7.31.24 - Get Ready #2 - Celebrity Cruises' Pre-Planner Is Open For Booking
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 Signature Cruise Experiences’ Reservation Number. The first is your key to interacting with the ship, Celebrity Summit. The second is your reference when contacting Signature Cruise Experiences about the details of your reservation. Signature Cruise Experiences 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, Signature Cruise Experiences
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 SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES' GUESTS & A BRAND NEW SPECIALTY RESTAURANT
Signature Cruise Experiences 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. Signature Cruise Experiences 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.
8.20.24 - Get Ready #3 - Dining
GET READY #3 FOR THE JAZZ CRUISE '25
Ready to Get Ready? Here you find the 3rd letter in Signature Cruise Experiences’ 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, Signature Cruise Experiences
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, Signature Cruise Experiences’ 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, Signature Cruise Experiences 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!
9.18.24 - Get Ready #4 - Music
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.
10.22.24 - Get Ready #5 - Accessible Cruising & Travel Insurance
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.
11.19.24 - Get Ready #6 - Continue Your Preparation
GET READY #6 FOR THE JAZZ CRUISE
It is time for Get Ready #6, the sixth notice in Signature Jazz Cruises' Get Ready series designed to prepare you for your sailing on The Jazz Cruise '25.
Previous letters addressed the details of your reservation, how you access your Celebrity Cruises Pre-Cruise Planner, your dining choices for the cruise, all the events and shows on the cruise, accessible cruising and travel insurance. If you missed any of the first five letters, or wish to refer to them again, copies may be found on The Jazz Cruise '25 website (www.thejazzcruise.com) under the Booked Guests tab.
This note will discuss a variety of subjects, some new and some serving as reminders for important aspects of your cruise.
As part of the Get Ready series, we hosted a Live Webinar just for guests on The Jazz Cruise ’25 on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 4 pm ET. It was a lively 90-minute discussion where we enjoyed hearing your questions and I hope that our answers were helpful. If you missed the webinar or wish to have a second look, please click here to access it.
On behalf of everyone at Signature Jazz Cruises and The Jazz Cruise, we wish you a lovely and warm Thanksgiving holiday. In between turkey sandwiches, listen to some jazz. Better yet, attend a live show!
Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director, Signature Cruise Experiences
YOUR RESERVATION INFORMATION
GUEST NAME(S): See Your Reservation
SIGNATURE JAZZ CRUISES' RESERVATION NUMBER: See Your Reservation
CELEBRITY CRUISES' RESERVATION NUMBER: See Your Reservation
SPECIAL SHOW SEATING: See Your Reservation
SHOW SEATING PROCEDURE
Festival-Style Shows
The Jazz Cruise presents more than 200 hours of music during the week. The shows are presented in various venues throughout the ship and there may be as many as four shows available at any one time. You are invited to sample shows, move from show to show, or attend a show in full. This type of presentation is called “Festival Style.”
Special Shows Exception to Festival-Style
The only exception to our Festival Style approach is on the first night when we present our Welcome Show and the sixth night when The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame Induction Show is offered. For these shows we divide the guests into two equal groups, with those holding BLUE Cruise Identification Cards going to the early show of each title and those with RED Cruise Identification Cards attending the second show. Your Special Show Seating group is noted in Your Reservation Information above.
The shows straddle the dinner hour, so most guests attending the early show dine after their show and those guests attending the second show dine before their show. We will discuss this in more detail later in the note.
Those special shows are in The Theatre, the largest venue on the ship. Guests entering The Theatre for these shows may take any available seat. However, these are the only shows during the week where you must show identification to enter. Those who selected the early show may not attend the second show and vice versa. No other music will be presented while any of the special shows are performed.
General Rules & Procedures for Show Seating
With the discussion of Special Shows concluded, we may now review the General Rules and Procedures for Show Seating.
- Seat selection is on a first come/first served basis.
- Guests may “hold” one additional seat for another guest, such hold to expire when the show starts.
- Guests may enter and depart a venue as they please and move to another venue or activity. Doing so is called “grazing.”
- Upon the conclusion of a performance, guests are urged to depart from the venue allowing ship staff to clean up and production staff to prepare for the next show.
- If you wish to remain in that venue for the next performance, you may do so, but you must remain in your seat during the break.
- Here, again, you may “hold” one additional seat until the ensuing show begins.
Guests may not “mark” their seats with props or objects seeking to reserve their seats in absentia.
CLEAR LUGGAGE TAG OPTIONS
On December 29, 2024 (30 days prior to Embarkation Day), you will have the ability to access and print your Celebrity Cruises’ luggage tags within the Online Check-In process. This is an important step to take as it ensures the timely and safe delivery of your luggage to your stateroom.
While printing the provided tags is simple, over the years we have found that they are not very durable. As such, we recommend not attaching them to your luggage until you’ve arrived into the Ft. Lauderdale area. Alternatively, you may wish to purchase these reusable clear luggage tag holders that provide an extra layer of protection and easily fit the luggage tags Celebrity provides. The extra few dollars is worth the peace of mind knowing your luggage tags will stay attached!
GLOBAL GATHER BREAKFAST RECEPTION
The Jazz Cruise has been blessed over the past two decades with significant support and representation from guests residing all over the world. As many as 24 different nations of origin have been represented on a given cruise. Signature Jazz Cruises recognizes that international travel adds a layer of undertaking that deserves to be recognized, so, each cruise, we host a Global Gathering Breakfast where each guest may proudly announce his/her country of origin, and we share stories about jazz in the world.
Determining which guests should attend the Global Gathering Breakfast is more difficult each year as circumstances are such that some of our international guests use US addresses for mailing purposes or may reside in the US for periods of time.
Therefore, we ask that anyone whose country of origin is other than the United States and wishes to attend our Global Gathering Breakfast on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM, to please fill out the form in the button below by January 10, 2025.
Our international guests are living proof of the worldly presence of jazz!
FILL OUT FORM FOR GLOBAL GATHERING BREAKFAST
ONBOARD AMENTIEIS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON CELEBRITY CRUISES' PRE-CRUISE PLANNER; SAVE TIME & MONEY
As you know, Celebrity Cruises' Pre-Cruise Planner is open and you may purchase Shore Excursions, Specialty Dining, Beverage Packages, Spa Treatments, Internet Packages, Photo Packages and more.
To see all options available and to make purchases, visit www.celebritycruises.com/booked, 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.
