The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2013 – The Greatest Party at Sea feat. George Benson

Departing from Fort Lauderdale aboard Holland America’s m/s Westerdam, The Greatest Party At Sea will cruise in luxury to Belize, Cozumel, and Key West.  Guests will be treated to an extended stay in Cozumel, allowing the time to fully explore its exotic beauty and enjoy the full complement of excursions on offer.

But the primary lure to this cruise is the extraordinary music.  In addition to Benson, legendary pianist Bob James, R&B vocalist Angie Stone and jazz violinist Ken Ford will make their debut aboard the full-ship charter previously known as The Smooth Jazz Cruise, which has been sailing annually since 2004, selling out many months in advance.  Grammy winners David Sanborn and Marcus Miller will host the cruise while Jonathan Butler and Candy Dulfer will serve as special event hosts.  Adding more star power to the list of performers are Rick Braun, Brian Culbertson, Richard Elliot, Jeff Golub and musical director Brian Simpson.  Funny man Alonzo Bodden will provide comic relief.  Cruise director Dane Butcher and radio personality Pat Prescott will also host the festivities.    

“Our vision for The Smooth Jazz Cruise has never wavered.  The name change simply reflects the broad and diverse talent that takes the stage as well as the wide and exciting array of opportunities presented to passengers.  We promise to present the finest music and cruise experience in the world.  Seeking and signing the very best artists in this genre may be the most important facet of that pledge.  The lineup for The Greatest Party At Sea 2013 clearly reflects our dedication to excellence and our commitment to the most amazing people we have ever known – our loyal guests,” said Michael Lazaroff, executive director of Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC (Jazz Cruises), producer of The Greatest Party At Sea.

The Greatest Party At Sea is an experiential vacation that offers passengers a wealth of opportunities to meet and interact with their favorite artists off-stage in an out-of-the-ordinary setting.  While sailing to picturesque ports of call in the Caribbean, guests enjoy nightly headline concerts with unique artist pairings in a large showroom theatre as well as in more intimate lounges that foster spontaneous collaborations.  More laidback shows happen poolside day and night, and many guests dance until dawn in the ship’s nightclub.  Daytime activities aboard the ship include cocktail parties hosted by the musicians, autograph and question & answer sessions, informative panels, sporting events, and contests.  While in port, guests can indulge in a wealth of sun and fun relaxation and recreation choices as well as some of the finest shopping options in the world.  The ship contains an abundance of opportunities for pampering in the spa and salon or to get a workout in at the health club.  And with all the fine dining rooms, restaurants and room service available, cruisers often sign up for one of the many different fitness classes offered.

Since approximately 60% of the passengers are returning guests, special rates are offered for their loyalty with the steepest discount provided to those who have sailed with the program four or more times.  To reserve a cabin from the U.S. and Canada, guests can call toll-free 888.8JAZZ.US (888.852.9987).  International guests – and there are usually two dozen countries represented on each sailing – can call toll-free 800-8JAZZ.USA (800.852.99872).  For more information about The Greatest Party At Sea, please visit www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com.


About Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC (Jazz Cruises)