Signature Events

Unforgettable Moments, Day and Night

A live concert with a large crowd of people watching a band perform on a brightly lit stage with colorful LED screens in the background.

A big part of the magic onboard Dave Koz & Friends at Sea is the rhythm of each day—the moments between the music. From lively pool parties and themed nights to panel discussions, autograph sessions and spontaneous jam sessions, the ship comes alive with connection and creativity.

You’ll find something happening around every corner: surprise collaborations, dress-up nights, Q&A sessions and one-of-a-kind musical mashups you’ll never see anywhere else. Every event is optional, every memory your own—but together, they create the unmistakable spirit of the Dave Koz and Friends at Sea Cruise.

Special “Sail Away” Events and “Chill By The Pool” Parties

We start every voyage the way it should begin—together, on deck, with music in the air. The Welcome Aboard Sail Away celebration sets the tone for the week, hosted by Dave Koz and featuring the full lineup of incredible artists you’ll enjoy throughout the journey. It’s the moment the ship comes alive, the first note in an unforgettable soundtrack at sea.

From there, the stage turns into the heart of the cruise, home to surprise performances, guest sets and those spontaneous jam sessions that seem to happen only here. Grab a drink, find a spot by the pool and let the music roll as we begin our journey!

A diverse group of people on a cruise ship deck, listening to a speaker, some raising their hands, with the ship's interior and many passengers visible in the background.

Autograph Sessions

On our voyage, you’ll have a chance to meet every single artist, musician and host at our legendary autograph session! Don’t forget to bring your Memory Book and poster to capture the moment.

Go for your favorites…or try to get ‘em all in this autograph scavenger hunt happening ship-wide on our first day at sea!

“Uplifted!” Gospel At Sea

Get ready to be “Uplifted” by jazz and gospel music legends in an unforgettable hour of music at Gospel At Sea. This emotionally enriching experience features all-star performances and surprise guests that will stir your soul. With inspiring music and positive energy, this event is a joyful way to fill your cup for the rest of the cruise.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be moved by the power of gospel music and the talent of its legendary performers. Join us at Gospel At Sea and get ready to be uplifted!

An indoor stage with a large audience, performing or receiving a presentation. The stage has colorful backdrops with purple, pink, and orange hues. Two large screens on each side display the text 'JONATHAN BUTLER PRESENTS UPLIFTED GOSPEL AT SEA', indicating a gospel concert or event.

All-Star Formal Night

Formal night is THE night we want our guests to have the opportunity to go all out in glitz and glamour and dress to the nines! The Equinox will be alive and kicking with the All-Star Show, “Gambling With The Stars” Casino night, and wall-to-wall incredible music and entertainment in every venue.

Get gussied up and make this one and only formal night of your cruise unforgettable in every way! This is, of course, completely optional for our guests.

So You Think You Can Jam?

Join us for the biggest talent show on the high seas! If you have talent, we want to see it! And if not, well then come along and show your support for your fellow guests as they put it all on the line in front of our celebrity judges at "So You Think You Can Jam?"

Awards will be given to the top 3 finalists, and our crowned winner will get the chance to perform on the main stage as part of our Headliner Show!

Theme Nights

Typically, each night of our cruise has a unique theme – from ‘colors of the day’ to ‘rep your city’ parties…crazy costume nights to formal evenings where you can really dress it up. We invite you to participate and be a part of the fun! If you’re feeling fun and funky, we want you to let loose, let your creativity flow, and come join the celebration along with our artists and musicians, who love to take part as well.

Always know that we want you to dress how you like, and all events are purely optional. This is your cruise to enjoy in your own way!

Cooking with Koz

Ready, Set, COOK! Join our cruise’s humble host and sizzlin’ saxman – our very own Dave Koz in the kitchen! “Cooking with Koz” is all about fun and getting to learn a new recipe that you can take back home and share a taste of your adventure with your friends and family.

Watch, learn and undoubtedly laugh a little as an executive chef from our ship along with Dave and a special guest artist prepare a unique and exciting dish right in front of your eyes! You even get to taste their creation and take home the recipe to try in your own kitchen. Put on your chef hat and join the fun!

Master Classes, One-on-Ones, Panel Discussions and More!

Some of the most memorable moments on this journey happen off the main stage. These sessions bring you a little closer—to the music, to the stories, and to the people behind it all. Join our artists as they open up about their paths, their process and the spark that keeps them creating.

You’ll hear firsthand how songs come to life, what inspires a performance, and what it means to make music that connects across generations. It’s part conversation, part master class and all heart—an experience that turns listening into understanding, and fans into friends.

Live concert at Oster White's Pub with seven musicians playing guitars and vocals, audience seated watching.

“Global Beat” Drum Circle

Feel the rhythm, grab a drum and join the beat. Our incredible percussionists lead the biggest drum community on the high seas—a spontaneous, joy-filled gathering where everyone’s invited to play.

Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just curious to try, you’ll find a wide array of instruments waiting for you. No rules, no pressure—just rhythm, laughter and the kind of shared energy that turns strangers into a groove.

People enjoying a musical performance on a cruise ship deck, with ocean and distant land in the background. A man is playing drums, and others are watching and clapping.

Gambling with The Stars

It’s all in good fun—and maybe a little friendly competition—as our artists take over the casino for a night of music, laughter and lucky hands. During this all-star formal evening, you might find your favorite performer dealing the cards, spinning the roulette wheel, or sitting right beside you at the slots.

The atmosphere is electric, the stakes are lighthearted and the stories practically tell themselves. Come play, cheer, and enjoy the kind of unforgettable night that can only happen on the Koz cruise—where even the games have rhythm.

Group of people at a casino table playing blackjack, wearing masks, and celebrating. Slot machines are visible in the background.

Starlight Children’s Foundation
Silent and Live Auction

You will be able to bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences, signed memorabilia and must-have items, all to support this wonderful charity in continuing their vital mission of helping hospitalized children. Over the past several years, thanks to the generosity of our cruise guests and artists, we’ve raised more than two million dollars for Starlight. Simply amazing and beyond inspiring!

Blue electric guitar with signatures, displayed with a wooden ruler on the neck in an exhibition or auction setting.