Purchasing goods and services and securing reservations and appointments before boarding the ship saves you time and money. The deadline to complete these purchases prior to sailing is January 25, 2025.
SAVE TIME!
Unfortunately, there is no central place to purchase goods and services and secure reservations and appointments on the ship. To make a reservation for a Specialty Restaurant, confirm a Spa appointment and sign up for Internet requires a visit to three different decks and waiting in line at each location. Doing these undertakings in the convenience or your home or office is strongly advised.
SAVE MONEY
Pre-Cruise Prices are lower, even much lower, for many of the goods and services that you would wish to have for your cruise. Below is a sample of the savings you can earn by purchasing before sailing:
THE JAZZ CRUISE '25 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Planning one’s week for The Jazz Cruise is challenging. So much music. Overlapping events. Multiple performances by each musician. To assist in your scheduling, The Jazz Cruise has always presented its schedule in advance of the cruise. The Jazz Cruise ’25 is no exception.
On or about January 14, 2025, you will receive via email a PDF of the Performance Schedule which you may print. That schedule will also be accessible on the website and in other spaces. It will be updated in real time and The Jazz Cruise '25 app (available for download in mid-January) will also be available to access onboard for up-to-date changes. You will also have a Daily Program delivered to your stateroom that will have the following days’ list of events.
The one change is that the schedule will no longer be included in the Souvenir Program. That memento will be at the printer very soon, too soon to ensure the inclusion of an accurate program.
THE JAZZ CRUISE '26
Believe it or not, we are almost ready to announce the lineup, ports-of-call and other details for The Jazz Cruise ’26. What we can share now are the dates (January 27 - February 3, 2026) and our Port of Embarkation (Ft. Lauderdale).
Our goal is to make the full announcement no later than November 26, 2024! As a guest on The Jazz Cruise ’25, you will have the exclusive right to rebook your current stateroom for the ’26 Sailing and will enjoy special pricing.
More information about this process will be forthcoming.
REMINDERS FROM GET READY LETTERS #1-5
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 Signature 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 Signature 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: Signature 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.
- Special Dietary Requests and Medical Needs. If you have special dietary considerations or medical needs (such as storing medicine or needing distilled water) 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 Friday, December 20, 2024.
- Scooter & Wheelchair Requests. Celebrity Cruises’ Access Department can assist by providing information for wheelchair and scooter rental companies. You can contact the Celebrity Cruises Access Department at 1.866.592.7225 or [email protected].
- The following scooter and wheelchair rental services* may also assist with rental needs:
- Special Needs at Sea:513.4515 or visit their website here.
- Scootaround: 888.441.7575 or visit their website here
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.
12.14.24 - Get Ready #7
GET READY #7 FOR THE JAZZ CRUISE '25
It’s time for Get Ready #7, the seventh notice in Signature Jazz Cruises' Get Ready series designed to prepare you for your sailing on The Jazz Cruise '25.
Previous letters addressed the details of your reservation, how you access your Celebrity Cruises’ Pre-Cruise Planner, your dining choices for the cruise, all the events and shows on the cruise, accessible cruising and travel insurance. If you missed any of the first six letters or wish to refer to them again, copies may be found on The Jazz Cruise '25 website (2025.thejazzcruise.com) under the Booked Guests tab.
This note will discuss a variety of subjects, some new and some serving as reminders for important aspects of your cruise. Two topics deserve special attention:
CELEBRITY CRUISES' ONLINE CHECK-IN BEGINS TODAY
ONBOARD AMENITIES (GOODS & SERVICES) REMAIN AVAILABLE ONLINE
In both cases, by acting now, you can avoid waiting in long lines in the Cruise Terminal and on the ship on January 28, 2025 (Embarkation Day).
On behalf of everyone at The Jazz Cruise ‘25, we hope you are enjoying a lovely holiday season filled with friends, family, and lots of great music.
Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director
Signature Cruise Experiences (formerly Jazz Cruises)
PRE-CRUISE WEBINARS
Past Webinar:
As part of the Get Ready series, we hosted a Live Webinar just for guests on The Jazz Cruise ’25 on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 4 PM ET. It was a lively 90-minute discussion where we enjoyed hearing your questions and we hope that our answers were helpful. If you missed the webinar or wish to have a second look, please click here to access it.
New (Final) Webinar:
With the holidays in full swing, we know that carving out time (as opposed to the turkey!) to concentrate on the tasks needed to be fully prepared for The Jazz Cruise ’25 can be challenging. With the opening of Celebrity's Online Check-In and the requests for assistance in using the Pre-Cruise Planner, we are scheduling a New (FINAL) Webinar so that we can share some thoughts and recommendations:
FINAL WEBINAR
DATE: Thursday, January 9, 2025
TIME: 3:00 PM ET
ONLINE CHECK-IN PROCEDURE
GUEST NAME(S): See Reservation
CELEBRITY CRUISES' RESERVATION NUMBER: See Reservation
Every guest must complete Celebrity's Check-In process before boarding the ship. Though you may complete this process in the Cruise Terminal, we highly recommend using Celebrity Cruises’ Online Check In Procedure before you leave home. Doing so reduces your time waiting in line on Embarkation Day and enables you to secure Celebrity Cruises approved luggage tags. These tags are personalized, thereby assisting with the identification process and will expedite the delivery of your luggage to your stateroom.
Online check-in is available through January 25, 2025, three days before the sailing. After that time, you may only check in at the Cruise Terminal on Embarkation Day. Guests who do not check in online may incur a substantial delay at the Terminal. Further details on Embarkation Day and arrival to the Terminal will be addressed in future email communication.
TO CHECK-IN ONLINE: CLICK HERE then enter your Celebrity Cruises username and password that you created. If you don't remember your Celebrity Cruises username and password, click "Forgot password?" and you will be prompted to reset your credentials. If you have not created a Celebrity Cruises account, you may create one by clicking "Create an account” and following the prompts. Whether you have an existing Celebrity Cruises account or are setting it up for the first time, you will also be asked to enter your Celebrity Reservation Number, which is listed above for your convenience.
Once you are logged into your Celebrity Cruises’ account, The Jazz Cruise will appear in your upcoming cruises. You may complete the Online Check-In process by clicking the “Start Check-In” button and following the prompts. During this process, you will be asked to select a Terminal Arrival Time, available in 30-minute windows. Please be sure to consider when you plan to arrive at the Terminal, as you will be required to abide by your arrival window time. Upon completion of the process, print your Celebrity Cruises Xpress Pass. This is your "boarding pass." Please note: Your luggage tags will become available beginning at 30 days prior to sailing (we will send another email on that date).
