Sorry, more first timer questions.

[kayelbee]

Firstly, I apologise for asking questions that have no doubt been asked and answered before. I have searched but not found the exact question asked or ,if asked, a while ago and I am always concerned that things change.

I am not new to cruising, mainly Princess, but also Fred Olsen, P&O and CMV, I have never set foot on a Cunard vessel and am very excited to do so shortly.

I have booked a winter cruise on the Queen Elizabeth.

My questions are:

Dress code (sorry) I note after 6pm the dress code changes to jackets for gentlemen and dressed up for ladies. I read, No Blue Jeans, my husband often wears smart coloured chino/denim trousers, I assume that with shirt and tie this is fine, I often wear smart dress very dark blue jeans, the sort that unless you looked closely you wouldn't know they were made of denim. Are these type of jeans acceptable? I am asking as I do not want to break the rules.

Are cocktail dresses OK for formal nights?

Day time wear, as long as smart, no holes(!) is T-shirt and jeans type dress ok.

Laundry, without getting into the, why are you doing you own laundry question, I understand launderettes are free, is complimentary washing powder supplied of do I need to bring my own.

What areas are 'offline' to non grill (I think that is the correct term, of not then standard) passengers.

Bringing alcohol on-board. Is there any limit to the amount (with-in reason) that each passenger can bring on board. Is it just wine that can be brought on board or can spirits be brought to.

Many thanks in advance for any answers and apologies if anyone is annoyed with the questions being asked, I am just to obey the ship rules and not inadvertently break them.

[rakkor]

Morning Kayelbee

 

Dress code - ladies can pretty much get away with anything within reason. My missus prefers to wear long dresses on formal nights, (not ball gowns, just long dresses) but she has a favourite black and white cocktail dress that she likes for Black and White balls and I'm sure you would be fine with the type of smart trousers you say, you can always have a reserve just in case is isn't OK.

 

As for day-time wear - I will spend the whole day in shorts, t-shirt and sandals if the weather allows, occasionally I may wear a polo or rugger, but day time is fairly relaxed as ling as you are covered up away from the pool/deck areas.

 

Laundry - soap is provided, it's best to avoid early morning washing as everyone has the same idea and this seems to be the busiest time - I find 18:30 to be a quiet time - post Commodore drinks and pre-dinner at 20:30.

 

There's only one area that is Grills only (outside their restaurants and bar) and that's the grills deck - As this is above deck 10 it's not somewhere you'd naturally walk through so don't feel like you're missing out.

 

There's no practical limit to bringing booze on board, but Cunard state the following - https://ask.cunard.com/help/cunard/life-on-board/corkage_charges

 

"All bottles of wine or champagne brought on board by passengers for consumption in any of the ship's restaurants, bars or lounges, are subject to a corkage fee.

 

Please be advised that passengers are allowed to bring on board one bottle per person for special occasions.

 

Groups who want to supply their own wine for wine tasting seminars or for consumption in any of the restaurants, bars or lounges will be charged a corkage fee.

 

If a bottle of wine / Champagne has been bought for you as a gift, please ensure you carry the gift card with you to avoid having the corkage charge applied to your on board account.

 

The corkage fee is $20.00 per bottle and will be charged to your on-board account. (Corkage fee is subject to change)."

 

But many passengers report no issues bringing multiple bottles on board - I would just be aware that if Cunard do enforce the above you can't really complain.

Edited August 30, 2016 by rakkor

[Underwatr]

Chinos with a jacket are acceptable on informal night although many people will supplement with a tie. I often wear khakis on informal night, but a bit dressier than chinos. A dark suit would be a preferable minimum on formal nights.

 

I'd avoid denim or denim-like fabric in the evenings.

 

Cocktail dresses are OK. I think women have a bit more latitude regarding evening dress than men.

 

Washing powder packets are free, you'll find them in a little bin on the wall in the laundry.

 

You're likely not to notice the areas reserved for grills passengers. There's a small section of aft deck on one of the upper decks and a lounge or two on the suites deck in addition to the grills dining rooms.

 

Carry on what alcohol you'd like. A bottle of wine per evening plus some liquor isn't out of the question. I use a wheeled tote that from experience I know will pass thru the Xray scanners in Brooklyn with the bottles upright.

