Greetings, ukulele enthusiasts! I’m excited to share some wonderful memories from my recent ukulele adventure aboard the Ruby Princess. From September 29 to October 16, I had the pleasure of teaching a fantastic group of enthusiastic adults during a two-week cruise to Hawaii. Our ukulele journey was filled with growth, joy, and music that resonated through the ship!

Musical Growth and Group Achievements

Over the course of the two weeks, the group showed remarkable improvement. What began with basic strumming and chord changes evolved into more sophisticated musical skills. Highlights included:

• Singing in Harmony: We worked on blending our voices to create beautiful harmonies, enhancing the traditional Hawaiian pieces we learned.
• Playing Melody Tab: Students learned to pick melodies, adding a new layer to their playing and allowing for more expressive performances.
• Creating Original Arrangements: Everyone had the opportunity to contribute to arranging songs, resulting in unique versions that brought out the best in the group.

Flash Mob Fun!

One of the cruise’s most unforgettable moments was our flash mob performances. We surprised guests at various restaurants on the ship with impromptu mini-concerts. Our setlist featured The Lion Sleeps Tonight!

We also performed the following music:

• “Aloha Oe” – A beautiful farewell song, perfect for setting a nostalgic and warm tone.
• “The Hukilau Song” – This fun and lively number brought smiles and even some sing-alongs from the audience.
• “Over the Rainbow” – Our version of the classic, complete with harmonies and ukulele picking, captivated listeners.
• “Island Style” – A celebration of island life that captured the spirit of the cruise.

Looking Forward

I’m so proud of everyone who joined the ukulele group on the Ruby Princess. Your hard work, enthusiasm, and willingness to try new things made this a truly special experience. I can’t wait for the next musical adventure! Stay tuned for details on upcoming events and future cruises.