Get Ready – 3.12.25
IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO BEGIN PLANNING FOR JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25!
Journey of Jazz ’25 sails on September 12, 2025 (exactly six months from now!)
Signature Cruise Experiences is busy planning for our first West Coast sailing in a decade. While we are working on programming, excursions, events and parties, we urge you to begin considering various aspects of your cruise experience as well.
Over the next few months, we will be sharing some ideas and undertakings for you to consider in the course of your personal planning. Signature Cruise Experiences’ first recommendation is arriving in Vancouver the day BEFORE embarkation to alleviate stress from any potential travel delays or issues.
The next items to consider are whether you will need hotel accommodation on the night before embarkation and whether you wish to participate in the various excursions that Signature Cruise Experiences has curated while in port.
PRE CRUISE HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Signature Cruise Experiences is happy to recommend hotels for guests arriving in the Vancouver area for Journey of Jazz ‘25. With the prices for hotels varying so much from property to property, we are reluctant to select one hotel to be the headquarters for our guests. Invariably, we will have some guests wanting a more luxurious hotel and others who are content paying less for a simple room. As such, we have adopted the policy of listing our recommendations, which cover an array of price points.
In the link below, you will find a variety of hotels, along with a direct link to each reservation procedure for your review. Going to the reservation link is the only way to determine both price and availability for each hotel. Please contact the hotel regarding airport / cruise port shuttle service.
While our list features several hotel options you might consider, Vancouver is a large metropolis that has a plethora of hotel options outside of our recommendations. For the best price and selection, we do, however, encourage you to secure your hotel reservation as soon as possible.
CLICK HERE FOR PRE CRUISE HOTEL OPTIONS
NEW EXCURSIONS NOW AVAILABLE
Journey of Jazz ‘25 offers a spectacular lineup of musicians and a brilliant set of special excursions, events, and entertainment while the ship is docked in both Victoria, BC and San Francisco, CA. Many of you have already booked your in-port excursions, and we invite those of you who have not yet made plans to peruse the various options and decide how you’d like to spend your time while we are in port.
Just Added – Napa Valley Wine Train, Vista Dome Lunch
Wednesday September 17
This excursion filled so quickly on Tuesday, that we chartered the Vista Dome on Wednesday as well! Marvel at panoramic Napa Valley views from the opulent second-floor observation-style Vista Dome car as you embark on an immersive three-hour ride full of 360-degree Napa Valley views, plush dining booths and photo opportunities with your travel companions.
The Vista Dome experience comes to life in an exclusive one of 10 ever-constructed 1952 Pullman glass-domed observation cars. It opens you up to a world of incredible sights and exquisite cuisine. Sit back on this picture-perfect daytime ride and enjoy a memorable mid-day meal as our expert team serves artfully prepared selections from our state-of-the-art onboard kitchens.
- Three-hour train ride through Napa Valley
- Immersive journey aboard an observation-style Pullman rail car
- Digital boarding photo keepsake
- Welcome glass of sparkling wine
- Four-course wine country-inspired meal prepared and served onboard
- Round trip bus transfer from the Port of San Francisco to downtown Napa
CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW
Victoria, BC Concert at McPherson Playhouse –
Signature Jazz Cruises presents The Warren Wolf Ensemble
Saturday September 13
While docked in Victoria, BC, Vibraphonist Warren Wolf will perform with an all-star quintet at the historic McPherson Playhouse. Warren will present his “History of the Vibraphone” project that features music from many of his heroes on that instrument.
“Most people outside of jazz only know of two people who play the instrument and that’s Lionel Hampton and Roy Ayers,” Warren explained. “The entire project is to let listeners hear about some of my personal favorites who have performed on the instrument and hearing how the sounds of the instrument have changed over the years.”
Among the vibraphonists featured in the program, beyond Hampton and Ayers, are Terry Gibbs, Milt Jackson, Bobby Hutcherson, Cal Tjader, Gary Burton, Dave Samuels and Joe Locke.
