In keeping with that framework, here are some jazz cruise facts for you to consider:

• Ken Peplowski was interned at Woodlawn Cemetery Conservancy in a private ceremony yesterday, May 12. Ken’s resting place is within a special portion of the cemetery dedicated to jazz musicians. Signature Cruise Experiences was honored to fund that ceremony and both Paula and I were privileged to attend.
• The Memorial Service/Concert for Ken Peplowski will be held in St. Peter’s Cathedral on Tuesday, May 19. See Lee Mergner’s note with the details. We thank Lee for his participation in the event, including the creation of a memorial slide show. Unfortunately, I will not be able to share in that celebration.
• Fans of The Smooth Jazz Cruise, please know that The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 is fully reserved and The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.1 and ’27.2 have very limited availability. SJC ’27.1 does have a few Veranda and Concierge Staterooms remaining, but other than that, the inventory is Ocean View and Inside Staterooms only. SJC ’27.2 has fewer than 25 staterooms available, all of which are Ocean View and Inside Staterooms.
• The 2026 NEA Jazz Masters tribute concert is being rescheduled for fall 2026, featuring honorees Rhonda Hamilton, Carmen Lundy, Airto Moreira and Patrice Rushen.
• Though they are not pure jazz programs, both Botti at Sea III and David Foster: The Hitman Cruise offer top of the line entertainment presented by some of the most famous names in music. Keep checking your emails for a special offer to all our jazz fans to join hosts Chris Botti and/or David Foster for an amazing event.
• Did you know that you can nominate an artist for an NEA Jazz Master Award? Submit your nominee here: https://www.arts.gov/honors/jazz/make-nomination-nea-jazz-masters

One of our goals with both The Weekender and Jazz Notes is to be a billboard for jazz events, new recordings and more. We are committed to presenting any information that you may wish to share under the following terms:

• The subject must be of the highest caliber and likely to be of interest to a significant number of our readers.
• Though the subject may be of a commercial nature, it must also reflect the artistic or educational goals of our messaging.
• Requests for publication must include hi-res art accompanying the text. Even in the jazz world, one picture is worth 1,000 words.
  

Submit any material directly to Lee Mergner at lee@scecruises.com. Materials will be edited to fit available space and the SCE voice.

Ken Peplowski’s Celebration of Life

As Michael mentioned above, the memorial service for Ken Peplowski will be held at Saint Peter’s Church in NYC on Tuesday, May 19 with doors opening at 5 PM ET.  For those in town at that time, admission is free, but seating is limited. Anyone wishing to attend in person needs to reserve their seats through an EventBrite page HERE. For the many jazz fans and friends of Ken who are unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed on Saint Peter’s YouTube page HERE. 

This celebration of Ken’s life features both personal remembrances and musical performances from his friends and colleagues. Among the artists participating in the event are several longtime favorites of The Jazz Cruise guests, including John Pizzarelli & Jessica Molaskey, Catherine Russell, Shelly Berg, Tierney Sutton, Paquito D’Rivera, Matt Wilson, Martin Wind and Ted Rosenthal.

In addition, as a prelude to the service, I put together a photo slideshow of almost 150 photos contributed by a few dozen of Ken’s friends and family. The photos depict Ken with many of the people in his life – family, friends, fans and fellow musicians. You can view that 9-minute video HERE.   

Lee Mergner
Jazz Consultant

Tomorrow!
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore Livestream 
5.14.26 / 4PM ET

Join us for the David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Livestream on May 14 at 4PM ET to meet the lineup, including exciting new additions, learn about the ports, get the details about events performances and learn why one sailing is never enough!

Jazz Cruises Conversations’ Podcast

The latest episode of the Jazz Cruises Conversations Podcast features a session from The Jazz Cruise earlier this year in which old friends John Pizzarelli and Jeff Hamilton share the kind of conversation that could only happen when two people have shared enough bandstands to stop performing for each other. No moderator was necessary. 

Jeff takes you back to his first night playing with Oscar Peterson, the Ray Brown philosophy of career preparation and what it actually takes to pack a bag when you’ve been on the road since 1974. John traces his unlikely path to singing back to a Nat King Cole reissue, a last-minute Stash Records session, and a father who never missed a teaching moment — even when the lesson arrived as a one-liner. Stories about Bucky, Paul McCartney, James Taylor and the future of straight-ahead jazz fill out the second half with audience questions that are as good as the answers.

Emmet Cohen’s Artistry Masterclass

“Emmet’s Place Live: An Artistry Masterclass” is a free online conversation with pianist Emmet Cohen about what it means to build a life in music today. Drawing on his experiences with Emmet’s Place, touring, collaboration, mentorship and community-building, Emmet will reflect on the artistic, personal and practical lessons that have shaped his path. The session will explore questions of voice, purpose, audience connection and how musicians can create lives around the music they love with greater clarity and intention.  The session takes place today, Wednesday, May 13 at 3PM ET and anyone can sign up for free.

Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

SCE Sailings in ’27

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

Stay Tuned for the Lineup and Detail

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

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

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

The Jazz Cruise ’27

1.17.27 – 1.24.27

Still the Greatest Jazz Festival at Sea

The Jazz Cruise is the first program that Signature Cruise Experiences ever produced. Since its first sailing in 2001, The Jazz Cruise has been the world leader in presenting “straight ahead” jazz at sea. 
 
The Jazz Cruise has reached “fully reserved” every year 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 nearly 95% reserved at this time.

Botti at Sea IV (’27)

10.6.27 – 10.13.27

Chris Botti Takes His Cruise from Boston to Quebec

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

Stay tuned for more programming and reservation procedure details. As is always the case on a Signature Cruise Experiences program, guests on Botti at Sea III (’26) (’26 Guests) will be able to rebook their current staterooms and those who are not ’26 Guests will be eligible to submit a Pre-Sail Reservation which will establish their stateroom selection priority after the ’26 Guests complete their rebooking procedure.
 
Look for most of this to happen around 8.15.26!

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.3

10.13.27 – 10.20.27

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

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

The post Jazz Notes: 5.13.26 appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

It’s rare that we have to give bad news to for our guests and the community at large. But on February 1st, the final day of The Jazz Cruise ’26, Ken Peplowski died suddenly. Ken was 66.The cause of his death has yet to be determined.

