, family and staying healthy, most of us, particularly those who read this column weekly, spend their time (1) enjoying sports, (2) observing religion and, of course, (3) enjoying music. We take time to eat, learn and, relax, but mostly we are actively pursuing those three endeavors.

When April 1 comes around next week, Major League Baseball will have had its opening games, the NCAA Final Four (men and women) will be determined and we will be one week or so away from the Masters Tournament. Almost nothing says Spring more than those three events.

I said “almost,” for the hands down harbinger of Spring is Easter. Though solemn and significant, the universal images are families dressed in the colors of the season heading to church, visiting family, enjoying Easter egg hunts and the first bloom of flowers. For those who live in Florida, Arizona, California or any place that has fewer than four Seasons, I apologize for the Hallmark card edition of Easter. I grew up and live in the center of the country.

April 1 is the first day of Passover, a holiday that centers around family and the enjoyment of the Passover Seder, a ritual meal recounting the story of the exodus from slavery in Egypt. Also, solemn and significant, the holiday celebrates renewal, which is the main theme of most Spring holidays.

Though Easter and Passover do not always overlap in the calendar, they are connected in many ways. For example, The Last Supper was a Passover Seder. 

At this point, I will stop discussing religion, as the depth of my knowledge has been fully displayed above. Nor will I discuss more about sports, where my knowledge is extensive, but not pertinent nor would be of interest to anyone.

Guess what we will spend the rest of The Weekender talking about? For those who chose Jazz Appreciation Month, you are correct. Anyone who selected another topic should seriously consider requesting to be deleted from our mailing list.

We have a lot of exciting elements to our month-long celebration. We will share some of them with you today, some later and some will be surprises along the way. 

Are you ready to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month? We are!

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

JAM Artist of the Day

Last time we looked, April had 30 days. We selected 30 of our jazz performers and asked them the following question: “What is the meaning of Jazz Appreciation to you?”

SCE Jazz Master Lee Mergner will be curating those responses and will present one each day on our Facebook and Instagram pages along with his commentary on their response.

You may recall that Lee was recently named the recipient of the Bruce Lundvall Visionary Award. The annual award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and vision in expanding the audience for jazz and has made a difference for artists, the music and audience.

Guests will be invited to respond to the answers as well. Hopefully, we can create a dialogue that will result in a shared understanding of the meaning of the celebration.

SCE FACEBOOK
SCE INSTAGRAM

SCE Charity Goals for Jazz

SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES

One significant aspect of Jazz Appreciation Month is to learn more about the genre’s commitment to assisting jazz musicians in crisis and to providing jazz education and opportunities for young people to become involved. Over the years, SCE has supported many organizations that undertake those tasks. Some relationships have existed for more than 20 years.

With Lee Mergner’s help and assistance, SCE is embarking upon a new path to provide needed support to the jazz community. We will announce the formation of the Signature Cruise Experiences Foundation at the close of Jazz Appreciation Month.

Name Your Mt. Rushmore of Jazz

In 1941, in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln, created a 60-ft.-high granite sculpture of the faces of U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Though the choice of these four presidents has been discussed in length, it is believed that they represent the founding, expansion, preservation and unification of our country.  

Many of you would have chosen others to represent the nation, but what is done is done. What has not been determined is what four jazz greats (living and deceased) should be featured if a sculpture were created to honor the history of jazz.

In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, we’re asking our readers to name the four jazz performers that you think should be enshrined in stone as the people who are the heart of the jazz world. In fairness, we are seeking two lists, one for performers still active and one for those who have passed.

Email your ballots to info@scecruises.com or click below to enter your submission. The results will be announced in the 5.2.26 edition of The Weekender.

SUBMIT YOUR JAZZ MT RUSHMORE CHOICES

Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala

With a theme of “Rhythms that Move the World,” the Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala will be held on April 15 at the Frederick Rose Hall in New York City. 

Under the music direction of Carlos Henriquez, the Gala concert will feature performances by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, along with special guests Rubén Blades, Aymeé Nuviola, Shenel Johns, Ekep Nkwelle, Anthony Almonte, Herlin Riley, Jeremy Bosch and more.

The Gala will also honor Kathryn & Ken Chenault (Ed Bradley Award for Leadership in Jazz), Weedie Braimah (Award for Artistic Excellence) and Joan Chamorro (Global Citizen Award).

LEARN MORE

SFJAZZ Gala

On May 7, SFJAZZ presents its annual gala with the theme of “Milestones: Celebrating Miles & Trane at 100,” honoring the centennials of Miles Davis and John Coltrane. The SFJAZZ Gala will also honor guitar icon George Benson with the SFJAZZ Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his innovation and lasting influence on generations of musicians and fans.

