QUEEN VICTORIA - what it's like to play on a cruise ship

Hello Everybody!

The new concert season is here and I just returned from England’s southern coast. Southampton was the departure harbor for Queen Victoria and my cruise to Norway’s Fjords with three solo recitals.

A lot of you have asked what it’s like to play on a ship like Queen Victoria.

Here are the questions I get most:

Is it difficult to play when the ship is rolling?

Yes, it does take a bit of getting used to. The movement and the sounds of a rolling cruise ship can be distracting. I would say it all comes down to staying focused in performance. Luckily I don’t have to worry about the instrument rolling away since the piano gets placed into special coasters that stay put on the stage floor.

What’s it like to be the pianist onboard?

I feel privileged to perform on one of the world’s most famous ships, to be part of Cunard’s specially selected artists, and to share exquisite music with a discerning audience. Passengers often come up and ask questions about the concerts, about music or about my life.

The famous lobby of Queen Victoria

What do I specially look forward to?

One of my secret concert day pleasures is the preconcert snack in my cabin via Queen Victoria’s brilliant room service. I especially love their cucumber tea sandwich. 

What is my typical day like?

My daily activities are scheduled around practice. Piano time is at a premium aboard Queen Victoria. Whilst there are many venues featuring outstanding instruments, they are used quite a bit for rehearsals or shows.

To work around that I start my practice early in the morning in one of the clubs when the ship is still quiet. On Queen Victoria I love to work at the Yacht Club located on the top level where I get to see the sun rise right from my piano.

Quite breathtaking really!

The Yacht Club

I usually practice until mid morning. In the afternoon, I explore the harbor if we dock, or I work out in the gym. The early evenings are reserved for score study.

Harbour Day Haugesund, Norway

I can’t wait to find out where I’ll go next on Cunard’s Queens. For now I am looking forward to my upcoming concerts (on land ☺️).