Duke Ellington Superstitions

• He refused to allow anyone to eat peanuts or whistle in his dressing room, fearing it would bring disaster.
• Ellington would never give or receive shoes as a gift, believing it meant the recipient would walk out of his life forever.
• He refused to wear yellow.
• Every button on a suit had to be firmly sewn.

Though clearly quirky, these habits were pretty harmless. He had one peccadillo that was not so simple. In fact, it was mean spirited and probably very expensive. He did not like firing someone from the band. Instead, he would hire someone who was better on the same instrument, sit them in the band right next to the target of this plan and hope that the beleaguered musician would take the hint.

Again, I am not sure that was a superstition or just the worst HR plan ever concocted.

Jazz historian and musician John Chilton claims that even the great Ella Fitzgerald had superstitions. Suffering from stage fright, Ella would go through a series of scripted body movements just off stage before singing. She claimed that she was chasing the evil spirits away, the ones that would cause her to sing poorly.

Then there was David Sanborn. Before examining the litany of Sanbornisms, please know that I, along with millions of jazz fans, miss him dearly, cherish his music and his memory and hold him up as one of the most respected and beloved musicians ever.

With that disclaimer, I must also share with you that David was one of the most superstitious and quirky performers I have ever met. From his diet to his reed selection ritual to his extreme concern that he was not playing well, I cannot remember a performance of his that was not wrought with drama and anxiety.

David Sanborn’s Anxieties

• Though there was no direct medical requirement to do so, David ate salmon, steamed vegetables and papaya for each meal.
• The food could not be cooked in any oil or have any seasoning.
• In selecting a reed for a show, he would layout nearly 100 reeds on a table, examine them and then select one. It was if there was a vetting process in his head or he was waiting for one of the reeds to volunteer to be used.
• David would insist that no one was going to attend his show. He would second guess the ticket count and fear that the marketing team had not been successful, and insist he would be playing to empty seats.
• His onstage outfits were identical:  jeans, white shirt and blazer.
• His hotel room and on ship stateroom had to have an open-air capability.
• He insisted that his stateroom be on the sunny side of the ship.

In respect of his passing and my personal fondness for David, I will let you, the readers, allow that last one to wash over you for a while.

Time’s up. Yes, he insisted on that request for every cruise. Rather than walk the slippery slope of telling him how “off” that was, we assured him that we would do as he requested. At the end of each cruise, well almost each cruise, he would thank us for his stateroom location.

Never been to heaven nor expect to be there, but I believe that David is on the sunny side of heaven now. I am sure his “Rider” for entering heaven had that request. If he is not basking in the glow, then someone up there must not like jazz. We know the Devil does.

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.

Josh Groban & Chris Botti:
Live Entertainment Coming to You! 

As we anticipated, our Botti at Sea fans are beyond excited that Josh Groban will be performing on the cruise in September. The profile of a Chris Botti fan and a Groban fan are, not surprisingly, strikingly similar. 

Both are first class artist with impeccable credentials and reputations, both are devoted to their craft and present as consummate performers and talents. Their music is inspiring and refined, strong and sophisticated and, most of all, able to be enjoyed by a wide audience.

Both men also share the world of touring. Chris tours the world on a regular basis, presenting his amazing ensemble to adoring audiences. And Josh is embarking on an extensive country-wide tour that will mostly likely take him to a theater near you.

We are proud of the intimate nature of our presentations at sea and we know that our guests will enjoy their time with both Chris and Josh as they light up The Theatre on Celebrity Summit. Signature Cruise Experiences supports live music regardless of its venue or locale. Even when you’re unable to sail with them (and us), these stars proved can’t-miss performances when they come to your area. Join your community and take in their shows.

Live entertainment is the best way to enjoy great music. Nothing compares.

Emmet Cohen’s Universal Truth

Emmet Cohen, host of The Jazz Cruise, recently released his sixth album as a leader, Universal Truth, on Mack Avenue.

Featuring Joe Farnsworth, Yasushi Nakamura, Jeremy Pelt, Tivon Pennicott and guests Ron Carter and George Coleman, the recording pays tribute to Miles Davis and John Coltrane (both being celebrated in their centennial year), pairing timeless classics like “Well You Needn’t,” “My Funny Valentine” and “Blue Train” along with new originals that honor jazz’s royalty while boldly carrying their tradition forward.