If you experience any technical difficulties with your online check-in or would like assistance with the purchase of specific amenities and services, you may contact the Celebrity Cruises Help Desk at 844.278.9746.
ONBOARD AMENITIES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON CELEBRITY CRUISES' PRE-CRUISE PLANNER: SAVE TIME & MONEY!
As we have shared with you in earlier notices, there is no central location on the ship to sign up for Internet, Beverage Packages, Excursions, Specialty Dining, Spa Treatments, etc. Each location is different, ranging from Deck 3 to Deck 10, and each location requires standing in line.
Through the utilization of Celebrity Cruises’ Pre-Cruise Planner, you may complete these tasks online in the comfort of your home or office. Doing so not only saves time, but it also saves money. Let’s explore how to accomplish both objectives.
MENUS OF GOODS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE
To see all options available for Beverage Packages, Excursions, Specialty Dining, Spa Treatments, etc. and to make purchases, visit www.celebritycruises.com/booked, sign in or create an account, then choose "Plan My Cruise." This account is your Pre-Cruise Planner and you can modify your purchases at any time up to three days before your sailing.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
Though we urge every guest to review all options to determine which goods and services appeal to them, we do have some recommendations for you to consider, as well as a few options that we produce that are not included in the list above.
INTERNET AND BEVERAGE PACKAGE DISCOUNTS
Signature Jazz Cruises has worked with Celebrity Cruises to provide The Jazz Cruise guests with discounted rates for internet access and beverage packages.
While we know you are coming onboard The Jazz Cruise to listen to excellent music, connect with friends and fellow jazz enthusiasts and to enjoy the many amenities the Celebrity Summit offers, we understand that staying connected to family, friends and even work is important. Celebrity Cruises has continued to upgrade their Wi-Fi over the years, and with their upgrade to StarLink, they now have the fastest and most reliable internet at sea.
You may purchase Premium Wi-Fi packages here, with savings for pre-cruise purchases, and even more savings when you purchase multiple devices.
Beverage discounts are available as well. No matter what you’d like to drink (or how much), as a guest on The Jazz Cruise, you can enjoy discounted rates for any of our three beverage packages.
- The Premium Beverage Package is the all-in package (up to $17 per beverage) that includes beer, wine, spirits, specialty coffees and bottled water, as well as a 20% discount on bottles of wine.
- The Classic Beverage Package gives you a wide selection of drink options including unlimited premium coffees, bottled water, wines by the glass, beers, cocktails and more. This package includes all drinks up to $10 per beverage.
- The Non-Alcoholic Drink Package is perfect for someone who doesn’t drink alcohol, but enjoys specialty coffees, sodas, bottled water and smoothies.
SPECIALTY DINING
In earlier notices we discussed the merits of each of the Specialty Dining options on Celebrity Summit. While these restaurants provide excellent service and you may linger for as long as you’d like, you may also dine in under 90 minutes if you wish. Just let your server know that you’d like “express service,” and the staff can ensure that you are quickly taken care of and back to attending one of the various concerts around the ship.
As a reminder, there are some great discounts available for guests who wish to dine in Specialty Restaurants more than once throughout the cruise, and in select restaurants on Embarkation Day. Reservations for any of the Specialty Dining options can be made here.
SPA SERVICES
The Spa onboard Celebrity Summit offers a wide array of services from manicures and massages to fitness classes and men’s grooming. Here are a few lesser-known treatments that may be of interest to you:
- Pain Management Acupuncture: If you want to relieve your body of acute or chronic pain, then it is time you tried acupuncture. This ancient Chinese method has helped millions of people free themselves of pain in the back, neck and joints.
- ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Age Defy Facial: This treatment tackles fine lines and wrinkles and helps support the cellular structure of the skin. The targeted lymphatic drainage massage re-energizes and rejuvenates, while an age-defying peel-off mask encourages the highest cellular function, visibly improving firmness and elasticity for beautifully nourished, younger-looking skin.
- Thermage Treatments: The ship offers free consultations for any guest who is interested in learning more about their Thermage offerings – non-invasive skin-tightening treatments to improve the appearance of sagging or loose skin. By using radio frequency, wrinkled, crepey and sagging skin will be smoothed and tightened for an overall younger-looking appearance.
Reservations for any Spa Services can be made here.
EXCURSIONS
The most effective way to maximize your time in port is to participate in one of the many Shore Excursions that Celebrity Cruises offers in our ports of call. There is a plethora of options to choose from, but each one comes with comfortable round-trip transportation, a local guide and the guarantee and peace of mind that while on a Celebrity Shore Excursion, the ship will always wait until all guests have returned to the vessel, even if it’s running late for all aboard.
You can find a comprehensive list of excursions and prices here.
MUSICIAN-HOSTED EVENTS
The Jazz Cruise ’25 will feature a number of musician-hosted food & beverage events that will be available for purchase onboard at the Signature Cruise Experiences' Guest Services Desk (Deck 3).
- Wednesday Jan 29, 2025 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Enjoy: Walk Around the World Wine Tasting with Victor Goines (Fee Applies) (Cellar Masters, 5)
- Thursday Jan 30, 2025 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Enjoy: Interactive Mixology with Smitty Smith (Fee Applies) (Martini Bar, 4)
- Friday Jan 31, 2025 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM Enjoy: Champagne Tasting with Mariel Bildsten (Fee Applies) (Blu Restaurant, 5)
- Saturday Feb 1, 2025 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Enjoy: Interactive Martini Making with Clint Holmes (Fee Applies) (Martini Bar, 4)
- Sunday Feb 2, 2025 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Enjoy: Food & Wine Pairing with Bria Skonberg (Fee Applies) (Blu Restaurant, 5)
- Monday Feb 3, 2025 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Enjoy: Blind Wine Tasting with Benny Benack III (Fee Applies) (Blu Restaurant, 5)
PASSENGER JAM SESSIONS
In the early days of The Jazz Cruise, guests would gather informally and play music together, primarily during the hours when we were in port. Over time, those sessions became known as “Passenger Jam Sessions.” Our first act of support was to ask one of our hired musicians to spend an hour each day with the group to offer some instruction and encouragement.