Since 2021, the clarinetist / saxophonist / bandleader had been suffering from multiple myeloma. He battled the often fatal disease with a unique combination of courage, fortitude and humor. After all, humor was just one of Ken’s many remarkable gifts. He was without question the quickest and sharpest wit amongst all our artists. Ken always brought joy to every gig or occasion. No one came away from a conversation with him without a laugh or smile. His humor was both incisive and self-deprecating. He would as easily make fun of you as he would himself. A truly rare combination.

Ken earned the respect of his fellow musicians because of his dedication to the craft. As a musician, his virtuosity on the clarinet may have only been surpassed in his time by his close friends Anat Cohen and Paquito D’Rivera. Though both would argue that point, it was fitting that his last days were spent playing with those two. 

Ken, who worked with Benny Goodman, said that the legendary clarinetist and Artie Shaw had a huge rivalry. “Those days are gone now, because we realize there’s few enough of us, so we need to support each other and just get up there and have fun.” Indeed, when I introduced him during this sailing of The Jazz Cruise, I said that we had the three greatest clarinetists of our time onboard. He said quipped, “Well, we have Anat and Paquito, so who’s the third one?” 

Ken was also a remarkable tenor saxophonist, with a soft and fluid sound that was influenced by Zoot Sims, Stan Getz, Ben Webster and many other tenor greats. “For me, I spend most of my time practicing on clarinet, because that’s the more unforgiving instrument,” Ken told me. “The technique transfers over to the saxophone. When I pick the saxophone up, it’s all about reminding myself of what I want it to sound like. I’m not saying I achieved this, but my goal for sound on tenor would be people like Ben Webster and Zoot Sims.” Ken reached that goal, as evidenced well documented on the more than 50 recordings he released as a leader on various jazz labels. Buy them. Stream them. Listen to them. You won’t be disappointed.

During a Listening Party on The Jazz Cruise this week, he spotlighted his most recent album, Unheard Bird. He was so proud of what he had produced with the previously unreleased arrangements for saxophone and strings that Charlie Parker had commissioned before his untimely death in 1955. Every August during the last few years, Ken presented material from that project at Birdland, a venue which he would return to year after year.

Ken was also an amateur musicologist with a vast knowledge not only of jazz history, but also of non-jazz genres. He may have been one of the most knowledgeable Beatles fans that you could meet. He could tell you just about anything from their seminal recordings. If you were good friends with him, you could receive various bootleg recordings from those golden years. Who woulda thunk that a guy so associated with mainstream jazz had that in his quiver?

In the coming days, weeks, months and years, you will hear tributes galore to Ken’s musical genius and personal qualities. Below is a short note from Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of Signature Cruise Experiences, about his memories of Ken.

For myself, I considered Ken a good friend, someone with whom I could pick up the phone and talk to for an hour or so about life, music, politics, sports, comedy, literature, film…well, you get the idea. He was a friend to me, but he was a friend to many people. That was clear when he went public with his illness and the jazz community, including fans and fellow musicians, came forward during his time of need with support (both economic and emotional). It was the least that we could do for someone who gave us so much joy for so long.

Let us all remember Ken with a laugh and a smile.

Lee Mergner
Jazz Consultant

Ken Peplowski – Behold the Entertainer

Separating Ken Peplowski from The Jazz Cruise in my mind, is nearly impossible. I cannot remember any sailing of The Jazz Cruise that did not include Ken. The good reason is that there were none. Whether it was the Welcome Show, The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame Show, Name that Tune or his legendary performances with Anita Berry’s Big Band, Ken was always front and center, someone who engaged the audience with a laundry list of self-effacing jokes, contrived puns, and enough “Dad” jokes to fill a book.

Not quite Henny Youngman, but neither was he David Letterman.

But the humor ended when the music started. I do not know any musician who respected the bandstand more than Ken. He was always prepared, loved performing with his fellow musicians, and, man, could he play! His dedication to excellence and professionalism was integral to who he was.

So when Ken did not show up for a 4 PM show that featured Shelly Berg, one of his closest friends and colleagues, you knew that something was wrong. Our worst fears were soon confirmed. Ken had died.

Personally, very little of this has sunk in yet. Over time, I will grasp what happened and try to rationalize and understand the travails that Ken was enduring. No matter how hard you try, you cannot walk in another man’s shoes. You can empathize and console, but you are the third party in this triangle of person and tragedy.

Sometime in August, we will open a spreadsheet and begin to program The Jazz Cruise ’27. All those spaces that are customarily filled with the initials “KP” will need to be addressed. Trust me, no one can fill those spaces like Ken did. He was a friend, a great musician and one of the very best entertainers ever.

Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director

The post Jazz Notes: 2.4.26 appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

What a thrill when one of our favorite team members is honored. Lee Mergner, our Jazz Consultant, will become the 10th recipient of the Bruce Lundvall Visionary Award on January 7 in a ceremony to be held at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

The award was created in 2014 in honor of Bruce Lundvall, the longtime jazz record executive who was a champion and advocate for so many jazz artists over the last four decades. 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.

Previous award recipients include Randall Kline, Brice Rosenbloom, Christian McBride, Terri Lyne Carrington, Darlene Chan, Barry Harris, Danilo Perez, Dee Dee Bridgewater and John Clayton.

For more than 30 years, Lee served as an editor and publisher of JazzTimes, which won numerous ASCAP-Deems Taylor awards for music journalism. The publication was founded in 1970 and was described by All Music Guide as “arguably the finest jazz magazine in the world.” Lee remains an at-large contributor to the publication for which he’s written hundreds of profiles and stories.

Lee founded Jazz Connect Conference and has been instrumental in the development of Jazz Congress as well as several other jazz industry organizations. In addition to his invaluable daily contributions to our operations at Signature Cruise Experiences, Lee is also the lead writer for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s concert programs. Over the years, he has been an advisor and volunteer with various jazz organizations and events such as Jazz House KiDS, Montclair Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, Jazz Philadelphia, Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, Exit Zero Jazz Festival and several others.

If there is a better friend to jazz than Lee Mergner, I do not know who that would be. As an advocate for jazz, Lee is right out of central casting, humble, unassuming, carefully critical and always subtly in command always. Do not let the Inspector Clouseau act fool you. He possesses a razor-sharp mind and wit, expresses his thoughts with eloquent words and phrases and commands a vast sea of knowledge. I cannot recall a reference that he did not know.

