More than a dozen jazz musicians will provide a rhythmic soundtrack for Crystal Cruises’ American Thanksgiving-time voyage up the stunning West Coast of North America. 

The convenient one-week/Sunday-to-Sunday round-trip cruise from Los Angeles departs November 18 and features complimentary live performances by internationally-acclaimed jazz pianists, vocalists, bassists, drummers, horn players and more.  With special events, recently-redesigned show spaces and a traditional gourmet Thanksgiving turkey feast, the Crystal Symphony voyage offers music lovers a decidedly celebratory, American-style luxury vacation experience. 

“Jazz was born in America, so what better musical backdrop for one of the U.S.’s most treasured holidays along one of the country’s most jaw-dropping coastlines?” says Bret Bullock, vice president of entertainment.  “California’s natural beauty and exciting cities don’t need any jazzing up, but a little backbeat and soulful swing on board simply adds to the luxury of a Crystal experience.”

Thanks to Jazzdagen Tours, some of the genre’s leading artists from around the globe will headline at least four hours of jazz per day in the ship’s new, posh lounges and theatres.  The line-up, including bassist/vocalist Nicki Parrott, saxophonist Harry Allen, vocalist Rebecca Kilgore, percussionist Butch Miles, clarinetist Antti Sarpila, and band leader/clarinetist Pieter Meijers, will cover musical styles ranging from New Orleans jazz, bebop and ragtime to swing, boogie-woogie and jumpin’ blues.  Their combined experience includes performing in such venues as New York’s Birdland, the Kennedy Center, and the Berlin Jazz Festival, and backing up some of the industry’s greats, including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman. 

From L.A., the 7-day voyage visits Santa Barbara, San Diego, San Francisco (overnight) and Ensenada, Mexico.  Until August 31, all-inclusive, “Book Now” fares start at $2,560/person, double occupancy, with attractive air add-ons from more than 90 North American gateways.  Guests combining two luxury cruises, either from NY beforehand, or to Tahiti afterward, or traveling in a group of 6+, receive additional savings.

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.