The event features a reception, dinner, all-star concert and after party at the SFJAZZ Center and at City Hall. Appearing at the All-Star Gala Concert are Terence Blanchard, Benson, Christian McBride, Marcus Miller, Lakecia Benjamin, Keyon Harrold, Tia Fuller, Randy Waldman, Isaiah Sharkey, Richard Bona and the SFJAZZ Collective.

LEARN MORE

Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

VIEW ALL UPCOMING SCE SAILINGS

Sailing in the Next 12 Months

Botti at Sea III (’26)

9.18.26 – 9.25.26
Chris Botti hosts the Perfect Music Experience – At Sea & on Land!

Botti at Sea III (’26) is in Open Booking. Anyone may select any available stateroom and complete a reservation. 

The lineup has been set for a few months. Joining Chris Botti will be Elvis Costello, Boz Scaggs, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle, Emmet Cohen, Veronica Swift, Candy Dulfer, John Splithoff, Morgan James, Benny Benack III, Kandace Springs, Harold Lopez-Nussa Trio ft. Gregoire Maret and more. The cruise will sail from Los Angeles to Vancouver, with calls in San Francisco and Victoria. 

We recently had Chris Botti participate in a livestream for both booked guests and those interested in sailing. Members of our team detailed the events, shows and special excursions that this cruise offers in a 60+ minute video presentation which you can see below.

Botti at Sea III incorporates two experiences. First, is another edition of our famous cruise programs with nightly special shows, hours of additional music and intimate and insightful opportunities to learn more about our performers.

The second aspect of the programs is a robust offering of excursions and events when we dock in San Francisco (overnight) and in Victoria, BC (full day). You can visit wineries in Napa or Sonoma, tour Napa Valley on the Napa Valley Wine Train, dine at the finest restaurants, see special shows at SFJazz, and more. Each of these events are curated, produced and presented by us.

To learn more about the cruise and the amazing excursions, check out the Botti Cruise Livestream Video on-demand on our website and on YouTube.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise

  ’26.3 (9.11.26 – 9.18.26)

  ’27.1 (1.31.27 – 2.7.27)
  ’27.2 (2.7.27 – 2.14.27)
3 Sailings of “The Greatest Party at Sea”

THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES

Known as “The Greatest Party at Sea,” The Smooth Jazz Cruise has sailed over 30 times since 2004. Year after year, there is a waitlist for staterooms and the cruises hit Fully Reserved earlier and earlier.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 is fully reserved. Guests wishing to sail on the cruise should Join the Wait List now.  Any cancellations by current guests will be filled by the Wait List.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.1 and ‘27.2 are both in Open Booking. ’27.1 is more than 85% reserved and ’27.2 is more than 95% reserved. Please note that the itineraries for both sailings have been updated.
 

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.1
Tampa – Cozumel – Grand Cayman – Tampa

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.2
Tampa – Grand Cayman – Ocho Rios – Tampa

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise
Encore Sailing ’27

1.12.27 – 1.17.27

One Sailing is Never Enough!

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 you recall, David wanted to learn more about how the cruise programs unfold before he casted the lineup for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Sailing ’27.

That moment has arrived. Last week, the lineup for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Sailing ’27 was announced and includes Michael McDonald, Dianne Reeves, 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)—just click below.

JOIN DAVID FOSTER: THE HITMAN CRUISE ’27 PRE-SAIL

The Jazz Cruise ’27

1.17.27 – 1.24.27

Still the Greatest Jazz Festival at Sea

the jazz cruise 27

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

The Jazz Cruise reaches Fully Reserved every year and staterooms for The Jazz Cruise ’27 are being reserved faster and sooner than ever.

RESERVE A STATEROOM ON THE JAZZ CRUISE ’27

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 and 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.

Details for the overnight stay in New Orleans are nearly complete. There will be special jazz shows in the city, dining at iconic New Orleans restaurants (Brennan’s, Commander’s Palace, Arnaud’s and more), tours of the city on land and by ship and much more. Each event in New Orleans will be curated, produced and presented by Signature Cruise Experiences.

Journey of Jazz ’27 is in Open Booking. You may select and reserve any available stateroom at this time. This may be the jazz experience of the year.

RESERVE A STATEROOM ON JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’27 

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

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.3, which departs from Quebec City on 10.13.27 and sails through Canada terminating in Boston on 10.20.27, has been announced and will be an exciting combination of our customary great music, Fall colors and other special events. 

From now through 3.31.26, guests sailing on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 (’26 Guests) have the exclusive opportunity to reserve their ’26 stateroom for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.3. Those who are not ’26 Guests may establish their priority for selecting a stateroom for that cruise by completing a Pre-Sail Reservation. Pre-Sail Reservations will be activated in mid-April.