I forgive his Philadelphia sports bias and his penchant for advancing the cause of performers who do not draw well. Lee is a great human being and we are lucky to have him in our midst. 

I never met Bruce Lundvall, but I have heard all the stories. He would have 100% endorsed this award to Lee.

Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director
Signature Cruise Experiences

Still Time to SHIP Out on The Jazz Cruise ’26! 

As we are sending you this note, fewer than 30 staterooms remain available for The Jazz Cruise ’26. That number varies daily, as some guests complete reservations while others are forced to cancel due to various reasons.

The current limited inventory of staterooms available include a few Concierge Class, Aqua Class, Ocean View and Inside Staterooms, but other Stateroom Categories may open up due to cancellations. 

As a past guest, you have the highest priority for these staterooms. If you are interested in learning more about the availability, feel free to contact the office. Or you can reserve one of the available staterooms now!

Just for our past guests, we are extending the Sailing History Individual Pricing (SHIP) offer through January 20, 2026. A sample of those prices are listed below. Ready to return to Straight-Ahead Jazz Heaven?

Select your stateroom and complete your reservation online or by calling the office.

Use Promo Code: SHIP at booking.

These prices are per person, based upon double occupancy, do not include Pass Through Charges and are available for new reservations only.

Jazz Cruises Conversation Podcast
A Listening Party with Bria Skonberg

During the Journey of Jazz cruise, Lee Mergner hosted a Listening Party with Bria Skonberg who played tracks from her recent album, What It Means and talked about the making of the recording. The album blends many different influences, but it has a decidedly New Orleans flavor thanks to contributions from Herlin Riley, Don Vappie and Ben Jaffe. Click on the image to the right to hear an excerpt from the conversation.

LISTEN TO FULL EPISODE

Signature Cruise Experiences Programs

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise ’26

Sailing Dates: 1.15.26 – 1.20.26                
Staterooms Available: Veranda, Ocean View and Inside
Special Offer: FOV Cruise Prices
Best Prices on Ocean View Staterooms

Christian McBride’s World at Sea

Sailing Dates: 1.20.26 – 1.27.26
Staterooms Available: Limited Availability in Most Categories
Special Offer: FINAL Cruise Prices! Best Offer in Years

The Jazz Cruise

Sailing Dates: 1.27.26 – 2.3.26
Nearly Fully Reserved
Staterooms Available: Only 33 Remain; 8 Staterooms with Balconies, 25 Ocean View & Inside Staterooms

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2

Sailing Dates:
2.3.26 – 2.10.26
2.10.26 – 2.17.26
Fully Reserved; JOIN WAITLIST

Top Shelf Country Cruise ‘26

Sailing Dates: 2.27.26 – 3.6.26
82% Reserved
Staterooms Available: Concierge, AquaClass & Veranda
Promo Code: CHRISTMAS

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3

Sailing Dates: 9.11.26 – 9.18.26
96% Reserved; fewer than 60 Staterooms remain
Staterooms Available: Fewer than 50 Staterooms Remain; 21 Concierge Staterooms; 9 Veranda Staterooms;18 Inside Staterooms

Botti at Sea III (’26)

Sailing Dates: 9.18.26 – 9.25.26
65% Reserved
Staterooms Available:
Concierge, AquaClass and Veranda (with balconies); Ocean View and Inside

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise ’27

Sailing Dates: 1.12.27 – 1.17.27
Lineup Announcement: TBD

The Jazz Cruise ’27

Sailing Dates: 1.17.27 – 1.24.27
Guests on TJC ’26: Now through 1.30.26, Guests may Rebook their ’26 Stateroom
Guests Not on TJC ’26: New Guests may complete a Pre-Sail Reservation
Guests with Pre-Sail Reservations may start to select Staterooms on 2.6.26

Journey of Jazz ’27

Sailing Dates: 1.24.27 – 1.31.27
Guests on Journey of Jazz ’25: Now through 12.12.25, Guests may Rebook Stateroom from Journey of Jazz ‘25
Guests Not on Journey of Jazz ’25: Now through 12.12.25, New Guests may complete a Pre-Sail Reservation
Starting on 12.15.25: Guests with Pre-Sail Reservations may start to select Staterooms

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.1

Sailing Dates: 1.31.27 – 2.7.27
Guests on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1: Now through 11.26.25, Guests may rebook their ’26.1 Stateroom/Guests Not on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1: New Guests may complete a Pre-Sail Reservation
Starting on 12.4.25: Guests with Pre-Sail Reservations may start to select Staterooms
Open Booking Starts: 12.29.25
Cruise Prices: As shown on website

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.2

Sailing Dates: 2.7.27 – 2.14.27
Guests on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.2: Now thru 11.26.25, Guests may rebook their ’26.2 stateroom/Guests not on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.2: New Guests may complete a Pre-Sail Reservation
Starting on 12.4.25: Guests with Pre-Sail Reservations
start to select Staterooms
Open Booking Starts: 12.29.25
Cruise Prices: As shown on website

Top Shelf Country Cruise ‘26

Sailing Dates: TBD
Announcement: TBD

Botti at Sea IV (’27)

Sailing Dates: TBD
Announcement: TBD

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’27.3

Sailing Dates: 10.13.27 – 10.20.27
Announcement: TBD

The post Jazz Notes: 12.17.25 appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

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

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

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

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

In This Edition of Jazz Notes

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

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

SIGNATURE CRUISE NEWS: 

While We Are Away Special Cruise Prices

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

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

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

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

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BEST VALUE #1

12 Days/Nights of Great Music

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

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

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

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

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

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

BEST VALUE #2

14 Days/Nights of Great Music

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

BEST VALUE #3

16 Days/Nights of Great Music
The Jazz Trifecta

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Botti at Sea III
’26

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

• Elvis Costello
• Boz Scaggs
• Melody Gardot
  

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

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

Christian McBride & Brad Mehldau On Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– Lee Mergner

