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.
—Christian McBride
Nine-time GRAMMY Award-winning bassist Christian McBride has a new production in the works: his very first cruise, Christian McBride’s World at Sea. A celebration of jazz and more, McBride personally invited an expansive lineup of jazz greats, incomparable vocalists, top comedians and special guests to join his cruise, including Ledisi, Samara Joy, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Angélique Kidjo, José James, Melissa Walker, comedians Alonzo Bodden and George Wallace, featured instrumentalists Benny Green, Gregory Hutchinson, Sullivan Fortner, Christian Sands, Julius Rodriguez, Steve Wilson, Dan Wilson, DJ Jahi Sundance, Eric Marienthal, 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 luxurious Celebrity Summit as it sails from Ft. Lauderdale on January 20, 2026 with stops in Jamaica and Grand Cayman before it returns to Ft. Lauderdale on January 27. This new cruise experience 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,” says 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 McBride’s renowned ensembles, showcasing the music, artistry and community of his distinguished career. They include:
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. Since 2001, more than 170,000 guests have sailed on Signature Cruise Experiences programs.
Cruise guests can look forward to hearing selections from Christian McBride Big Band's new album, Without Further Ado, Vol. 1, due out on August 29. The album features unforgettable arrangements of classic songs with special guests that only Christian can assemble: Sting, Andy Summers, Jeffrey Osborne, Samara Joy, José James, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Dianne Reeves and Antoinette Henry. Without Further Ado, Vol. 1, is available for pre-order here.
“For more than three decades, it has been my honor to be a part of the universe of jazz,” says 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 McBride’s renowned ensembles, showcasing the music, artistry and community of his distinguished career. They include:
- Christian McBride & Inside Straight
- Christian McBride Big Band
- Christian McBride & Ursa Major
- Christian McBride: Remembering Ray Brown (with Benny Green and Greg Hutchinson)
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. Since 2001, more than 170,000 guests have sailed on Signature Cruise Experiences programs.
Cruise guests can look forward to hearing selections from Christian McBride Big Band's new album, Without Further Ado, Vol. 1, due out on August 29. The album features unforgettable arrangements of classic songs with special guests that only Christian can assemble: Sting, Andy Summers, Jeffrey Osborne, Samara Joy, José James, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Dianne Reeves and Antoinette Henry. Without Further Ado, Vol. 1, is available for pre-order here.
