Ukulele Travel and Cruise Favorites
Personally Recommended Essentials for Ukulele Players Who Travel
This curated list includes items we personally use and recommend for traveling with a ukulele on cruises, Florida ukulele weekends, and music-focused vacations. All items are optional and chosen for comfort, ease, and real-world usefulness.
Ukulele and Music Essentials
Reliable, well-made instruments with warm tone and consistent quality. We use and recommend Kala ukuleles for beginners and adults because they're easy to play and hold up well for travel and regular use. Available in soprano, concert, and tenor sizes.
Kala Waterman Ukulele (Waterproof)
The Kala Waterman ukulele is a favorite for travel and water-based adventures. We love it for everything from the beach and pool to Florida springs and island stops on a cruise. Made from durable, waterproof materials, it’s designed to handle moisture, humidity, and splashes without worry. This is a great option if you want a stress-free ukulele to bring along for casual jams and outdoor fun.
When traveling with a ukulele, a good travel case makes all the difference. Be sure to choose the correct size for your instrument (soprano, concert, or tenor) so it fits securely. We love backpack-style ukulele travel cases because they keep your hands free while moving through airports, cruise terminals, and around the ship. A padded case also helps protect your ukulele from bumps, temperature changes, and crowded spaces while traveling.
A ukulele strap is optional, but many players find it extremely helpful, especially during longer playing sessions. Straps designed for both women and men offer better comfort and balance, whether you’re sitting or standing. A good ukulele strap helps support the instrument, reduces hand and shoulder strain, and allows for more relaxed strumming. This is especially useful when traveling, attending group classes, or playing in casual jam settings.
Felt picks are optional, but many ukulele players enjoy using them for a softer, warmer sound. They can be especially comfortable for longer playing sessions and are a nice option if you prefer a lighter touch while strumming. Felt picks are also easy to pack and can be helpful when playing in group settings where a gentler sound blends well with others.
Recommended for cruise class spaces
A collapsible music stand is one of the most useful items to bring when traveling with a ukulele. We recommend a lightweight, foldable stand that packs easily into luggage or a carry-on. Cruise ship class spaces are often limited, and having your own stand makes it much more comfortable to read music without holding pages or balancing a tablet. This is especially helpful during longer sessions or when using printed music.
A tablet or iPad stand is one of our most-used tools during ukulele classes, and we love it for traveling as well. It keeps your music at a comfortable viewing angle so you’re not holding your device or looking down the entire time. A sturdy, adjustable stand makes it much easier to follow along during classes, workshops, and group sessions, especially when using digital songbooks onboard a cruise.
A Bluetooth page turner is a great accessory for ukulele players who use digital music. It allows you to turn pages on your tablet or iPad without taking your hands off your instrument, which is especially helpful during classes and longer playing sessions. We love this for cruise classes because it keeps everything flowing smoothly and lets you stay focused on playing instead of managing your screen.
Digital Music and Organization
A tablet or iPad is a convenient option for traveling ukulele players who use digital songbooks. It allows you to download music ahead of time, use apps, and access the internet when available. We recommend choosing a tablet with a clear, easy-to-read screen and good battery life so reading music during classes and sea days is comfortable.
A portable battery pack is a useful travel companion when you’re using a tablet, phone, or tuner during long travel days, shore excursions, or sea days. It gives you extra power without needing to find an outlet and helps keep your devices charged throughout classes, on the beach, or onboard.
Cruise Cabin Comfort and Organization
Packing cubes are a simple way to keep clothing organized in a cruise cabin, where storage space can be limited. They make it easy to separate outfits, swimwear, and accessories, and help you find what you need without unpacking everything. Many travelers find packing cubes especially helpful for longer cruises and back-to-back travel days.
Hanging toiletry bag
Save bathroom counter space
Magnetic hooks are a must-have for cruise cabins, where wall space is limited but often metal. They’re perfect for hanging hats, bags, lightweight jackets, lanyards, or even your ukulele case strap. We use these on every cruise to keep items off the floor and easy to grab, especially when coming in and out of the cabin throughout the day.
Magnetic clips are perfect for holding excursion tickets, the daily cruise calendar, specialty dining reservations, and other important papers where you can easily see them. Cruise cabins often have metal walls, making magnetic clips an easy way to stay organized and keep important information from getting lost during busy cruise days.