[BigMac1953]

Hi Kayelbee

 

Cocktail dresses seem to be worn on formal nights by ladies of a certain age, whilst younger ladies tend to wear long dresses. You pick, I'll duck.

 

Without being pedantic, there are actually two Grill's deck. The Grills Terrace deck is on Deck 11, outside the Grills Lounge. This was not always the case, but so many people used to go there and then have a good look through the windows to see what they were missing, so it changed. The whole of 12 is also Grills only.

 

We've always taken at least half a dozen bottles of the Widow without any problems whatsoever. A few times the corkage charge has been waived.

 

Incidentally, her indoors likes to launder the smalls herself, but everything else goes out to the ship's laundry as it is not at all expensive, AND, you are on holiday!!!

 

When are you sailing? We go on QE in October. Have a look at the Roll Calls and you might pick up some other tips.

 

Stewart

[carlmm]

I often wear smart dress very dark blue jeans, the sort that unless you looked closely you wouldn't know they were made of denim. Are these type of jeans acceptable? I am asking as I do not want to break the rules.

Are cocktail dresses OK for formal nights?

Day time wear, as long as smart, no holes(!) is T-shirt and jeans type dress ok.

..

Many thanks in advance for any answers and apologies if anyone is annoyed with the questions being asked, I am just to obey the ship rules and not inadvertently break them.

 

Great you ask before you go! Welcome. I am currently on board.

 

To answer some: In the evening denims, black or any other colour, are not acceptable. Only in the buffet area of the Lido they might be worn, but then you are not allowed into the bars etc.

Cocktail dresses are acceptable for formal nights but more suitable for informal nights.

During daytime jeans are fine (even though the minority). If you want to have breakfast or lunch in the restaurant or tea and similiar a collared shirt would be better.

 

(Caveat: There are a unfortunate number of rule breakers on this cruise. Comments to be heard by passengers and staff were accordingly.)

 

Laundry, without getting into the, why are you doing you own laundry question, I understand launderettes are free, is complimentary washing powder supplied of do I need to bring my own.

 

Is supplied!

 

Bringing alcohol on-board. Is there any limit to the amount (with-in reason) that each passenger can bring on board. Is it just wine that can be brought on board or can spirits be brought to.

 

No real limit. Cunard treats passengers as responsible adults :)

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[Mid-Atlantic Ridge]

Hi Kayelbee

 

Cocktail dresses seem to be worn on formal nights by ladies of a certain age, whilst younger ladies tend to wear long dresses. You pick, I'll duck.

 

Without being pedantic, there are actually two Grill's deck. The Grills Terrace deck is on Deck 11, outside the Grills Lounge. This was not always the case, but so many people used to go there and then have a good look through the windows to see what they were missing, so it changed. The whole of 12 is also Grills only.

 

We've always taken at least half a dozen bottles of the Widow without any problems whatsoever. A few times the corkage charge has been waived.

 

Incidentally, her indoors likes to launder the smalls herself, but everything else goes out to the ship's laundry as it is not at all expensive, AND, you are on holiday!!!

 

When are you sailing? We go on QE in October. Have a look at the Roll Calls and you might pick up some other tips.

 

Stewart

I've only been on Elizabeth once a few years ago but will be going again later this year. Is there a door that allows passengers to move from the grills lounge to the deck 11 terrace and vice versa or do you have to take the long way round via deck 12 to fetch a drink?

 

M-AR

[pepperrn]

I've only been on Elizabeth once a few years ago but will be going again later this year. Is there a door that allows passengers to move from the grills lounge to the deck 11 terrace and vice versa or do you have to take the long way round via deck 12 to fetch a drink? M-AR

Hi Mid-Atlantic Ridge,

 

My memory is of a door on the extreme starboard side of the forward glass wall of the Grills Lounge, that would give access to the Deck 11 Terrace. I can't recall ever seeing it open (this was when the terrace was open to all passengers however). It could just be an emergency exit. Hope this helps.