“The more I travel, teach, and share music with people around the world, the more I’m convinced that we’re all searching for many of the same things: meaning, belonging, love, purpose,” Emmet told us. “Universal Truth is my attempt to explore those ideas through music. Inspired by the contrasting paths of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, the album asks what happens when we look both outward toward humanity and inward toward the spirit.”

LEARN MORE

John Clayton’s Two-o Duo

John Clayton, leader of Anita’s Big Band on The Jazz Cruise, has just released a unique album featuring spontaneous collaborations with singer-songwriter Rene Marie and his son, pianist Gerald Clayton.

John’s 8th album on Artist Share, the recording Two-o Duo presents 11 songs largely in a duo format, spotlighting a range of material through different cultural eras, plus lyrical and compositional contributions from both Marie and the Claytons.

“Some really magical things happened,” John says. “If you’re close with somebody and you’re in the room with them, both of you feel the closeness that you share. There’s no word for it. It’s intangible. But it’s very real.” 

LEARN MORE

Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

SCE Sailings in ’26

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3

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

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

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

Botti at Sea ’26

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

JUST ANNOUNCED: Josh Groban Performing on Botti at Sea!
STATEROOM CLOSEOUT SALE IN EFFECT

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

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

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David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore

1.12.27 – 1.17.27
Tampa – Cozumel – Costa Maya – Tampa

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise ’26 was a runaway hit program. From the first note to the last song, the brilliance of David Foster was evident in every show and event.

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

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The Jazz Cruise ’27

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

The Jazz Cruise is the first program that Signature Cruise Experiences ever produced. Since its first sailing in 2001, The Jazz Cruise has been the world leader in presenting “straight ahead” jazz at sea. 

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

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Journey of Jazz ’27

1.24.27 – 1.31.27
Tampa – New Orleans – Progreso – Tampa

Journey of Jazz ’27 will be an amazing cruise program featuring hosts Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter, a full lineup of great musicians and vocalists, a special two days in New Orleans which features Wynton Marsalis and a group of his hand-picked musicians.

In its second season, Journey of Jazz proudly combines the very best music with opportunities to live The Jazz Life.

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise

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

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

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

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

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Botti at Sea ’27

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

A Canadian itinerary in the Fall is one of the most popular cruise itineraries in the industry. Fall colors, beautiful scenery, hands on adventures in famous ports-of-call. If nothing else was taking place on the ship, a cruise with these features would be in high demand. So, when Chris Botti decided to take his amazing cruise program from Boston to Quebec City, with a full complement of the entertainers and performers that you have grown to love and expect, not only was he gilding the lily, but he was creating one of the top music cruise experiences ever offered.

Stay tuned (8.15.26) for more programming and reservation procedure details.

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.3

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

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

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

The post Our Take: It’s the 13th. Are You Superstitious? appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Wynton Marsalis joining Journey of Jazz ’27 may be the most exciting headline for Jazz Notes that we have ever presented! Each of these three jazz icons are among the most talented in the world! Individually, they are headliners, collectively they are a “can’t miss” event! 

For those not yet “hip” to Journey of Jazz, our first sailing was a 7-day trip from Vancouver to Los Angeles, with a full day in Victoria and an overnight in San Francisco. While in those ports, the guests were treated to special jazz programs, high-end dining, excursions to wine country and more.

Musically, the cruise traced the origins of jazz and highlighted its past, near-past and current trends. From a leading Big Band to iconic vocalists to famous instrumentalists to the offspring of some of the greatest musicians ever, the cruise blended musical, culinary and participatory experiences that have defined and supported the jazz community for years.

Yes, the “Journey” was more than a 7-day cruise. It was a trip through the history of jazz and a menu of experiences that jazz fans have savored for decades. To many, Journey of Jazz ’25 was the perfect jazz outing. We agreed and are creating another chapter in this “Journey” for January 24 – 31, 2027 on Celebrity Cruises’ Summit.

Marcus and Gregory are returning as your hosts and the itinerary features an overnight in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. Your “tour guide” for New Orleans will be none other than Wynton Marsalis. Be sure to check out Lee Mergner’s touching and insightful take below on what Wynton Marsalis means to jazz and what his participation in Journey of Jazz ’27 means to the program (and to you).

