A World of Entertainment
An Announcement From Chris Botti
Chris Botti at Sea is a charter cruise program designed in the spirit and style of Chris Botti, America’s #1 selling American instrumentalist since 2004. For years, in addition to his special association with PBS, a string of #1 jazz albums going Gold and Platinum as well as Grammy® Awards, Chris has toured the world, performing over 225 nights a year with an ensemble of the most talented musicians and vocalists in the industry.
Chris has perfected the art of ensemble entertainment, using his command of the stage and easy manner to create entertainment experiences unlike that of most musicians on tour. Moving that special experience to sea is both a natural extension of his talents and an exciting catalyst for the development of a new charter cruise program.
In developing the programming and vision for the cruise, Chris was “hands on” lending his take on performers, shows, guest events and more. You will see his imprint, and that of Jazz Cruises, at every turn.
Together in harmony, Botti and Jazz Cruises have formed a nearly perfect union with the sole goal of presenting the very best entertainment and shows in a luxurious and inclusive setting.
Daytime Shows
4 of the 7 Days are “At Sea”!. Our special itinerary takes us to the exotic ports of Aruba and Curacao. To make that sailing requires 2 Days at Sea going and 2 Days at Sea coming back. On most cruises, Days at Sea are for relaxing, reading and resting. Yes, you can do just that on Botti at Sea ’24, but doing so means that you will miss out on 4 amazing days of entertainment and interaction with the stars of the cruise.Each Day at Sea is filled with performances, interviews, interactive events and more. These events are divided into three categories: “Show”, “Learn” and “Enjoy”. Evening events are also branded with those titles, but the significance is more distinct with the daytime shows.
When planning your Days at Sea, do not forget the full-service spa, workout and personal training opportunities or other, more typical cruise amenities.
Star Studdded Nightly Main Shows
The Greatest Shows at Sea. Botti at Sea ’24 will present an amazing big-time nightly show every night of the cruise that features top stars, high-end production, and exciting performances. The goal for each show is to transform the main theater into a world-class showroom and give the guests a program that would be the equivalent of a top show on land…and do that for 7 consecutive nights.The main shows are performed in the majestic Celebrity Theatre, which comfortably holds half of the guests on board. For that reason, each show is performed twice each night. Guests who see the 1st Show enjoy dinner after the show. The other half of the guests dine first and then attend the 2nd Show. Your Main Show Schedule is determined when you complete your Reservation and is reflected in the color of your Cruise Identification Card (BLUE or RED). Your card provides your entry to the show and your seating will either be assigned or open for you to choose.
Cruising After Dark
Since its first sailing in 2001, Jazz Cruises has proudly provided guests with special late-night entertainment called “Cruising After Dark.” Starting around 10:30PM, after dinner and the Nightly Main Shows, the entire ship will be opened for more music, parties, autograph sessions, comedy, dancing and much more. Guests are encouraged to roam the ship; take in the events that they like and move from venue to venue as they desire.
Late night allows us to open an entirely new and very exciting venue. After dinner, The Cosmopolitan Restaurant becomes a lovely late-night, cabaret-style music venue. Special drinks and food are available while you sit in luxury and enjoy entertainment ranging from comedy to music to dancing. Chris Botti is personally programming this venue.
Enjoy Events
Sometimes events are presented on the cruise just to have fun. We are careful not to share too much of this information now as the element of surprise is part of the excitement, but here are three types of events we produce just for the sheer enjoyment of doing so.
Learn Events
One-on-one musician interviews, panel discussions, instrument seminars and tutorials, and presentations of special topics for our music lovers. Though music is the main event on the ship, “Learn” events may also include cooking demonstrations, wine or whiskey tastings, and more. Always something for everyone
Cocktail, Wine, Food Events
No luxury cruise program would be complete without cocktails, wine, and food. Botti at Sea ‘24 takes that to another level by pairing these events with performers who serve as hosts. It may be a Happy Hour Hang or a fine dining experience, but you can be there with your favorite performer.
The Comedy of Alonzo Bodden
Alonzo Bodden, winner of Last Comic Standing and Jazz Cruises’ Comedian-in-Chief, will perform his hilarious show for an additional two nights of “Cruising After Dark.” Famous for delivering funny and pointed comments about current events and taking performers to task, some of the best people-watching is found during an Alonzo Bodden show.
The Jazz Cruises Legacy
Without a doubt, Jazz Cruises has been producing music and entertainment programs longer and in greater number than any charter company in the world. Though it dominates the jazz cruise genre, it has also produced cruises that feature rock, country, gospel, pop music and more. From its first sailing in 2001 to its 85th sailing in 2024, Jazz Cruises has been the Gold Standard for live entertainment at sea.
Chris Botti’s brand and quest for excellence fits perfectly with the cruise philosophy of Jazz Cruises. At all times, the sound, lighting, and production elements are top notch.
The Botti at Sea ‘24 Production Team is led by Brian Rachko, who has been a part of Jazz Cruises’ programs for over 16 years. No sense in presenting great entertainment without providing the very best way to enjoy it.