[BigMac1953]

Hi Mid-Atlantic Ridge,

 

My memory is of a door on the extreme starboard side of the forward glass wall of the Grills Lounge, that would give access to the Deck 11 Terrace. I can't recall ever seeing it open (this was when the terrace was open to all passengers however). It could just be an emergency exit. Hope this helps.

 

Hi Pepper & M-AR

 

You're quite correct, it's at the end of the bar. It is an emergency exit and rarely kept open whilst sailing (too windy), but you can still use it to get out. Once out, you can't get back in!

 

On QV, whilst berthed, and during the day, I have seen it wedged open.

 

Stewart

[exlondoner]

Last year, and on all my previous QE voyages, that door was frequently used by passengers, in both directions from bar to deck and vice versa, and indeed by staff, when they took tea out, etc. When they don't want you to use it, because of heavy weather, they put red tape across. Otherwise, there is no problem going out and in.

Jane

[Mid-Atlantic Ridge]

Thank you Pepper, Stewart and exlondoner for your replies and expert observations. I envisage using deck 11 in the early afternoon in that lull between a port visit ashore and departure so it looks promising.

 

M-AR

[kayelbee]

Many thanks to every body for your prompt, comprehensive replies.

Regarding the jeans I have read this on the Cunard web site...Please note that after 6pm, shorts and blue or worn denim (for men and women); sandals and sleeveless tops (for men) are not considered appropriate within the ship. hence my question re 'posh' very dark denim.

 

[pepperrn]

Many thanks to every body for your prompt, comprehensive replies. Regarding the jeans I have read this on the Cunard web site...Please note that after 6pm, shorts and blue or worn denim (for men and women); sandals and sleeveless tops (for men) are not considered appropriate within the ship. hence my question re 'posh' very dark denim.

Hi Kayelbee,

 

Trying to help here... :) Are they jet-black jeans, one colour all over, no slight fading at all on knees or seams?

[Lakesregion]

The best choice when concerned with attire be it day or evening is to follow the lead of the folks appearing in Cunard's brochures and to be well appreciated by both staff and fellow passengers add a level above that. Chinos nor jeans do not appear in any of their brochures. Enough said from a traditionalist who wears his chinos for gardening and has not owned a pair of jeans since age 15.

[AZNative2000]

Many thanks to every body for your prompt, comprehensive replies.

Regarding the jeans I have read this on the Cunard web site...Please note that after 6pm, shorts and blue or worn denim (for men and women);

sandals and sleeveless tops (for men) are not considered appropriate within the ship. hence my question re 'posh' very dark denim.

 

 

From what I've read, the difference is "within the ship" vs "in the dining rooms and bars". Different attire is acceptable in the buffet than what is required for the MDR and Grills. As example, on nights that the Grills require a jacket for gentlemen, you don't need one for the buffet. Isn't that correct?

 

I'm sure others with more experience can help with this.

 

Cheers!

[wolfie789]

To chip in - I brought lots of smarter jean-type trousers with me on my first cruise in Cunard. These weren't even blue denim - they were black, dark grey or white. They stayed in my suitcase, as I would have felt uncomfortably under-dressed on the ship if I had worn them on informal evenings.

 

My recommendation would be to avoid even "smart" jeans if you want to avoid standing out. Lots of people make a big effort to dress up, even on informal nights on Cunard. That includes us now!

[kayelbee]

I tend to wear very very dark navy or black denim. I think having read the comments I will keep the denim for day wear and dresses for evenings.

Personally I think smart denim is nicer than some dresses on me but 'rules is rules' and I will conform.

[Scottygirl1]

I tend to wear very very dark navy or black denim. I think having read the comments I will keep the denim for day wear and dresses for evenings.

Personally I think smart denim is nicer than some dresses on me but 'rules is rules' and I will conform.

 

I totally agree with you regarding dressy denim! I think dressy shoes, lovely dark denim and a dressy top is a great way to dress up. But yes, like you, I will leave the demin and wear black trousers or dresses.

 

My husband always wears jeans and when he dresses them up with a lovely jacket and nice shirt he looks very smart but yes, he too will be leaving the denim. It's all part of the experience and I do appreciate that if they let a little denim in, they could end up with shabby diners.

