‘Get Ready’ Series

GET READY FOR THE JAZZ CRUISE '25!  

The Jazz Cruise sails in just six months and, trust us, Embarkation Day comes quickly! Our Get Ready process began in June with the first letter to you in the Get Ready series. A copy of that letter can be found on The Jazz Cruise website in the Booked Guests portal.

This second letter provides you with your Celebrity Cruises’ Reservation Number which enables you to access your Pre-Cruise Planner and to make purchases and reservations that you will utilize onboard. Doing this now will save you time and, in some instances, money.

Please note that your Celebrity Cruises’ Reservation Number is different from your Jazz Cruises’ Reservation Number. The first is your key to interacting with the ship, Celebrity Summit. The second is your reference when contacting Jazz Cruises about the details of your reservation. Jazz Cruises is here to assist you with managing stateroom selections, payment plan modifications and dining/show time specifics. Likewise, our focus is concentrated on the music and entertainment programming for sailing.

Ready to Get Ready? We are! This email should provide all of the information you need, but, should you have any questions, please contact our office by phone (888-852-9987) or email ([email protected]). It is our job to make your cruise amazing.

Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director, Jazz Cruises, LLC

 

CELEBRITY CRUISES' RESERVATION NUMBER
  • GUEST NAME(S): See Reservation Confirmation
  • CELEBRITY CRUISE' RESERVATION NUMBER: See Reservation Confirmation

With the issuance of your Celebrity Cruises’ Reservation Number, guests on The Jazz Cruise '25 may now begin purchasing a variety of onboard amenities before even boarding the ship, including Internet Plans, Beverage Packages, Shore Excursions, Specialty Dining, Photo Packages and more through Celebrity Cruises’ Pre-Cruise Planner. Please note that Spa Treatments will also be available to purchase in this platform closer to the sailing.

 

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR JAZZ CRUISES' GUESTS & A BRAND NEW SPECIALTY RESTAURANT

Jazz Cruises and Celebrity Cruises have worked together to offer special discounts on Beverage and Wi-Fi Packages for those guests who complete their purchases BEFORE sailing. These discounts (noted below) will expire on January 25, 2025 and require no special procedure as they are loaded into Celebrity’s Pre-Cruise Planner.

These packages will also be available to purchase onboard the cruise, however prices may be higher and completing the process will take time away from your vacation. Jazz Cruises recommends completing this process now so that you can relax and enjoy music without missing a beat.

The first night in Tuscan Grille and Jazz Cruises’ Chops House (in Blu) both feature a special price for our Jazz Cruises’ guests who book prior to the cruise in Celebrity’s Pre-Cruise Planner. Be sure to reserve your spot soon, as availability is limited!

Introducing “The Big Easy” — A Jazz Cruises’ Themed Restaurant

As many of our guests know, each year we try to create new and exciting twists on the cruise for our guests to enjoy. Two years ago, we created Jazz Cruises’ Chops House, which continues to be the most popular Specialty Restaurant onboard (located in Blu). Guests who wish to book a reservation in Jazz Cruises’ Chops House may make a reservation in the Blu restaurant in Celebrity’s Pre-Cruise Planner.

This year, we are adding The Big Easy - A Jazz Cruises’ Themed Restaurant to the Specialty Dining offerings. Not only is New Orleans the home to great jazz, it is also home to excellent cuisine and some of North America’s very best restaurants. Our team has spent the last few months working closely with Celebrity Cruises to create a menu that is going to make you feel like you are in the heart of the French Quarter.

The Big Easy will operate in Le Petit Chef at Qsine each evening, replacing the Le Petit Chef menu. Those wishing to book The Big Easy may do so on Celebrity’s Pre-Cruise Planner by booking a reservation in Le Petit Chef. Though the special name and menu are not reflected in the booking platform, it will operate as The Big Easy while we are onboard.

You can take a look at the menu HERE.

 

LET'S GET STARTED ACCESSING YOUR PRE-CRUISE PLANNER
  • Click here to access Celebrity Cruises' Pre-Cruise Planner.
    • Select Create An Account if it is your first time using this platform
    • Select Sign In if you have utilized Celebrity Cruises’ Pre-Cruise Planner or checked-in online for a previous sailing.
  • Click Plan My Cruise to view and begin your Celebrity Cruises' purchases.

Your Celebrity Cruises’ Reservation Number is also needed to complete your online check-in procedure which will be available 45 days prior to sailing. We will notify you when the Celebrity Cruises' online check-in process opens.

 

CELEBRITY CRUISES' PRE-CRUISE PLANNER QUESTIONS

Celebrity Cruises has a dedicated team to assist with any questions that you might have on their Pre-Cruise Planner. They can be reached at 844-278-9746.


