Carnival Elation - All Star Smooth Jazz Cruise Review

WOW!
The All Star Smooth Jazz Cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience . . . that can be repeated year after year. To any smooth jazz fans out there, I am standing on my desk and shouting "Go on this cruise! It's amazing ! You just won't BELIEVE the opportunities you have"

SO MANY CHOICES
While there are ports of call, this cruise is all about the music. Every day you have your option of attending interview sessions with the artists (really fun and interesting); autograph sessions (CDs are available on the ship); poolside concerts; a headliner show; and a late night jam session.

SMOOTH JAZZ STARS
Stars playing on the 07 cruise included energetic host Brian Culbertson, Marion Meadows, Michael Lington, Boney James, Gerald Albright, Chicago's Nick Collione (perhaps the best entertainer of them all), Norman Brown, Candy Dulfer, Eric Darius, Gerald Veasley, Chiele Minucci, Pamela Williams, Alan Hewitt, Down to the Bone, Craig Chaquico . . . and suprise guests Ray Parker Jr (!) and Chance Howard. Several up-and-comers were also performing, and the backup bands were simply phenomenal and included many of the most desireable studio players in the jazz world. The kickoff concert in Galveston was headlined by George Benson.

LOTS OF FRIENDS, NOT MUCH SLEEP
I made several good friends whom I'm in touch with, and plan to see again. The january 2008 cruise, was supposed to be only for jazz fans, according to the producers, and departed from San Diego. We were told "you get off this cruise tired," and we laughed, but after attending every single event, and doing two half-day excursions, it was true. What the heck, you can sleep when you're dead.

TALENT
If you love smooth jazz, or even if you're a straight-ahead jazz fan, you will be amazed at the amazing amount of talent on this cruise. The respect that the artists gained from their fans, and vice versa was the coolest part besides the performances. Bumping into your favorite player in the elevator or out by the pool is pretty fun, too!

The Bottom Line: Libby Loves It!