EXCELLENCE | EDUCATION | ENTERTAINMENT
Many would say family, community, entertainment, laughter, fun, and most of all pride.
We would say... you’re right! We are bringing all of those elements that make a Homecoming so great, and bringing it onboard a luxury ship.
Fine dining experiences, seminars to enrich and educate, Divine Nine competitions, poetry sessions, game shows, celebrity interviews, beach and pool parties, HBCU round table discussions, and of course world class entertainment make up the fabric of Homecoming: The Cruise.
In the essence of community, instead of the age-old argument of who has the best HBCU Homecoming, we have made it all-encompassing by inviting everyone to be a part of this signature experience. Whether you’re coming to stroll with your brothers and sisters, or just immersing yourself in black excellence, Homecoming: The Cruise will not disappoint.
This immersive experience goes beyond simply celebrating cultural heritage—it’s about recognizing and honoring the achievements, brilliance, and resilience of the Black community in all its facets. Guests will have the opportunity to engage in panel discussions that feature leading thinkers, entrepreneurs and activists, sharing their insights on the importance of education and the continued pursuit of equality. These panels offer not just conversation, but actionable knowledge, creating an environment where learning and growth are celebrated alongside entertainment.
Beyond the fun and celebration, Homecoming: The Cruise has a noble purpose: to raise funds for scholarships that empower future generations of students. With each event, whether it’s a concert, a community forum, or a social gathering, attendees are reminded of the powerful legacy of HBCUs and the vital role they play in shaping the future of Black America. Homecoming: The Cruise will inspire pride, unity, and a commitment to education and progress.
The cruise will showcase a stunning lineup of live performances from renowned artists, offering a diverse blend of music, dance, and cultural expressions. These performances not only provide entertainment, but also celebrate the resilience and creativity of the Black community. Signature Cruise Experiences will ensure that all performances are presented with the first-class production, sound and lighting they are known for.
Signature Cruise Experiences is known for their expertise in creating exciting onboard events that cater to a wide range of tastes and experiences. There are many types of events presented onboard, including: In Concert, Learn, Enjoy and Cruising After Dark.
Each night, Homecoming: The Cruise will feature a special “main show” performance in The Theatre, with guests attending one of two showings to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience. Beyond the main shows, the ship will come alive with high-energy concerts, soulful acoustic sets, live DJ sessions by the pool, a powerful Gospel Show, and much more each evening of the cruise and during days “at sea”.
Another specialty of Homecoming: The Cruise ’26 is our series of “Learn” events, which include one-on-one interviews, panel discussions, round table talks, enrichment seminars and tutorials, and presentations of special topics. These events offer attendees the opportunity to engage directly with artists and thought leaders, gain in-depth knowledge on a wide range of subjects and participate in interactive learning experiences. Whether you're looking to expand your expertise or discover something new, the “Learn” events provide a dynamic platform for intellectual growth and personal enrichment.
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 we produce a variety of events just for the sheer enjoyment of doing so. These include Comedy Shows, Bid Whist, Dominoes & Spades, Game Shows, Fitness Classes & Basketball Games, Food & Wine Events, and more. There’s something special for everyone!
Signature Cruise Experiences are renowned for special late-night entertainment called “Cruising After Dark.” Starting around 10:30 PM, the entire ship will be alive with music, parties, comedy, dancing and much more. The Rendezvous Lounge becomes a “party” spot that features dancing, karaoke, silent disco, and revelry until the wee hours of the morning. Cruise Director Mario Vines and our favorite DJ patrol the Rendezvous Lounge making it fun for all.
Signature Cruise Experiences is the new name of Jazz Cruises, an industry icon which has been producing music and entertainment programs longer and in greater numbers than any charter company in the world. Though it dominates the jazz and adult music genre presented on Homecoming: The Cruise ’26, 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, Signature Cruise Experiences has been the Gold Standard for live entertainment at sea.
Signature Jazz Cruises, LLC. | 135 N. Meramec Ave. Suite 500 | St. Louis, MO 63105
U.S. & CANADA: 888.852.9987 | INTERNATIONAL: +Only Valid Outside of USA 01.800.852.99872
© 2024 Signature Jazz Cruises, LLC. All rights reserved. | © 2024 Homecoming: The Cruise 2026
