Smooth Jazz Cruise
The Smooth Jazz Cruise is a semi-annual full-charter cruise centered on the performance of smooth jazz. Sailing every year since 2004, it currently fills Holland America’s M/S Eurodam with 2,000 guests for a seven-day Caribbean itinerary. The Smooth Jazz Cruise features nearly forty musical acts, making it a major jazz festival in its own right. The 2015 sailing includes Natalie Cole, Marcus Miller, David Sanborn and Boney James. The Smooth Jazz Cruise is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions (ECP).
Itinerary
Two sailings of the Smooth Jazz Cruise sails identical Caribbean itineraries during the winter season—once in January, and once in March. In 2015, its scheduled ports of call are George Town, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; Key West, USA; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; and Fort Lauderdale, USA.
Performers
Smooth Jazz Cruises typically feature dozens of acts. In 2015, the full list for both sailings includes Natalie Cole, Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, Boney James, Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Norman Brown, Gerald Albright, Rick Braun, Peter White, Eric Marienthal, Marc Antoine, Elan Trotman, Grace Kelly, Kevin Whalum, Patches Stewart, Tom Braxton, Chance Howard, Andre Berry, Randy Jacobs, Nate Phillips, Dwight Sills, Ron Reinhardt, Ramon Yslas, Herman Jackson, Gerey Johnson, Arlington Jones, Nate Kearney, Khari Parker, Third Richardson, Jay Williams, Joey Diggs, and Bridgette Bryant. Of these, the Whalums and Brown will appear on the January sailing only, while Butler, White and Braxton will appear only on the March sailing. Candy Dulfer and Brian Culbertson are special events hosts. Alonzo Bodden and Dane Butcher are cruise hosts. Biz Markie and Cool V are the celebrity DJs. DW3 is the party band. Brian Simpson is the program’s Music Director.