THE JAZZ CRUISE '26: WE WANT TO HEAR WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR!  

While you are concentrating on making travel arrangements and adding special touches to your upcoming cruise, our office is focusing on the most exciting portion of preparation for The Jazz Cruise '26 — the artist selection. We want to hear from you about who we should keep at top of mind when we create the lineup. Click HERE to submit your recommendations!

 

STAY TUNED

We will continue to provide you with more information to help you prepare for The Jazz Cruise in the coming weeks and months. This will include everything from how to board the ship, theme nights, showtimes and much more. In the meantime, we highly suggest reviewing our Booked Guests portal on the website.

GET READY #3 FOR THE JAZZ CRUISE '25

Ready to Get Ready? Here you find the 3rd letter in Jazz Cruises’ Get Ready series preparing you for sailing on The Jazz Cruise ’25. If you missed either of the first two letters, or wish to refer to them again, copies may be found on The Jazz Cruise ’25 website in the Booked Guests portal.

Earlier we informed you of important information about documentation and other technical and procedural aspects of boarding the ship and sailing. This letter is simply about food! Don’t we all know that cruises are famous for providing tons of food? That is a joke, of course, but, on our Celebrity Summit, not only will the food be abundant, it will be wonderful and your choices of what, when and where to eat are plentiful as well.

As is the case for all cruise activities, it is important to understand your choices before you board the ship. Ready to take a culinary tour of The Jazz Cruise ’25?

Bon Appetit!

Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director, Jazz Cruises, LLC

THE JAZZ CRUISE DINING SCHEDULE

Celebrity Cruises is consistently recognized for the quality of its dining experiences and food service. Dining choices on the ship are divided between Included Dining and Specialty Dining Restaurants. The variety of options should encourage you to try new foods and preparations. If you are not pleased with any aspect of your meal, you can freely and easily make another choice. This is part of the cruise experience!

Being able to enjoy dining on the ship, particularly the evening meal, is an important element of the programming of The Jazz Cruise. To enable our guests to dine in a leisurely and enjoyable manner without missing the fabulous entertainment, virtually no live music will be presented from 5:00 PM–6:00 PM each night.

This is not a suggestion to complete your evening meal in that time frame, but it does provide a period during which you may begin a meal, have a drink, and enjoy yourself before engaging in the special music that evening.

YOUR DINING CHOICES

Included Dining

“Included Dining” are the restaurants and dining experiences that are part of the price of your reservation. Celebrity Cruises offers many different restaurants and dining experiences under the Included Dining program.

  • The Cosmopolitan Restaurant (Main Dining Room). The Cosmopolitan Restaurant is a two-deck grand dining room with one side being entirely glass allowing for breathtaking views of the seas and brilliant lighting. Recently refurbished, The Cosmopolitan Restaurant serves a full breakfast every morning and a beautiful dinner every night. Lunch is also available on Days at Sea. Breakfasts include your choice of entrees including omelets, Eggs Benedict, pancakes, waffles and all the meats, bread products and pastries that accompany a full breakfast. For lunch, you may choose from an array of healthy options as well as the daily pasta, specialty hamburgers and soups. The entrees for dinner are different every night, but each menu includes fish, meat, chicken and vegetarian selections. If you prefer, there are entrees, such as steak and salmon, that are offered every night. Wonderful appetizers, salads, soups and a stunning array of desserts are also included for you.
  • Ocean View Café. Located on the pool deck, the Ocean View Café is more than a station-by-station self-serve restaurant. The options are endless and the entrees and offerings mirror that of the Main Dining Room in most cases. The Ocean View Café serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon snacks, dinner and late-night fare. Pizza, pasta, sandwiches and sweets are available until the wee hours for those jazz fans looking to wind down after an evening of music. There is seating inside the Ocean View Café or just outside of the Aft portion, also known as The Sunset Bar. Don’t tell anyone, but having a drink during sunset at The Sunset Bar is one of the most memorable aspects of any cruise.
  • Pool Grill. The name says it all. You can almost smell the hamburgers, hot dogs, fries and fixings that are part of the daily fare. As you might expect, those fun foods taste even better when you are on the ship. For The Jazz Cruise, we sometimes open the Pool Grill later in the evening as well and it can serve as a locale for some special events.
  • Spa Café and Juice Bar. Located in the Solarium on the forward section of the Pool Deck, as the name suggests, healthy and organic foods are offered for breakfast and lunch here. The offerings are beautiful to look at and you can learn what every ingredient is, how the item is prepared and what the caloric and nutritional counts are.


Specialty Restaurants

Looking for a special dining experience, a place to celebrate or just something different? Celebrity Cruises offers an array of themed restaurants that (for an upcharge) offer items not generally offered in the Included Dining venues, as well as an atmosphere and aura consistent with the concept of the venue.