JOIN THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘27.3 PRE-SAIL

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]]> Our Take: A (Jazzy) Easter Basket For You https://scecruises.com/2025/04/19/our-take-a-jazzy-easter-basket-for-you/ Sat, 19 Apr 2025 08:03:00 +0000 https://scecruises.com/?p=8673 No matter what your religious beliefs may be, sometime in your life you either gave or received an Easter Basket. Though inextricably tied to Easter, over the years Easter baskets have become a universal gift to children during Spring, with the eggs representing new life. The colors of the baskets reflect the hues of Spring […]

The post Our Take: A (Jazzy) Easter Basket For You appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

]]> No matter what your religious beliefs may be, sometime in your life you either gave or received an Easter Basket. Though inextricably tied to Easter, over the years Easter baskets have become a universal gift to children during Spring, with the eggs representing new life. The colors of the baskets reflect the hues of Spring and ushers in an entire set of traditions and fun. Not sure how the Easter egg hunt began or what it adds to the meaning of the event. Perhaps it is intended to hasten the need for a child to nap, thereby creating a holiday for parents.

As a kid, I can recall receiving a basket that was filled with marshmallows encased in colorful candy coatings. I would eat them until I was sick. As I grew older, the number of those eggs needed to do the trick became fewer and fewer. Perhaps there was a cumulative effect to this special candy. I believe that the candies were Brach’s Easter Eggs. Last year, as my wife was preparing baskets for our grandchildren, I told her to add some Brach’s Easter Eggs to the bounty. The next day, she told me that she went to four different places and there were no such eggs to be found.

Though I should never have doubted her, as she is the most able finder of almost everything, I went online to see how to secure the eggs for the kids. To my surprise, I found that Brach’s had discontinued this treat in 2023. No reason was given, but the article surmised that the cost of the eggs outweighed the profits. I am hip to the “nothing lasts forever” aspect of life, but would it hurt anybody to continue to make marshmallow eggs wrapped in candy? Yes, there some impostors out there, but I miss the real thing.

Back a few years ago, Signature Cruise Experiences, for various reasons, either sold or discontinued certain cruise programs. Guests still talk about the North Sea Jazz Cruise, Playboy Jazz Cruise and Blue Note at Sea Cruise. Those programs have given way to Journey of Jazz, Christian McBride’s World at Sea and Botti at Sea. In addition to those sailings, just as Sara Lee will always make pound cake, we will continue to share our secret recipe for The Jazz Cruise and the sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise for as long as there are guests ready to sail.

So, on this Easter Weekend, we are presenting you with the Signature Cruise Experiences’ Jazz Easter Basket, filled with candy eggs, not filled with marshmallows, but with a special holiday offering to start your Spring celebrations.

Journey of Jazz ’25

Sailing in just under five months, Journey of Jazz ’25 is over 90% reserved. And why not? Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter (see video) are the hosts, the lineup is amazing, the West Coast itinerary is exciting and the on land excursions are once-in-a-lifetime events. Some Concierge and Veranda Staterooms remain available and there are Special Prices for the remaining Staterooms. The Promo Code for this offer is PORTER.

Christian McBride’s World at Sea

Multi-GRAMMY® Winner Christian McBride has gathered most of his ensembles and some amazing vocalists to join him for a cruise into his “World.”   

Learn More. 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!

Special Prices. From now through April 30, 2025, We are offering a Jazz Appreciation Month (Super Special) for those staterooms. Use Promo Code JAM when you register online.

Christian McBride’s World at SeaCurrent Cruise PriceJAM Cruise Price
Ocean View Staterooms$3,325$2,500
Inside Staterooms$2,975$2,000
Inside Single Staterooms$4,425$3,850

The Jazz Cruise ’26

The Granddaddy of all Cruises, The Jazz Cruise has been the icon of the jazz world since 2001. Already more than 70% reserved, be on the lookout for the updated lineup and special prices for Inside Staterooms in either the 4.26.25 edition of The Weekender or the 4.30.25 edition of Jazz Notes.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1/’26.2/’26.3

The bad news is that The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.2 is fully reserved and The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1 is 98+% reserved. The good new is that there are staterooms available for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3, the first West Coast sailing of this program in more than a decade. Stay tuned for more information about the amazing excursions being offered while the ship docks in Victoria, BC and in San Francisco (Winery Tours/Napa Valley Wine Train/Culinary Events, Music Shows, etc.). Excursions will be open for reservations by the end of June ’25.

Chris Botti at Sea ’26

Moving to the West Coast, the hometown area for Chris Botti, Botti at Sea has an amazing lineup that includes Elvis Costello, Boz Scaggs, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson and more. Just like The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3, there will be significant excursions in Victoria BC and San Francisco. Stay tuned for more information. Excursions will be open for reservations by the end of June ’25.