[castlewood]

Just completed a wonderful 2-week cruise on the QE. I noticed that things grew more casual by week two. And I saw plenty of people wearing nice denim with sport jackets. I think passengers had burned out on formal dress by the fourth formal night. Many fewer tuxes and gowns by then.

[Bell Boy]

From what I've read, the difference is "within the ship" vs "in the dining rooms and bars". Different attire is acceptable in the buffet than what is required for the MDR and Grills. As example, on nights that the Grills require a jacket for gentlemen, you don't need one for the buffet. Isn't that correct?

 

I'm sure others with more experience can help with this.

 

Cheers!

 

Yes, no one is going to be bothered if you wore a jacket or not if you 'only intend to eat in the Self Service Buffet', however, for the fee paying alternative dining in the Lido/Kings court a jacket is still required. The problem is, after you have eaten do you intend to go back to your cabin for the rest of the evening or would you like to go off and enjoy other venues on the ship e.g. Bars/Ballroom,Theatre ,Casino etc.

 

If you feel uncomfortable wearing a jacket the only other venue/Bar would be the Winter Garden (on the vista class ships) or the new Carinthia Lounge on QM2

[annmarz]

I sympathize with kayelbee's concerns. I am on the October 18 TA - my first Cunard sailing. I was planning to wear very dark black - no fading, rips, etc. - "jeggings" with dressy tops and shoes for the informal nights. And/or black leggings with tunic style tops. But now I am wondering if this is ok. Technically, are they jeans or pants? Does it matter? I don't own any baggy trousers. I don't want to be out of place but it seems what Cunard is trying to discourage is obviously casual denim.

 

I guess I will bring enough dresses to wear if - gauging by the other passengers - the black bottoms (for lack of a better term) seem out of place.

[AZNative2000]

Yes, no one is going to be bothered if you wore a jacket or not if you 'only intend to eat in the Self Service Buffet', however, for the fee paying alternative dining in the Lido/Kings court a jacket is still required. The problem is, after you have eaten do you intend to go back to your cabin for the rest of the evening or would you like to go off and enjoy other venues on the ship e.g. Bars/Ballroom,Theatre ,Casino etc.

 

If you feel uncomfortable wearing a jacket the only other venue/Bar would be the Winter Garden (on the vista class ships) or the new Carinthia Lounge on QM2

 

No worries here Bell Boy. We are excited as we approach our very first Cunard cruise. (Seven weeks to go.):D

 

I have just purchased a new Tux and DW is shopping for another formal gown. We enjoy formal nights and will probably over-dress for the other evenings as well.:):)

 

Cheers!

[Scottygirl1]

Quick question from another newbie... I have finally been able to get into the personaliser (with help from my travel agent and Cunard) and under "dress code" it says I will see what dress is required in my itinerary. It does not... am I missing something? I am only on a 5 night cruise but there are two sea days so I presume there will be a formal night.

[Salacia]

Quick question from another newbie... I have finally been able to get into the personaliser (with help from my travel agent and Cunard) and under "dress code" it says I will see what dress is required in my itinerary. It does not... am I missing something? I am only on a 5 night cruise but there are two sea days so I presume there will be a formal night.

 

Hi Scottygirl...what cruise are you taking?

 

Sorry if I was too inquisitive...you can find dress codes here: https://ask.cunard.com/help/cunard/life-on-board/dress_code_all

Edited August 31, 2016 by Salacia

[minz56]

Quick question from another newbie... I have finally been able to get into the personaliser (with help from my travel agent and Cunard) and under "dress code" it says I will see what dress is required in my itinerary. It does not... am I missing something? I am only on a 5 night cruise but there are two sea days so I presume there will be a formal night.

 

I am guessing you might be on the Auckland/Sydney sector of QE's 2017 world cruise. If so, then it is too early for this information to be on Voyage Personaliser, but you are safe to assume that at least one of the sea days will be formal, probably the first.

[Scottygirl1]

Yes, we are only (sadly) on the Auckland to Sydney sector. I've assumed one formal night so we will dress up for sure! I'm pretty excited - years ago I took my children to see the QE2 at Wellington Harbour and I think sailing Cunard has always been on my bucket list!!