Get Ready Series

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

FULL LIST OF EXCURSIONS

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 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.

GET READY #3 FOR THE JOURNEY OF JAZZ ‘ 25

It is time for Get Ready #3, the third notice in Signature Cruise Experiences’ Get Ready series designed to prepare you for your sailing on Journey of Jazz ’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 letters addressed the details of your reservation and how you may access your Celebrity Cruises Pre-Cruise Planner. If you missed either of the first two letters, or wish to refer to them again, copies may be found on Journey of Jazz ’25 website (https://journeyofjazz.com/) under the Booked Guests tab. 
 
Keep in mind that we have many resources for you in our Booked Guests tab on the website, and our team is always available to assist with your questions or concerns. We are closer and closer to Embarkation Day and the excitement is building.  

Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director, Signature Cruise Experiences

YOUR SPECIAL GIFT

GUEST NAMES: Please see your reservation
SHIRT SIZES: Please see your reservation

Every SCE Cruise features a special gift unique to each sailing—and Journey of Jazz is no exception! This time, your gift includes a gender-specific item with sizing that runs true to size.

Please take a moment to review the size listed above to ensure it’s accurate. If any changes are needed, simply reply to this email with your correct size by Friday, May 23, 2025 —we’ll handle the rest.

We want your gift to be the perfect fit!

GET READY WEBINAR

 

Just as the sight of a robin is one of the first signs of Spring, the scheduling of a Booked Guest webinar is one of the first signs that a sailing is coming soon! Sign up now for the Get Ready Webinar for Journey of Jazz ’25 on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The webinar will take place at 4 PM ET on that date and will be conducted by the staff of Signature Cruise Experiences. 

During the webinar, we will walk through what steps need to be taken from now through Embarkation Day (September 12, 2025), share some programming highlights, discuss excursions and more. Questions of a general nature will be answered in real time and individual issues will be recorded and addressed by our staff immediately after the event. 
 
Why do we present webinars for booked guests? Simple – we want you to enjoy every minute of your cruise and by providing information and suggestions in advance, guests can complete necessary sign-ups and plan their cruise time more effectively.

Plus, we love talking to our guests. Sign up and we will be “seeing” you in a few weeks.  
 
Register for the Get Ready Webinar below:

REGISTER FOR WEBINAR

YOUR RESERVATION NUMBERS

GUEST NAMES: Please see reservation
SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES’ RESERVATION NUMBER: Please see reservation
CELEBRITY CRUISES’ RESERVATION NUMBER: Please see reservation

ONBOARD AMENITIES 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, 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.

Please note that Shore Excursions offered by Celebrity Cruises are available for purchase within this planner. However, the special excursions that SCE has curated are only available on our website here.

GUESTS REQUIRING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE

Celebrity Cruises makes every effort to make cruising accessible to everyone. Below please find information on assistance options that our guests frequently inquire about.

PIER ASSISTANCE

The Pier Assistance Program offers boarding and departure assistance with wheelchairs to guests with mobility issues and their traveling companions. Please email Signature Cruise Experiences at [email protected] or call us at 888.381.4420 and a member of our Guest Services Team will add this accommodation to your reservation. Please submit your requests no later than Friday, July 25, 2025.  

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 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, July 25, 2025 to document the delivery to the ship

MAIN SHOW SEATING ASSISTANCE FOR ENTRY (SAFE)

Journey of Jazz‘s onboard accessibility program is designed to allow safe and convenient access (for a guest and one companion) to The Theatre for each evening’s main show. Designated SAFE areas will be clearly marked and are reserved for those who require assistance and submit the requested information. By utilizing the SAFE program, you are given an easily accessible seat, typically located near the rear of The Theatre.  
 
The SAFE program is only for nightly Main Stage shows in The Theatre and does not guarantee a seat in any other shows in The Theatre. Click here to complete the SAFE Form no later than Friday, July 25, 2025.  
 
Please note: Utilizing SAFE in order to avoid wait time is strictly prohibited. Guests who attempt to misuse this service will be revoked from the pro.gram for the duration of the cruise and possible future sailings.

ACCESSIBLE SEATING

Though the SAFE program is available only for the Nightly Main Shows in The Theatre, in each performance venue, Signature Cruise Experiences has established an area where guests may enjoy the shows while remaining in a wheelchair or on a scooter. Guests may also park their scooter of wheelchair on the outer perimeter of the venues and sit in any of the existing seating areas. 

DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS AND 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 866.592.7225 or [email protected]. Please submit your requests no later than Friday, July 25, 2025.

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 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 888.381.4420.

REMINDERS FROM GET READY LETTERS # 1-2

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 Journey of Jazz website (https://journeyofjazz.com/).

  • Passport. Every guest MUST 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 Experiences’ 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 (45 days or so before sailing) and for purchases you wish to make before sailing through your Celebrity Cruises Pre-Cruise Planner.

STAY TUNED

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

GET READY #4 FOR JOURNEY OF JAZZ

We’re excited to bring you the 4th update in our “Get Ready” email as we gear up for Journey of Jazz ‘25! We are eager to welcome you onboard in just a few short months. If you missed any of the first three letters, or wish to refer to them again, copies may be found on the Journey of Jazz ‘25 website HERE.
 
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 how to register for accessible cruising. I encourage you to read this letter in the series more than once! Here you’ll find details on specific music events, land-based excursions and shows. Let’s talk music! 

Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director, Signature Cruise Experiences

SHOWTIME INFORMATION

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

Music is Presented in Both Main Shows & Festival Styles

Journey of Jazz ‘25 will present its music and performers in both Main Show and Festival Style formats.