As the group grew, requests were made for some equipment, microphones and seating for the growing number of guests who did not want to “sit-in,” but wanted to “sit and listen” to their fellow passengers perform.
For The Jazz Cruise ’25, from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM each full day of the cruise, there will be a Passenger Jam Session held in Cellar Masters (Deck 5). One of the cruise’s musicians will be there from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM as well.
The format of the sessions is left to the passengers to determine and govern, but we will monitor any issues in dispute. For the most part, there is a long history of passenger camaraderie and cooperation.
Each day, the following equipment will be provided for the session:
- Basic Drum Kit with Cymbals
- 88 Key Weighted Keyboard/Keyboard Amp
- Vocal Mic Amplified through Keyboard Amp
- Guitar Amp
- Upright Bass
REBOOKING FOR THE JAZZ CRUISE '26
Exclusive Right to Book Current Stateroom. From Now through January 31, 2025, as a guest on The Jazz Cruise ’25, you have the exclusive right to reserve your current stateroom for The Jazz Cruise ‘26.
Completing Your Rebooking Reservation. You should have received an email on November 26, 2024, which included a unique reservation token that will enable you to reserve your current stateroom for The Jazz Cruise ’26. Simply go to www.thejazzcruise.com, click on Reservation Procedure and follow the prompts. If you did not receive this email, please contact the office at 888.852.9987 or [email protected].
Selecting a Different Stateroom. Rebooking your current stateroom is not your only option. If you wish to change your stateroom, please contact the office and we will assist you with that process. Please note that these changes will be fulfilled after The Jazz Cruise ’25 Guests exclusive period has ended, but before the public may reserve a stateroom.
Deposit. A deposit will be due at the time of the reservation. No other payment will be due until March 10, 2025.
Pricing. Please review the email you received on November 26, 2024 to confirm your Past Guest Price based on your Signature Jazz Cruises’ Sailing History.
REMINDERS FROM GET READY LETTERS #1-6
The items below have been presented and discussed in detail in prior Get Ready Letters. We are repeating them as some are time-sensitive and most are important steps for you to take before sailing. Again, past Get Ready Letters may be located under the Booked Guests tab on The Jazz Cruise website (2025.thejazzcruise.com).
- Every guest should have a current passport that expires no earlier than 6 months after the disembarkation date of their cruise.
- Pre-Cruise Hotel and Ground Transportation.Signature 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.
- Special Dietary Requests and Medical Needs. If you have special dietary considerations or medical needs (such as storing medicine or needing distilled water), 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 Friday, December 20, 2024.
- Scooter & Wheelchair Requests. Celebrity Cruises’ Access Department can assist by providing information for wheelchair and scooter rental companies. You can contact the Celebrity Cruises Access Department at 1.866.592.7225 or [email protected].
- The following scooter and wheelchair rental services may also assist with rental needs:
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.
12.28.24 Get Ready #8
Get Ready #8 for The Jazz Cruise '25 (30 days until sailing!)
It is time for Get Ready #8, the eighth notice in Signature Cruise Experience’s Get Ready series designed to prepare you for your sailing on The Jazz Cruise '25.
Previous letters addressed the details of your reservation, how you access your Celebrity Cruises Pre-Cruise Planner and Online Check-In, your dining choices for the cruise, all the events and shows on the cruise, accessible cruising, and travel insurance. If you missed any of the first seven letters, or wish to refer to them again, copies may be found on here.
This note will discuss a variety of subjects, some new and some serving as reminders for important aspects of your cruise. Two topics deserve special attention:
CELEBRITY CRUISES' ONLINE CHECK-IN AND LUGGAGE TAGS NOW AVAILABLE
CRUISE HI-LITES: LIST OF DON'T-MISS EVENTS AND INFORMATION
In both cases, by acting now, you can avoid waiting in long lines in the Cruise Terminal and on the ship on January 28, 2025 (Embarkation Day).
On behalf of everyone at Signature Cruise Experiences, we hope you are enjoying a lovely holiday season filled with friends, family, and lots of great music. The 30-day countdown begins NOW.
Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director
Signature Cruise Experiences
PRE-CRUISE WEBINARS
PAST WEBINAR:
As part of the Get Ready series, we hosted a Live Webinar just for guests on The Jazz Cruise ’25 on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 4 PM ET. It was a lively 75-minute discussion where we enjoyed hearing your questions and we hope that our answers were helpful. If you missed the webinar or wish to have a second look, please click here to access it.
NEW (FINAL) WEBINAR:
With the holidays in full swing, we know that finding time to concentrate on the tasks needed to be fully prepared for The Jazz Cruise ’25 can be challenging. With the opening of Celebrity's Online Check-In and the requests for assistance in using the Pre-Cruise Planner, we are scheduling a New (FINAL) Webinar so that we can share some thoughts and recommendations:
FINAL WEBINAR
DATE: Thursday, January 9, 2025
TIME: 3:00 PM ET
CELEBRITY CRUISES' CHECK-IN OPEN UNTIL 01.25.25!
LUGGAGE TAGS NOW AVAILABLE!
GUEST NAME(S): See reservation
CELEBRITY CRUISES' RESERVATION NUMBER: See reservation
Every guest must complete Celebrity's Check-In process before boarding the ship. Though you may complete this process in the Cruise Terminal, we highly recommend using Celebrity Cruises’ Online Check-In Procedure before you leave home. Doing so reduces your time waiting in line on Embarkation Day and enables you to secure Celebrity Cruises approved luggage tags. These tags are personalized, thereby assisting with the identification process, and will expedite the delivery of your luggage to your stateroom.
Online check-in is available through January 25, 2025, three days before the sailing. After that time, you may only check-in on the Celebrity Cruises App (up to one day prior), or at the Cruise Terminal on Embarkation Day. Guests who do not check-in online may incur a substantial delay at the Terminal. Further details on Embarkation Day and arrival to the Terminal will be addressed in future email communications.
To check-in online: CLICK HERE, then enter your Celebrity Cruises username and password. If you don't remember your Celebrity Cruises username and password, click "Forgot password?" and you will be prompted to reset your credentials. If you have not created a Celebrity Cruises account, you may create one by clicking "Create an account” and following the prompts. Whether you have an existing Celebrity Cruises account or are setting it up for the first time, you will also be asked to enter your Celebrity Reservation Number, which is listed above for your convenience.