Event Schedule
12:15PM – 4:00PM
Showtime: 1:30PM PT
Price: $60 – $90 USD (Price varies upon seat selection and includes round-trip transportation)
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS
Wine Tours of Sonoma
September 16 & 17
Join one of the guided wine tours to some of the best vineyards and wineries in the region while we are docked in San Francisco. Availability remains on tours on both September 16 and September 17.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW
Visit the Journey of Jazz website to view the full list of available excursions, including additional Wine Tours, Sightseeing Tours and Land-Based Concerts.
CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL LIST OF EXCURSIONS
STAY TUNED
As mentioned, we will continue to provide you with more information to help you prepare for Journey of Jazz ‘25 in the coming months. This will include everything from how you board the ship, pre-cruise purchases, dining options onboard, Theme Nights, showtimes, and much, much more. In the meantime, we highly suggest reviewing our Booked Guest portal on the website.
Get Ready #1 – 3.20.25
GET READY #1 FOR JOURNEY OF JAZZ
This is the first in a series of messages you will receive from us over the next few months, each one prompting you to take “Get Ready” steps for your sailing on Journey of Jazz ’25.
Though Journey of Jazz ’25 embarks in September, Embarkation Day comes quickly! By planning ahead, you can be ready for every aspect of your sailing with ease. As always, Signature Cruise Experiences will be here to guide you every step of the way.
As you may expect, this first note addresses tasks that may require some time to complete, such as Passports and Identification. Later notes will relate information on dining, accessible cruising, the onboard experience and more! You can look forward to information on Theme Nights, programming highlights and Artist-Hosted Events.
Ready to Get Ready? Follow our schedule and we promise that you will be more than ready to sail on Journey of Jazz ’25.
Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director, Signature Cruise Experiences
YOUR CRUISE DETAILS
SAILING DATE: Friday, September 12 – Friday, September 19, 2025
SHIP: Celebrity Summit
ITINERARY:
YOUR RESERVATION INFORMATION
Please review each component of your reservation carefully to ensure its accuracy and completeness.
- Guest Name(s): See Your Reservation
- Shirt Size(s): See Your Reservation
- Stateroom Category: See Your Reservation
- Stateroom Number: See Your Reservation
- Main Show Seating: See Your Reservation
- Signature Cruise Experiences’ Reservation Number: See Your Reservation
TASKS REQUIRING IMMEDIATE RESPONSE
Below are tasks that may require either prompt attention or some lead time in completing. The sooner you address these issues, the easier it will be to complete them.
PASSPORTS OR GOVERNMENT ISSUED ID
Guests are REQUIRED to have a valid passport which (a) expires no sooner than six months beyond the last day of the cruise and (b) contains two blank passport pages. Please confirm that the first and last names on your passport or government-issued ID match the first and last names on your cruise reservation to ensure that you will be permitted to board the ship. It is your responsibility to identify and obtain all required travel documents and have them available when necessary. Click here to view the complete list of required travel documents for U.S. and Non-U.S. citizens. Please note that a birth certificate and government-issued ID are not accepted forms of identification for this cruise.
REVIEW YOUR SHIRT SIZE
Your gift of Journey of Jazz gear will be available on the ship. Please verify the size(s) we have included in your reservation (listed above). If you desire to modify any of the sizes listed, please email us at [email protected]. Any changes or modifications must be submitted to us no later than Friday, May 2, 2025.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
If you have not already planned your arrival into the Vancouver area, now is the time to start preparing. We highly recommend that guests arrive the day prior to embarkation in order to alleviate stress from any potential travel delays or issues.
Friday, September 12, 2025 is Embarkation Day. Historically, boarding begins at 11:30 AM and all aboard time is 4:00 PM. During the Online Check-In process (starting at 45 days prior to Embarkation Day), you will be asked by Celebrity Cruises to select a Terminal Arrival Time, available in half-hour increments. For the most efficient embarkation, guests are required to arrive at the terminal (Port of Vancouver) during their selected window.
The ship will dock at the Los Angeles World Cruise Center by 7:00 AM on Friday, September 19, 2025. Due to the time it takes to clear Customs and Immigration at the cruise terminal, it is difficult to estimate what time you will be able to depart for the airport.
