Coming up November 30 is the first of 11 Jazz days aboard Crystal Cruises’ Jazz-themed voyage sailing through the Panama Canal and Central America.  The special Experiences of Discovery luxury cruise will also offer expert theme lectures, with all enrichment programming offered complimentarily throughout the sailing.

“The caliber of talent aboard this voyage will certainly impress even the most devoted fans, but also sets the scene for casual music lovers to kick back and enjoy the shows while enjoying Crystal’s unparalleled service and luxury as they sail through a spectacular tropical setting – it’s the ultimate warm-weather getaway,” says Bret Bullock, vice president of entertainment.

To be on board Crystal Serenity, sailing a new ocean cruising itinerary from Costa Rica to Miami, more than twenty of the most accomplished jazz musicians will perform daily and nightly shows, filling the ship’s theatres, nightclubs, and lounges with soulful bass riffs, saxophone solos, and sultry vocals.

In association with Jazzdagen Tours, with Arbor Records-recording musicians, some of the international jazz stars set to grace Crystal stages include

• Famed band leader/trombonist Bill Allred, with his Classic Jazz Band;
• Eddie Metz and Danny Coots on drums;
• Pieter Meijers, Antti Sarpila, Robert Veen and Harry Allen on clarinet/saxophone;
• Nicki Parrot and Kristin Korb on bass and vocals;
• Warren Vaché, Greg Varlotta, and Bobby Pickwood on trumpet;
• Jacob Fischer on guitar;
• Paolo Alderighi, Stephanie Trick, John Cocuzzi, Randy Morris, and Yve Evans on piano, with Yve also adding vocals;
• Banu Gibson serving as featured vocalist.

What To Expect
The diversely talented artists will dazzle audiences under solo spotlights, as well as in duets, trios, quartets and ensembles, often playing a variety of instruments for both composed and improvised pieces.  Guests can enjoy midday mood music in the Crystal Cove bar and Palm Court, plus lively pre- and post-dinner shows in the Galaxy Lounge, Stardust Club and more intimate sets in the Avenue Saloon and Pulse nightclub.  In addition to the music itself, celebrated pianist and vocalist Yve Evans will also offer entertaining presentations, sharing her experiences and enlightening travelers about jazz and its timeless history.

The Sailing
Departing Caldera, Costa Rica for Miami, the sailing calls in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica; Roatán Island, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Key West, Florida.  Through June 30, all-inclusive “Book Now” cruise fares start at $3,135 per person.

Crystal Cruises’ award-winning entertainment offerings include a range of venues and performances, from cabaret nightclub to piano bar saloon; acclaimed productions to headline entertainers; and sophisticated enrichment activities to in-room Blu-ray-viewing, for all world travelers.

Flickr photo Yasmin CH