Once you are logged into your Celebrity Cruises’ account, The Jazz Cruise will appear in your upcoming cruises. You may complete the Online Check-In process by clicking the “Start Check-In” button and following the prompts. During this process, you will be asked to select Your Terminal Arrival Time, available in 30-minute windows. Please be sure to consider when you plan to arrive to the Terminal, as you will be required to abide by the Terminal Arrival Time you selected.
Xpress Pass: Upon completion of the Online Check-In, you will receive your Xpress Pass for boarding. We urge you to print your Celebrity Cruises Xpress Pass and bring it with you to the terminal for the most efficient and fastest processing.
Print Your Celebrity Cruises' Luggage Tags. Starting today, Celebrity’s luggage tags are available to print. Once you’ve completed Online Check-In, you may access and print your luggage tags by clicking on the “Luggage Tags” button in your Celebrity Cruises account. To ensure your luggage is delivered to your stateroom both quickly and safely, be sure to print these and attach them to each piece of your luggage once you arrive at the Cruise Terminal, immediately prior to giving them to the porters. You may also wish to purchase these reusable clear luggage tag holders that provide an extra layer of protection and easily fit the luggage tags Celebrity provides.
Need Assistance with Online Check-In? For security reasons, Celebrity allows only the guest to access the Online Check-In process, virtually eliminating our assistance capability.
If you experience any technical difficulties with your online check-in or would like assistance with the purchase of specific amenities and services, you may contact the Celebrity Cruises Help Desk at 844.278.9746.
CRUISE HI-LITES: LIST OF DON'T-MISS EVENTS AND KEY INFORMATION
Providing our guests with the information they need to prepare for their Signature Cruise Experience's sailing is a passion for us. Long ago, we decided that we would provide as much information as we could, and Get Ready #1 - Get Ready #7 are chock full of important cruise information and tidbits for you to review. But the volume can be overwhelming.
Enter Cruise Hi-Lites: a list of “Don’t-Miss Events” and “Key Information.” This list is a combination of the most significant cruise items along with those events and information that pertain specifically to the 25th Anniversary sailing of The Jazz Cruise ’25. We urge you to make a copy of this section of Get Ready #8, and, as the title indicates, “highlight the hi-lites” as you see fit.
CRUISE HI-LITES
Passport. Every guest should have a current passport that expires no earlier than 6 months after the disembarkation date of their cruise.
Confirmation Numbers. Each guest has two confirmation numbers: one from Signature Cruise Experiences and one from Celebrity Cruises. You can confirm those numbers by reviewing your cruise confirmation. Your Signature Cruise Experience Confirmation 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 Signature Cruise Experiences controls. Your Celebrity Cruises Confirmation Number is used when you complete your online check-in (up to 3 days before sailing) and for purchases you wish to make before sailing through your Celebrity Cruises Pre-Cruise Planner.
Scooter & Wheelchair Requests. Celebrity Cruises Access Department can assist by providing information for wheelchair and scooter rental companies. You can contact the Celebrity Cruises Access Department at 1.866.592.7225 or [email protected]. 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.
Performance Schedule Revealed. On January 18, 2025, the Performance Schedule for The Jazz Cruise ’25 will be revealed. You may access that schedule by going to 2025.thejazzcruise.com and clicking on “’25 Booked Guests” where you will see an icon titled “Performance Schedule”. Please note that the Performance Schedule will be updated at various times, so we advise accessing the link whenever you wish, but know that the schedule is subject to change.
We are also excited to announce that The Jazz Cruise ‘25 App for smartphones will soon be available for you to download and use on The Jazz Cruise ’25. Our App will allow you to view the Performance Schedule, easily see where your favorite musicians are performing during the week and even search for a performance/event, all conveniently on your phone. Stay tuned for more details on how to download it and a tutorial for using it.
Pre-Cruise Planner/Beverage Packages/Internet Packages/Specialty Dining/Spa Treatments. As we have shared with you in earlier notices, there is no central location on the ship to sign up for Internet, Beverage Packages, Excursions, Specialty Dining, Spa Treatments, etc. Each location is different, ranging from Deck 3 to Deck 10, and each location requires standing in line.
Through the utilization of Celebrity Cruises’ Pre-Cruise Planner, you may complete these tasks online in the comfort of your home or office. Doing so not only saves time, but it also saves money. To see all available Beverage Packages, Excursions, Specialty Dining, Spa Treatments, etc. and to make purchases, go to https://www.celebritycruises.com/booked, sign in (or create an account), then choose “Plan My Cruise." This account is your Pre-Cruise Planner which you can modify at any time up to three days prior to embarkation. Your “Celebrity Cruises" Reservation Number"” (listed above) will be required to complete these purchases.
For the list of recommended goods and services and special pricing for Beverage and Internet Packages click here, open the Get Ready #7 tab, and find Menu of Goods and Services Available. Of particular note, Signature Cruise Experiences has worked with Celebrity Cruises to provide The Jazz Cruise guests with additional discounts on already-reduced Beverage Packages when purchased pre-cruise. With prices ranging from $39.99 - $79.99/day, we highly recommend you consider purchasing one of the various options.
Theme Nights. The Jazz Cruise programming presents a different theme each night. On three of those nights there is an element of guest participation.
- Night 4: Ladies Night. Our tribute to the ladies of jazz and lady jazz fans does not require special attire, only special attention to those fabulous ladies who command and adore what transpires on the bandstand.
- Night 6: On The Town. This special evening includes The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame Show and Inductions and Celebrity Cruises’ signature “formal” dinner. It is only fitting that we put on our finest going out “On the Town” outfits. Jackets for the men, please.
Passenger Jam Sessions: On Days 2 – 7, The Jazz Cruise converts Cellar Masters (Deck 5) into a music room where guests can enjoy playing music with their fellow passengers from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. We provide a keyboard, drum kit, bass, and microphones. The guests provide their instruments, talent, and passion. From 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, one of the musicians featured in our lineup will join the jam.
More than Music Events. The Jazz Cruise presents nearly 200 hours of music and music-related events. An event that is entirely a music performance is designated as “In Concert” in the program. There are over 100 “In Concert” events in The Jazz Cruise ’25 program.
But The Jazz Cruise does not stop with “In Concert” events. There are non-music performance events that are called “Learn” and “Enjoy.” “Learn” events are usually interviews featuring our musicians talking with each other or a masterclass of some type. “Enjoy” events are simply opportunities to have fun and enjoy being at sea with friends.