Reusable cup or tumbler
Convenient for drinks onboard
This is my absolute favorite water bottle for cruising and travel. I love that the top is fully covered, which helps protect the mouth area from beach sand, splashes, and travel germs. As someone who drinks a lot of water, the 32-ounce size is perfect for staying hydrated on sea days, excursions, and beach stops without constantly refilling.
I love Zipfizz for travel days and cruising because it adds extra vitamins and a gentle energy boost without the crash. It’s an easy way to make sure you’re staying hydrated while also supporting energy levels during long days of classes, excursions, and sea days. The single-serve tubes are easy to pack and convenient to use anywhere onboard or in port.
Cruise-approved power adapter US
Cruise cabins often have limited outlets, so a cruise-approved US power adapter is an easy way to charge multiple devices at once. We use this to charge phones, tablets, and accessories without constantly unplugging items. Be sure to choose an adapter without surge protection, as surge protectors and traditional power strips are not allowed on most cruise ships.
Cruise-approved power adapter European
Many cruise cabins include a European-style outlet that often goes unused. A simple European plug adapter lets you take advantage of this extra outlet and creates even more charging flexibility in your cabin. We use this on every cruise to comfortably charge multiple devices at the same time.
These are one of my favorite travel items. After a full charge, they last up to 50 hours, making them perfect for cruise cabins. I use them in the bathroom at night so we’re not blinded by the bright overhead lights. I also use these around my house and even during the holidays, including Christmas, which makes them a versatile and cozy option both on and off the ship.
Pool, Beach, and Port Day Essentials
Comfortable walking shoes
Choose shoes that keep you walking comfortably all day, from ship decks to seaside towns. We recommend supportive, cushioned shoes like Skechers GOwalk (for women) or New Balance Fresh Foam (for men) for daily walking. If you prefer breathable options for warm ports, Vionic sandals are stylish with built-in support. For those who want elevated comfort with a sleek look, ECCO Soft 7 (for men) is a great choice.
The Keen Newport H2 is a well-loved water shoe that offers both protection and comfort for beach walks, pool areas, and shore excursions. It provides strong traction on wet surfaces, a secure fit, and supportive comfort for longer days of exploring. The quick-drying design and durable sole make it a reliable choice for cruising and travel.
A day bag or small backpack is perfect for keeping essentials close during shore excursions, beach stops, or walking tours. Choose one that’s lightweight yet roomy enough for water, sunscreen, snacks, and personal items. Multiple compartments make it easier to stay organized while exploring new places on your cruise or travel adventure.
Towel clips are simple but incredibly useful for cruise days and beach excursions. They help keep your towel in place on deck chairs, lounge chairs, and even windy shore days so you’re not constantly chasing it around. Lightweight and easy to pack, they’re one of those small items that make relaxing by the water much more comfortable.
Sun Bum reef-safe sunscreen is a great choice for cruise shore days, island stops, and Florida beach excursions. Its reef-friendly formula helps protect ocean environments while giving you broad-spectrum sun protection. It’s lightweight, easy to apply, and feels comfortable on skin, making it a travel favorite for long days in the sun.
GoPro or action camera
A GoPro is a great option for capturing memories during shore excursions, snorkeling, ziplining, and beach days. Its compact, waterproof design makes it easy to bring along without worrying about splashes or sand. We love using a GoPro for hands-free photos and videos so you can enjoy the moment while still coming home with great memories from your cruise and travels.
Planning a Ukulele Getaway
If you enjoy traveling with your ukulele, you may love joining one of our Sip and Strum Ukulele Cruises or future Florida-based ukulele weekends and adventures. These experiences are designed for adult learners and music lovers who enjoy a relaxed pace, beautiful destinations, and meaningful music-making.
Learn more about upcoming Sip and Strum Ukulele Cruises and Ukulele Adventures.
Affiliate Disclosure
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend items we personally use or genuinely believe are helpful for ukulele travelers and cruisers.
Meet The Dynamic Duo Behind Sip & Strum Ukulele
Introducing husband-and-wife team Eliott and Ashlee, the passionate owners of Beachside Music Lessons & Therapy. Since 2019, they’ve been bringing the joy of music to adults across Central Florida through their wildly popular Sip & Strum Ukulele classes. Whether at a brewery, distillery, winery, or similar local venue, their classes offer a relaxed and fun environment for beginners and intermediate players alike to learn the ukulele while enjoying their favorite beverage.
