50th Anniversary onboard Smooth Jazz Cruise

Morrow’s Celebrate 50th Year Anniversary on 2012 Smooth Jazz Cruise
Written by Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant

What better way to celebrate a 50 year anniversary than on a 7 day Caribbean cruise. Well if you were to ask CK and Mrytle Morrow, they would tell you that nothing would be better than onboard the 2012 Smooth Jazz Cruise, known as the Greatest Party at Sea. The Morrow’s celebrated in style and enjoyed a musical celebration that featured 16 of the best smooth jazz artists and guest musicians in the industry. So we invite you to come along as the Morrows sail for a week-long Smooth Jazz Cruise aboard Holland America ms Westerdam

Even on a dreary afternoon in port Everglades the Morrows felt the electricity generated by fellow passengers during embarkation on Westerdam. Many were repeat Smooth Jazz Cruisers and looked forward to hearing their favorite music and artists live on stage.

First impressions are important, so it was with anticipation that the Morrows made their way to their cabin. Upon entering their balcony cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows with a glass balcony enclosure, along with a tub and shower they knew their week would be spent in comfort and style.

To kick off the Welcome Onboard Show, Rick Braun and his trumpet made a grand entrance, giving the audience a close-up as he literally played his way to the stage. While the music swept over the Vista Lounge, everyone was on their feet, moving and clapping to the beat.

Following Rick Braun was an equally intoxicating performance by singer-songwriter and guitarist, Jonathan Butler. Butler never fails to deliver an excellent show and the Morrows loved the spiritual aspects of his show. In addition, he brings a piece of his South African heritage to the stage which makes reminded the Morrows of a previous trip to Africa.

When the Morrows retired for the night, they found Smooth Jazz Cruise posters on their beds. These pillow gifts were a welcome surprise and were used to collect autographs, as were the beautifully designed combination program-and-journal books they received earlier.

Although their Monday visits to Nassau, Bahamas, the capital city of the Bahamas was short, once back onboard the party was just getting started. In their welcome package were Smooth Jazz t-shirts and the pool deck was bathed in a sea of yellow t-shirts as DW3 took to the stage with funk, R&B, and smooth jazz tunes. This event included complimentary afternoon cocktails and snacks served poolside. This was followed by the annual “pimp your t-shirt” contest and a round of bingo hosted by Comedian Alonzo Bodden which was a lot of fun.

But the day’s activities were only beginning. The Morrows had to go to the Vista Lounge for a musical concert featuring Joe Sample and David Sanborn. After dinner, where they were serenaded by their dining room waiters with an Indonesian version of Happy Anniversary, they were off to the “No one is Safe Comedy Show and poolside Pa-Jam-A-Party. Good thing the next day was a sea day because this couple celebrated until well after midnight. Go Morrows…Go Morrow…. Pillow gifts tonight were 2 Smooth Jazz caps.

Although they encountered strong winds and some rain during their first two days in the Caribbean, Tuesday started with a full day of activities. First off was the Gospel Show hosted by worship leader Jonathan Butler. What an inspirational and spirit filled show with various artists performing their favorite gospel songs. What an appropriate way to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on this, his national holiday.
It was during the Gospel Hour it was announced that the Smooth Jazz Cruise would present The Apostles of Gospel Tour, featuring Jonathan Butler, Kirk Whalum and CeCe Winans in the Spring of 2012. Check for tour listing in a city near you.

With praises resounding in their hearts, the Morrows head off to an autograph signing party with Gerald Albright, Rick Braun, Eric Darius, Jeff Golub, Euge Grove, Patrice Rushen, Kurk Whalum, Alonzo Bodden, and Larry Bragg,

Next was a very special renewal of vows at sea with Jonathan Butler and about 20 other couples. But of course, with 50 years of marriage under their belt, the Morrows had been married the longest. Just when they thought it could not get any better, Brian Cumbertson and Candy Dulfer brought the house down with their evening performance. Pillow gifts that night were 2 very nice Smooth Jazz bags which would come in handy in St. Thomas.

The Morrows arrive in St Thomas and head off on an open-air safari bus for a tour of the city. The performance tonight was Artist Choice Night hosted by Marcus Miller and featured David Sanborn, Jonathan Butler, Gerald Albright, Candy Dulfer, Boney James, Rick Braun, Brian Culbertson, Eric Darius, Jeff Golub, Euge Groove, Rahsaan Patterson, Patrice Rushen, Joe Sample, Brian Simpson, Kirk Whalum, Peter White, and Marcus Miller.

After one of the most exciting performances to-date, the Morrows headed off to the BBQ/Sail away Party on the pool deck. Sitting under the starts, the Morrows reflected over all they had seen and done thus far and marveled at the variety of activities they had participated in. But the night was not over as they headed back to the Vista Lounge for the Roast of Peter White hosted by Comedian Alonzo Brodden. It may sound strange but pillow gifts tonight were 2 Smooth Jazz pot holders.

On Thursday, the Morrows arrived in St Barths and tendered to the island for a short visit. Tonight’s performances by Peter White and Kirk Whalum did not disappoint as the audience breathless with anticipation and ready to party. Still giddy from the show, the Morrows headed to a special celebratory dinner in the Pinnacle Grill Steak House which included another celebratory cake. By now the Morrows are looking forward to their pillow gifts and were not disappointed to find 2 Smooth Jazz water bottles.

Friday was a day at sea but was not void of activities. After breakfast the Morrows attended another autograph session with Jonathan Butler, Boney James, Brian Culbertson, Candy Dulfer, Marcus Miller, Ellis Hall, Patrice Rushan, Brian Simpson, Rahsaan Patterson, Joe Sample, and David Sanborn.

After attending the “Show us Your Talent Finale and a Creative Photo Editing class, there was just enough time to dress to impress for the Red Carpet Formal Night and Paparazzi Party and evening performances by Boney James and Euge Groove.

Formal pictures had to be taken so the Morrows had only a short intermission before the 11:30 pm Formally Funny Alonzo Bodden Comedy Show. Pillow gifts tonight were 2 silver picture frames and a 6 bottle wine cooler bag.

Alas it is now Saturday and the last day of the week long celebration. The day was spent at Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s private island. The final night performances were Gerald Albright and Marcus Miller which had the Morrows up dancing and “doing the butt” and thus was a perfect ending for their 50th Anniversary cruise.

So the after a final post-cruise day in Fort Lauderdale, the Morrows return home after celebrating the “Greatest 50th Anniversary and Party at Sea”. I think you will agree that the music will continue and their memories will last a lifetime.

If you would be interested in receiving information about future Smooth Jazz Cruise, Straight Ahead Jazz Cruise, Malt Shop 50’s/60’s Memories Cruise, or Soul Train Cruise, please contact Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant at (714) 878-7064 or mengram@worldviewtravel.com.