‘Get Ready’ Series

LET’S START TO GET READY  for The Jazz Cruise '24 
   
This note is the first of a series of messages that you will be receiving from us over the next few months, each prompting you to take "Get Ready" steps for your sailing on The Jazz Cruise ’24. 
   
Though The Jazz Cruise '24 embarks in over 200 days, Embarkation Day will be here sooner that you might think. By planning ahead, you can be ready for The Jazz Cruise '24 with ease. As always, Jazz Cruises will be there to guide you every step of the way. 
   
As you might expect, this first note will address tasks that may require some time to complete, such as Passports and Identification. Later notes will address items related to entertainment, excursions, dining, and more fun stuff. 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 more than ready to sail on The Jazz Cruise '24. 
   
Michael Lazaroff 
Executive Director, Jazz Cruises, LLC 
   
YOUR CRUISE DETAILS
   
Sailing Dates: Thursday, January 18 - Thursday, January 25, 2024 
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 Reservation Confirmation 
T-SHIRT SIZE(S): See Reservation Confirmation 
STATEROOM CATEGORY and STATEROOM NUMBER: See Reservation Confirmation 
MAIN SHOW SEATING: See Reservation Confirmation 
THE JAZZ CRUISE RESERVATION NUMBER: See Reservation Confirmation 
CELEBRITY CRUISES RESERVATION NUMBER: You will receive this information in the July edition of this “Get Ready” series (when Celebrity Cruises’ Pre-Cruise Planner opens). 

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: Please confirm that the first and last names on your passport or government-issued ID match the first and last names on your cruise reservations 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. JAZZ CRUISES 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 T-SHIRT SIZE: Your complimentary cruise T-shirt 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 Tuesday, August 1, 2023. 
   
PLANNING YOUR TRIP 
   
If you have not already planned your arrival into the Miami 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. 
   
Thursday, January 18, 2024 is Embarkation Day. Historically, boarding begins at 11:30 AM and all aboard time is 3:00 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 Boarding Window, available in half-hour increments. For the most efficient embarkation, guests are required to arrive at the terminal during their selected window. 
   
The ship returns to port by 7:00 AM on Thursday, January 25, 2024. 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 Miami airport or 1:00 PM from the Ft. Lauderdale airport. 
   
Please click here for more information/recommendations for Planning Your Trip.
   
COMING SOON - CELEBRITY CRUISES' PRE-CRUISE PLANNER 
   
It is popular among The Jazz Cruise guests to purchase an Internet Plan, 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 program that allows you to complete all your purchases from home usually at prices lower than what is offered on the ship. In late July, 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. 
   
HEALTH & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

  
In May 2023, the World Health Organization declared that COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency. At this time, all guests are welcome to sail regardless of vaccination status and will no longer be required to provide proof of pre-departure testing to board. Despite this good news, Celebrity Cruises will continue to implement many of the safety recommendations that were added due to the Pandemic in a continued effort to make sailing as healthy and safe as possible. 
   
Stay Tuned! 
   
As mentioned, we will continue to provide you with more information to help you prepare for The Jazz Cruise ‘24 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, much more. In the meantime, we highly suggest reviewing our Booked Guest portal on the website.

GET READY for The Jazz Cruise '24

The Jazz Cruise ’24 sails in January! Trust us, Embarkation Day will be here sooner than you think. The Get Ready process began on June 27, 2023 with the first letter to you in the Get Ready correspondence sequence. A copy of that letter may be found on The Jazz Cruise website under the heading, Booked Guests.

This 2nd 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 use on the cruise. Doing that now will save you time and, in most instances, some money.

Please note that your Celebrity Cruises’ Reservation Number is different from your Jazz Cruises Reservation Number. The first is your key to interacting with the ship, Celebrity Summit. The second is your reference when contacting the office, particularly about the details of your reservation.

Okay, ready to move forward? Our note is intended to be self-explanatory, but feel free to contact the office either by phone or email with any questions you may have. It is our job to make your cruise amazing.

Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director, Jazz Cruises, LLC

CELEBRITY CRUISES' PRE-CRUISE PLANNER IS NOW OPEN FOR BOOKING

GUEST NAME(S): See Reservation Confirmation
CELEBRITY CRUISES’ RESERVATION NUMBER: See Reservation Confirmation

With the issuance of your Celebrity Cruises’ Reservation Number, guests on The Jazz Cruise may now begin purchasing a variety of onboard amenities, including Internet Plans, Beverage Packages, Shore Excursions, Spa Treatments, Photo Packages and more through Celebrity Cruises’ Pre-Cruise Planner, before even boarding the ship.

Jazz Cruises 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 15, 2024 and require no special procedure as they are loaded into Celebrity’s Pre-Cruise Planner.

Packages will be offered onboard the ship. The prices will be higher and completing this process on the ship will require appearing at various locations as there is no central place for purchasing. Jazz Cruises urges you to complete this process now in the comfort of your office or living room.

Please note: Specialty Restaurants are not yet open for booking in the Pre-Cruise Planner. We will notify you as soon as they become available to book.

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.

Please note: Celebrity Cruises has recently updated some of their stateroom names and types. You may see it reflected under Manage Reservation. As always, please refer to The Jazz Cruise website for the complete listing of charter specific stateroom names and amenities.

Your “Celebrity Cruises’ Reservation Number” is also needed to complete your online check-in procedure which becomes available 45 days prior to sailing. We will be sure to notify you in a future communication 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.

STAY TUNED!

We will continue to provide you with more information to help you prepare for The Jazz Cruise ’24 in the coming weeks and months. This will include everything from how you board the ship, specialty dining options onboard, Theme Nights, showtimes, and much, much more. In the meantime, we highly suggest reviewing our Booked Guests portal on the website.

GET READY #3 for The Jazz Cruise '24

Welcome to the 3rd letter in Jazz Cruises' Get Ready series preparing you for sailing on The Jazz Cruise '24. If you missed either of the first two letters, or wish to refer to them again, copies may be found on The Jazz Cruise '24 website (www.thejazzcruise.com) under the heading "Booked Guests".

The earlier letters were filled with important information about documentation and other technical and procedural aspects of boarding the ship and sailing. This letter is simply about food! Did you 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 will be 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 ’24?

Bon Appetit!

Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director, Jazz Cruises, LLC

The Jazz Cruise Dining Schedule

Celebrity Cruises is consistently recognized for the quality of its dining 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 by our musicians 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 offered each night.
  • 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.
  • Sushi on Five. Another very popular alternative restaurant, offering Pan-Asian Cuisine (a la carte pricing) every afternoon and evening. Carryout meals are offered and make a great takeaway for dining on a veranda or outside deck.
  • Le Petit Chef at Qsine. Located on Deck 11 Midship, Qsine is a beautiful setting for dinner and is the home for Le Petit Chef, a gourmet dining experience complete with an ingenious and playful animated presentation. Even the most travel savvy guests will have their phones out filming the show.
  • Luminae. Looking for that quiet place to enjoy a truly gourmet dinner in an elegant and stylish setting? Luminae is your choice. The menu is not expansive, but the selections change every day. Jazz Cruises highly recommends that you enjoy at least one dinner in Luminae.
    • Please note: Online reservations for Luminae will be available in a few days.
  • Jazz Cruises’ Chops House: Jazz Cruises’ Chops House, a traditional steakhouse concept initiated by Jazz Cruises, returns for the '24 sailings season. This year located 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 your plans.

Back by Popular Demand; Jazz Cruises' Chops House

In 2023, Jazz Cruises’ worked with Celebrity Cruises to bring our guests Jazz Cruises’ Chops House, a traditional steakhouse with many of your 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. For the '24 sailing, we have worked with Celebrity Cruises to offer this restaurant every night of the cruise and moved the concept to a larger location to accommodate more guests.

The Jazz Cruises’ Chops House will now operate each evening in the Blu Restaurant (Deck 5, Aft). When booking Jazz Cruises’ Chops House on Celebrity’s Pre-Cruise Planner, you will need to book a reservation in the Blu Restaurant, but it will unfortunately not indicate Jazz Cruises’ Chops House. While Celebrity’s online system cannot be altered to identify the special restaurant, rest assured that the menu onboard will reflect what you loved from last year.