From now through December 12, 2025, Guests who sailed on Journey of Jazz ’25 have the exclusive right to rebook their ’25 stateroom for Journey of Jazz ’27.

Those who did not sail in ’25 may establish their priority for Journey of Jazz ’27 through the Pre-Sail Reservation procedure. Instructions for rebooking or for completing a Pre-Sail Reservation may be found on the Journey of Jazz ’27 website.

I have buried the most important date – December 3, 2025 – the day that we present the Program Lineup for the cruise. With the announcement of Marcus Miller, Gregory Porter and Wynton Marsalis, Journey of Jazz ’27 is off to an amazing start, but, trust me, there will be more. We will also begin to share the details of the various NOLA excursions and events. Our team of NOLA experts are working overtime to create events that are unique and on-brand with our world of jazz.

Whether you are Rebooking or completing a Pre-Sail Reservation, no Deposit is required and no obligation is made until ten (10) days AFTER the announcement of the Program Lineup.

Signature Cruise Experiences has been on a “journey” for jazz since 2001. Creating a cruise program that highlights that odyssey has been one of the most rewarding experiences in our history. The best part being sharing it with you.

Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director
Signature Cruise Experiences

The GRAMMY® Nominations Are Announced

The GRAMMY® nominations were announced last Friday, November 7, and, as is always the case, the nominees included several artists with ties to Signature Cruise Experiences’ programs.

From Christian McBride’s World at Sea:

• Christian McBride was nominated in three categories: Best Jazz Performance and Best Jazz Instrumental Album (both for Trilogy 3 – Live with Chick Corea and Brian Blade) and Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album (for Without Further Ado – Vol. 1).
• Samara Joy, who appeared on that big band album as well as released her own Portrait album, received two nominations – one for Best Jazz Performance and the other for Best Jazz Vocal Album. 
• Ledisi is up for two awards – for Best Traditional R&B Performance and for Best R&B Album – both tied to her recording, The Crown.
• Angélique Kidjo was nominated for Best Global Performance. 
• Finally, Sullivan Fortner received a nomination for his Southern Nights album in the Best Jazz Instrumental Album category.

From The Jazz Cruise ‘26:

• Sullivan Fortner is sailing as well on The Jazz Cruise, which was also represented in the list of nominations by featuring Paquito D’Rivera & the Madrid-New York Connection Band for La Fleur de Cayenne is nominated in the Best Latin Jazz Album category.
  

Finally, Gerald Clayton, who has sailed on several of our programs, was nominated in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category for his recording Ones and Twos.

We wish all of them the best with the awards to be given on February 1. Even though a few are competing against one another in some categories, they’re all winners to us.

Wynton Marsalis:
Bringing New Orleans to the World (and Bringing the World to New Orleans)

It’s difficult to bring a proper perspective to the legacy of Wynton Marsalis. Not because his impact is in question, but rather because he’s had such a powerful influence in so many spheres. As a musician, he is clearly one of the most virtuosic trumpeters of his, or just about any, generation. As a composer, he is one of the only jazz musicians to receive a Pulitzer Prize. As a mentor, he is someone who has nurtured multiple generations of jazz greats – from Christian McBride to Jonathan Batiste. . As an educator, he is a person who has overseen the distribution of hundreds of big band charts from the jazz greats to high school programs all over the world.

As a jazz advocate and presenter, he is the founder and leader of Jazz at Lincoln Center, arguably the greatest non-profit jazz organization in the world. There’s plenty more that he’s done and he still does, but that’s enough for now.

What we wanted to share here is how he represents and champions the music of New Orleans, his birthplace. It started with his father, Ellis Marsalis, the pianist, educator and esteemed patriarch of New Orleans jazz. Interestingly, Wynton and his brother Branford did not immediately embrace jazz in their early years as teens, preferring to play in the horn sections of R&B and funk bands. Eventually, both fell in line, so to speak, and would come north to study – Branford for jazz at Berklee and Wynton for trumpet performance at Juilliard. Both apprenticed, like so many jazz greats before them, with Art Blakey’s band and both were signed to record deals by Dr. George Butler, who saw in them a means to reach younger audiences.

