Journey of Jazz ’25 offers our guests a luxurious jazz cruise program that includes our customary bountiful musical experiences on the ship, but also provides an array of glamorous and exciting “in port” excursions and events. The combination of a robust onboard program and a Jazz Cruises driven schedule of great on land events will provide our guests with the Jazz Life Experience, West Coast Style.
ONBOARD
UNDERSTANDING THE JOURNEY OF JAZZ
Journey of Jazz has multiple meanings. Specifically, we will be taking our guests on a Journey from the early days of jazz through the modern era. Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter, two astute jazz aficionados, will be your guides all week. The other “journey” will be our return to the West Coast complete with a long list of privately curated and produced land-based excursions and events.
FIRST CLASS MUSIC EXPERIENCE
When it comes to presenting a lineup for jazz at sea, Jazz Cruises has been doing that longer, better, and more often than anyone in the world. Journey of Jazz ’25 continues that tradition and more. Hosted by Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter, the cruise features the iconic (Dee Dee Bridgewater, Chucho Valdés, Ron Carter & The Brubeck Brothers), the majestic (Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra), the powerful (Wycliffe Gordon, Sean Jones, Renee Rosnes, Jimmy Greene, Marcus Gilmore), the newer kids on the block (Benny Benack III, Bria Skonberg, Lady Blackbird) and more to come.
GREAT VENUES, PRODUCTION & PROGRAMMING
Jazz Cruises, the producer of Journey of Jazz, has been presenting music cruises longer and better than anyone. Our team of creative experts is simply unmatched in their ability to develop and present top-flight and exciting programs, shows, events, parties and just plain fun. Here is a partial list of the exciting programs you will experience on Journey of Jazz ’25:
Nightly Main Shows • Festival-Style Lounge Shows • All Star Shows with unique configurations • Late Nightclub for Dancing/Chilling • Cocktail Hour Performances • Pool Shows • T-Shirt Party • Theme Parties • Pool Events featuring Performers • Autograph Sessions • Artist Hosted Excursions • Artist Interactive Activities • Q&A’s with Artists • Music Seminars • One-of-a-Kind Culinary Events • Hilarious Gameshows
PORTS OF CALL
On most cruises, once the ship docks in port, guests are either free to make their own way for the hours docked or can elect to purchase various excursion options offered by the cruise line. In the case of this program Jazz Cruises, the producer of Journey of Jazz ‘25, has undertaken to develop and curate various excursion options that you can enjoy that both enhance and embrace your love of jazz and the jazz experience and lifestyle.
In creating these excursions and events, Jazz Cruises has retained the services of several experts in the field. As you peruse the various options, those involved in the process will be identified. Also, please know that to ensure that the prices for these excursions are as low as possible, Jazz Cruises will not receive any compensation or reimbursement for any of its costs for designing and executing the events. Further, to the extent possible, representatives of Jazz Cruises will be present at the events, again without compensation from the sale of tickets or fees.
VICTORIA, B.C.
The city of Victoria is a delightful historical destination with a long maritime heritage. The capital of British Columbia, it’s known as “the Garden City” for its many well-manicured green spaces, like the massive Beacon Hill Park. The history on display is a respectful mix of First Nations and European settlers, with iconic landmarks like Craigdarroch Castle and the British Columbia Parliament Buildings from one and the world’s tallest free-standing totem pole from the other.
Victoria has a rugged seafront, one of North America’s oldest Chinatown districts and a snow-free climate, giving the city a broad appeal. Downtown, you’ll find a great nightlife, regular festivals and events and a wide choice of restaurants, with a special focus on farm-to-table freshness. It’s also right by the docks, where you can enjoy the very popular whale watching tours.
SIGHTSEEING
Victoria is replete with fascinating places to visit and things to do. You may elect to visit the Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Castle or the Butchart Gardens. For the more adventurous, there are several opportunities for whale watching and other at sea excursions. For more information about Sightseeing adventures, Celebrity Cruises will provide more details about the opportunities and booking.
DINING EXPERIENCES
The Victoria culinary scene is as worldly as its population. Boasting one of North America’s largest Chinatowns, Victoria is hailed as the Afternoon Tea Capital of Canada as well as the Brunch Capital of Canada. Our Culinary Expert, Michael Bauer, will be presenting several top selections for dining in Victoria. We will be in the city from 7 am – midnight, so any and all meal types are in play. Stay tuned for more information.