Nathan and Noah East: A Family Affair

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– Lee Mergner

Signature Cruise Experiences Programs

’25 CRUISES

Journey of Jazz ’25
9.12.25 – 9.19.25

’26 CRUISES

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise
1.15.26 – 1.20.26

Christian McBride’s World at Sea
1.20.26 – 1.27.26

The Jazz Cruise
1.27.26 – 2.3.26

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1
2.3.26 – 2.10.26

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.2
2.10.26 – 2.17.26

Top Shelf Country Cruise ‘26
2.27.26 – 3.6.26

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3
9.11.26 – 9.18.26

Botti at Sea III
9.18.26 – 9.25.26

’27 CRUISES

Journey of Jazz ’27
1.24.27 – 1.31.27

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.1
1.31.27 – 2.7.27

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.2
2.7.27 – 2.14.27

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

With this background, no one should be surprised that my gravesite visit on Sunday was interrupted by a soft voice that only I could hear. At first, I did not understand the words nor could I recognize the voice. As the message continued, the words became clear and the identity of the speaker was unmistakable. Mom was admonishing me for spending too much time on The Weekender talking about all the other cruises we present and not enough time on The Jazz Cruise! Her criticism of my running of The Jazz Cruise was not new. If it were up to her, the cruise would never change. New ideas were met with skepticism, if met at all.

Her desire for sameness would sometimes apply to musician’s fees. There was the time that she asked me what we were paying a certain musician, only to be upset that the current fee was higher than what she had paid in the past. When I told her that the amount she was quoting was at least four years old, she exclaimed, “he hasn’t gotten any better!” Mom was not a comedian, but she said some truly funny things. 

The one innovation of mine that Mom liked from the start was The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame Concert and Induction. Mom loved honoring musicians, colleagues and music people who were important contributors to The Jazz Cruise. The one privilege that she held onto until her death was naming the annual recipients. Only once did we deny her choices. That was the year that she would be our sole honoree. Once she knew it was her, she happily demurred.

If she were still in charge of The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame, she would love the choices for The Jazz Cruise ’26. We are proud to announce that Paquito D’Rivera and Chucho Valdés will be the ’26 inductees.

Having shared much of their professional and personal lives, it is only right that they enter our shrine together. For those who have not seen them perform together, you will be in for a great treat. The mutual admiration and respect, coupled with their amazing musicianship, always produces something wonderful. Speaking of something special, the entire lineup for The Jazz Cruise ’26 is amazing.

The highest honor in jazz is being an NEA Jazz Master. The Jazz Cruise ’26 features three such members, Paquito, Chucho and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Other icons of jazz onboard are Monty Alexander, Houston Person, Randy Brecker, Herlin Riley, Jeff Hamilton, Lewis Nash, John Clayton, Renee Rosnes and Benny Green. We also welcome back our annual heroes, Ken Peplowski, James Morrison, Eric Marienthal, Shelly Berg, Wycliffe Gordon and Rickey Woodard.

For those guests who love their jazz in vocal form, we are loaded: Dee Dee, Catherine Russell, Janis Siegel, Bria Skonberg, Veronica Swift, Niki Haris, Kurt Elling, John Pizzarelli and Benny Benack III. The ship is full of talented sidemen, Big Band Members and All Stars. Nearly 100 jazz musicians in all.

Of course, we have our Cruise Host, Emmet Cohen, to set the tone and the vibe for the cruise. Always friendly. Always engaged (no, not that kind of engaged). Emmet combines the very best in chops and charisma. 

In honor of the circle of life, it is only fitting that one of Mom’s picks for future stardom, a teenage Emmet Cohen when first onboard, would become the host of “her cruise”! Next time I visit the cemetery, I am sure she will tell me how much she loves The Jazz Cruise and how pleased she is that I have not buggered it up…yet.

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.

James Moody’s 80 Year’s Young: Live at the Blue Note

Linda Moody, the wife of the late great James Moody, is releasing a live recording of Moody’s
80th birthday celebration at the Blue Note in New York City in 2005. This was the grand finale of a week-long celebration that had already featured amazing performances from jazz giants like Jimmy Heath, Ray Barretto, Mike Long, and George Wein. The live recording features Jon Faddis, Paquito D’Rivera, Slide Hampton, Randy Brecker, Roberta Gambarini and Cedar Walton. Featured in the set was “Moody’s Mood for Love,” over a half-century since it was a major hit for King Pleasure and Moody’s signature tune over the decades. 

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James Moody’s 100th Birthday Concert

On May 27, an all-star collection of jazz artists will celebrate Moody’s centennial in a concert at Sony Hall as part of the Blue Note Jazz Festival in NYC.

Performing music by and associated with Moody are Randy Brecker, Terri Lyne Carrington, Todd Coolman, Paquito D’Rivera, Jon Faddis, Roberta Gambarini, Christian McBride, Elena Pinderhughes, Madeleine Peyroux, Adam Nussbaum and Renee Rosnes.

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Jose James’ 1978: Revenge of the Dragon

Set against the backdrop of his birth year, Jose James’ new album, 1978: Revenge of The Dragon, captures the electric tension of a transformative cultural moment. Jose, who will be sailing on McBride’s World at Sea in 2026, draws from the swirl of influences that defined the late ’70s: the experimental edge of New York’s loft and jazz scenes, the pop brilliance of Elton John and Billy Joel, the revolutionary pulse of Bob Marley and the Isley Brothers, the cosmic funk of Parliament-Funkadelic and the unstoppable rise of punk and disco.

Beneath it all was a sense of convergence—genres colliding, boundaries dissolving. Jose channels that restless spirit into a bold, cinematic sound that feels both timeless and radical. Jose will be touring the U.S. and Europe this summer.

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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 94% 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: The Jazz Cruise ’26 – Bigger & Better Than Ever appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

For Journey of Jazz, Marcus will use the first night of the cruise to complete the mission he has started over the years. Participating will be his co-host, Gregory Porter, the amazing Dee Dee Bridgewater, Music Director Eric Marienthal and a whole host of top musicians. As for additional insights to the history of jazz, the cruise features the Brubeck Brothers and Ravi Coltrane. Now there is some serious jazz history ready to be shared.