  • Tuscan Grille. Italian fare with a modern twist has been the mission of Tuscan Grille from its inception. Perhaps the most well-known and beloved restaurant concept of Celebrity Cruises, it is the perfect place for those with hearty appetites and discerning palates. For guests who act quickly, there’s a special discount available on Celebrity’s Pre-Cruise Planner for reservations made for the first night of the cruise (January 28, 2025) at Tuscan Grille. This offer is limited and reservations are filling up fast, so we recommend booking as soon as possible to secure this exclusive deal.
  • Sushi on Five. Another very popular alternative restaurant, offering Pan-Asian Cuisine every afternoon and evening (a la carte pricing). Carryout meals are offered and make a great takeaway for dining on a veranda or outside deck.
  • The Big Easy - A Jazz Cruises’ Themed Restaurant. Located on Deck 11 Midship, Qsine offers a stunning setting for dinner. While Qsine typically hosts Le Petit Chef during regular Celebrity Summit cruises, we transform the space into "The Big Easy" for our voyages. Immerse yourself in a delightful array of flavors inspired by the vibrant cuisine of New Orleans. (For more information, see below.)
  • Luminae. Looking for a quiet place to enjoy a truly gourmet dinner in an elegant and stylish setting? Luminae is your choice. The menu is limited with a change in selections daily. We at Jazz Cruises highly recommend that you enjoy at least one dinner in Luminae.
  • Jazz Cruises’ Chops House. Jazz Cruises’ Chops House, a traditional steakhouse concept initiated by Jazz Cruises, returns for the '25 sailing season. Open each evening in Blu Restaurant, Jazz Cruises' Chops House will feature all your favorite steakhouse classics. (For more information, see below.)

Reservations for any of these Specialty Restaurants can be made online via Celebrity Cruises’ Pre-Cruise Planner. To access your Pre-Cruise Planner, simply login to your Celebrity Cruises Account and start making plans.

Celebrity Cruises has a dedicated team to assist with any questions that you may have on your Account or Pre-Cruise Planner. They can be reached at 1-844-278-9746.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: JAZZ CRUISES CHOPS HOUSE

In 2023, Jazz Cruises’ worked with Celebrity Cruises to bring our guests Jazz Cruises’ Chops House, a traditional steakhouse with many favorite dishes that you’ve come to expect in a classic steakhouse. We were only able to operate this concept on three nights during The Jazz Cruise ‘23, and the restaurant was fully booked from open to close. Due to the overwhelming popularity of Jazz Cruises’ Chops House, we moved the concept to Blu Restaurant for the ’24 sailings to accommodate more guests in the restaurant each evening.

For the ‘25 sailings, Jazz Cruises’ Chops House will once again operate each evening in Blu Restaurant (Deck 5, Aft). Please note, when booking Jazz Cruises’ Chops House on Celebrity’s Pre-Cruise Planner, you will need to book a reservation in Blu Restaurant, it will unfortunately not indicate Jazz Cruises’ Chops House. While Celebrity’s online system cannot be altered to identify Chops House, rest assured that the menu onboard will reflect the complete Chops House menu. And, for guests who wish to dine at Jazz Cruises’ Chops House on the first night of the cruise, there is a special discount available on Celebrity’s Pre-Cruise Planner. This offer is limited and reservations are filling quickly, so we recommend booking as soon as possible to secure this exclusive deal.

Please Note: Blu Restaurant operates as originally programmed for breakfast.

INTRODUCING "THE BIG EASY" – A JAZZ CRUISES' THEMED RESTAURANT

As many of our guests know, Jazz Cruises seeks to create new and exciting concepts for guests to enjoy each year. For our 2025 sailings, we have worked in collaboration with Celebrity Cruises to present The Big Easy – A Jazz Cruises’ Themed Restaurant, located in Qsine. Not only is New Orleans the home to some of the best jazz in the world, it is also home to excellent cuisine and some of North America’s best restaurants. Our team has spent the last few months working closely with Celebrity Cruises to create a menu (available for preview HERE) that is going to make you feel like you are in the heart of the French Quarter.

Please note, The Big Easy will operate in Le Petit Chef at Qsine each evening, replacing the Le Petit Chef menu. Those wishing to book The Big Easy may do so on Celebrity’s Pre-Cruise Planner by booking a reservation in Le Petit Chef. Though the special name and menu are not reflected in the booking platform, it will operate as The Big Easy while we are onboard.

PURCHASING FOOD & BEVERAGE OPTIONS FOR THE JAZZ CRUISE '25

As discussed in earlier letters, Celebrity Cruises’ “Pre-Cruise Planner” platform is open for guests on The Jazz Cruise ‘25, allowing you to book a variety of shipboard amenities including Shore Excursions, Internet Packages, Photo Packages and much more.