That kicked off the Young Lions movement, during which a slew of younger artists were signed to record deals and promoted as future stars. Wynton, of course, was the brightest star and even branched out to classical music, which Butler often attributed as a turning point in the trumpeter’s career. Although his early records and sound were a direct link to Blakey and the Miles Davis Quintet of the ’60s, Wynton always retained the New Orleans influence in his music. In time, he would immerse himself in the music of Louis Armstrong and, not only include that influence in his recordings, but also champion Pops as one of the greatest musicians of the 20th Century. That seminal influence would manifest itself directly in albums like Crescent City Christmas and Congo Square and indirectly in just about every recording or concert he has done in the last three decades.

In part because he was a role model, but also because of his hands-on involvement, Wynton mentored and/or collaborated with generation after generation of New Orleans jazz musicians – including Terence Blanchard, Donald Harrison, Marlon Jordan, Herlin Riley, Wessell Anderson, Adonis Rose, Jonathan Batiste and so many others. I remember doing an interview with Troy Andrews, aka Trombone Shorty, more than a dozen years ago backstage at the Newport Jazz Festival. Towards the end of the interview, he saw Wynton getting into a car about 100 yards away and he ran that distance and leapt over a fence to shake Wynton’s hand before he left for his next concert. When Troy came back to the interview, he said to me, “That man changed my life.”  

Indeed, Wynton Marsalis changed the lives of so many artists, and not just those in New Orleans. From the SCE family, Wycliffe Gordon, Sean Jones, Russell Gunn and Christian McBride were all appreciative recipients of Wynton’s unique ability to pay it forward.

We’re honored to have Wynton perform for the Journey of Jazz guests and share his appreciation for the music of his hometown while we’re in New Orleans in January 2027. 

Lee Mergner
Jazz Consultant
Signature Cruise Experiences

Jazz Cruises Conversations Podcast:
Emmet Cohen with Benny Benack III

This episode from the recent Journey of Jazz cruise features an interview with Emmet Cohen by his longtime friend Benny Benack III. Emmet shared the story of his journey from being a student at the University of Miami to being a regular, then host, on The Jazz Cruise. He also talked about his Masters Legacy Series of recordings with his elders. And, of course, he explained the creation and evolution of his Emmet’s Place online concert series. 

Click above to hear Emmet talks about the origins of the Emmet’s Place video concert series

Finding Cruisers at Exit Zero Jazz Fest

If you attend any jazz festival in this country, you’re likely to see several of our guests supporting and enjoying the music. Such was the case at the recent Exit Zero Jazz Festival in Cape May, NJ, where our own Lee Mergner caught up with eight guests from The Jazz Cruise, Journey of Jazz and McBride’s World at Sea. This photo of (l to r) Mike and Cathy Axel, John and Susan Corkery, Dr. Greg Koons, Vicky and Tony Jacobine and Jan Koons  was taken minutes before Cassandra Wilson‘s performance celebrating the 30th anniversary of her seminal album, New Moon Daughter, which closed out the festival.

Signature Cruise Experiences Programs

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise

1.15.26 – 1.20.26
A 5-Day Weekend Getaway with a Week’s Long Schedule of Talent

The amazing lineup of David Foster, Michael McDonald, Babyface, Katherine McPhee, Take 6, Nathan East, Peter Cincotti, Pia Toscano, Emmet Cohen (and more) is in place for this 5-day Cruise Getaway from Ft. Lauderdale on Celebrity Summit.

Truly a weekend getaway (Thursday – Tuesday) vacation, there will be more than 7 days of music presented in a 5-day cruise! The remaining inventory includes only Veranda, Ocean View and Inside Staterooms.
 
Staterooms in all remaining categories are available at FOR A SONG Cruise Prices. Be sure to use Promo Code: FORASONG when booking online or by calling the office.

Christian McBride’s World at Sea

1.20.26 – 1.27.26
Christian’s Ensembles + World Class Vocalists

Boasting one of the most robust and decorated lineups we have ever presented and led by 9X GRAMMY® Winner Christian McBride, this program will present more than 220 hours of top music over 7 days at sea. Besides Christian’s lineup of amazing ensembles that he leads (Inside Straight, Ursa Major, Christian McBride’s Big Band, Remembering Ray Brown, Christian’s Trio), the cruise also features some of the very best vocalists in the genre; Ledisi, Samara Joy, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Angélique Kidjo, Melissa Walker and José James.

