# Playing piano aboard a cruise liner as a passenger

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/playing-piano-aboard-a-cruise-liner-as-a-passenger/722374>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [June 12, 2015, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/playing-piano-aboard-a-cruise-liner-as-a-passenger/722374 "2015-06-12T17:40:01Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![Learjeff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/94ad74/32.png) [@Learjeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Learjeff)\
**Post date:** [June 17, 2015, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/playing-piano-aboard-a-cruise-liner-as-a-passenger/722374/21 "2015-06-17T13:32:15Z")

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I used to make a habit of finding pianos in public places to play. (I even got in the habit of carrying a screwdriver, because a lot of common problems on grand piano actions can be fixed with it. Not recommended for the beginner, though!) I’ve only been asked to refrain a couple times. My general rule is, if it’s not locked and it’s in a public space, if there’s someone nearby to ask (e.g., hotel clerk), then ask. (Best “no” response I got to that was “Sure, if you can show me your union card. Insurance rules.” Which is probably BS but still a good answer.) If there’s nobody to ask, I would play. I still do that at hotels where I’m staying. Playing a variety of pianos is good for one’s technique in terms of versatility.

I’ve been only one cruise. A grand piano in a lounge was unlocked, so I played it. One data point!

> [@Ranger\_Jeff](#):
>
> Well, there’s 2 kinds of musical instruments you’ll find in a venue. “House” instruments and some musicians’ personal instruments. I don’t imagine anyone would mind you playing one of the cruise ship’s pianos as long as you’re not keeping one of the paid musicians from doing their job and you’re not disturbing people by playing it. I can easily imagine a musician getting upset if you started playing their personally owned piano without getting his permission.
> 
> If you touch my Martin without my permission, your continued health is in serious question.

I bet you wouldn’t leave your Martin unaccompanied in a lounge. I doubt anyone working as a musician on a cruise would have a personal acoustic piano aboard. However, if there’s a stage and a band is set up, one must keep one’s fingers off all the gear there! About the only excuse for touching a pro’s gear is if it’s in imminent danger (it’s falling, something is falling on it, etc.)

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