Ahoy all you baby boomer jazz lovers, have you ever experienced jazz cruising? Earlier this year Rhonda and I did, and what a vacation! Have you ever found yourself tapping to the rhythm of your favorite jazz tune and thought, “Hmm, could this get any better?” Well, add a sprinkle of ocean breeze, a dash of exotic destinations, and voilà—you’ve got yourself a jazz cruise. It’s like regular cruising but with more dope music. Imagine this: lounging on the deck, cocktail in hand, as the sun dips below the horizon. Suddenly, the air fills with the smooth sounds of a saxophone. But wait, this wasn’t our imagination, or a fancy commercial, but we were having a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s where the party’s at for anyone who believes vacations should come with a soundtrack. And who wouldn’t want that?
The Venue
The cruise we attended was the Capital Jazz Super Cruise. We set sail on February 17 and cruised for seven glorious days on the Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam. . During the cruise we visited Aruba, Curacao, and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. Some of the performers were Incognito, Gerald Albright, Keiko Matsui, Musiq Soulchild, El DeBarge, Robert Glasper, Avery*Sunshine, José James, Jamison Ross, Adi Oasis, Keyon Harrold, Royalty Duo.
Why Cruising Beats Land Vacations for Boomers
Now, you might be thinking, “Why should I opt for a cruise over a traditional land vacation?” Glad you asked! For starters, there’s the convenience factor. Unpack once and wake up in a new destination almost every day—without the hassle of coordinating travel plans or lugging suitcases around.
Then there’s the social aspect. Jazz cruises attract like-minded folks, so you’re bound to make a few friends along the way. It’s like going to a music festival where everyone has their own private room… and nobody’s camping in the mud (well, we didn’t do that either LOL). During this cruise we got to Gerald Albright tell us about going to high school in Long Beach, just down the road from us. We spent time asking questions of Incognito’s band leader Bluey and marveling just how cool he was (and how he misses Maysa who was off doing her solo thing).
Lastly, there’s something to be said about the value. You know, when you stop working for the man (or the woman), not having those paychecks means that we need to be careful with every dollar. Cruises, when you consider you get meals, entertainment, and accommodations all wrapped up in one neat package, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a land vacation that offers the same bang for your buck.
Let’s talk about the food for a minute. Now we all know that cruises (especially on the large ships) have a lot of dining alternatives, and our cruise was no exception. Not only did we have the main “cattle call” buffet where you can get almost anything you want to eat, but we dined in the main dining room, the Nami Sushi (unbeleivably fresh), Pinnacle Grill (a steak house with a picture of Rhonda’s dinner below)
Why go on a jazz cruise at all?
Look, we’re Baby Boomers. Why are these floating jazz clubs particularly appealing to our generation? Maybe it’s the allure of combining two great loves: travel and live music. Or perhaps it’s the convenience of seeing world-class performances without having to leave the comfort of your floating hotel. Whatever the reason, jazz cruises hit the sweet spot between relaxation and entertainment.
If you’ve been following our blog, you’ll know that we are here to share our experiences and educate other Boomers on issues that will improve and (hopefully) lengthen their lives. So here’s just a small bit of information on the more compelling reasons to take a vacation like this:
- Health Benefits:
- Traveling often involves walking, exploring new places, and being active. This can lead to improved cardiovascular health, weight management, and overall fitness. Vacations also provide a break from daily stressors, allowing us to recharge mentally.
- Independence and Freedom:
- After dedicating much of our lives to raising children and work, we now can embrace independence. Traveling allows us to make choices, explore our interests, and create our own schedules (no more driving to and from track practice, or football practice, or you name it).
- Social Interaction:
- One of the biggest issues noted for Boomers is not having enough social interaction, or in laymen’s terms – being lonely. Rhonda and I love traveling because we get to meet tons of new people. And cruises are better than land vacations because you get to hang out with people who share your interest in the music, or the dancing, or food. Whether it’s fellow travelers, locals, or tour guides, we have met people that we’ve stayed in touch with after the cruise.
- Reconnecting as a Couple:
- Even though we are semi-retired, we still seem to be pretty busy at home. Taking a cruise gives us more time to focus on . . . US. We bond, share experiences, and create lasting memories.
- Learning and Exploration:
- Boomers value learning about different cultures, history, and traditions. Traveling exposes us to new perspectives, enriching our understanding of the world. For example, we traveled to Malaga, Spain some years bank and were shocked to find that our taxi driver had as many deep insights on what was happening in the U.S. than we did!
A Few Other Jazz Cruises
Curated for your listening pleasure, here are a few of our favorite cruises that are on our bucket list.
Smooth Jazz at Sea
Perfect for those who like their jazz like their ocean views: smooth and endless. (From the Website) “Since 2004, The Smooth Jazz Cruise has been the gold standard, not only for jazz cruises, but for all theme and music charter cruises. During its 30+ sailings, more than 60,000 guests have experienced this amazing music cruise vacation and more than 17,000 of them have sailed 4 or more times.”
- When They Sail: February 2024
- Where They Go: Labadee • Turks & Caicos • Nassau
- Venue: Celebrity Summit
- Purchase Link: https://thesmoothjazzcruise.com/
The Jazz Cruise
Founded by Anita E. Berry in 2001, The Jazz Cruise has been offering patrons a yearly action-packed weeklong jazz experience at sea with some 100 world-class musicians in 200 hours of programming for over two decades (with a hiatus during the COVID pandemic). The ambience of the cruise encompasses house concert, nightclub theatre, urban bar, rooftop lounge, coffee house, dressing room and lunchroom, a fantastic mix.
- When They Sail: January 18-25, 2024
- Where They Go: Miami, Labadee, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas
- Venue: Celebrity Summit
- Purchase Link: https://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-jazz-cruise-2024
Jazz Fest at Sea
If you’re a fan of Traditional Jazz, Classic Jazz, Chicago Jazz, Swing, in fact just about any style which emerged during the first half of the 20th century, plan to attend JazzFest at Sea – one of the premier jazz cruises of the year.
- When They Sail: January 2025
- Where They Go: Basseterre, St Kitts , Philipsburg, St. Maarten, St John’s, Antigua, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Ocean Cay, Bahamas
- Venue: MSC Devina
- Purchase Link: https://www.jazzfestatsea.com/
So, is Jazz Cruising for You?
Aside from the nightly concerts and impromptu jam sessions, jazz cruises offer a plethora of musical activities that’ll make you feel like you’re part of the band. From workshops with renowned musicians to intimate Q&A sessions, you’ll have the chance to deepen your appreciation for jazz. Ever fancied learning how to play the trumpet? Or how about attending a seminar on the history of jazz? It’s all possible on a jazz cruise.
And for those moments when you need a break from all that jazz (pun intended), these cruises offer all the amenities and activities you’d expect from any top-tier cruise line. We’re talking gourmet dining, luxurious spas, and excursions to breathtaking locales.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a die-hard jazz aficionado or just someone who appreciates good music and good vibes, a jazz cruise offers an unparalleled experience. It’s where luxury meets legacy—the ultimate way to indulge your senses while exploring the world.
So, if you’re ready to jazz up your next vacation, consider setting sail on one of these top-rated jazz cruises. It promises to be an unforgettable voyage filled with music, adventure, and maybe a little bit of saxophone-induced serenading under the stars. Who says you can’t have it all?