Journey of Jazz features a top lineup of female vocalists as well. In proving that point, in reviewing a recent list of the 25 greatest female jazz singers of all time, 20 are deceased. Of the five remaining, two are sailing on Journey of Jazz. We have mentioned Dee Dee Bridgewater, the talented vocalist and actress who has earned three GRAMMY® Awards, a Tony and induction as an NEA Jazz Master. The other is Diana Krall. To date the top-selling female jazz singer of the 21st Century, this three-time GRAMMY® winner, from British Columbia, combines a sultry voice with dexterous piano skills. For the record, another is Dianne Reeves, who is not on Journey of Jazz, but this 5-time GRAMMY® winner has sailed on our programs for years.

The remaining two living female jazz vocalists in the top 25 are Norah Jones and Madeleine Peyroux. Maybe one day. Journey of Jazz also features 3X GRAMMY® Award winning Cécile McLorin Salvant, whose place on the list of the Top 25 will be secured with time. And, of course, one of our favorite vocalists, Niki Haris, who cannot be defined by any single genre, will be onboard in several capacities.

In keeping with the theme of “journey,” for the first time in more than a decade Signature Cruise Experiences is curating its own excursions. For a complete list of special land-based events, click HERE and our favorite comic, Alonzo Bodden, will walk you through the choices. For those seeking the shorthand version, guests will be able to purchase tickets for a Warren Wolf show in Victoria along with several other offerings, including whale watching. While we are in San Francisco for two full days (one night), we are producing a special show at the famous SFJAZZ theater featuring the legendary Ron Carter with his quartet (Renee Rosnes, Jimmy Greene, Payton Crossley).  Famous food critic, Michael Bauer, will be your guide for dining opportunities including San Francisco’s #1 dim sum restaurant.

For the adventurous, we will have tours of wineries in Napa and Sonoma and guests can spend the day on the Napa Valley Wine Train. One train has already sold out, but we have managed to secure another one. Again, check out offerings, make your selection and get ready to enjoy your excursions. Recently, someone asked us the following question “with all these amazing excursions, will there be less music on the cruise?” The answer is a resounding “NO!” Journey of Jazz has a full schedule of music every late afternoon and night when in port and all day when we are at sea.

The only activity that will be less than our other cruises will be sleeping. Not much time for that.

Finally, though some staterooms with balconies remain, most of the available staterooms are Ocean View and Inside Staterooms. These staterooms are the least expensive on the ship, but, to provide as many jazz fans as possible with the opportunity to sail on this amazing journey, for the time being, we are lowering the price of those staterooms even more. This Special Offer for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms will not last long, so we urge you to call the office or go online to take advantage. Use the Promo Code: JOURNEY.

As you can see, I am as excited about this cruise as any we have ever produced. Great music. Great excursions. Great Journey!

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.

What’s Hot?

McBride B2B The Jazz Cruise

Scheduling the inaugural sailing of Christian McBride’s World at Sea (CMW) back-to-back (B2B) with The Jazz Cruise ’26 (TJC ’26) was meant to create a one-of-a-kind two-week jazz vacation. CMW ends on January 27, 2026 at 7AM ET. TJC ’26 starts boarding four hours later. Guests on both may remain onboard or spend some time in Ft. Lauderdale until we sail that afternoon.

Evidently, the message was clear and well received!

Hundreds of guests have decided to take advantage of this opportunity and have reserved a stateroom on both sailings! There is still time to complete what we call our Jazz Double Play.

Completing the Jazz Double Play

If you have a reservation on either CMW or TJC ‘26, please call the office to see if we can place you in that same stateroom for the other cruise. It may be that we switch your current reservation to keep both reservations with the same stateroom. If that cannot be done, no worries, Celebrity Cruises’ staff will move you to your new stateroom in minutes.

If you do not have a reservation for CMW or TJC ’26, you can call the office or go online to complete your reservation. Again, if you cannot reserve the same stateroom for both sailings, we have you covered! 

Jazz Double Play Benefits

Besides the opportunity to spend two weeks enjoying the music of more than 170 world class jazz musicians, guests who go for the Jazz Double Play are entitled to the following special benefits:
 

• Transition Day Brunch – January 27, 2026
• Reserved Seating for CMW Main Show Events
• Your Cruise Status is applied to both cruises and, to help cover your expenses, you will receive an onboard credit which you may use in any way you wish during the two weeks of sailing. The amount of the onboard credit/person is as follows:
  
  • Suite: $500
  • Conciere/AquaClass/Veranda: $400
  • Ocean View/Inside: $300

Jazz Double Play by the Numbers

Butler, Bodden Elliot at the 3rd Annual Desert Jazz Festival

Artists from the Signature Cruise Experiences’ family will be gracing the stage for the 3^rd annual Desert Jazz Festival located in Rancho Mirage, CA in the beautiful Coachella Valley October 2-5, 2025. This full VIP experience is a 3-night, 4-day event filled with music, comedy, food, golf, pickleball and community all nestled within the gorgeous San Jacinto mountains.  

In addition to the stellar talent highlighted there will also be concerts featuring the extraordinary vocals of Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle with more to be announced soon.

For a limited time, anyone who has sailed on any of our cruises in ’24 or ’25 will get 10% off using exclusive code DJFSC10 (valid until April 16^th). 

Spring Jazz Festivals

With April coming, we’ll soon be seeing not only showers and flowers, but also a flurry of jazz festivals.  Here are details on several (listed in chronological order) that will be featuring artists from our Signature Cruise Experiences programs.

Denver Jazz Festival

Date: April 3-6
Location: Various venues, Denver, CO
Lineup: Dianne Reeves & Romero Lubambo, Charles McPherson & Terell Stafford, Bill Frisell, Joe Lovano, others

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Earl Klugh’s Weekend of Jazz at the Broadmoor

Date: April 3-5
Location: The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO
Lineup: Earl Klugh, Bob James, Brian Culbertson, Eric Darius, Damien Escobar, Leslie Odom, Jr., others

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Berks Jazz Fest 

Date: April 4-13
Location: Various venues, Reading, PA
Lineup: Boney James, Brian Culbertson, Gerald Albright, Rick Braun & Richard Elliot, David Sanborn Tribute – sponsored by Signature Cruise Experiences and The Smooth Jazz Cruise, others

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Alexander Zonjic’s Cabin Fever Jazz Festival
 

Date: April 5
Location: Southfield Pavillion, Southfield, MI
Lineup: Alexander Zonjic, Keiko Matsui, Peter White, Lin Rountree, Angela Davis

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Charleston Jazz Festival

Date: April 21-29
Location: Various venues, Charleston, SC
Lineup: Paquito D’Rivera, Jazzmeia Horn, Terence Blanchard, Donald Harrison, others

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Seabreeze Jazz Festival

Date: April 23-27
Location: Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater, Panama City Beach, FL
Lineup: Gerald Albright, Brian Culbertson, Boney James, Najee, Eric Darius, Norman Brown, Vincent Ingala, others

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Stateroom Availability

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

Cruise Programs 2025

Cruise Programs 2026

Hot Offers

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

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

Limited Time Promotional Pricing

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

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Limited Time Promotional Pricing

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

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Limited Time Promotional Pricing

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

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

BOOK NOW

Open Booking Now Available!

