The Jazz Cruise sailed from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on January 30 and toured the Eastern Caribbean for a week, returning February 6, 2011. In addition to performing several featured trio sets, the student group was featured twice with comedian Pete Barbutti, performed with passenger vocalists, and participated in numerous jam sessions. They also had the opportunity to meet many of the jazz luminaries on board, including Terrell Stafford, Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton, Wycliffe Gordon and received mentoring and career advice in a highly professional setting.
UM Frost School's Dean Shelly Berg is a popular all-star performer on The Jazz Cruise and recommended the Emmet Cohen Trio to the festival producers.