Hi my name is Julie McCoy and I’ll be your cruise director on board the MSC Poesia and Jam Cruise 8.
After 7 years and 8 cruises, it still boggles my mind that this is my job. But after 7 years and 8 cruises, it still boggles my mind how HARD my job is and how working my butt off close to 20 hours a day for 5 days is exhausting.
One of the best parts of my job is knowing how HAPPY our passengers are. Jam Cruise is like a warm cup of soup: it comforts you and fills you up. And there’s nothing like it.
Jam Cruise is a piece of reality that people NEED, not just something that they WANT. In the current state of the nation, it’s a testament to our event that we sold out for the 8th time. People look at Jam Cruise as an escape from the pressures of every day living. It’s a chance to freely let loose, see as much music as they want, get some sun of their faces and form lifelong friendships that are strengthened on board. But Jam Cruise isn’t REALLY an escape from reality. Jam Cruise IS a reality, just an alternative one.
Jam Cruise changes lives forever and our musicians are profoundly affected by the experience. Just ask Maceo Parker who was able to let go of his norm and “jam” with many bands. Just ask Karl Denson or Galactic who have never missed a cruise. Just Ivan Neville who plans his next onboard project with me a year in advance.
A lot of my time on board is spent making sure the musicians are happy, call it artist relations, call them my friends…whatever works. All I know is it makes me feel good knowing they are a part of Jam Cruise and also a part of my life. They enrich me in ways unimaginable. Here are some of my favorite moments from Jam Cruise 8.
I couldn’t help starting off with this photo because our passengers are SO creative. Not only do they feel normal showing up in homemade Jam cruise robes, but they plan their theme night outfits all year long. It’s a circus, I tell ya!
Night one…Robert calls me his big sister and I couldn’t be more thrilled to hear that. Not only have I been there with him since Day 1 back in 2000, but I’ve begging him to come on board for years. He had an incredible time and told everyone that if I want, he’ll come back every year….um, OK!
The Word played on Jam Cruise….yes, the Word played on Jam Cruise. It was a multi-year effort to make it happen, but BOY was it worth it. Can I get a witness?!
Talk about a power trio, Karl, Maceo & Jeff performed in the best workshop we’ve ever had on board, called Sax Syntax.
Late night Logic, Robert & I spent time just chilling out. I love that on Jam Cruise, musicians who might get to see each other every few months for 10 minutes or so, actually get days together.
We invited Robert Walter to perform solo in the atrium. He agreed but asked if a few of his friends (Karl and Stanton) could sit in with him. Of COURSEEEE! The result was a beautiful jazz compilation in a tranquil setting.
Theme night one: Superheroes & Villains. I absolutely HAD to take Corey Parker into my possession and force the lasso of truth on him
Sunset on board the MSC Poesia – how gorgeous is Jam Cruise?
I have been seeing Maceo Parker since 1995. He is one of my heroes. So to have him on board Jam Cruise satiated a musical fantasy of mine. He’s wonderful, simply wonderful. It was Logic’s idea to take this photo. GREAT IDEA!
Robert Walter and I have been closer because of Jam Cruise. This is my favorite photo of the two of us ever
This photo of Ivan and me captures the essence of our friendship. We are bonded in way that is indescribable.
The absolute highlight for me on board was Nigel Hall calling me from the audience up on stage to sing “Love Having You Around.” I had tears in my eyes while he serenaded me.
As I walked offstage holding my heart with my hands, George and I embraced. It was a strong, strong embrace.
Hanging with Aaron Redner from HBR
Ah, the Motet plays the Talking Heads. What a show, what a crew!
The King calls me the Queen. How did I get so lucky?
He may look sweet and innocent but he is a BAD BAD man on drums: Mr Adam Deitch
My husband and I took a moment for a stunning sunset.
Krazzzzz – he’s another one who I have become quite friendly with because of Jam cruise. The two of us are a team….we love and support each other to no end. And it ALL started back in the days of Wetlands, over 10 years ago.
Terrance Higgins & Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews are both phenomenal musicians and were a complete joy to have on board.
Pretty Lights was one of the most ridiculous late night pool deck sets in HISTORY! Derek CRUSHED it in ways I have never witnessed someone do before. Here, we had to get our strength back with some milk at 4am.
How can I ever put into mere words the love I have for Karl Denson? He’s my boy! The man honored me by playing at my wedding and he inspires me by being a crazy friend I can always call about anything imaginable. And so when I called him and suggested that he resurrect his “Coming to America” persona, he wasn’t just open to it… his creativity just couldn’t be stopped. Randy Watson was reborn to bring Jam Cruisers songs like “The Love Boat” and “Sailing” in that inimitable way only a band called Sexual Chocolate could. Karl, you’ve been an integral part of every Jam Cruise, and each year you make it even more special than the last. You never cease to amaze me with your talent, your love or your beautiful spirit. You make Jam Cruise so amazing for so many people. And I feel blessed to say you do the same for my life.