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

BOOK NOW

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Open Booking Now Available

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

BOOK NOW

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Open Booking Now Available

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

BOOK NOW

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Open Booking Now Available

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

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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 Shot

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

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

Mug Shots

Linda M.
North Carolina

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

The post Our Take: How the History of Jazz has Become the Journey of Jazz appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

10. Watching Frank Manning dance as he was inducted into The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame.

9. Any and all memories of Jeff Clayton, Red Holloway, Keter Betts and Joe Ascione.

8.  Spending time with my father at the Ocean Bar on Holland America, particularly the night when Richie Cole lost his demeanor.

7. Anytime John Clayton led the Big Band.

6. Listening to Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dianne Reeves or Kurt Elling.

5. All editions of the Gospel Hour with Wycliffe Gordon and Niki Haris.

4. When the entire Big Band stood up and applauded as Johnny Mandel came up to conduct.

3. Being behind the scenes with Shelly Berg, Wycliffe Gordon, Marcus Miller, Arturo Sandoval and Lewis Nash as they discussed what tunes they were going to play. Then listening to them play only one of the tunes discussed and taking turns trying to stump the others with their on-the-fly selections.

2. The late-night piano solos performed in the Rendezvous Lounge that provided solace, comfort and time to reflect on how amazing life on the cruise has been.

1. By far, reading notes from guests thanking us for the cruise, telling us how meaningful the cruise is to them, and how their lives have been impacted by these experiences.

On six occasions, guests have chosen to sail on The Jazz Cruise as their last act of life. One guest had the following inscribed on his tombstone: “I’d Rather Be On The Jazz Cruise.” Very touching, indeed.

Not so touching was a phone call from a long-time guest. She called to tell us that her husband of 45 years had died. Since The Jazz Cruise was fewer than two weeks away, I told her that we would, of course, refund her payments. I can still hear her response: “No darling, I will be there. I just wanted to let you know that Ralph will not.” 

I believe in the box theory of life. Every deed, every statement, every action belongs in a particular box. A box that defines the item for the sake of clarity and understanding.

The interaction above with our guest was more than 15 years ago. I am still hunting for a box in which to place her comment.

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

While We Are At Sea

After reading “Our Take” some may ask “What if I want to contact the office from January 28 – February 25?” No worries! Our office will be fully staffed to assist you with any questions you may have about your ’25 Sailing or with reserving a stateroom for one of the eight ’26 Sailings. Check your email on Monday, January 27, 2025 for an in depth “While We Are At Sea” memo. We got this!

Carl Allen’s Trippin’

Veteran drummer Carl Allen, who will be sailing on The Jazz Cruise ’25 and McBride’s World at Sea ’26 with Inside Straight, has just released Tippin’, his first album as a leader in more than 20 years. Appearing on the recording with Carl is his longtime friend and bandmate Christian McBride, as well as saxophonist Chris Potter. This chordless trio approach originated from Carl’s desire to come up with something different for collaborating with Christian and also from playing with Chris on a recent Renee Rosnes album.

“Listening to Chris reminded me so much of the Sonny Rollins chordless trio date, Live at the Village Vanguard,” Carl explains. “That intuition solidified my decision to record with saxophone, bass and drums. I wanted the recording process to feel organic, natural, and free-flowing. We did not rehearse before entering the studio and we recorded the entire album in about five hours. I trusted the gifts that McBride and Potter brought to the table, allowing their interpretations to shape the music.”

Stateroom Availability

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

Cruise Programs – ’25

Cruise Programs – ’26

Hot Offers

Inside Staterooms are available on Journey of Jazz ’25. From now through February 28, you can reserve an Inside Stateroom on the cruise for under $2,000/person. Reservations are based upon double occupancy, available for new reservations only and non-commissionable. Further, this discount may not be combined with any other offer (Promo Code ATSEA).

The Jazz Cruise ’25, Botti at Sea ’25 and both The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25.1 and ’25.2 have been fully reserved for months. Guests do cancel their reservations for various reasons and we place those staterooms with guests on the Wait List. If you are on the Wait List or wish to reserve a stateroom for one of these sailings, call the office for availability and pricing.

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing!

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

BOOK NOW

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HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Coming Soon!

Join us for a celebration of HBCUs and inspired by the tradition of the Divine Nine Challenge from recent sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Our newest cruise, sailing January 15 – 20, 2026 (including MLK Day), will deliver Excellence, Education and Entertainment.  ALLBLK’s Homecoming: The Cruise is produced in association with the National HBCU Alumni Alliance and features Babyface, Chanté Moore, Take 6 and more! The best part is that we will award over $200,000 in scholarships to deserving organizations. 

Open Booking begins on January 31! 

LEARN MORE

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Open Booking Now Available!

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

Open Booking has begun! Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

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THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Artist Lineup Now Available!

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

Guests sailing on The Jazz Cruise ’25 may reserve their current stateroom for the ’26 sailing now through Jan. 31, 2025. New guests and those not sailing in ‘25 may join the Pre-Sail now.

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
Reserve Your Stateroom Today!

Both sailings for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25 are fully reserved and the Waitlist has more than 4,000 entrants. 
  
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2 are in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and are over 80% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Join the Pre-Sail Today!  

Fans of the country genre love the music that represents the simple, humble American lifestyle and they love to party. Top Shelf Country Cruise brings these ideas together on a luxury ship for one unforgettable week, February 27 – March 6, 2026! The inaugural sailing will feature widely popular personalities from iHeart Media’s from The Bobby Bones Show, led by Bobby Bones himself. Pre-Sail reservations are open now. The artist line up is coming soon (and it’s a good one!) Visit topshelfcountrycruise.com for more information and join the Pre-Sail today.