However, if you are willing to carry your own luggage off the ship, you may be able to leave the port as early as 7:30 AM, if disembarkation proceeds without issue. To be safe, we do not recommend any flight scheduled prior to 12:00 PM from the Los Angeles area airports.
To further assist you with planning, Signature Cruise Experiences has compiled a list of potential hotels at various locations and price points, along with a direct link to each reservation procedure for your review. Going to the reservation link is the only way to determine both price and availability for each hotel. Please contact the hotel regarding airport / cruise port shuttle service.
CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE PRE-CRUISE OPTIONS
More information/recommendations for Planning Your Trip can be found here.
COMING SOON –
CELEBRITY CRUISES’ PRE-CRUISE PLANNER
It is popular among Journey of Jazz guests to purchase Internet Plans, Beverage Packages, Shore Excursions, Specialty Dining, Spa Treatments, Photo Packages and other packages before boarding the ship. There is no central location on the ship for completing these purchases so doing so requires standing in several lines.
Most guests complete their purchases by using Celebrity Cruises’ Pre-Cruise Planner, an online platform that allows you to complete purchases from home usually at prices lower than what is offered on the ship. Next month, we will provide you with your Celebrity Cruises Reservation Number for the cruise which is all you need to initiate your Celebrity Cruises’ Pre-Cruise Planner and begin to make these purchases.
SPECIAL SCE EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE
Journey of Jazz ’25 is the first of our programs in many years to feature a robust on-land component. With a full day in Victoria, BC and nearly two full days in San Francisco, we have created shows, trips, and excursions just for you and are offering them at cost as our gift for sailing on this new program.
As a booked guest on The Journey of Jazz ’25, these excursions are available exclusively for you! If you have not already planned your time while we are in port in Victoria and San Francisco, we invite you to peruse the options and sign up online (or call the office if you have specific questions). Many of the excursions have limited capacity and few are already Fully Reserved, so acting now is advised.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2025
| Victoria, B.C. Concert at McPherson Playhouse – Signature Cruise Experiences Presents The Warren Wolf Ensemble | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Craigdarroch Castle & Butchart Garden | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Whale Watching & Wildlife Tour | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Butchart Gardens Tea & City Highlights | Fully Reserved | JOIN WAITLIST |
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
| Sonoma: Gloria Ferrer Estate and Anaba Wines | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Sonoma: DeLoach Vineyards and Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Sonoma: Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate and DeLoach Vineyards | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Napa Valley: Beringer Vineyards and Duckhorn Vineyards | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Napa Valley: B Cellars Estate and St Supéry Vineyard & Winery | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Napa Valley: Sterling Vineyards and Frank Family Vineyards | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Napa Valley: Migration Winery and Artesa Vineyards & Winery | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Napa Valley Wine Train: Vista Dome Lunch | Fully Reserved | JOIN WAITLIST |
| Napa Valley Wine Train: Gourmet Express Lunch | Fully Reserved | JOIN WAITLIST |
| San Francisco by Land and Sea | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Alcatraz Island & Sausalito | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Sausalito & Muir Woods | Fully Reserved | JOIN WAITLIST |
| San Francisco & Golden Gate Bridge | Available | BOOK NOW |
| CONCERT AT SFJAZZ: Signature Cruise Experiences Presents SFJAZZ Collective |
Available | BOOK NOW |
| Culinary Tour with Michael Bauer | Coming Soon | LEARN MORE |
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
| Sonoma: Gloria Ferrer Estate and Anaba Wines | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Sonoma: DeLoach Vineyards and Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Sonoma: Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate and DeLoach Vineyards | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Napa Valley: Beringer Vineyards and Duckhorn Vineyards | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Napa Valley: Domaine Carneros and Etude Winery | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Napa Valley: B Cellars Estate and St Supéry Vineyard & Winery | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Napa Valley: Sterling Vineyards and Frank Family Vineyards | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Napa Valley: Migration Winery and Artesa Vineyards & Winery | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Napa Valley Wine Train: Vista Dome Lunch | Available | BOOK NOW |
| San Francisco by Land and Sea | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Alcatraz Island & Sausalito | Available | BOOK NOW |
| San Francisco & Golden Gate Bridge | Available | BOOK NOW |
| Sausalito & Muir Woods | Fully Reserved | JOIN WAITLIST |
| CONCERT AT SFJAZZ: Signature Cruise Experiences Presents Ron Carter Quartet |
Available | BOOK NOW |
| Culinary Tour with Michael Bauer | Coming Soon | LEARN MORE |
STAY TUNED
More information on Journey of Jazz ’25 is coming your way in the weeks and months ahead. We will discuss how to board the ship, pre-cruise purchases, dining options onboard, Theme Nights, showtimes and much, much more. In the meantime, we highly suggest reviewing our Booked Guest portal on the website.