This same process will be used to purchase Beverage Packages and make reservations for the various Specialty (Upcharge) Dining choices. For your convenience, your Celebrity Cruises’ Reservation Number and Special Show Seating has been listed below.

Guest Name(s): See Reservation Confirmation
Special Show Seating: See Reservation Confirmation
Celebrity Cruises' Reservation Number: See Reservation Confirmation

EVENING DINING AT THE COSMOPOLITAN RESTAURANT

As stated above, The Cosmopolitan Restaurant (Decks 4 & 5) is the Main Dining Room for Included Dining. The Cosmopolitan Restaurant is open each evening from 5:00 PM–8:00 PM and operates as both an open seating venue and by reservation. Most guests will enjoy dinner in The Cosmopolitan Restaurant several times during the week. With this level of attendance, we have special dining procedures just for The Cosmopolitan Restaurant.

Open Seating
Except on Special Dining nights (see below), you may enter The Cosmopolitan Restaurant at any time from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM and be served.

Special Dining Nights
On Nights 1 and 6 of our cruise, due to special programming, Guests dining in The Cosmopolitan Restaurant will proceed to the dining room in accordance with their BLUE or RED show designation. This selection was made at the time of your reservation and will be reflected in the background color of your Cruise Identification Card which will be at the door of your stateroom upon boarding the ship.

Guests with BLUE Cruise Identification Cards will attend the 1st Main Show on Night 1 (The Jazz Cruise Welcome Show) and Night 6 (The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame Show). The 1st Main Show starts at 6:00 PM. Following the conclusion of their show (just after 7:00 PM), guests may either proceed to The Cosmopolitan Restaurant for a 7:15 PM entry or pause to have a drink or enjoy one of the shows around the ship, thus avoiding peak traffic time entering the restaurant. Entry to The Cosmopolitan Restaurant is open until 8:00 PM.

Guests with RED Cruise Identification Cards will attend the 2nd Main Show on Nights 1 and 6. Guests with RED Cruise Identification Cards on these evenings may enter the Cosmopolitan Restaurant between 5:00 PM–5:45 PM. To prepare the restaurant for guests attending the 1st Main Show, we ask that guests adjourn from the restaurant no later than 6:45 PM. The 2nd Main Show will start at 8:00 PM.

 
Reservations at the Cosmopolitan Restaurant  

As stated above, dinner reservations are NOT required for dining at The Cosmopolitan Restaurant but it is the best way to avoid waiting to be assigned a table each night. We also recognize that some of our guests prefer to dine at the same time and table, and with the same passengers and waiter each evening. Reserving a table in advance allows you to do this.

To secure a reservation and to register the names of your dining group, if applicable, email us at [email protected] and provide the guest names and desired time (5:00 PM for RED Cruise Identification Card Holders or 7:15 PM for BLUE Cruise Identification Card Holders) for your dining group.

There is no charge for reserving a table and dining time, we just ask that you make your request prior to December 18, 2024.

ROOM SERVICE

Room Service is always available. Order Cards for breakfast are placed in your stateroom and, if completed by 11:00 PM the evening before, your breakfast will be delivered as ordered. A complete Room Service menu is available in every stateroom and most entrees served in the main dining room are available as well. The cost for using Room Service is $9.95 per order (excluding guests in Suites).

For many guests, breakfast delivered by room service is an integral part of the cruise experience and Celebrity Cruises executes the program very well. Yet, in our opinion, we believe that guests will enjoy their meal more when dining in one of the venues. The distance from the kitchen to the staterooms and the number of orders on one delivery cart can be significant, resulting in time gaps between plating and delivery that often adversely impact the quality and temperature of most food items.

DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS 

Celebrity Cruises endeavors to address special considerations of its guests and are accustomed to accommodating special dietary restrictions within their normal operating menus (i.e. vegetarian, gluten free, etc.). If you have additional special dietary considerations, you will need to discuss these needs with the Celebrity Cruises Access Department at 1-866-592-7225 or [email protected]. Please submit your requests no later than November 18, 2024.

STAY TUNED

We will continue to provide more information to help you prepare for The Jazz Cruise ’25 in the coming weeks and months. This will include everything from how you board the ship, Theme Nights and show times to Online Check-In. In the meantime, we highly suggest reviewing our Booked Guests portal on the website. We’re getting ready and we trust you are too!

GET READY #4 FOR THE JAZZ CRUISE '25

We're excited to bring you the 4th update in our “Get Ready” email as we gear up for The Jazz Cruise '25! We are eager to welcome you onboard The Jazz Cruise ’25. If you missed any of the first three letters, or wish to refer to them again, copies may be found on The Jazz Cruise ’25 website under the heading “Booked Guests.”

