I'm going on a cruise to Alaska next week as a first time cruiser. When I travel I often bring my guitar with me to practice (one day I may actually learn to play it but that's another story). I haven't read anything about people cruising with instruments and am wondering if people do it or if it's not something you'd do on a cruise. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Michael, I don't recall ever seeing anyone bring an instrument onboard, but that doesn't mean it hasn't happened or you couldn't do it. I'm sure you can bring a guitar if you want.

That being said, an Alaska cruise is a port-intensive, tour-intensive cruise. You're likely to be off the ship all day, and when you get back on, you'll be getting ready for dinner, having dinner, going to shows and other entertainment, etc. There may not be as much time to play the guitar as you think, or enough time that would make it worthwhile to take it with you.

Sandy

Plus there's the hassle of taking it on the plane with you. I wouldn't advise checking it, but if you don't, it will need special handling, probably for an extra fee. Check with your airline to be sure.

I often thought how nice it would be to sit on my balcony playing my guitar. However, I would never chance taking it with me on a cruise. Even if it would survive the plane trip there are other things in my mind that make taking it along too much of a hassle.

I appreciate your thoughts which pretty much confirm why I haven't been able to find anything about people taking instruments on cruises. I think I'll leave the guitar at home and just enjoy what a first cruise has to offer - plus one less thing to pack.

Cheers
Michael

My husband always takes at least one instrument (uke, guitar, or mandolin) on cruises and he sits on the veranda and plays for hours -- the people on the verandas near us have never complained, and some have even "requested" tunes for him to play -- great way to meet other cruisers -- take the chance, and take your guitar

My friend took her flute on a cruise we went on. She played in the talent show. She also played (with permission) in the dining room one night. A couple at our table were celebrating their 52 anniversary. She played John Denver's "Annie's Song" for them.

i was on a cruise several years ago, and 2 men had violins with them -- they would meet up in the afternoons and play together in an area that drew quite a gathering to hear their tunes