7.23.26 – Get Ready #1
Get Ready #1 for Journey of Jazz ’27
Journey of Jazz ’27 embarks in just over 6 months. This is the first in a series of messages that you will receive over the next few months, each prompting you to take “Get Ready” steps for your upcoming sailing to help avoid last-minute anxiety and stress.
This first note addresses tasks that may require some time to complete, such as locating (and possibly updating) your Passport and Identification. These items are essential to your ability to board the ship and participate in our activities. Later notes will address items of entertainment, excursions, dining and more. We will also share our theme night plans, programming highlights, artist-hosted events and more.
Ready to Get Ready? Follow our schedule and we promise that you will be set to sail on Journey of Jazz ’27! As always, our team at Signature Cruise Experiences will be here to guide you every step of the way.
Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director
Signature Cruise Experiences
Your Cruise Details
Sailing Dates: Sunday, January 24 – Sunday, January 31, 2027
Ship: Celebrity Summit
Itinerary:
| DATE | DAY | PORT | ARRIVE | DEPART |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.24.27 | Sunday | Tampa, FL | 4:00 PM | |
| 1.25.27 | Monday | At Sea | ||
| 1.26.27 | Tuesday | New Orleans, LA | 8:00 AM | |
| 1.27.27 | Wednesday | New Orleans, LA | 5:00 PM | |
| 1.28.27 | Thursday | At Sea | ||
| 1.29.27 | Friday | Progreso, Mexico | 8:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| 1.30.27 | Saturday | At Sea | ||
| 1.31.27 | Sunday | Tampa, FL | 7:00 AM |
Tasks Requiring Immediate Response
Below are tasks that may require either prompt attention or some lead time in completing. The sooner you address these tasks, the easier it will be to complete them.
Passport or Government-Issued ID
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. SCE highly recommends U.S. Citizens travel with a valid Passport. Click here to view the complete list of required travel documents for U.S. and Non-U.S. citizens.
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 for your cruise t-shirt (listed above).
If you’d like to adjust your t-shirt, please complete the short form linked below by Friday, October 9, 2026.
Planning Your Trip
If you have not already planned your arrival into the Tampa area, now is the time to start preparing. We highly recommend that guests arrive the day BEFORE embarkation in order to alleviate stress from any potential travel delays or issues.
To further assist you with planning, Signature Cruise Experiences has compiled a list of potential hotels at various locations and price points in the Tampa area, 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.
EXPLORE PRE-CRUISE HOTEL OPTIONS
Sunday, January 24, 2027 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 Tampa Bay ) during their selected window.
The ship will dock at Port Tampa Bay by 7:00 AM on Sunday, January 31, 2027. 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 Tampa area airports, as traffic and other variables may impact your ability to arrive at the airport earlier.
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 Wi-Fi Packages, Drink Packages, Specialty Dining, Spa Treatments, Photo Packages and other amenities before boarding the ship. There is no central location on the ship for completing these purchases, and 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. In the coming weeks, 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 ’27 is excited to feature a robust on-land component. With nearly two full days in New Orleans and a full day in Progreso, Mexico, we have created shows, trips, and excursions just for you. Whether you’re looking for culture, cuisine, and natural beauty, or the chance to explore each city’s most iconic sights, these excursions were designed to elevate your time ashore and perfectly complement the music and energy awaiting you each night onboard.
As a booked guest on Journey of Jazz, these excursions are available exclusively for you! If you have not already planned your time while we are in port in New Orleans and Progreso we invite you to peruse the options and reserve them 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.
Stay Tuned
As mentioned, we will continue to provide you with more information to help you prepare for Journey of Jazz ‘27 in the coming weeks and months. This will include everything from how you board the ship, pre-cruise purchases, dining options onboard, Theme Nights, showtimes and much more. In the meantime, we highly suggest reviewing our Booked Guest portal on the website.