To date we have talked about the details of your reservation, how you access and make purchases in your Celebrity Cruises Pre-Cruise Planner and your dining choices for the cruise. I encourage you to read this letter in the series more than once! Here you’ll find details on specific music events, theme nights and shows. Let’s talk music!

Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director, Jazz Cruises, LLC

SHOWTIME INFORMATION

Since its first sailing in 2001, The Jazz Cruise has proudly presented the very best Jazz musicians in the world and provided guests with around-the-clock music at sea. Below are the components that make this experience so special.

Music is Presented Festival-Style
Music on The Jazz Cruise is presented "festival style." Up to four different music shows or events may take place at any given time. Music shows include sets by Performing Groups, All Stars (a grouping of five or six top players who select their own music for the show), Unique Pairings and Configurations created by us, John Clayton’s Big Band and other ensembles that highlight special shows. Performers appear at least four times during the cruise and some perform up to eight times. You may elect to sample all the performers or concentrate your time on your favorites.

First-Class Sound & Production
Even the most talented performers will not sound their best if the systems and production elements are not first class. From the first sailing of The Jazz Cruise in 2001, we have used all available resources and professional abilities to make sure that we were presenting your music in the best possible manner. Our equipment is first class, and we have a large and highly skilled technical staff under the guidance of Production Manager, Brian Rachko.

Unrestricted Entry to Shows
Except for the Special Shows (see below), no tickets are required for shows and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Further, you may enter or leave the shows at any time. We call this option "musical grazing" and it is encouraged.

Special Shows
There are two Special Shows during the week where admission/entry is based upon your Cruise Identification Card: The Jazz Cruise Welcome Show (on Night One) and The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame Show (on Night Six). Both shows are in The Theatre and are available to every guest.

To accommodate all guests, Special Shows are performed twice that night, once for guests with BLUE Cruise Identification Cards - 1st Show (BLUE Guests) and once for guests with RED Cruise Identification Cards - 2nd Show (RED Guests). Your show selection (BLUE or RED) was made during the reservation process and will be reflected in the color of your card. Based upon your selection your Special Show schedule is as follows:

SPECIAL SHOW SCHEDULE
Welcome and Hall of Fame Shows
Nights One & Six
Blue Guests - 6:00 - 7:00PM
Red Guests - 8:00 - 9:00PM

The Special Show Schedule is meant to be coordinated with the evening dining schedule. BLUE Guests usually dine after their Special Show and RED Guests typically dine before their Special Show.

Seating Procedures & Rules
Though the general rule for seating for all music events is first-come, first-served, to provide fair, safe and equal access to the events, we do have rules and procedures that all guests must follow regarding saving seats, remaining in your seat for subsequent shows and other similar issues. As we approach the sailing date for The Jazz Cruise '25, we will share the rules and procedures that govern seating at music events.

Recording of Shows
Flash photography and audio/video recording of shows is strictly prohibited. Non-flash photos may be taken provided that doing so does not impair the sightline of any guest or the performance.

Listening Room Environment
As is the case in most jazz venues, guests are asked to keep all conversations among themselves outside of the performance venue. Of course, guests are encouraged to show their appreciation of the performances with applause and other signs of approval within the boundaries of not impacting the performance or the ability of other guests to enjoy the music.

Engaging the Performers
One of the joys of The Jazz Cruise is the opportunity to interact with the performers. They enjoy this discourse unless they are performing. Please do not engage performers immediately before or after their performances and never do so in a manner that impairs our ability to prepare for their show and any show that follows. The Jazz Cruise is operated on a precise time schedule and our team needs full access to the bandstand and the venue before and after each show.

BEYOND THE MUSIC

Daily/Nightly Themes
In addition to presenting more than 200 hours of world-class live jazz, Jazz Cruises is renowned for creating unique and fun programming that enhances both the cruise and music experience. The concerts are always the focus on The Jazz Cruise, but we have created a few Theme Nights with special programming that we hope you enjoy.

  • Tuesday, January 28 – Welcome to The 25th Anniversary of The Jazz Cruise: On the first night, we welcome back Past Guests and say hello to New Guests with a fan favorite, The Jazz Cruise Welcome Show!
  • Friday, January 31 – Ladies Day & Night: No special attire is required on this day. Instead, we will be saluting the Ladies of Jazz and the Ladies on the ship as guests. A tribute to the Ladies has become a tradition. After all, The Jazz Cruise was founded by a woman 23 years ago!
  • Sunday, February 2 – Formal Night: This is an opportunity to pull out all the stops. You may consider an "evening out” or cocktail attire. Pop the champagne and order the lobster! This is your night to shine as you salute the newest inductees to The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame.