Some “Learn" Events:
- Jazz on Film. Former Editor of JazzTimes and Signature Cruise Experience’s Music Advisor, Lee Mergner, will host several morning film and lecture sessions exploring particular musicians and themes of jazz. Lee is a highly regarded expert in jazz and his insights and presentations will be highly informative… and fun.
- Sip & Sign. On several afternoons, Café al Bacio is the locale for album signings with your favorite musicians. The Daily Program will list those participants for each day. This is the perfect place to purchase their latest album, have it autographed and share a few words.
- Musician to Musician Interviews. In the past, The Jazz Cruise has presented a “Spotlight” series of interviews where a jazz personality or host would interview a musician, take questions, and address the audience. Then, Christian McBride came onboard and recorded his SXM Radio Show, The Lowdown with Christian McBride, on the cruise and the magic of a musician interviewing a musician was revealed to us. Christian will conduct three such sessions on The Jazz Cruise ’25.
Some “Enjoy" Events:
- Bridge with Ronnie and Arnie Malasky. For two (2) hours on each of Days 2 – 7, duplicate bridge is offered under the watchful and official eyes of Ronnie and Arnie Malasky. For many years now, they have loaned their expertise and accreditation to providing a first-class bridge experience complete with ACBL Masterpoint opportunities. The sessions are listed in the Daily Program.
- Annual T-Shirt Party. The Jazz Cruise’s Annual T-Shirt Party will be on Day 4 of the cruise at 1:30 PM as we sail into Grand Cayman. Not only can you participate in the complimentary drinks by wearing The Jazz Cruise T-Shirt provided to you, but, if you wish, you can perform at the party with The Jazz House All-Stars. To sign up for this opportunity, please visit Signature Cruise Experiences' Services Desk (Deck 3) onboard.
- Vintage T-Shirt Gathering. As an ode to our 25th anniversary, we’ll also host a Vintage TJC T-shirt Gathering on Day 5 of the cruise, where guests are encouraged to wear a t-shirt from one of the past sailings. Be sure to pack your vintage TJC shirt and get ready to reminisce about sailings from the past 25 years.
- For those who don’t want to miss their weekly or daily pickleball game, we are converting the basketball court (Deck 12) each day to a pickleball court. Paddles and balls will be provided.
- At Sea Lunch Shows in the Cosmopolitan Restaurant. Not sure where to put this “hint”, but lunch is served in the Cosmopolitan Restaurant every Day At Sea. That room is also one of the very best music venues on the ship. Rather than eliminate lunch being served during that time or curtailing music for that hour or so, we are combining the two! Lunch will be served on Deck 5 of the Cosmopolitan Restaurant with music being performed on Deck 4. Aren’t we fancy?
REBOOKING FOR THE JAZZ CRUISE '26
Exclusive Right to Book Current Stateroom. From Now through January 31, 2025, as a guest on The Jazz Cruise ’25, you have the exclusive right to reserve your current stateroom for The Jazz Cruise ‘26.
Completing Your Rebooking Reservation. You should have received an email on November 26, 2024, which included a unique reservation token that will enable you to reserve your current stateroom for The Jazz Cruise ’26. Simply go to www.thejazzcruise.com, click on Reservation Procedure and follow the prompts. If you did not receive this email, please contact the office at 888.852.9987 or [email protected].
Selecting a Different Stateroom. Rebooking your current stateroom is not your only option. If you wish to change your stateroom, please contact the office and we will assist you with that process. Please note that these changes will be fulfilled after The Jazz Cruise ’25 Guests exclusive period has ended, but before the public may reserve a stateroom.
Deposit. A deposit will be due at the time of the reservation. No other payment will be due until March 10, 2025.
Pricing. Please review the email you received on November 26, 2024 to confirm your Past Guest Price based on your Signature Jazz Cruises’ Sailing History.
STAY TUNED
We will continue to provide you with more information to help you prepare for The Jazz Cruise ’25 in the coming weeks. In the meantime, we highly suggest reviewing our Booked Guests portal on the website.
1.14.25 Get Ready #9
GET READY #9 FOR THE JAZZ CRUISE '25 (14 DAYS UNTIL SAILING!)
The wait is nearly over. In two weeks, we will see you on The Jazz Cruise '25!
In this Get Ready note you will find helpful reminders and recommendations, plus updated information that will help you breeze through Embarkation Day. Much of this you have seen in previous communications from us, but we want to make sure that you have ample references when it comes to important cruise information.
It is going to be a great, great week. See you soon!
Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director
Signature Cruise Experiences (formerly Jazz Cruises LLC)
GUEST NAME(S): See Reservation
CELEBRITY CRUISES' RESERVATION NUMBER: See Reservation
IMPORTANT DATES & ACTION ITEMS
ONLINE CHECK-IN: NOW - JANUARY 25, 2025
Online Check-In is Open: Every guest must complete Celebrity's Online Check-In process before boarding the ship. In the past, you could choose to complete this process in the Cruise Terminal, but we highly recommend completing the process before you leave home to reduce your time waiting in line on Embarkation Day. To do so, click here, then enter your Celebrity Cruise Account’s username and password.
- Remember to select your Terminal Arrival Time based on your personal travel itinerary. Please arrive on time – not before or after.
- Once you complete Online Check-In, you will receive your Xpress Pass for boarding. We urge you to print your Xpress Pass and bring it with you to the Terminal for the most efficient and fastest processing.
- Print Your Celebrity Cruises' Luggage Tags. To expedite and secure your luggage transfer from the terminal check-in to your stateroom, Celebrity Cruises has asked that our guests use the luggage tags which can be printed as part of the Online Check-In process
EMBARKATION DAY - "E-DAY"
- Your E-Day: January 28, 2025
- Ship: Celebrity Summit
- Cruise Terminal: Port Everglades, Terminal 25
- Times: All times listed below are EST
- Documentation: Valid Passport and Celebrity Cruises' Xpress Pass
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should I arrive at the Cruise Terminal?
When completing your Online Check-In, you will be asked to select a Terminal Arrival Time. Times begin at 11:00 AM and end at 3:00 PM. To ensure that there is a manageable flow of guests entering the Terminal (Terminal 25 for this cruise), abiding by the time you select would be appreciated.
What is the best way to travel to the Cruise Terminal?
Though long-term parking is available at the Cruise Terminal, if you can avoid doing so, it is easier and faster to be dropped off at the Cruise Terminal, either by a friend, taxi or other transportation. If you plan on parking your car, we recommend that you drop off your bags at the Designated Pier before parking. By taxi, the pier is about 20 minutes from the Ft. Lauderdale airport and about 45 minutes from the Miami airport.
