While sailing into placid blue-green Caribbean
waters last January, The Smooth Jazz Cruise encountered a tidal wave of demand
for cabins for the 2015 sailing. On just the second day of the 2014 venture,
next year’s cruise sailing January 11-18, 2015 showcasing more than twenty of
the brightest stars in contemporary jazz and R&B sold out. To make sure
that no one would be left stranded ashore, cruise producer Entertainment Cruise
Productions, working with cruise line Holland America and the enthusiastic
cooperation of the artists and musicians, swiftly put together a solution to
rescue the lengthy waiting list of enthusiasts from all over the world eager to
be part of the luxurious musical vacation adventure. Six days later, The Smooth
Jazz Cruise 15.2 sailing March 1-8, 2015 was conceived.
Spending
a week at sea performing, meeting and hanging out with fans aboard Holland
America’s m/s Eurodam while visiting exotic Caribbean ports during the
traditional January time slot fits nicely into the musicians’ schedules because
most don’t tour or release new albums immediately after the holiday season, but
rounding up everyone six weeks later in March, including such Grammy winners,
legends and chart-toppers as Natalie Cole, David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, Boney
James, Brian Culbertson, Candy Dulfer, Rick Braun, Jonathan Butler, Joe Sample,
Peter White and many others, could have been difficult.
“We
called all the artists’ agents and managers and they were happy to hear about
the unprecedented demand so everyone was ready and willing to sign up
immediately,” said Entertainment Cruise Productions’ Executive Director Michael
Lazaroff of the cruise that will depart Fort Lauderdale and visit Nassau, St.
Thomas, St. Croix and the private island Half Moon Cay. “The Smooth Jazz Cruise
is simply the best entertainment in the world of smooth jazz. No other festival
or event can boast this level and depth of talent, fun and excitement. As it’s
affectionately known, it is ‘The Greatest Party at Sea.’”
Capturing
the unique spirit of the perennially sold-out cruise that many guests embark
upon year after year has been a bit of a challenge as well. Offering live music
plus DJ Biz Markie in six different venues large and intimate on top of
informative panels, theme parties and autograph sessions with the artists, it
is more than a music festival and more than backstage experiences with fan
favorites. It is more than a vacation in the Caribbean with a dazzling array of
amenities and delectable dining. It is more than a week of pampering during which
everyone is treated first class by the Holland America staff. For the past
twelve years on 17 full-ship charters, The Smooth Jazz Cruise has delivered
unforgettable music and lifestyle experiences. Something special happens when
passionate guests devote the entire week to being immersed in the music. A new
video clip that provides a glimpse into the magic that occurs on every sailing
is as close as one can get without leaving shore. It can be viewed at
http://www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com/Videos/PreCruise2015.
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