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Now in Open Booking!

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

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

BOOK NOW

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BOTTI AT SEA ’26
Artist Lineup will Feature Boz Scaggs!

While we continue to assemble first-rate musical talent for which Signature Cruise Experiences is known to entertain you on Botti at Sea ‘26, we’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs will be onboard the ’26 Sailing. Of course, Chris Botti will be there with his very talented band and, as always, we will fill the remaining performance slots with a variety of great music, comedy and more. Establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail. 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

The post Our Take: Almost Sailing appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Angelique Kidjo at Jazz House Kids Benefit in March

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

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

JANUARY 28
Official Launch of Homecoming: The Cruise

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

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

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

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

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

Support John Clayton

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

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

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

SUPPORT JOHN CLAYTON

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

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

*Discount applies to new reservations only. 

BOOK NOW

HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Coming Soon!

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

ALLBLK’s Homecoming: The Cruise is produced in association with the National HBCU Alumni Alliance and features Babyface, Chanté Moore, Take 6 and more! The best part is that we will award over $200,000 in scholarships to deserving organizations. Open Booking begins on January 28th! 

CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Open Booking Now Available!

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

Open Booking has begun! Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Artist Lineup Now Available!

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

Guests sailing on The Jazz Cruise ’25 may reserve their current stateroom for the ’26 sailing now through Jan. 31, 2025. New guests and those not sailing in ‘25 may join the Pre-Sail now.

JOIN PRE-AIL

THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
Reserve Your Stateroom Today!  

Both sailings for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25 are fully reserved and the Waitlist has more than 4,000 entrants. 
  
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2 are in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and are over 80% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Now in Open Booking!

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

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

BOOK NOW

BOTTI AT SEA’25 is Fully Reserved!
BOTTI AT SEA ’26 Just Announced!

Sailing from Los Angeles to Vancouver, with calls on San Francisco and Victoria, BC, Botti at Sea III (’26) is moving to the West Coast in September ’26! 

The website for the cruise will be available later this month, just before Botti at Sea II (’25) sails in February
Establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail. 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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

For those who are sailing on the upcoming cruises, be sure to join us for the webinars scheduled for each of the sailings. In each session, we walk through the various aspects of the cruises, talk about check-in, provide hints to make the cruise experience more enjoyable and answer your questions in real time.

For more information check out our Cruise ’25 Webinars below.

Customarily, I take the first “OUR TAKE” of the year and detail the New Year’s Resolutions for the company and for me personally. As someone who will soon be 75, I must choose resolutions that are important, but do not require extensive commitment. Learning Chinese or going around the world in a canoe have been ruled out, as an example.

What has not been ruled out is continuing to enjoy every moment of our cruises and to broaden my personal music palate and experiences. For the company, meaning Signature Cruise Experiences, our resolutions center on broadening our reach as well, while making sure that our jazz programs are stronger than ever.

Following up on the resolutions for Signature Cruise Experiences, you have seen, or heard about, two new programs we are advancing, Homecoming: The Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. 

Homecoming is active and we are pleased to report that the HBCU and Divine Nine communities are enthusiastically supporting the programs. The scholarship component of the cruise is up and running and our entertainers, Debbie Allen, Norm Nixon, Babyface, MC Lyte, Nephew Tommy, Chante Moore, Take 6, etc., are completing their own promotional materials.

Top Shelf Country Cruise will be launched in the coming weeks. If we were unsure as to the meaning of “mosey,” finalizing the terms and conditions of this program has confirmed our understanding. Crystal clear. But, when it is ready, it will be amazing. We are working closely with iHeart Radio on the concept and the cruise will feature some of their top country music proponents. Led by Bobby Bones, radio personalities Crook & Chase, Lunchbox and others will be key elements of the promotion and on ship programming. Top performers are being lined up for what will be the “top-shelf” example of a country music cruise.

2025 will also see the promotion of a new jazz program, as Christian McBride’s World at Sea ’26 joins The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Botti at Sea and Journey of Jazz as the largest fleet of jazz cruises in the world. We will strive to make each program unique and special yet sharing the ideals and branding that Signature Cruise Experiences draws from its predecessor producer, Jazz Cruises, LLC.

Other company goals including continuing to expand our management team and to add services and opportunities for our guests to enjoy great music with great musicians. Being able to provide such joy and spirit for a week each year is inspirational to our entire team. We know how much our guests look forward to being with their friends, family and colleagues on the ship and we are dedicated to continuing to make that experience special.

And, we want to spend more time understanding what our guests want to see in future programs, whether that means additional genres, different talent or other aspects of the cruise program. Our programs belong to the guests, are defined by the guests and will be designed for the guests for the future.

Learning about more musicians is my main personal resolution for 2025. To do so, I have identified 10 musicians (4 vocalists and 6 instrumentalists) that I have “heard of,” but do not know well. Each month, I will write about one of these folks, telling you their story and how I went about learning about them. No need to send in names for me to consider, as I spent several hours on New Year’s Day making my selections. Combing the internet to learn about names I have accumulated over the past few months was fun and provided respite from watching some really bad football.

Now that project fits my definition of a resolution for me. Important, but not overly ambitious or too long term. If you want to share your musical New Year’s Resolution, feel free to send them to me. We will print these Wish Lists right next to the Mug Shots.

Bring on 2025! We are more than ready! 

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

Join the Webinars

Below is the schedule for the upcoming webinars related to the ’25 Cruises. We urge you to sign up and attend. If that is not possible, each webinar will be recorded and available on the respective website of each cruise. 

(Note: It is much more fun to be on the webinar. We have fun doing it.)

The Jazz Cruise ’25
Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM ET

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘25.1 & ‘25.2
Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM ET

Homecoming: The Cruise
Pre-Sail Reservation Ends on 01.15.25

Due to high volume and some confusion as to dates over the holiday, Pre-Sail Reservations for Homecoming: The Cruise will be accepted through Wednesday, January 15! Guests holding Pre-Sail Reservations will receive information and directions for selecting a stateroom and completing a Reservation soon thereafter. As of now, Pre-Sail Reservations will be activated starting on Monday, January 20.