MUSIC EXPERIENCES
Jazz Cruises is in direct contact with the Victoria Jazz Society working on a music experience for our guests while we are visiting Victoria. Once these plans are finalized, we will share them with our guests. A live concert is being planned that will include both musicians sailing on Journey of Jazz ’25 and local talent.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Journey of Jazz ’25 arrives in San Francisco on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 7 am (local) and departs on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 6 pm (local). While in San Francisco, Journey of Jazz ’25 will present the customary amazing concerts and shows that Jazz Cruises has produced for 25 years. However, each day, guests will have several excursion or event options which they can reserve.
Of course, guests are welcome to set their own pace and spend the time as they wish. Further, there are several established tours and events that our guests may select. What is different about our visit as compared to a typical stop in San Francisco are the Special Events/Excursions that Jazz Cruises has created and will produce.
FAMOUS NAPA VALLEY
WINE TRAIN
For September 16, our first day in San Francisco, Jazz Cruises has chartered the historic Napa Valley Wine Train for an immersive epicurean three-hour classic train journey winding your way through the world’s most celebrated wine-producing region from Napa to St. Helena and back. The exquisitely restored Gourmet Express treats you to three sumptuous courses aboard an antique 1015 Pullman car adorned with tables draped in white linen, silverware, etched glass partitions and natural luxuriant mahogany wood tones. For an extra indulgence, add the sommelier flight tasting to your itinerary.
Package details and pricing to follow. Space will be limited to availability.
CONCERT AT
SFJAZZ
Opened in 2013, the 35,000-square-foot SFJAZZ Center is located on the corner of Fell and Franklin Streets in the heart of San Francisco’s fine arts district. The Center is the first stand-alone structure in the country built specifically for jazz performance, with the 700-seat Robert N. Miner Auditorium and 100-seat Joe Henderson Lab. The building was designed by award winning architect Mark Cavagnero with the audio designed by Sam Berkow, one of the nation’s premier acoustical consultants. Jazz Cruises, together with SFJAZZ, will present the Ron Carter Quartet in concert at SFJAZZ.
CULINARY TOUR WITH MICHAEL BAUER
Jazz Cruises, together with Legendary Former San Francisco Chronicle Food Critic, Michael Bauer, will present a culinary “tour” of San Francisco. First, Michael will provide a list of recommended restaurants for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Prior to the cruise, you can join Michael for a webinar during which he will provide a culinary guide and history of the famous dining regions in and around the city: Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Chinatown, Embarcadero/Financial District, Union Square, Central Market, SoMa/Yerba Buena, Mission District.
Package details and pricing to follow. Space will be limited to availability.
GUIDED WINERY TOURS OF NAPA
Discover exceptional wines and vintages among the beautiful hillsides and romantic vineyards found just north of the Bay in the world-class wine regions of Napa Valley. Join one of our exclusive wine tours for an intimate wine tasting, behind-the-scenes private tours, followed by a lunch tasting at world-renowned wineries included in your itinerary. Our notable winery selections include Duckhorn, Brasswood Estate, Peju, Sequoia Grove and St. Supery. Our selected wineries are family-owned and operated, which means each winery visit will feel like home.
Package details and pricing to follow. Space will be limited to availability.
GUIDED WINERY TOURS OF SONOMA
Though not as well-known as Napa Valley, the regions of Sonoma are the home for many of the most famous and highly regarded wineries in the world. Join one of our exclusive wine tours for an intimate wine tasting, behind-the-scenes private tours, followed by a lunch tasting at world-renowned wineries included in your itinerary. Our notable winery selections include Patz & Hall and Kendall Jackson. Our selected wineries are family-owned and operated, which means each winery visit will feel like home.
Package details and pricing to follow. Space will be limited to availability.
SIGHTSEEING
San Francisco is replete with iconic buildings and sites: The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39 Fisherman’s Wharf, Coit Tower, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Wlat Disney Family Museum, Ghiradelli Square, Chinatown, San Francisco Zoo. Celebrity Cruises as well as several reputable companies provide first class tours that include most of these attractions.
The Jazz Cruises Legacy
Jazz Cruises has been producing music and entertainment programs longer and in greater numbers than any charter company in the world. Though it dominates the jazz and adult music genre presented on Journey of Jazz ’25, it has also produced cruises that feature rock, country, gospel, pop music and more. From its first sailing in 2001 to its 85th sailing in 2024, Jazz Cruises has been the Gold Standard for live entertainment at sea.
The Journey of Jazz Production Team is led by Brian Rachko, who has been a part of Jazz Cruises’ programs for over 16 years. No sense in presenting great entertainment without providing the very best way to enjoy it.