GWAM Posted July 3, 2017 #1 Share Posted July 3, 2017 Hello, first post, first time Cunarder this autumn (westbound TA). Major anniversary for my wife and I. We're fully on-board with all the dress-code regs of the QM2 etc. (in fact that's a major part of the reason for our trip - to dress up and live it up). Basically the stricter the dress code the happier we'll be. My query concerns my suits. I'm taking four which includes my tux. The tux ain't expensive. But two of the other three suits are what you could call quite expensive (over £500). Another, though, is, well, very expensive and hand-made. I know that may sound a bit snobby, but hey. Naturally, I'm really protective of them. As I'd always been a bit concerned, pre-booking, about the general transportation of my clobber, I turned down the Cunard option of travelling from the north of England to fly from Manchester to Soton; instead I've booked a one-way hire-car the day before we sail, purposefully so that all of my hanging gear (and my wife's dresses) can be easily stored and still hanging in the back of the motor. Sure, a big benefit of the car journey is that we'll be able to relax a little the night before sailing and just make our way to the Soton docks on the lunchtime of embarkation in a relatively easy manner (we're staying pretty close to the dock). However, THE major reason for the car hire is to keep hanging stuff still hanging all the way on to the boat. I know that at some point when we leave New York that I'll eventually have to grin and bear things by finally putting my suits into a case (already budgeted for the extra luggage charge and all that - and indeed have bought an extra size case for the suits only). But I really do want to keep my suits hung-up and within my sight and control for as long as possible. So, what happens when I check in at Soton? Am I allowed to keep my suit carriers (four; and probably two for my wife) at my side and carry them on board myself, over my shoulder? Or do I have to hand them over – and therefore out of my sight and control – and just have to trust judgment that the porters (and from what I've been reading on here for the last few months, they do sound like they're very, very good at their job) will treat my threads with care? Probably sounds pedantic, I know, but it's a big issue for me all the same. So I'd just like to know well in advance. I don't want to go to all the trouble of hiring a car to keep everything hung up right to the point of checking in, only to then see my suits just folded up onto a luggage carrier or whatever for a few hours. But at the same time, I appreciate that Cunard might not allow me to carry bulky stuff on board myself and I might have to lump that. Any info will be most appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camgirl Posted July 3, 2017 #2 Share Posted July 3, 2017 Don't worry about it. One of our friends always carries his 3 suits in their carriers over his shoulder so it should not be a problem at all. You will just have to put them through the scanner at the terminal and then carry them as you wish. I hope you have a wonderful voyage, what a lovely anniversary treat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWAM Posted July 3, 2017 Author #3 Share Posted July 3, 2017 Thank you camgirl. That really is super news. Yes, we're really looking forward to it. Quite a thrill. Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abefroman329 Posted July 3, 2017 #4 Share Posted July 3, 2017 My query concerns my suits. I'm taking four which includes my tux. The tux ain't expensive. But two of the other three suits are what you could call quite expensive (over £500). Another, though, is, well, very expensive and hand-made. I know that may sound a bit snobby, but hey. Naturally, I'm really protective of them. Nothing wrong with paying for quality, but four suits for one TA sounds excessive. I'm bringing two (one black for formal nights, one gray for informal nights) and seriously considering only bringing the black suit and wearing it with non-white shirts on formal nights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Host Hattie Posted July 3, 2017 #5 Share Posted July 3, 2017 Thank you camgirl. That really is super news. Yes, we're really looking forward to it. Quite a thrill. Thanks again. Have a wonderful time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWAM Posted July 3, 2017 Author #6 Share Posted July 3, 2017 Nothing wrong with paying for quality, but four suits for one TA sounds excessive. I'm bringing two (one black for formal nights, one gray for informal nights) and seriously considering only bringing the black suit and wearing it with non-white shirts on formal nights. I dare say abefroman329, and sincere thanks for the advice. But remember we're still in the first flush of all things Cunard and as happily naive as it gets (this site has been invaluable though for advice). In fact, taking four suits is actually one less than I originally intended! I know! Actually, though, we do have 12 nights in NYC after the voyage and I plan for two of them to be at least "posh" enough for lounge suits, so it will be good to have the choice. I'm generally comfortable in suits and formal wear but I do take and appreciate your substantive point and well intended advice. More than likely that when it comes to our second voyage (for one thing I am absolutely certain of is that we'll get hooked on Cunard), my four will become three or two. "Oh, look, there's a guy bringing four suits aboard - must be a newbie!