Please Note: Blu Restaurant operates as originally programmed for breakfast.

Evening Dining at The Cosmopolitan Restaurant

As stated above, The Cosmopolitan Restaurant (Decks 4 & 5) is the main dining room for Included Dining for dinner. The Cosmopolitan Restaurant is open each evening from 5:15 pm–8:30 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 the 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 Nights 1 (The Jazz Cruise Welcome Show) and 6 (The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame Show). The 1st Main Shows will start at 5:45 pm. Following the conclusion of their show (just after 6:45 pm), guests may either proceed to The Cosmopolitan Restaurant for a 7:00 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 dining room 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 7:30 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, at the same table, with the same passengers and with the same 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 November 18, 2023.

PURCHASING FOOD & BEVERAGE OPTIONS FOR THE JAZZ CRUISE '24

As discussed in earlier letters, Celebrity Cruises’ “Pre-Cruise Planner” platform is open for guests on The Jazz Cruise ‘24, allowing you to book a variety of shipboard amenities including Spa Treatments, 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.

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.

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 any special considerations of its guests, and are accustomed to accommodation 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, 2023.

STAY TUNED!

We will continue to provide you with more information to help you prepare for The Jazz Cruise ’24 in the coming weeks and months. This will include everything from how you board the ship, Theme Nights, showtimes, online check-in, and much, much more. In the meantime, we highly suggest reviewing our Booked Guests portal on the website.

Get Ready #4 for The Jazz Cruise '24

Welcome to Get Ready #4, the fourth notice in Jazz Cruises’ Get Ready series preparing you for your sailing on The Jazz Cruise ’24. If you missed any of the first three letters, or wish to refer to them again, copies may be found on The Jazz Cruise ’24 website (www.thejazzcruise.com) under the heading “Booked Guests”.

So far, we have talked about the details of your reservation, how you access your Celebrity Cruises Pre-Cruise Planner and your dining choices for the cruise. This letter will be the one that you will read the most!  We are going to discuss all the events and shows that will be presented on the cruise. 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 4 different music shows or events may take place at any given time. Music shows include sets by Performing Groups, All Stars (a grouping of 5 or 6 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 4 times during the cruise, and some perform up to 8 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 Jazz Cruise’s 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.

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 any show 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 1) and The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame Show (on Night 6). Both shows are in the Celebrity Theatre and are attended by every guest.

To accommodate all guests, Special Shows are performed twice that night, once for guest 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 Show            Hall of Fame Show

BLUE Guests              5:45 - 6:45pm                    5:45 - 6:45pm

RED Guests                7:30 - 8:30pm                   7:30 - 8:30pm

No other shows are scheduled during those times. 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 '24, 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

Thursday, January 18 – Welcome to The Jazz Cruise: On the first night, we welcome back Past Guests and say hello to New Guests with The Jazz Cruise Welcome Show! 

Friday, January 19 – Black & White: By dressing this evening in either Black, White or both, guests salute the universal nature of our music as well as being a fitting tribute to the piano. Plus, it is fun to do so!  

Saturday, January 20 – "Cool Jazz" Night: When World War II ended, some wanted to take a moment, slow things down and be "cool". None did it better than Miles Davis. Tonight is our turn to keep it "cool".

Sunday, January 21 – “A Sunday Kind of Love”: At Last was not the only song Etta James made famous. A Sunday Kind of Love, another of her hits, has been covered by folks from Frankie Valli to our own Houston Person and Barbara Morrison. Stay tuned for more.

Monday, January 22 – Ladies Night: No special attire is required tonight. 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 women 23 years ago!

Tuesday, January 23 – “On The Town”: Put on your finest and come out to salute Catherine Russell and Kenny Barron as they are inducted into The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame. Evening wear for women and jackets for men. No black tie or gowns are required. Just something you would wear out to a fine dining experience.

Wednesday, January 24 – The World of Jazz: As we head for Miami, having spent a full week immersed in the world of Jazz, we take time to salute the international reach of Jazz and the folks who are fans throughout the world. It is difficult to identify any other music genre that can claim such a wide appeal.