We cannot wait to welcome you onboard the ship!
Get Ready #2 – 4.22.25
GET READY #2 FOR JOURNEY OF JAZZ
Journey of Jazz sails in just under five months and, trust us, Embarkation Day comes quickly! Our Get Ready process began last month with the first letter to you in the Get Ready series. A copy of that letter can be found on Journey of Jazz 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, our specially-curated SCE excursions 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 (888-381-4420) 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): Please See Reservation
CELEBRITY CRUISES’ RESERVATION NUMBER: Please See Reservation
With the issuance of your Celebrity Cruises’ Reservation Number, guests on Journey of Jazz may now begin purchasing a variety of onboard amenities before even boarding the ship, including Internet Plans, Beverage Packages, Specialty Dining, Spa Treatments, Photo Packages and more through Celebrity Cruises’ Pre-Cruise Planner.
Please note that Shore Excursions offered by Celebrity Cruises are available for purchase within this planner. However, the special excursions that SCE curated are only available on our website here.
There are a number of Specialty Dining options currently available to reserve, but we are continuing to work with Celebrity Cruises to expand the offering and will let you know once those additional options become available.
SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES’ GUESTS
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 September 8, 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. SCE highly recommends completing this process now so that you can relax and enjoy music without missing a beat.
There are also some pre-cruise savings available on select Specialty Dining reservations when booked ahead. Be sure to reserve your spot soon, as availability is limited!
LET’S START 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
The talent onboard this cruise is truly exceptional, but our itinerary takes this program to the next level! We are thrilled to be able to pair key elements of the jazz life experience with our days in port through a variety of excursion options including trips to wine country, jazz shows, culinary exploits and sightseeing tours.
While many of our guests have already chosen their activities for our time in Victoria and San Francisco, there’s still room available on a variety of exciting excursions. We invite you to peruse the options and sign up online (or call the office if you have specific questions). Many of the excursions have limited capacity and few are already Fully Reserved, so acting now is advised.
View our video below about the adventures waiting for you in-port when we dock in Victoria BC.
EXCURSIONS HIGHLIGHT: IN-PORT CONCERTS
As a part of the offerings, Signature Cruise Experiences will present special shows in Victoria and San Francisco. The show in Victoria on September 13 will feature Warren Wolf’s “History of the Vibraphone” at the historic McPherson Playhouse. More information on the show and purchasing tickets can be found here.
Two shows will be offered at the famed SFJAZZ Center during our stop in San Francisco:
- September 16: The SFJAZZ Collective, featuring Michael Rodriguez (trumpet), David Sanchez (saxophone), Chris Potter(saxophone), Warren Wolf (vibraphone), Ed Simon (piano), Matt Brewer (bass) and Kendrick Scott (drums).
- September 17: The legendary bassist Ron Carter will perform with his all-star quartet featuring pianist Renee Rosnes, saxophonist Jimmy Greene and drummer Payton Crossley.
These shows are exclusively available to our guests until June 13. After that, tickets will be released to the public. To secure the best seats, make sure to purchase your tickets before June 13!
STAY TUNED FOR MORE CRUISE INFORMATION
We will continue to provide you with more information to help you prepare for Journey of Jazz in the coming weeks and months. This will include everything from how to board the ship, attire, showtimes and much more. In the meantime, we highly suggest reviewing our Booked Guests portal on the website.