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWAM Posted July 3, 2017 Author #7 Share Posted July 3, 2017 Have a wonderful time. Thank you. Here's hoping and expecting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abefroman329 Posted July 3, 2017 #8 Share Posted July 3, 2017 I dare say abefroman329, and sincere thanks for the advice. But remember we're still in the first flush of all things Cunard and as happily naive as it gets (this site has been invaluable though for advice). In fact, taking four suits is actually one less than I originally intended! I know! Actually, though, we do have 12 nights in NYC after the voyage and I plan for two of them to be at least "posh" enough for lounge suits, so it will be good to have the choice. I'm generally comfortable in suits and formal wear but I do take and appreciate your substantive point and well intended advice. More than likely that when it comes to our second voyage (for one thing I am absolutely certain of is that we'll get hooked on Cunard), my four will become three or two. "Oh, look, there's a guy bringing four suits aboard - must be a newbie!" Ah, 12 nights in NYC after the cruise, you'll definitely have opportunities to wear them afterwards. After our eastbound TA, we're spending 7 nights in Oxfordshire, and I can think of one occasion I might have to wear a suit, which is why I'm packing light. Of course, it's also my first Cunard cruise, so there's an equal chance they'll be saying "Oh look, there's a guy with only one suit/two suits; must be a newbie!" about me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennbank Posted July 3, 2017 #9 Share Posted July 3, 2017 I dare say abefroman329, and sincere thanks for the advice. But remember we're still in the first flush of all things Cunard and as happily naive as it gets (this site has been invaluable though for advice). In fact, taking four suits is actually one less than I originally intended! I know! Actually, though, we do have 12 nights in NYC after the voyage and I plan for two of them to be at least "posh" enough for lounge suits, so it will be good to have the choice. I'm generally comfortable in suits and formal wear but I do take and appreciate your substantive point and well intended advice. More than likely that when it comes to our second voyage (for one thing I am absolutely certain of is that we'll get hooked on Cunard), my four will become three or two. "Oh, look, there's a guy bringing four suits aboard - must be a newbie!" Ah, 12 nights in NYC after the cruise, you'll definitely have opportunities to wear them afterwards. After our eastbound TA, we're spending 7 nights in Oxfordshire, and I can think of one occasion I might have to wear a suit, which is why I'm packing light. Of course, it's also my first Cunard cruise, so there's an equal chance they'll be saying "Oh look, there's a guy with only one suit/two suits; must be a newbie!" about me. "newbies" are recognised by the Red stripe on your Cunard Cruise Card. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abefroman329 Posted July 3, 2017 #10 Share Posted July 3, 2017 "newbies" are recognised by the Red stripe on your Cunard Cruise Card. :D Well, I'll be using mine discreetly, passing it back and forth in the palm of my hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWAM Posted July 3, 2017 Author #11 Share Posted July 3, 2017 "newbies" are recognised by the Red stripe on your Cunard Cruise Card. :D What, as well as the paper hat we have to wear and the Veuve we have to buy for all our table mates on night one?! :') Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abefroman329 Posted July 3, 2017 #12 Share Posted July 3, 2017 the Veuve we have to buy for all our table mates on night one?! Wait, Veuve AND we have to buy all of their elevator passes for them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slugsta Posted July 3, 2017 #13 Share Posted July 3, 2017 Hubby and I took 7 cases between us on our first cruise (round trip to/from Southampton). In fact, we're not that much better now :o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abefroman329 Posted July 3, 2017 #14 Share Posted July 3, 2017 Hubby and I took 7 cases between us on our first cruise (round trip to/from Southampton). In fact, we're not that much better now :o Even if, say, we were arriving at the port by car and taking a cruise that started and ended at that port (and, therefore, not bound to airline checked baggage limits and the process of moving luggage around), I don't know where we'd stash 7 empty suitcases in an inside cabin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HelloKittysMum Posted July 3, 2017 #15 Share Posted July 3, 2017 I am not a light packer so for an eight night crossing I will typically take 10 dresses for evening. This year we are doing westbound and disembarking in NY while my parents are doing round trip so I plan to leave all the formal wear on the ship with them to bring home so we can fill empty suitcases with shopping. Exchange rate isn't what it was (I remember a couple of years ago being distressed it was below 1.50 to the pound (after getting 1.70 the previous summer) and look at it now) but there are some American brands that fit my 18 year old very slim (skinny) son so we will be stocking up on jeans and shirts. Sent from my GT-I9505 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underwatr Posted July 4, 2017 #16 Share Posted July 4, 2017 Even if, say, we were arriving at the port by car and taking a cruise that started