Nine-time GRAMMY® Award-winning bassist, composer and bandleader Christian McBride is giving fans a glimpse into the creative energy and collaborative spirit that will define Christian McBride’s World at Sea, his week-long music cruise that sails from January 20–27, 2026. Starting this summer and continuing through October, McBride unveils a series of projects with artists who will join him on the cruise that will take place aboard the Celebrity Summit (departing from Ft. Lauderdale with stops in Jamaica and Grand Cayman). For fans seeking an inside look at what McBride’s World at Sea will be like, Christian will hold an exclusive webinar about the experience on August 11 at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT with a special visit from one of the cruise’s artists. To register for Christian McBride’s World at Sea Livestream: Part II webinar, click HERE.
Earlier this summer, Ledisi released “This Bitter Earth,” the lead single from her upcoming Dinah Washington tribute album “For Dinah” (due out October 3), which is produced by McBride and includes performances by both his Big Band and his intimate jazz trio. On July 30, Christian McBride Big Band released “Old Folks,” a new single featuring GRAMMY® winner Samara Joy. The song is the second track from the big band’s forthcoming album, “Without Further Ado, Vol. 1” (available on August 29) which includes appearances by Cécile McLorin Salvant and José James. Pre-save the album HERE.
All of these musical forces - Joy, Ledisi, Salvant, and James - will come together on Christian McBride’s World at Sea, offering fans a rare opportunity to experience their collaborative magic live and up close. With daily performances, jam sessions, conversations in front of live audiences and more, the cruise is a living, breathing version of McBride’s evolving musical universe.
SUGGESTED QUOTE: “These new songs and albums are like a sneak peek into what we’re building at sea,” says McBride. “Everything I’m doing right now, from the Big Band record to producing Ledisi’s new album, is really a part of the same vision,” he adds. “This cruise is a way to bring that world to life. Not just the music, but the community and artistry that fuels it.”
More than a cruise, Christian McBride’s World at Sea is a personally curated musical experience that brings together the artists, genres and creativity that define the prolific musician’s expansive career. The lineup features McBride leading four separate groups:
Christian McBride Big Band
Inside Straight
Ursa Major
Remembering Ray Brown with Benny Green & Greg Hutchinson
Along with performances by:
Ledisi
Samara Joy
Cécile McLorin Salvant
Angélique Kidjo
José James
Sullivan Fortner, Christian Sands, Julius Rodriguez, Steve Wilson, Dan Wilson, DJ Jahi Sundance, Eric Marienthal and many more top jazz musicians
And comedians Alonzo Bodden and George Wallace
Christian McBride’s World at Sea takes place aboard the Celebrity Summit, a longtime favorite among guests that offers world-class performance venues along with luxurious cabins and amenities. With concerts day and night, special artist-led events, jam sessions and candid conversations in front of live audiences, the cruise gives fans unparalleled access to the music, the musicians and a unique insight into the professional and personal relationships they share. Staterooms can be booked at McBrides World At Sea 2026 or by calling 888-852-9987. A no-interest payment plan is also available. Please sign up HERE for additional information.
McBride has partnered with Signature Cruise Experiences, 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, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Journey of Jazz, Botti at Sea, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise, the Michael McDonald & Patti LaBelle Cruise and the Top Shelf Country Cruise. Since 2001, more than 170,000 guests have sailed on Jazz Cruises programs.
About Christian McBride:
Christian McBride is a nine-time GRAMMY-winning bassist, composer and bandleader. He is the Artistic Director of the historic Newport Jazz Festival, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the TD James Moody Jazz Festival and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. McBride is also a respected educator and advocate for youth and serves as Artistic Director of Jazz House KiDS and the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Summer Sessions. In addition to artistic directing and consistent touring with his ensembles, he hosts NPR’s “Jazz Night in America” and “The Lowdown: Conversations With Christian” on SiriusXM. Whether behind the bass or away from it, Christian McBride is always part of the music. From jazz to R&B, and pop/rock and hip-hop/neo-soul to classical, he is a luminary with one hand ever reaching for new heights, and the other extended in fellowship—and perhaps the hint of a challenge—inviting us to join him.