Securing a Pre-Sail Reservation is easy, without cost and does not obligate the guest in any way. A Pre-Sail Reservation is, however, the very best way to jump to the head of the line to select a stateroom.

Journey of Jazz ’25

Our First West Coast Cruise in More than 10 Years!
Limited Offer/Significant Savings!

With all that is happening at Signature Cruise Experiences, we have not spent much time talking about Journey of Jazz ’25, our first West Coast cruise in more than 10 years. Though we do not sail for over 9 months from now, the cruise is 80% reserved and many of the special excursions are fully subscribed.

The first excursion that filled up was the Napa Valley Wine Train, which was surprising only because it was the most expensive of all the choices. We are investigating chartering another train for those who wish to enjoy traveling through the wine country, drinking great wine and enjoying gourmet food. Reading that description takes some of the mystery out of why the excursion sold out so quickly.

Most Expensive First Special Offer

The “Most Expensive First” syndrome for Journey of Jazz also applies to stateroom selection. The higher end staterooms were the first to go and most of the remaining inventory are Ocean View and Inside Staterooms! Amazing! Since our entire team will soon be “at sea” for a month, we decided to offer some of these staterooms at favorable prices. From now through February 25, 2025, the day we head back home or until the staterooms are fully reserved, you can use promo code ATSEA to reserve an Ocean View or Inside Stateroom at these amazing prices.

And, with the significant savings, you can afford a luxurious excursion! 

Cruise Prices are Per Person based on Double Occupancy
Reservations are Non-Commissionable 
This Offer may not be combined with any other offer or discount
Cruise Prices do not include per person Pass Through Charges

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘25.1 Hotel Reservations:
Stay with the Artists!

Still arranging your travel plans for The Smooth Jazz Cruise 25.1? Good news: We’ve managed to reserve another room block at a special rate for our guests at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina!

And because you’re reading this, you’re one of the first to know that this is the same hotel the artists will be staying at!

We will also be offering coach transportation from the hotel to the pier on Embarkation Day. Guests may register for this service now ($30/person) by completing the transportation form. 

There are a limited number of rooms available, so make sure you book soon. Just click the button below to get started.

Jazz in NYC

In large part because of the sprawling APAP conference dedicated to performing arts presenters, early January in New York City has become a hotbed for jazz artists, professionals and fans. Three major jazz-focused events during that time bring together members of the jazz community from all over the world. And you’ll find many artists who have been associated with our cruise programs involved in each of those events.

Jazz Congress (January 8-9)

This jazz industry conference, produced by Jazz at Lincoln Center and our own Lee Mergner, features a series of panels, workshops and events, dedicated to expanding the audience for jazz. John Clayton will receive the Bruce Lundvall Visionary Award, named for the longtime jazz record executive. The life and music of Russell Malone will be celebrated in an all-star performance featuring John, Ron Carter, Diana Krall, Christian McBride, Monty Alexander, Kenny Barron, Benny Green and others. Bryan Stevenson, the founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, will give the keynote address. Other artists from our cruises who are participating in the conference include Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bria Skonberg, Etienne Charles and Patrice Rushen.

Unity Jazz Festival (January 10-11)

Now in its second year, this two-day jazz festival will also take place at the beautiful facilities of Jazz at Lincoln Center and will feature more than 20 performances by artists such as Sullivan Fortner, Rachael & Villray, Helen Sung and many others. Our own Emmet Cohen will host a musical celebration of one of his mentors, Tootie Heath. In addition, there will be a special all-star tribute to Roy Haynes, featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dave Holland, Graham Haynes, Marcus Gilmore, Terri Lyne Carrington, John Patitucci, Dave Kikoski, Jaleel Shaw, Kenny Barron and more.

LEARN MORE

Winter JazzFest (January 9-15)

Founded in 2005 by impresario Brice Rosenbloom, this festival takes place at various venues throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn and is anchored by two “Marathon” nights on January 10 and 11. During those evenings, performances by more than 40 groups take place at 18 venues. Attendees get a pass to experience the music in pub crawl fashion with Friday night being held in Manhattan and Saturday night in Brooklyn. The lineup features a mix of established and emerging artists, with an emphasis on the more cutting-edge styles of jazz. Among the more mainstream jazz performers in the program are the Christian McBride Big Band, Orrin Evans Big Band with Lisa Fischer, Matthew Whitaker, Tyreek McDole, Melissa Aldana and JD Allen.

Mug Shots of the Week

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

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

The post OUR TAKE: 2025 is Here. We are Ready! appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Are They Doing on New Year’s Eve?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gregory Porter
December 30
Dolby Theater, Hollywood, CA

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’25
Lineup Just Announced!

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

Guests sailing on The Jazz Cruise ’25 may reserve their current stateroom for the ’26 sailing now through Jan. 31, 2025. New guests and those not sailing in ‘25 may join the Pre-Sail now.

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
Reserve Your Stateroom Today!  

Both sailings for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25 are fully reserved and the Waitlist has more than 4,000 entrants. 
  
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2 are in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and are over 80% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Now in Open Booking!

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

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

BOOK NOW

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BOTTI AT SEA’25 is Fully Reserved!
BOTTI AT SEA ’26 Just Announced!

Sailing from Los Angeles to Vancouver, with calls on San Francisco and Victoria, BC, Botti at Sea III (’26) is moving to the West Coast in September ’26! 

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

JOIN PRE-SAIL

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Open Booking Now Available!

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

Open Booking has begun! Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

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JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Excursions Available to Book Now!

In addition to a spectacular lineup of musicians, Journey of Jazz ’25 includes a brilliant offering of special excursions, events and entertainment while the ship is docked in both Victoria, BC and San Francisco, CA.

Check out the wide range of Signature Jazz Cruises’ curated trips to Wine Country, Special Land Based Concerts and more. New opportunities are available to book now.

BOOK NOW

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HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE
New Cruise Just Announced!

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

Homecoming: The Cruise is produced in association with the National HBCU Alumni Alliance and features Babyface, Chanté Moore, Take 6 and more! The best part is that we will award over $200,000 in scholarships to deserving organizations! Establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail.

BOOK NOW

Mug Shot of the Week

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

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

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