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 Cooking Demonstrations. 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 Musician is one of the highlights of the cruise. To learn more about the individuals performing our music and to understand the road they journeyed to have 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 it is just them talking. 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

There is a line in The Godfather where a movie mogul tells the Corleone attorney that “no one makes him look ridiculous.” The man wakes up the next morning with a horse head in his bed. We will be engaging our performers in some fun game shows intended to make you laugh. Whether they wind up looking ridiculous is up to them. Of course, no one will wake up with an equine partner. After all, when was the last time you saw a horse on a cruise?

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

There are frequently asked questions about the cruise. For a more extensive list of questions and answers, check out FAQs on the website (www.thejazzcruise.com/booked-guests). We thought it best to highlight a few of them in this Get Ready letter. 

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.

NOTICE TO ALL GUESTS: Information on the Celebrity Cruises' Website Is NOT Always Applicable to Our Cruises!

Guests reserving a stateroom on a Jazz Cruises’ program are doing so pursuant to the terms and conditions established by Jazz Cruises. Celebrity Cruises operates several ships and hundreds of sailings each year and it has rules that apply to those sailings, some of which have been adopted by Jazz Cruises and some of which have not. Recently, Celebrity Cruises renamed the stateroom categories, probably for marketing purposes. Since the new names do not reflect any change in the stateroom itself, Jazz Cruises has elected to continue using the same stateroom categories we have used since our first sailing on Celebrity Cruises in 2017.

Issues such as stateroom amenities, dining preferences, upgrade policies and more are treated differently by Celebrity Cruises and Jazz Cruises. Our procedures are tailored to meet the needs of our guests and our programs. Many of our procedures are more expansive than that of Celebrity Cruises and some are more stringent. Of course, even as a charterer of the ship, Jazz Cruises may not in any way compromise or alter issues that deal with the safety of the cruise and the passengers.

Guests have found that this disparity in procedures may result in receiving inaccurate information when contacting Celebrity Cruises about a cruise matter. Other than purchasing services and goods through your Celebrity Cruises’ Cruise Planner and the steps needed to be undertaken to complete your Online Registration, it is better to contact Jazz Cruises, either by telephone or email, with your questions.

Please remember, you are sailing on a Jazz Cruises program which is being held on a Celebrity Cruises ship that Jazz Cruises has chartered. Jazz Cruises is the best source of information about the cruise whether the policy in question has been decided by Celebrity Cruises or Jazz Cruises.

REMINDERS FROM GET READY LETTERS #1 - #3

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 (www.thejazzcruise.com).

  • 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 Jazz Cruises and one from Celebrity Cruises. You can confirm those numbers by reviewing your cruise confirmation. Your Jazz Cruises’ 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 Jazz Cruises 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.
  • Beverage and Internet Packages. Jazz Cruises 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 will expire on January 15, 2024. To access the Celebrity Cruises Pre-Cruise Planner, simply login to your Celebrity Pre-Cruise Account to make your purchases.     
  • 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 November 18, 2023.
  • 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 Pre-Cruise Account to make your purchases.

HEALTH & SAFETY

At this time, special steps or procedures are not required to board a Celebrity Cruises' ship. Under our Terms and Conditions, we are required to follow governmental and cruise guidelines when the health and safety of our guests are involved. Further, we are empowered to initiate our own rules if circumstances require. 

RESERVING A STATEROOM FOR THE JAZZ CRUISE '25

As a guest on The Jazz Cruise ’24, you have an exclusive right to rebook your current stateroom for The Jazz Cruise ’25. This process will begin later this year and concludes during the first few days of The Jazz Cruise ’24. You will be receiving your rebooking information and instructions in the coming weeks.  

Those not sailing on The Jazz Cruise ’24 will have the opportunity during that time to complete a Pre-Sale Reservation for The Jazz Cruise ’25 which will establish their priority to select a stateroom after those sailing on The Jazz Cruise ’24 have completed their election to rebook their current stateroom. If you have friends, family or colleagues who may wish to sail in ’25, 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 ’25 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 ’24 in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, we highly suggest reviewing our Booked Guests portal on the website.

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