Staterooms in all remaining categories are available at FINAL Prices. Be sure to use Promo Code: FINAL when booking online or by calling the office.

The Jazz Cruise

’26 (1.27.26 – 2.3.26) – Still the Greatest Jazz Festival at Sea
’27 (1.17.27 – 1.24.27) – Stay Tuned for More Information…Soon!

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. With the new trend in land based jazz festivals including non-jazz music, The Jazz Cruise surpasses land based events for “straight ahead” jazz, too.

This cruise is fully reserved every year and fewer than 50 staterooms remain for the ’26 sailing. Past Guests may use the Promo Code: SHIP to reserve a stateroom at favorable prices based on their sailing history. Information about The Jazz Cruise ’27 will be available on or before November 13, 2025.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise

6 Opportunities to sail on “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. Rich with great musicians, great fans and great times, The Smooth Jazz Cruise has created a community of fans that span the globe. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1 & ’26.2, both of which sail in the Caribbean, are fully reserved with significant waitlists. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3, which will sail from Vancouver to Los Angeles with calls in Victoria and San Francisco, is more than 95% reserved at this time. This is a great opportunity to secure a reservation on this cruise which establishes your priority for other sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise.

Guests sailing on ’26.1 & ’26.2 have until November 26, 2025 to reserve their current stateroom for ’27.1 & ’27.2, respectively. Guests not sailing on either ’26.1 or ’26.2 may queue up for the ’27 cruises by completing a Pre-Sail Reservation. Pre-Sail Reservations are activated in the order received starting on December 4, 2025. Over 600 Pre-Sail Reservations, representing nearly 1,200 guests, have completed a Pre-Sail Reservation for the ’27 Cruises.

Guests on ’26.3 have opportunities to book on any of the ’27 cruises, subject to rules which have been shared with them. If you are a guest on ’26.3 and you have not received that information, please call the office (888.852.9987).

Botti at Sea III (’26)

9.18.26 – 9.25.26
Chris Botti hosts a West Coast Cruise with Amazing Talent

The wait is over. It is time to begin the planning process for Botti at Sea III (’26). The lineup has been set for a few months. Joining Chris will be Elvis Costello, Boz Scaggs, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle, Emmet Cohen, 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. Open Booking has already started, meaning any guest may select any available stateroom and complete a reservation online or by calling the office.

Journey of Jazz ’27

1.25.27 – 1.31.27
Where is Journey of Jazz Headed Next? New Orleans!

The inaugural sailing of Journey of Jazz ended a few weeks ago. The cruise was a wonderful experience and both hosts, Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter, are coming back for the next voyage. Joining them on the cruise as the special guest host in New Orleans is Wynton Marsalis. Indelibly sketched in our minds as the ultimate NOLA jazzman, we are honored to have him join us on the program. In keeping with our theme of great jazz experiences, Journey of Jazz ’27 will be headed to New Orleans for a special overnight jazz experience. Guests who sailed on Journey of Jazz ’25 have until December 12, 2025 to rebook their current stateroom. Others may complete a Pre-Sail Reservation through December 10, 2025. The full lineup will be announced shortly after Thanksgiving.

The post Jazz Notes: 11.12.25 appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

The Jazz Cruise ’25 is Fully-Reserved!
Want to Sail? Join the Waitlist! 

The Jazz Cruise ’25, celebrating its 25th anniversary, is fully reserved. Since the cruise does not sail for several months, there will be cancellations and staterooms will be available. Stateroom vacancies are filled from the Waitlist, which is not lengthy right now. If you wish to sail on The Jazz Cruise ’25, we urge you to JOIN WAITLIST now.  

If contacted for a vacancy, you will have a short time to complete your reservation or that offer will be given to the next guest in line. There is no cost to JOIN WAITLIST and no obligation to complete a reservation if offered.

Labor Day Reminder

The Signature Cruise Experiences’ office will close at 2 PM ET on Friday, August 30, until Tuesday, September 3, in recognition of Labor Day. During this time, guests may complete reservations online, check their Jazz Cruises account and submit questions to us at info@scecruises.com. 

