Booking Opens for Cruise Curated by Christian McBride

News, Christian McBride, Various Artists

By DownBeat I Feb. 3, 2025

Christian McBride has opened booking for guests to join his newest production, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, scheduled for early next year.

McBride has invited an expansive lineup of jazz instrumentalists and vocalists, along with popular entertainers and special guests, to be a part of his first cruise event: musicians José James, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Angelique Kidjo, Chris Potter, Melissa Walker, Sullivan Fortner, Benny Green, Greg Hutchinson, Christian Sands and Warren Wolf, comedians Alonzo Bodden and George Wallace, and more than 25 ensemble musicians and additional artists to be announced in the coming months.

Christian McBride’s World at Sea will take place aboard the luxury ocean liner Celebrity Summit as it sails from Ft. Lauderdale on Jan. 20, 2026, with stops in Jamaica and Grand Cayman before it returns to Ft. Lauderdale on Jan. 27, 2026. The cruise is produced in association with Signature Cruise Experiences, the gold standard for jazz at sea since 2001.

“For more than three decades, it has been my honor to be a part of the universe of jazz,” said McBride. “My world within that universe is best understood through the ensembles I have had the privilege of creating, leading and performing with. I am gathering many of the musicians who have been a part of my life for years for seven days and seven nights of amazing music, camaraderie and joy. Enter my world and enjoy a funky good time.”

The voyage will also feature performances by four of McBride’s acclaimed ensembles, which showcase the music, artistry and community of his distinguished career: Christian McBride & Inside Straight, Christian McBride Big Band, Christian McBride & Ursa Major and Christian McBride: Remembering Ray Brown (with Benny Green and Greg Hutchinson).

The Celebrity Summit is a longtime favorite among guests of Signature Cruise Experiences, offering world-class performance venues along with luxurious cabins and amenities. In addition to a full schedule of concerts, guests of Christian McBride’s World at Sea will enjoy artist-hosted tastings, watch in-depth interviews, attend educational and inspirational sessions and participate in unique events created exclusively for the cruise. Stateroom prices start at $2,975 per person and can be booked by calling (888) 852-9987. For additional information, CLICK HERE.

McBride has partnered with Signature Cruise Experiences (formerly Jazz Cruises LLC), the gold standard for music cruises at sea since 2001, to produce the cruise, undertake the reservation process and provide programming and technical support. With more than 80 full-ship charters to its credit, Signature Cruise Experiences has produced themed programs of all types throughout the world, including The Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, the Michael McDonald & Patti LaBelle Cruise and Journey of Jazz. DB