and ended at that port (and, therefore, not bound to airline checked baggage limits and the process of moving luggage around), I don't know where we'd stash 7 empty suitcases in an inside cabin. Under the bed, nested if necessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Solent Richard Posted July 4, 2017 #17 Share Posted July 4, 2017 I dare say abefroman329, and sincere thanks for the advice. But remember we're still in the first flush of all things Cunard and as happily naive as it gets (this site has been invaluable though for advice). In fact, taking four suits is actually one less than I originally intended! I know! Actually, though, we do have 12 nights in NYC after the voyage and I plan for two of them to be at least "posh" enough for lounge suits, so it will be good to have the choice. I'm generally comfortable in suits and formal wear but I do take and appreciate your substantive point and well intended advice. More than likely that when it comes to our second voyage (for one thing I am absolutely certain of is that we'll get hooked on Cunard), my four will become three or two. "Oh, look, there's a guy bringing four suits aboard - must be a newbie!" Good on you with a startling choice of suits. On any trans-Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2 I would take three tux/dinner jackets. Have a good voyage and, as it appears your first, you may wish to check out this review I wrote last December... https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2017/01/02/queen-mary-2-remastered-trans-atlantic/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Solent Richard Posted July 4, 2017 #18 Share Posted July 4, 2017 Even if, say, we were arriving at the port by car and taking a cruise that started and ended at that port (and, therefore, not bound to airline checked baggage limits and the process of moving luggage around), I don't know where we'd stash 7 empty suitcases in an inside cabin. Where's MaggieMou when she's needed. :evilsmile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWAM Posted July 4, 2017 Author #19 Share Posted July 4, 2017 Thank you all for the good advice, fun and participation in this thread. I've been watching the board for a few months now, wondering whether "Cunard is for us" (but really knowing, deep down, all along, that it's certain to be) and have been more than re-assured by the good tone on here (though serious when necessary). It really has been a valuable resource trawling through all the various threads; can't state that enough. Also Solent Richard, yes, I'd read your review much earlier in the year and although we'd already well booked our voyage at that stage, it was so very welcome to a read a hot-off-the-press review of life on the post-refurb QM2. Your blog is an immeasurable help for newbies. So, it more than re-assured us, if that were possible, that we've made a great decision. In short: "What should we do for our silver wedding to really celebrate?"; "Well, I've always fancied a longish stretch in NYC to do all those NYC things, you know, not just three or four days, but long enough to go downtown, midtown, uptown, Coney, up-state and round the back of whichever Battery and Bowery we want to go to..."; "Yeah? Well okay, let's do it, but to make it even more memorable, let's sail there in grand style and turn two weeks into three and do the whole shebang in style."; "Right, ah...but there's only Cunard..."; "Even better!" And now, with all the macro arrangements of the last year or so sorted, I'm happily scouring the micro-details of how to take my suits aboard! All very enjoyable indeed.(y) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bell Boy Posted July 4, 2017 #20 Share Posted July 4, 2017 Hello GWAM, like me you obviously take a pride in your appearance, rest assured you can never be overdressed on a Cunard crossing. ;) go for it ! I'm sure on your return you'll be browsing your Cunard brochure again, so you might be interested in the 'Transatlantic Fashion Week' crossing 2018 . I enjoyed last years TFW crossing, so much so, I booked again for this year, departing August 31st, there is something of interest for everyone and every age group. This year, Cunard will be featuring presentations from Iris Apfel for the ladies and Savile Row for us guys. In the mean time I've just gone and booked an extra cheeky little crossing for the 'Judy Garland clothes Auction' departing NY August 12th, however, I guess I'll be out bid for those ruby red slippers.:') Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
balf Posted July 4, 2017 #21 Share Posted July 4, 2017 Under the bed, nested if necessary. Seven cases under a bed, good luck with that one. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underwatr Posted July 4, 2017 #22 Share Posted July 4, 2017 Seven cases under a bed, good luck with that one. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseluvva Posted July 4, 2017 #23 Share Posted July 4, 2017 Seven cases under a bed, good luck with that one. David We've done it - even with the drawers in place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camgirl Posted July 4, 2017 #24 Share Posted July 4, 2017 We've done it - even with the drawers in place. Us too. No problem!!! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseluvva Posted July 4, 2017 #25 Share Posted July 4, 2017 Us too. No problem!!! :D I remember that like me, you don't travel light :') Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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