Nightly Main Shows

  • Two Main Shows Each Night. Each night there will be two Main Shows presented in The Theatre. That venue comfortably holds 50% of our guests, so Guests are divided into two groups for attending the Main Shows. Guests with BLUE Cruise Identification Cards (BLUE Guests) will attend the 1st Main Show, which usually starts between 5:15 PM – 6:00 PM each night. Guests with RED Cruise Identification Cards (RED Guests) will attend the 2nd Main Show, which usually starts between 8:45 PM – 9:00 PM each night. 
  • BLUE or RED. The selection of being a RED Guest or a BLUE Guest was made by the Guest upon completing their reservation and is reflected in either a BLUE or RED background on their Cruise Identification Card. 
  • Dinner. The Main Show Schedule is meant to be coordinated with the evening dining schedule. BLUE Guests usually dine after their Main Show and RED Guests typically dine before their Main Show.   
  • Main Show Content. Every Main Show is performed twice, once for BLUE Guests and once for RED Each Guest will be able to see all seven Main Shows. 
  • Seating Procedure for Main Shows. The general rule for seating 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 entering The Theatre, saving seats, remaining in your seat for subsequent shows and other similar issues. As we approach the sailing date for Journey of Jazz ‘25, we will share with you those rules and procedures. 

Festival-Style Shows & Events

  • Multiple Venues. Journey of Jazz ‘25 utilizes several venues throughout the ship for music, interviews, parties, game shows and other events. These venues include the Sky Lounge, Rendezvous Lounge, Pool Area, Foyer and we convert the Cosmopolitan Restaurant each night and in the afternoon on Days at Sea into a cabaret-style Jazz club and event center. 
  • Festival Style. All shows, interviews, game shows and events on Journey of Jazz ‘25, even shows presented in The Theatre, other than the Main Shows, are presented “festival-style.” Several shows may take place at any given time. You may elect to attend as few or as many of those shows as you wish. 
  • Seating Procedure for all Non-Main Shows. The designation of BLUE Guest and RED Guest only applies to Main Shows. All other shows, interviews, game shows and events are open to all guests and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Again, we will share with you the rules and procedures that govern seating at all shows and events later. 

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 Signature Cruise Experiences’ first sailing 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.

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.

Engaging the Performers 
One of the joys of Journey of Jazz ‘25 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. Journey of Jazz ‘25 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

Excursions
This cruise will be a true celebration of jazz – its history, its present and its future. As is the case with all our programs, the cruise is about the music, with nearly 200 hours of onboard programming awaits you. But, Journey of Jazz ’25 has an additional bonus…land-based excursions and events curated by Signature Cruise Experiences just for you.

While some of our carefully selected excursions have already reached capacity, many still have space available. We encourage you to explore the options and start planning how you’d like to spend your time in port.

A number of wine excursions on September 17 still have open spots, including visits to:

  • Sterling Vineyards & Frank Family Vineyards
  • Beringer Vineyards & Duckhorn Vineyards
  • Domaine Carneros Estate & Etude Wines

In addition, a few sightseeing tours on both September 16 and September 17 still have limited availability, including:

  • San Francisco & the Golden Gate Bridge
  • San Francisco by Land and Sea

We will also present special shows during our time 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, David Sanchez, Chris Potter, Warren Wolf, Ed Simon, Matt Brewer and Kendrick Scott. 
    • 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.
 
Finally, keep an eye on your inbox next week for an email with more details about our soon-to-be-released culinary tours. If you’re a foodie eager to explore San Francisco’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene, these experiences will be right up your alley—and absolutely not to be missed!

Autographs/Recording Signings 
Performers are encouraged to bring recordings onto the cruise for sale in the Signature Cruise Experiences’ merch 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, 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 shortly.

Interviews 
For many guests, attending the interview of a special performer 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. On Journey of Jazz ‘25, these interviews are conducted by either a fellow performer as the host or by or Lee Mergner, Signature Cruise Experiences’ 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. 

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 Signature Cruise Experiences Game Shows! 

Jazz on Film
Sharing great jazz films and learning more about our wonderful music is part of the Signature Cruise Experiences 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 Journey of Jazz ‘25, our very own jazz whisperer, Lee Mergner, will be your guide. 

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.

Cruise Attire
Journey of Jazz ’25 will visit Vancouver, Victoria and San Francisco before ending in Los Angeles. In September, these locations typically experience mild to warm daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s°F with cooler evenings. Given the variable temperatures, layering is advised. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime, and bring along a light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings or air-conditioned venues onboard.

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.

GET READY WEBINAR

Just as the sight of a robin is one of the first signs of Spring, the scheduling of a Booked Guest webinar is one of the first signs that a sailing is coming soon! Sign up now for the Get Ready Webinar for Journey of Jazz ’25 on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The webinar will take place at 4 PM ET on that date and will be conducted by the staff of Signature Cruise Experiences. 

During the webinar, we will walk through what steps need to be taken from now through Embarkation Day (September 12, 2025), share some programming highlights, discuss excursions and more. Questions of a general nature will be answered in real time and individual issues will be recorded and addressed by our staff immediately after the event. 

REGISTER FOR WEBINAR

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 Journey of Jazz 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 Signature Cruise Experiences’ 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 Cruise Experiences 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 September 8, 2025 via your Celebrity Pre-Cruise Planner.  
  • 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, July 25, 2025.
  • 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: 

  • Main Show Seating Assistance for Entry (SAFE): Journey of Jazz’s onboard accessibility program offers convenient access to The Theatre for guests needing assistance and one companion. Clearly marked SAFE seating areas, typically near the rear of The Theatre, are reserved for those who submit the required form. The SAFE program applies only to nightly Main Stage shows and does not guarantee seating for other performances. Click here to complete the SAFE Form no later than Friday, July 25, 2025.

STAY TUNED

We will continue to provide more information to help you prepare for Journey of Jazz ‘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!

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