All of us at Signature Cruise Experiences wish you and yours a happy, fun and safe Labor Day

Jazz St. Louis Presents Paquito D’Rivera and
Chucho Valdes, Together Again

Jazz St. Louis Presents Paquito D’Rivera and Chucho Valdés, Together Again! at Steward Center, home of Jazz St. Louis, on September 18 and at The Sheldon on September 19.

Clarinetist, saxophonist, author, composer and arranger D’Rivera and pianist, composer and arranger Valdés first met in 1962. Both child prodigies and sons of musical families, the two worked together in Havana’s Musical Theatre Orchestra and in the Cuban Orchestra of Modern Music.

Your purchase supports Jazz St. Louis and helps secure the future of their impactful programs and events for people in the St. Louis area. Jazz St. Louis has established an extensive record of developing future leaders in music, while also preserving and advancing the treasured American art form of Jazz through community engagement efforts, educational programming, and transformative live jazz experiences.

Learn more and get tickets at //jazzstl.org/together.

New Music

Two of our co-hosts on The Jazz Cruise ’25 have just released new albums.

Catherine Russell & Sean Mason’s My Ideal

GRAMMY®-nominated vocalist Catherine Russell has paired with the 25-year-old pianist Sean Mason for My Ideal, a recording of duets on colorful songs written by Fats Waller, Irving Berlin, James P. Johnson, Peggy Lee and others.

“Singing with the great pianist Sean Mason allows for the freedom to have fun and be in the moment,” says Catherine. “We understand each other.” My Ideal, Catherine’s ninth album as a leader or co-leader, stands alongside legendary voice-and-piano duet albums such as Ella Fitzgerald’s Ella Sings Gershwin with Ellis Larkins, Tony Bennett’s collaborations with Bill Evans and Nina Simone’s Nina Simone and Piano.

Emmet Cohen’s Vibe Provider

Based on his friendship with the late Harlem-based creative Michael Funmi Ononaiye, Emmet Cohen’s latest album, Vibe Provider, features an all-star band including Bruce Harris (trumpet), Tivon Pennicott (tenor saxophone), Frank Lacy (trombone), Cecily Petrarca (koshkah), Philip Norris (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums) and Kyle Poole (drums, producer).

Funmi, who died of cancer in December 2023, worked as a chief programmer for Jazz at Lincoln Center, a DJ and an A&R executive, among other professional roles. The worldly Nigerian-born New Yorker was an omnipresent force of positivity and spiritual healing — “the Mayor of Harlem,” as Emmet describes him.

“Funmi was the vibe provider, but he taught us that we all have that inside of us,” Emmet says. “We all have the ability to brighten a room or to change someone’s world for a minute or a lifetime—with music, vibrations, energy or even just a smile. And those things are important. So I wanted to get some of his favorite musicians together and make a beautiful statement in tribute.”

Monterey Jazz Festival

Experience the Monterey Jazz Festival set against the breathtaking backdrop of Monterey, California. One of the world’s longest-running jazz festivals, this iconic event has hosted legendary performers like Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie and Dave Brubeck since 1958. Don’t miss the 67th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival September 27 – 29,  featuring 350 artists across five stages, including Samara Joy, Blind Boys of Alabama, Mavis Staples, Hiromi, Stanley Clarke and more. For tickets and details, visit https://montereyjazzfestival.org.

Jazz Cruises’ ’25 Programs

The Jazz Cruise ’25
FULLY RESERVED
Celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary

The Jazz Cruise ’25 is fully reserved. Since the cruise does
not sail for several months, there will be cancellations and staterooms will become available, which are filled directly from the Waitlist. If you wish to sail on The Jazz Cruise ’25, we urge you to JOIN WAITLIST now.  

JOIN WAITLIST

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2
Lineup Just Announced!
’25 Sailings Fully Reserved

Both sailings for 2025 are fully reserved. Guests not sailing in ’25 who wish to sail in ’26 are encouraged to go to complete a Pre-Sale Reservation for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26 to establish priority for a stateroom on those sailings.

JOIN PRE-SALE

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Mug Shots

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

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

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