Jazz fans, get ready to groove to the sounds during the 8th annual Jazz Cruise this November aboard Holland America's Westerdam, which sails from Fort Lauderdale to the Western Caribbean.The cruise bills itself as the "first and only full-ship charter in the world dedicated solely to straight ahead jazz."
Organizer Anita Berry promises that except when the ship is in port -- in Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Belize -- music or related activities will fill the sea air. In the evenings, you're likely to hear jazz played in as many as four or five venues at a time, ideal for music "grazing," as Berry puts it.
Among the jazz all-stars aboard will be Greg Fishman (pictured above, right), Pete Barbutti, Wycliffe Gordon, Laura MacDonald, Jay Leonhart, Judy Roberts, and Mike Wofford, among others. Besides hearing them play, you can meet them during the cruise's "Conversation with the Stars" panel discussions as well as at CD signing sessions.
The Jazz Cruise departs Fort Lauderdale November 9 and returns November 16. Besides the four ports of call, you can enjoy two full days at sea during the week.
Pricing ranges from $1,600 per passenger in double occupancy for an inside cabin to $7,500 per person for a penthouse suite. Outside staterooms are available in the $1,700-$1,875 range per person. Single cabins start at $2,200. Another $285 per person in taxes and fees is additional.
Full payment is due no later than Otcober 1, 2008. Keep in mind that the 2007 Jazz Cruise sold out, so put down a deposit as soon as possible if you want to join up.
To book, call Jazz Cruises at 800/762-6737 or 314/862-7777. For The Jazz Cruise website, click here.
Photo from Jazz Cruises, LLC.
