Seeing the World Together Through Music… Grammy Nominated Saxophonist Dave Koz Continues To Deliver!
Article by Cary Hardwick– Staff Journalist-IPA Magazine Travel, Radio Host, Speaker and Consultant
Since 2011, I’ve had the extraordinary privilege of seeing so much of the world while being serenaded by some of the finest contemporary jazz, R&B, and pop artists imaginable. And at the helm of these musical voyages is the one and only Grammy-nominated saxophonist, Dave Koz, who continues to deliver unforgettable experiences year after year.
Dave Koz has truly mastered the art of combining travel with music, creating a floating community that has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. Picture this: you’re aboard one of the world’s finest cruise lines—Royal Caribbean, Holland America, or Seabourn—surrounded by 200 of your favorite musical artists. Every day is a new concert, a new jam session, and a new opportunity to share in the joy of music. That’s the magic of a Dave Koz & Friends at Sea Cruise.
As Dave himself puts it, “Music is what gets us here, but really, what it is all about is community.” And indeed, these cruises are more than just a series of performances. They are a gathering of like-minded souls who share a love of music and a spirit of camaraderie.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve been fortunate enough to witness this incredible community firsthand. Each year, for two or three weeks, thousands of guests—anywhere from 5,000 to 7,500 people—come together to share the time of their lives. We’ve traveled to Australia, the British Isles, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Iceland, Norway, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and so many more destinations. Future journeys promise even more adventures to South America, Japan, Asia, and beyond—all with world-class musicians who not only perform but become part of the family.
My personal role on these cruises has been to host small group gatherings where 50 to 100 guests can get to know the main stage artists on a more personal level. We chat, we laugh, and we dive into the stories behind the music. It’s a rare chance to see artists like Michael McDonald, Peabo Bryson, Chris Botti, Jonathan Butler, Peter White, Richard Elliot, Rick Braun, and so many others not just as performers
What truly sets these cruises apart is the warmth and hospitality that Dave Koz brings. Each cruise sells out, and while 2026 is already booked up, there’s always hope for 2027 and beyond. For those persistent enough, joining this incredible community is a decision you won’t regret. After all, seeing the world through music is a journey like no other.