Autographs/Recording Signings
Performers are encouraged to bring recordings onto the cruise for sale in the Jazz Cruises’ store. Those who do so are usually happy to sign the products either informally or at a scheduled signing event. Seeking autographs at a performance venue either immediately before or after a show is discouraged. As we get closer to the cruise sailing dates, we will provide more information about autographs and signings.

Talent-Hosted Events Onboard
Many of the performers will be participating in scheduled Talent Hosted Events (THEs) during the cruise, such as Wine Tastings, Martini Making and Mixology Classes. These events typically require paid admission, but they are a wonderful way to have a more intimate exchange with the performers. Specific information about THEs, including times, costs, registering procedures and participating musicians will be provided via email in the weeks ahead.

Interviews
For many guests, attending the interview of a special Musician is one of the highlights of the cruise. To learn more about the individuals performing our music and to understand some of the nuances on their roads to successful careers is a rare treat. Every interview will be hosted by either a fellow musician or Lee Mergner, Jazz Cruises' Music Advisor. We have found that the rapport between and among musicians is special and so, too, are their interviews when they are on the stage with just a microphone and a friend. As for Lee, with more than 30 year's experience as a jazz writer, editor, publisher and more, he has a remarkable depth and understanding of the music as well as a close relationship with many, if not most, of the musicians.

Game Shows
We can’t promise Let’s Make a Deal or The 10,000 Pyramid, but we can promise laughs, friendly banter and maybe a bit of performance anxiety for our artists who will find themselves in a different position on a main stage. Come on down, see what’s behind door #1, is that your final answer? Join in the fun as some of our performers and guests take part in our Jazz Cruises Game Shows!

Passenger Jam
What began as a group of friends getting together to make some music during the off hours has become one of the most cherished events on The Jazz Cruise. The Passenger Jam is a designated time each day where guests take turns performing with each other on the piano, drums, horns, reeds, basses and vocals. Everyone is welcomed and no one is left behind. Your fellow guests will attend as an audience as well. We provide the basic set up, but you are urged to bring your own instrument. Each afternoon, for one hour, one of the professional performers will join the group in whatever capacity he/she desires.

Bridge
Bridge is another event on the cruise that began humbly as party bridge among those who did not go ashore or who sought a bridge game as a short break from the music. Fast forward to recent years and you will see Ronnie and Arnie Malasky running a topflight bridge event where each day guests earn prizes and Master Points. Just show up and they will deal you in!

Jazz on Film
Sharing great jazz films and learning more about our wonderful music is part of The Jazz Cruise ethos. Over the years, we have invited many jazz historians to share their knowledge and assets with our guests on the mornings that we are “At Sea.” For ‘24, our very own jazz whisperer, Lee Mergner, will be your guide. As described above, Lee's place among the jazz intelligentsia is widely recognized.

Cruise Tips

We frequently get asked the same set of questions about the cruise, so we thought it best to highlight a few of them in this Get Ready letter. For a more extensive list of questions and answers, check out FAQs on the website (www.thejazzcruise.com/booked-guests).

Cruise Attire
To help simplify your packing list, our dress code is Casual Evening Attire for most nights aboard the ship (i.e., slacks, collared shirts, khakis, skirts, dresses, etc.). There is one evening during our cruise when upscale evening attire is suggested. Suits and sport coats for men and "evening out" attire for women are appropriate.

Tipping
Other than drink service charges and Specialty Dining, all tips for servers, cabin stewards, etc., have been pre-paid. However, feel free to reward exemplary service with the internationally recognized sign of gratitude: "tipping." Celebrity's standard tipping policy does not apply to this charter.

Smoking
Cigarette, cigar, vape and pipe smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas of the ship. Smoking is not permitted in any dining venue, casino, theater, lounge, hallway, elevator or corridor. This policy includes smoking-like products such as electronic cigarettes. Smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom, nor on any stateroom veranda. If you are in violation of this policy, a cleaning fee of $250 USD will be applied to your onboard account and you may be subject to further action pursuant to the "Consequences Section" of the Guest Conduct Policy. Cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco must be properly disposed of and never thrown overboard.

What Food & Beverage Items May I Bring Onto The Ship? 
On Embarkation Day, guests are welcome to hand carry any bottled water, soda, and other non-alcoholic beverages, as well as one bottle of wine (750 ml) per adult of drinking age. Guests are only permitted to bring dry, nonperishable snack food items (cookies, crackers, chips, energy bars, etc.) onboard.

Reminders from Get Ready Letters #1-3

The items below have been presented and discussed in detail in prior Get Ready Letters. Again, past Get Ready Letters may be located under the BOOKED GUESTS tab on the The Jazz Cruise website.