With three sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise, your basket has seven eggs for you to enjoy. Unlike my Brach’s Easter Eggs, these eggs are very much in production and ready for you! Enjoy this holiday weekend and we will catch up next week on more jazz news.

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.

Ready for Journey of Jazz? Gregory Porter is!

Journey of Jazz ’25 sails in just under five months! Are you ready to enjoy our first West Coast jazz cruise in more than a decade? From Vancouver to Los Angeles with stops in Victoria and San Francisco, not only does this cruise present our much-heralded hours and hours of music onboard, but we are offering exciting excursions to Napa and Sonoma, special shows at SFJAZZ and in Victoria, culinary journeys in San Francisco and more!

Check out how excited Co-Host Gregory Porter is for the start of this cruise!

From NOW Through May 15: Favorable Prices on Selected Remaining Staterooms;
Most Excursions Have Openings!

The cruise is more than 90% reserved! The remaining staterooms consist, mainly, of Veranda Staterooms, Inside Staterooms and Single Inside Staterooms!

We would like to close out the manifest as soon as possible so that we can finalize the arrangements for the amazing JOJ Excursions. Availability remains for most of the excursions, but they will close shortly.

These remaining staterooms are favorably priced through May 15, 2025(*). You can learn those prices by calling the office or starting a reservation online. Please use the promo code: PORTER. There is no obligation to complete a reservation once you learn the prices.

(*) Restrictions do apply and some selections and choices are no longer available. These prices are per person, based upon double occupancy, non-commissionable and may not be combined with other offers or discounts. For new reservations only.

BEGIN RESERVATION

Gerald Clayton’s Ones & Twos

Gerald Clayton, who has performed countless times on our sailings, has just released Ones & Twos, his third album on the Blue Note label. The recording, which features vibraphonist Joel Ross, flutist Elena Pinderhughes, trumpeter Marquis Hill and drummer Kendrick Scott, with post-production work by Kassa Overall, is a very different type of recording for the pianist and composer.

“Ones & Twos is an experiment—an idea inspired by the art of turntablism,” Gerald explains. “I set out to create a record where the A side can be played simultaneously with the B side—a nod to that moment in the club when the DJ transitions from one song to the next, when you hear two separate pieces at the same time.”
 
The initial release of Ones & Twos will consist of the separated tracks and later this year Clayton will follow with a release of the combined overlayed tracks, revealing the end result of his experiment as a culmination of the project. When overlaid, the tracks transform into pieces that are both firmly rooted in the originals, yet strikingly new.

LEARN MORE

Brian Culbertson’s The Trilogy: Live from Detroit

Brian Culbertson, a longtime favorite of The Smooth Jazz Cruise, has just released the concert film The Trilogy Tour: Live from Detroit in 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray and 2-CD set from BCM Entertainment. With Brian playing keyboards and trombone, he was accompanied on The Trilogy Tour by Darnell “Showcase” Taylor (guitar), Eddie Miller (keyboards and vocals), Chris Miskel (drums and musical director), Rishon Odel (bass), Michael “Patches” Stewart (trumpet and flugelhorn), Ronnie Gutierrez (percussion) and Walter English III (keyboards and vocals).
 
“I knew the visual was going to be something special. I try to make every tour special of course, but sometimes certain things and the music push a particular tour into another space that makes it more obvious to film. It needs to be different than a regular ‘the hits concert,’ which is just a random set of songs. This show has more of an arc and story to it,” said Brian.

“The phrase that everyone kept saying to me was ‘that was an experience.’ From the band at rehearsals, to the fans at the first several shows and beyond, that phrase was repeated over and over. The Trilogy Tour is not just a regular show. It truly is an experience, both musically and visually, that takes the audience on a journey. I’m glad that the film will enable people to experience that journey whenever they want to.” 

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Executive Director, Michael Lazaroff, was one of four Executive Directors of the video.

LEARN MORE

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs – 2025
Journey of JazzOver 92% Reserved. Balcony Staterooms Available – Special Pricing for Remaining Staterooms through May 15. Promo Code: PORTER

Cruise Programs – 2026
Homecoming: The CruiseOpen Booking Now; For Special Prices on Staterooms, use Promo Code:  HTC
Christian McBride’s World at SeaOpen Booking Now; For Special Prices for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms, use Promo Code:  JAM
The Jazz Cruise ’26Open Booking Now
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.198%+ Reserved – Open Booking Now
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2Fully Reserved
Top Shelf Country CruiseFull Lineup and Itinerary Announced Monday

Open Booking Now
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.377% Reserved – Open Booking Now
Botti at Sea ’26Open Booking Now

Send us Your Mug Shots

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

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

Mug Shot of the Week

George & Ronke O.
United Kingdom

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

The post Our Take: A (Jazzy) Easter Basket For You appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

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