The Greatest Party at Sea!
Since 2004, The Smooth Jazz Cruise has set the gold standard—not just for jazz cruises, but for all music and theme charter cruises. With over 30 sailings and more than 60,000 guests on board, it’s a one-of-a-kind musical vacation. Remarkably, over 17,500 guests have joined us four or more times.
Widely recognized as “The Greatest Party at Sea,” the cruise fosters a spirit of camaraderie, inclusion, and mutual respect. The energy between guests and musicians creates a powerful dynamic—each inspiring the other in an upward spiral of joy, creativity, and connection. Over 7 unforgettable days and nights, this synergy fuels a truly immersive musical and cultural journey, forging lifelong bonds between guests, artists, and staff.
For musicians and guests alike, sailing on The Smooth Jazz Cruise is the highlight of their year in music. Every year!
UNRIVALED MUSIC EXPERIENCE
Unparalleled presentation and production of the music is our hallmark and there are more top stars in this genre on the ship than on any cruise or at any festival in the world.
Our two music hosts, Marcus Miller and Boney James, command the respect of all guests, along with our ‘27 headliners: Brian Culbertson, Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer, Peter White, Kirk Whalum, Richard Elliot, Mindi Abair, Euge Groove and Eric Darius. Music Director Eric Marienthal serves as the creator and coordinator of the music events and we top it off with Alonzo Bodden, the funniest man on the planet, serving as our comic/host.
great venues, production & programming
Signature Cruise Experiences—the producer of The Smooth Jazz Cruise—has been leading the way in full-ship music charters longer, and with more expertise, than anyone in the business. Our team of creative professionals is unmatched in crafting and delivering one-of-a-kind programs, unforgettable performances, vibrant events, and pure fun at sea.
Nightly Main Shows • Festival-Style Lounge Shows • All Star Shows • Nightclub for Dancing/Chilling • T-Shirt Party • Theme Parties • Pool Performances • Autograph Sessions • Artist Interactive Activities • Q&A’s with Artists • Music Seminars • Culinary Events • Gameshows
DAYTIME ENTERTAINMENT
On most cruises, a Day at Sea means time for a good book and a nap. You can certainly do that on The Smooth Jazz Cruise – but you might miss out on something unforgettable. From exclusive artist interviews and hosted events to poolside parties, themed lunches, and, of course, incredible live music, our days at sea are anything but ordinary.
Daytime performances take place throughout the ship – in The Theatre, Rendezvous Lounge, Sky Lounge, and even on the pool deck or in The Cosmopolitan Restaurant, our elegant main dining room. All daytime shows are open seating and available on a first-come, first-served basis – so don’t sleep in too long!
NIGHTLY MAIN SHOWS
Each evening, we present our Main Shows in The Theatre -offering two performances of each show to ensure that every guest has the opportunity to attend. Some shows are repeated on the same night, while others are presented on consecutive evenings.
At the time of booking, each guest selects either the First Show or the Second Show. Guests attending the First Show (beginning around 5:30 PM) dine afterward, while those assigned to the Second Show enjoy dinner first and then head to the theater for the 8:45 PM performance.
Your designated show time is indicated by the color of your Cruise Identification Card (BLUE – 1st Show / RED – 2nd Show).
CRUISING AFTER DARK
Welcome to “Cruising After Dark,” Signature Cruise Experiences’ legendary late-night extravaganza.
Beginning around 10:30 PM, the entire ship lights up with music, parties, comedy, dancing, and more.
Concerts continue in The Theatre and Sky Lounge, while The Cosmopolitan Restaurant transforms into an intimate cabaret-style venue.
Over in the Rendezvous Lounge, it’s party central -think dancing, karaoke, silent disco, spirited drinking games, late-night bites, and revelry that lasts till dawn. Cruise Director Mario Vines and our favorite DJ roam the lounge to keep the energy sky-high and ensure everyone’s part of the fun.
Beyond The Music
“LEARN” Events
While music takes center stage on The Smooth Jazz Cruise, guests are also invited to dive deeper through our “Learn” programming – an engaging series that includes one-on-one artist interviews, insightful panel discussions, hands-on instrument tutorials, and special-topic presentations designed especially for passionate music lovers.
MASTERCLASS
Our guests have the unique opportunity to learn from the best in the industry! Whether it’s a rockin’ guitar lesson or working out the basics on the keyboard, there’s plenty of fun to be had while learning from the incredible musicians we have onboard.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Don’t miss once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to hear firsthand about the lives and careers of our top artists, interviewed by musicians or industry experts like Talaya. Our frequent and well-coordinated artist spotlights are always popular among our guests.
COFFEE TALK
Calling all The Weekender fans! Get some coffee and join an engaging discussion of all things jazz with Michael Lazaroff, Signature Cruise Experiences’ Executive Director and author of the weekly newsletter, The Weekender. and guest.
“Enjoy” Events
Sometimes, The Smooth Jazz Cruise presents events just to have fun. No deeper meaning, no lofty goals – just fun for fun’s sake. While we like to keep many of these surprises under wraps, here are three types of lighthearted experiences we create simply because they make people smile. There’s a little something for everyone.
GAMES
Ever dreamed of watching your favorite artists face off in a Family Feud-style gameshow? Or cheering as Boney James and Brian Culbertson battle it out in their legendary poolside Ping-Pong tournament?
These are just a few of the unforgettable moments that unfold aboard The Smooth Jazz Cruise. And if you’re feeling competitive yourself, don’t forget to pack your athletic shoes – the Summit features a fully equipped, interactive sports court ready for action.
cocktail, WINE & FOOD EVENTS
No cool jazz experience is complete without great cocktails, fine wine and delicious food – and The Smooth Jazz Cruise takes it a step further by pairing these moments with the artists themselves.
Whether it’s a laid-back Happy Hour Hang, lessons in making the perfect cocktail or an elegant wine tasting, you’ll share the experience alongside your favorite performers, turning a simple toast into a truly unforgettable memory.
THE COMEDY OF
ALONZO BODDEN
Alonzo Bodden, winner of Last Comic Standing and Signature Cruise Experiences’ Comic Host, will perform his hilarious show in The Theatre for both Blue and Red shows and for an additional night of “Cruising After Dark.”
Famous for delivering funny and pointed comments about current events and taking performers to task, some of the best people-watching is found during an Alonzo Bodden show.