  • Passport: Locate your Passport and ensure the expiration date is no earlier than 6 months after the disembarkation date of your cruise.
  • Differentiate your Confirmation Numbers: Your Jazz Cruises Reservation Number is used when communicating with our office about the details of your reservation, payment plans, T-Shirt sizes, and any other aspect of the cruise that Jazz Cruises controls. Your Celebrity Cruises Booking Number is used when you complete your online check-in (45 days before sailing) and for purchases you wish to make before sailing through your Celebrity Cruises Pre-Cruise Planner.
  • Beverage and Internet Packages: Discounts on Beverage and Internet packages are available through January 25, 2025 via your Celebrity Pre-Cruise Planner.
  • Dinner Reservations in Specialty Dining Restaurants: Reservations for any of the Specialty Restaurants can be made online via your Celebrity Cruises Pre-Cruise Planner. Simply login to your Celebrity Pre-Cruise Account to make your purchases.
  • Dinner Reservations in Cosmopolitan Restaurant: Though not required, reservations for the Cosmopolitan Restaurant (Main Dining Room) can be made by emailing [email protected] no later than December 18, 2024.
  • Pre-Cruise Hotel and Ground Transportation: Jazz Cruises highly recommends arriving the day before embarkation and joining us at the designated Pre-cruise Hotel, The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. You may also consider our ground transportation to the pier for embarkation to add ease of travel. Book your accommodations at https://thejazzcruise.com/booked-guests/hotel/.
    Reserving a Stateroom for The Jazz Cruise '26

    As a guest on The Jazz Cruise ’25, you have an exclusive right to rebook your current stateroom for The Jazz Cruise ’26. This process will begin later this year and concludes during the first few days of The Jazz Cruise ’25. You will be receiving your rebooking information and instructions in the coming weeks.

    Those not sailing on The Jazz Cruise ’25 will have the opportunity during that time to complete a Pre-Sale Reservation for The Jazz Cruise ’26 which will establish their priority to select a stateroom after those sailing on The Jazz Cruise ’25 have completed their election to rebook their current stateroom. If you have friends, family, or colleagues who may wish to sail in ’26, please tell them to join our mailing list, if they have not done so already. Everyone on the mailing list will receive the announcement of The Jazz Cruise ’26 and the procedure for completing a Pre-Sale Reservation.

    Stay Tuned

    We will continue to provide you with more information to help you prepare for The Jazz Cruise ’25 in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, we highly suggest reviewing our Booked Guests portal on the website.

GET READY #5 FOR THE JAZZ CRUISE '25

It is time for Get Ready #5, the fifth notice in Jazz Cruises' Get Ready series designed to prepare you for your sailing on The Jazz Cruise '25. The main topic of this letter is to alert our guests requiring special assistance for arrival, boarding, seating and diet as to how they can proceed to learn what resources are available to them and how to “sign up.”

Previous Get Ready notices have addressed the details of your reservation and how you access your Celebrity Cruises Pre-Cruise Planner. Here we focus again on the Pre-Cruise Planner as well as accessible cruising and travel insurance. Should you like to refer to these letters again, or maybe review them for the first time, copies may be found on The Jazz Cruise ’25 website under the heading “Booked Guests.”

As part of the Get Ready series, we will host a Live Webinar just for guests on The Jazz Cruise ’25 today at 4 PM ET. I will lead the webinar and will be joined by other members of the Jazz Cruises’ Staff. During the webinar, we will walk through what steps need to be taken from now through Embarkation Day (1.28.25), share some programming highlights, discuss theme nights and more. General questions will be answered on the spot and those of a more personal nature will be answered by email soon after the webinar. We hope that you will join. Register below!

Please join our Jazz Cruises team in Getting Ready – it's all part of the experience!

Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director, Jazz Cruises, LLC

YOUR RESERVATION NUMBERS

GUEST NAME(S): See Reservation Confirmation
JAZZ CRUISES' RESERVATION NUMBER: See Reservation Confirmation
CELEBRITY CRUISES' RESERVATION NUMBER: See Reservation Confirmation

ONBOARD AMENTITIES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON CELEBRITY CRUISES' PRE-CRUISE PLANNER

As you know, Celebrity Cruises' Pre-Cruise Planner is now open and you may purchase Shore Excursions, Specialty Dining, Beverage Packages, Spa Treatments, Internet Packages, Photo Packages and more.

To see all of the options available and to make purchases, just visit www.celebritycruises.com/booked and sign in or create an account, then choose "Plan My Cruise" to see all available options. Your "Celebrity Cruises' Reservation Number" (listed above) will be required to complete these purchases. And remember, your Jazz Cruises Reservation Number and Celebrity Cruises Reservation number serve different purposes.

GUESTS REQUIRING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE

We partner with Celebrity Cruises in an effort to make cruising accessible to everyone. Below please find information on assistance options for our guests.