With over 25 years of combined teaching experience and having taught hundreds of adults to play the ukulele, Eliott and Ashlee have built a reputation for making music accessible, engaging, and downright fun. Their passion goes beyond just teaching chords and strumming patterns—they are dedicated to sharing the pure joy of music with learners of all ages and abilities. From their easygoing teaching style to their enthusiasm for creating meaningful connections through music, Eliott and Ashlee prove that learning the ukulele can be simple, enjoyable, and rewarding.
Join them and discover why so many adults have learned to play, one Sip & Strum at a time!
Eliott Hughes, co-owner of Beachside Music Lessons & Therapy, grew up in Vero Beach, FL, where his passion for music began at a young age. Attending a charter school for the arts, he immersed himself in music early on, later studying Music Composition and Theory at the University of Florida. At Beachside Music, Eliott serves as the Operational Manager, overseeing students, families, teachers, and office operations while sharing his extensive musical expertise.
A versatile musician, Eliott is skilled in piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, theory, and songwriting, and has been singing professionally for over a decade. His impressive resume includes performances at Carnegie Hall, as well as experience in operas, musicals, choirs, and soloist roles. With his deep understanding of music theory and composition, Eliott has a unique gift for breaking down complex concepts into simple, engaging lessons that inspire learners of all ages.
Beyond the classroom, Eliott is passionate about giving back to the community. He serves as a Board Member for Miracle League Baseball, an organization that makes baseball accessible to children and young adults with special needs, and performs in his church’s worship band. Eliott’s dedication to music and service reflects his commitment to making music a joyful, accessible experience for everyone.
Ashlee Hughes, co-owner of Beachside Music Lessons & Therapy, is a seasoned music therapist with over 17 years of experience. Growing up in New Smyrna Beach, FL, Ashlee developed a deep love for music early on, exploring a variety of instruments and styles. She earned her bachelor's degree in music therapy from Florida State University and has since dedicated her career to using music as a powerful tool for healing and growth.
Ashlee has worked with a wide range of populations, including individuals with special needs, dementia, traumatic brain injury, stroke, substance abuse issues, behavioral health challenges, and more. She has also supported premature infants, foster children, and patients in hospice and acute care medical settings. After leading a successful hospital music therapy program for over three years, Ashlee returned to her hometown to establish Beachside Music Lessons & Therapy in 2016.
In addition to her work as a music therapist, Ashlee teaches voice, piano, guitar, saxophone, ukulele, and early childhood music lessons and classes, including the widely-loved Sip & Strum Ukulele Class for adults. Her passion is helping students and clients of all ages discover the joy and power of music.
Ashlee is proud to serve her community through partnerships with organizations like Ormond Beach Mainstreet, Atlantic Center for the Arts, Halifax Behavioral Health, Children's Home Society, Welcoming Hearts, and others. She also finds joy in giving back as an American Heritage Girls Leader, fostering creativity and leadership in the next generation. Ashlee’s dedication to music and her hometown community shines through in everything she does!
See what our customers have to say:
"This was so much fun! And we learned to play multiple songs! The teachers are wonderful too. I’ve found a new hobby that I can take anywhere. FIVE STARS!"
-Mary A.
"The ukulele class is so much fun!! Ashlee and Eliott are great teachers and create a laid back, friendly and relaxing atmosphere. I'm so happy I signed up for this class"
-Rena. W
"Amazing. I am a beginner and they made feel comfortable and confident and I met new friends. Going to take a second class!"
-Vicki G.
"Very fun and friendly! We learned to play the ukulele in 3 weekly lessons in Sip & Strum and can competently play about 5 songs already! Thanks for getting us started on our ukulele journey!"
-Bonita B.
"I took two sessions of Sip and Strum Ukulele classes at Tomoka Brewing Co where I had the pleasure of being taught by Ashlee and Eliott. The class was so much fun and Ashlee and Eliott are funny, informative, patient, and knowledgeable! They both love music and it shows! I highly recommend these classes for a laid back 75 minutes where your worries melt away with a beer in one hand and an ukulele in the other!"
-Bethany S.
Beachside Music Lessons & Therapy is the best music lesson school offering high quality music classes in the following cities:
Volusia County: Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Deland, Deltona
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Serving East & West Volusia County