Get Ready Series – The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1

Get Ready #1 For The Smooth Jazz Cruise '26.1! 

This is the first in a series of helpful messages you’ll receive from us in the coming months, each one designed to guide you through the “Get Ready” steps for your upcoming sailing on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1.

Though The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1 sails in February, Embarkation Day comes quickly! Planning ahead will ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, and as always, Signature Cruise Experiences will be here to support you every step of the way.

We’re kicking things off with a few important tasks that may take some time to complete – like updating your Passport and Identification. Future messages will cover everything from excursions and dining to theme nights, programming highlights and artist-hosted events.

Ready to Get Ready? Follow our schedule and we promise that you will be more than ready to sail on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1.

Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director, Signature Cruise Experiences

Your Cruise Details

Sailing Dates: Tuesday, February 3 - Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Ship: Celebrity Summit
Cruise Port: Port Everglades, 1850 Eller Dr., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Itinerary:

Your Reservation Information

Please review each component of your reservation carefully to ensure its accuracy and completeness.

• Guest Name(s): See Your Reservation
• Shirt Size(s): See Your Reservation
• Stateroom Category: See Your Reservation
• Stateroom Number: See Your Reservation
• Main Show Seating: See Your Reservation
• Signature Cruise Experiences' Reservation Number: See Your Reservation

Tasks Requiring Immediate Response

Below are tasks that may require either prompt attention or some lead time in completing. The sooner you address these items, the easier it will be to complete them.

Passports or Government-Issued IDs

Please confirm that the first and last names on your passport or government-issued ID match the first and last names on your cruise reservation to ensure that you will be permitted to board the ship. It is your responsibility to identify and obtain all required travel documents and have them available when necessary.

SIGNATURE CRUISE EXPERIENCES HIGHLY RECOMMENDS U.S. CITIZENS TRAVEL WITH A VALID PASSPORT. Click here to view the complete list of required travel documents for U.S. and Non-U.S. citizens.

Review Your Shirt Size

Your complimentary cruise T-shirt will be available on the ship. Please verify the size(s) we have included in your reservation (listed above). If you desire to modify any of the sizes listed, please email us at [email protected]. Any changes or modifications must be submitted to us no later than Friday, August 15, 2025.

Planning Your Trip

If you have not already planned your arrival into the Ft. Lauderdale area, now is the time to start preparing. We highly recommend that guests arrive the day prior to embarkation in order to alleviate stress from any potential travel delays or issues.

Embarkation Day – Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Embarkation typically begins at 11:30 AM, with all guests required to be on board by 3:00 PM. During the Online Check-In process (available starting 45 days before sailing), Celebrity Cruises will prompt you to select a Terminal Arrival Time in 30-minute windows. To help ensure a smooth and efficient boarding experience, guests must arrive at the terminal within their selected time slot.

Disembarkation – Tuesday, February 10, 2026 
The ship is scheduled to return to port by 7:00 AM. Please note that clearing Customs and Immigration can vary in timing, making it difficult to predict your exact departure time from the terminal.

If you're comfortable carrying your own luggage off the ship, you may be able to disembark as early as 7:30 AM, assuming operations proceed smoothly. However, to allow ample time, we recommend scheduling return flights no earlier than 12:00PM from Ft. Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) or 1:00PM from Miami International Airport (MIA).

More information/recommendations for Planning Your Trip can be found here.

Pre-Cruise Hotels & Ground Transportation

To help you plan your travel with ease, we’ve secured a block of rooms at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, which will also serve as the departure point for our organized ground transportation to the cruise terminal on embarkation day.

To view details about the property, rates, and to reserve your room, CLICK HERE.

If you prefer to explore other accommodations, Signature Cruise Experiences has curated a list of additional hotel options at various locations and price points. Each listing includes a direct reservation link, which is the best way to check both pricing and availability.

Please contact your selected hotel directly for details regarding shuttle service to and from the airport or cruise port.

EXPLORE PRE-CRUISE HOTEL OPTIONS

Ground Transportation to the Pier - $35 Per Person

Coach transportation to the cruise terminal will be available from the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina for $35 per person.

Advance reservations are required by Friday, January 2, 2026. You may register now by completing the Ground Transportation Form.

Once your form is submitted and reviewed by the Signature Cruise Experiences team:

• The Hotel to Pier Ground Transportation will be added to your reservation
• $35 per person will be charged to the card on file, unless otherwise specified
• A confirmation email will be sent once your Ground Transportation reservation is complete

Final instructions for this transfer will be sent approximately 15 days before the cruise.

Coming Soon - Celebrity Cruises' Pre-Cruise Planner

Many Signature Cruise Experiences guests choose to pre-purchase items such as Internet Plans, Beverage Packages, Shore Excursions, Specialty Dining, Spa Treatments, Photo Packages, and more before boarding the ship.

While these items can be purchased on board, there is no central location to do so, which often means standing in multiple lines across the ship.

To save time—and often money—most guests use Celebrity Cruises’ Pre-Cruise Planner, an online platform that allows you to make these purchases from home, typically at lower prices than those offered on board.

You’ll receive your Celebrity Cruises’ Reservation Number from us in the coming months, which is all you’ll need to access the Pre-Cruise Planner and begin customizing your experience in advance.

Stay Tuned

More information on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1 is coming your way in the weeks and months ahead. We will discuss how to board the ship, pre-cruise purchases, dining options onboard, Theme Nights, showtimes, and much, much more. In the meantime, we highly suggest reviewing our Booked Guest Portal on the website.

Welcome aboard!