Pier Assistance
The Pier Assistance program offers boarding and departure assistance with wheelchairs to guests with mobility challenges and their traveling companions. Please email Jazz Cruises at [email protected] or call 888.852.9987 and a member of our guest services team will add this accommodation to your reservation. Please submit your requests no later than Friday, December 20, 2024.

Scooter and Wheelchair Rental
Wheelchairs and scooters are available to rent from several sources and will be delivered to your stateroom before you board. Celebrity Cruises Access Department can assist by providing information for wheelchair and scooter rental companies. If you require mobility aid, please contact the Celebrity Cruises Access Department at 1.866.592.7225 or [email protected]. A representative at this phone number is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST.

The following scooter and wheelchair rental services* may also assist with rental needs:

Special Needs at Sea: 800.513.4515 or visit their website here.

Scootaround: 888.441.7575 or visit their website here.

*Please note: If you opt to rent from Scootaround or Special Needs at Sea, you must also contact the Access Department at Celebrity no later than Friday, December 20, 2024 to document the delivery to the ship.

Accessible Seating
In each performance venue, Jazz Cruises has established an area where guests may enjoy the shows while remaining on a wheelchair or scooter. Guests may also park their wheelchair or scooter on the outer perimeter of the venues and sit in any of the existing seating areas.

Dietary Considerations & Medical Needs
If you have special dietary considerations or medical needs (storing medicine or needing distilled water) please discuss these needs with the Celebrity Cruises Access Department at 1.866.592.7225 or [email protected] please submit your requests no later than Friday, December 20, 2024.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance, not only to protect the investment of your Cruise payments, but to cover costs and expenses that may be incurred during the cruise, such as medical or travel emergencies. It is not too late to purchase travel insurance, though guests with pre-existing conditions that may be cause for a claim must purchase within 14 days after their initial deposit date..

The benefits of Travel Insurance go far beyond providing basic cancellation coverage. Other benefits can include:

  • Your personal medical plan may not provide complete coverage outside the U.S. and its territories. The Travel Guard Preferred plan gives you $50,000 in accident, sickness and medical coverage.
  • Work-related reasons which are state specific (please refer to the link below for your state).
  • Medical emergency/death of an immediate family member or cabinmate.
  • Travel Guard Preferred offers up to $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage if you need to be transported off the ship and to a U.S. hospital.
  • Lost or stolen luggage protection, and personal effects coverage up to $1,000.

Travel Guard also provides many other valuable services. Click Here to review the full details as coverage varies by state and country. To purchase the Preferred Plan or to receive a quote, please call us at 888.852.9987.

REMINDERS FROM GET READY LETTERS #1-4

Please keep reading to find the highlights from our earlier Get Ready notices. Please note that some are time sensitive and most are important steps for you to take before sailing. Again, past Get Ready Letters are located under the Booked Guests tab on The Jazz Cruise website (www.thejazzcruise.com).

  • Passport: Locate your Passport and ensure the expiration date is no earlier than 6 months after the disembarkation date of your cruise.
  • Differentiate your Confirmation Numbers: Your Jazz Cruises’ Reservation Number is used when communicating with our office about the details of your reservation, payment plans, T-Shirt sizes, and any other aspect of the cruise that Jazz Cruises controls. Your Celebrity Cruises Booking Number is used when you complete your online check-in (45 days before sailing) and for purchases you wish to make before sailing through your Celebrity Cruises Pre-Cruise Planner.
  • Beverage and Internet Packages: Discounts on Beverage and Internet packages are available through January 25, 2025 via your Celebrity Pre-Cruise Planner.
  • Pre-Cruise Hotel and Ground Transportation: Jazz Cruises highly recommends arriving the day before embarkation and joining us at the designated Pre-cruise Hotel, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. You may also consider our ground transportation to the pier for embarkation to add ease of travel and that service can be added to your reservation. Book your accommodations at: https://thejazzcruise.com/booked-guests/hotel/
  • Dinner Reservations in Cosmopolitan Restaurant. To secure a reservation and to register the names of your dining group, if applicable, email us at [email protected] and provide the guest names and desired time (5:00 PM for RED Cruise Identification Card Holders or 7:15 PM for BLUE Cruise Identification Card Holders) for your dining group. There is no charge for reserving a table and dining time, we just ask that you make your request prior to December 18, 2024.
  • Dinner Reservations in Specialty Dining Restaurants. Reservations for any Specialty Restaurant can be made online via Celebrity Cruises Pre-Cruise Planner. Simply login to your Celebrity Cruises Pre-Cruise Planner to make your purchases.
STAY TUNED

We will continue to provide you with more information to help you prepare for The Jazz Cruise ’25 in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, please make yourself familiar with the Booked Guests portal on the website where most of your frequently asked questions can be answered.

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