If I am staying at the Pre-Cruise Hotel, what should I do?
If you have requested transportation via one of our coach buses from the Pre-Cruise Hotel, we will take you to the Cruise Terminal! Your luggage will be loaded on the motor coach by our team, and you will be assisted at the port by another set of porters. No tips. No lifting. A separate email with transportation details will be sent to you shortly.
If you have not already registered for this program, you must arrange your own transportation to the pier on the morning of Embarkation Day (January 28, 2025).
What do I do when I arrive at the Cruise Terminal?
Upon arrival at the Cruise Terminal, you will deliver your luggage to one of the numerous cruise porters outside of the Cruise Terminal. Before turning over your luggage, please make sure that your name and stateroom number are clearly identified on the Celebrity Cruises luggage tags that you printed during Online Check-In. Additional luggage tags will be available at the luggage drop-off point if you forgot yours. Terminal Staff will ask you to show your Passport and Xpress Pass as you enter the Cruise Terminal, so be sure to have these items readily available.
Once you have cleared security, you will be greeted by Terminal Staff to assist with completing the final steps of check-in and re-confirming your Documentation (Passport and Xpress Pass).
When do I receive my Cruise Identification Card?
Your Cruise Identification Card will be in an envelope in the "slot" on the door of your stateroom. This card will be either BLUE or RED, reflecting whether you attend the 1st or 2nd Shows for the two Special Shows (The Jazz Cruise Welcome Show and The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame Show). This card has several uses (room key, charge card for onboard purchases, identification card for boarding and disembarking). Please check your card when you first open the envelope to make sure that the color of your Cruise Identification Card is consistent with your reservation information. We will correct any mistakes made in the issuance of the Cruise Identification Cards, but it is highly unlikely that moving from one show time to another can be accommodated.
How do I obtain wheelchair assistance?
If you require wheelchair assistance for the duration of the check-in process, alert a staff member located directly inside of the entrance to the cruise terminal. The ship staff will be notified and a team member will escort you via wheelchair through the check-in and embarkation process.
When will I board the ship?
Access to the ship should begin around 11:30 AM.
What happens after I board the ship?
Upon boarding the ship, you will be presented with your Souvenir Program outlining the Performers onboard, our ports of call, and some of the special shows that are planned. We encourage you to enjoy lunch in the Oceanview Café (Deck 10), study your Souvenir Program, meet some of your fellow passengers, enjoy some refreshments, complete your Muster Drill requirements and explore the ship. This is a wonderful time to review the ship's special offerings for the week. See below for where some key items may be reviewed and purchased:
- Internet Packages – Shops (Deck 5, Midship) or connect to the Ship's Wi-Fi and purchase directly on your device.
- Spa Purchases - Spa (Deck 10, Forward)
- Shore Excursions - Shore Excursions Desk (Deck 3, Midship).
- Beverage Packages - Grand Foyer (Deck 3), Oceanview Café (Deck 10) or any open bar.
- Specialty Dining Reservations - Grand Foyer (Deck 3) or Oceanview Café (Deck 10).
When will my stateroom be ready?
You will have immediate access to your stateroom upon embarkation. Your stateroom attendant may still be completing the finishing touches, but you will be able to access it immediately and drop off any hand luggage.
When will I receive my luggage?
Best efforts will be made to deliver your luggage as quickly as possible. The flow of luggage will depend on several factors, including customs, timing of other deliveries, etc.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE REVEALED
In just a few days (January 17, 2025), the Performance Schedule for The Jazz Cruise ’25 will be revealed. On that day, we will send you an email, but you may also access that schedule by going to this page where you will see an icon titled “Performance Schedule.” Please note that the Performance Schedule will be updated at various times, so we advise accessing the link whenever you wish, but know that the schedule is subject to change.
We are also excited to announce that The Jazz Cruise App for smartphones will soon be available on the Apple App Store (for iPhones) and the Google Play Store (for Android phones) for you to download and use on The Jazz Cruise ’25. Our App will allow you to view the Performance Schedule, easily see where your favorite musicians are performing during the week, and even search for a performance/event, all conveniently on your phone. Stay tuned for more details on how to download it and a tutorial for using it.
GLOBAL GATHERING BREAKFAST RECEPTION
The Jazz Cruise has been blessed over the past two decades with significant support and representation from guests residing all over the world. As many as 24 different nations of origin have been represented on a given cruise. Signature Jazz Cruises recognizes that international travel adds a layer of undertaking that deserves to be recognized, so, each cruise, we host a Global Gathering Breakfast where each guest may proudly announce his/her country of origin, and we share stories about jazz in the world.
Determining which guests should attend the Global Gathering Breakfast is more difficult each year as circumstances are such that some of our international guests use U.S. addresses for mailing purposes or may reside in the U.S. for periods of time.
Therefore, we ask that anyone whose country of origin is other than the United States and wishes to attend our Global Gathering Breakfast on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM, and has not yet RSVP’d, to please fill out the form in the button below by January 20, 2025.
Our international guests are living proof of the worldly presence of jazz!
SIGN UP FOR GLOBAL GATHERING BREAKFAST HERE
PRE CRUISE WEBINARS
As part of the Get Ready series, on October 22, 2024 and January 9, 2025, we hosted a Live Webinar just for guests on The Jazz Cruise ‘25. During both discussions, we presented valuable information about the cruise and fielded your questions in real time.
We enjoyed hearing your questions and we hope that our answers were helpful! If you missed the webinars or wish to have a second look and listen, please click here to access them any time.
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 must do so within 14 days after their deposit is paid.
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 for more information. To purchase the Preferred Plan or to receive a quote, please call us at 888.852.9987.
REBOOKING FOR THE JAZZ CRUISE '26
Exclusive Right to Book Current Stateroom: From Now through January 31, 2025, as a guest on The Jazz Cruise ’25, you have the exclusive right to reserve your current stateroom for The Jazz Cruise ‘26.
Completing Your Rebooking Reservation: You should have received an email on November 26, 2024, which included a unique reservation token that will enable you to reserve your current stateroom for The Jazz Cruise ’26. Simply click here and follow the prompts. If you did not receive this email, please contact the office at 888.852.9987 or [email protected].
Selecting a Different Stateroom: Rebooking your current stateroom is not your only option. If you wish to change your stateroom, please contact the office and we will assist you with that process. Please note that these changes will be fulfilled after The Jazz Cruise ’25 Guests exclusive period has ended, but before the public may reserve a stateroom.
Deposit: A deposit will be due at the time of the reservation. No other payment will be due until March 10, 2025.
Pricing: Please review the email you received on November 26, 2024 to confirm your Past Guest Price based on your Signature Jazz Cruises’ Sailing History.
SPECIAL OFFERS TO GUESTS ON THE JAZZ CRUISE '25
For years, guests on The Jazz Cruise have asked for two things:
- When will we have a jazz cruise on the West coast?
- When can we have a jazz cruise that sails back to back?
The answer to both questions is: NOW!
JOURNEY OF JAZZ '25
The first West coast cruise we’ve offered in more than a decade, Journey of Jazz ‘25 includes Marcus Miller, Robert Glasper, Diana Krall, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Chucho Valdes, Ron Carter, Emmet Cohen and many more. This cruise may not be called The Jazz Cruise, but for all intents and purposes, you can think of it as The Jazz Cruise on the West coast.
CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE'S WORLD AT SEA '26
Christian McBride has been a co-host of The Jazz Cruise for years. Starting in ’26, Christian will be the host of his own cruise: Christian McBride’s World at Sea. Christian is involved in so much of our music that we thought it best to produce an entire cruise program dedicated to presenting his favorite ensembles and to showcase top artists in his “world.”
Just as the lineup for Journey of Jazz ’25 could be mistaken for The Jazz Cruise, so too does Christian’s selections mirror the “in the pocket” style of music that fans of The Jazz Cruise crave: Cecile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner, Benny Green, Greg Hutchinson, Christian Sands, Warren Wolf, Carl Allen, Peter Martin, Steve Wilson, Dan Wilson, Kendrick Scott and more — all veterans of The Jazz Cruise.
Here are the dates for both of these sailings, as well as the dates for The Jazz Cruise ‘26:
- Journey of Jazz ‘26: 12.25 to 9.19.25
- Christian McBride’s World at Sea ‘26: 20.26 to 1.27.26
- The Jazz Cruise ‘26: 1.27.26 to 2.3.26
SPECIAL OFFER
Signature Cruise Experiences is offering opportunities for guests on The Jazz Cruise ‘25 to enjoy Journey of Jazz ’25 (JOJ25) or Christian McBride’s World at Sea ’26 (CMW26) as an alternative program or special opportunities for those guests to add JOJ25 or CMW26 to their reservation for The Jazz Cruise ’26 (TJC26), thereby creating a fall sailing in ’25 and a two-week jazz vacation in ‘26.
OFFER #1 – THE SWAP
Any guest on The Jazz Cruise ‘25 who would prefer to sail on CMW26 may transfer their Signature Cruise Experiences Cruise Status (Cruise Status) and reserve a stateroom on CMW26 with the same discounts and credits as if they were reserving a stateroom on TJC26.
OFFER #2 – DOUBLE PLAY
Ready to sail on both JOJ 25 and TJC26 or CMW26 and TJC26? 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: $750
- Concierge/AquaClass/Veranda: $600
- Ocean View/Inside: $400
OFFER #3 – THE THREEPEAT
Ready to sail on JOJ25, CMW26 and TJC26? Your Cruise Status is applied to ALL cruises, and to help cover your expenses, you will receive an onboard credit which you may use in any way you wish during the three weeks of sailing. The amount of the onboard credit/person is as follows:
- Suite: $1,000
- Concierge/AquaClass/Veranda: $750
- Ocean View/Inside: $550
By turning a Double Play or Threepeat, you save on the Cruise Price and you earn an Onboard Credit. To learn your Cruise Status, execute The Swap, or complete the Double Play or Threepeat, visit us at Signature Cruise Experiences’ Future Cruise Lounge (Deck 5 – Midship).
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.
1.17.25 Get Ready #10
GET READY #10 FOR THE JAZZ CRUISE '25
DAILY PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
It is time for Get Ready #10, the tenth notice in Signature Cruise Experience’s Get Ready series designed to prepare you for your sailing on The Jazz Cruise ‘25.
Signature Cruise Experiences is proud to present to you the Performance Schedule for The Jazz Cruise ’25! As you will see, there are hundreds of hours of music programming and dozens of jazz musicians ready to perform. Take a moment to review the list of events and shows, create your own schedule for each day and night and be ready to have a great week.
Last year, we debuted The Jazz Cruise App, and it was a hit. The app allowed us to update our Performance Schedule in real time, keeping Guests informed of last-minute changes to ensure they have the best, most enjoyable week possible and attend the events they want to attend.
Well, good news: since it worked so well last year, the app is back again this year! We also keep an up-to-date copy of the Performance Schedule on our website, so you can find it where and when you need it.
THE JAZZ CRUISE '25 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE ONLINE
Reviewing the Performance Schedule Now Online. A web version of the Performance Schedule for The Jazz Cruise ’25 is available now. To access the schedule, either click on the button below or go to https://2025.thejazzcruise.com/performance-schedule-mobile-app/. We encourage you to view the schedule now so you can start to plan your trip.
Changes to the schedule will be made from time to time, so it’s wise to check back as often as you wish (but especially right before leaving for the cruise). The schedule will be updated as needed once onboard as well. However, if you wish to continue to monitor the schedule through this method, please note that the only way to access the web version is by purchasing an internet package.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE JAZZ CRUISE '25 DAILY PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
THE JAZZ CRUISE '25 APP
Reviewing the Performance Schedule with the TJC '25 App. The TJC ’25 App makes it easy to stay up to date with the latest schedule. The app is available on Apple’s App Store and on the Google Play Store. Simply search for “TJC ’25” to find and download it. The TJC ’25 App will allow you to check daily schedules, follow your favorite artists and receive notifications of any last-minute program changes.
As you may be aware, cell signals can be out of reach while at sea. We are confident the app will work with the ship’s internet package, but we are also taking steps to “whitelist” the app so it can be accessed without having to purchase the internet package on the ship.
If you do not select one of these options for learning about the schedule, please know that the Daily Program delivered to your stateroom will be current. Last-minute changes will be announced on the Public Announcement System.
Onboard TJC '25 App Tutorial. We will schedule a TJC ’25 App tutorial on embarkation day. More details will come shortly (and of course will be available on the app, once scheduled). Please download the app prior to boarding the ship.