Urgent - what do I pack?

[chipsdog]

Hi

 

this is our first cruise, we are going to New York from Southampton on Tuesday, will I need to pack a coat ? stupid question I know, but, I haven't got a clue what the weather will be like!

 

Many thanks

[ocngypz]

Bring a raincoat.

[caden]

Just returned from the E/B June 9th crossing.

3 Formal nights-Tux

1 Informal night-Sport Coat & Tie

Casual night-Button Down Shirt or Golf Shirt and long pants

Our crossing was damp,chilly,fogy and sunny. Yes everything

You will need a light jacket/sweatshirt/windshirt

If you have a golfer's windshirt take it, I found that to be the most useful piece I packed.

When you walk the deck, and you will, it can be damp.

Durring the day long pants, golf shirt or button down works fine

Also, you will loose an hour a day going east.

There are also small laudries that you can use.

[flag fan]

I am going later this year (October). Should I pack a sweater, or can I buy one on board (a nice practical souvenir)? Should I pack an alarm clock or do the cabins have those? I want to travel as light as possible.

[msk68]

I am going later this year (October). Should I pack a sweater, or can I buy one on board (a nice practical souvenir)? Should I pack an alarm clock or do the cabins have those? I want to travel as light as possible.

 

I did a w/b crossing last October. The weather was all over the place. Mostly we had nice sunny weather but the sea could be rough. They were having great sales on their branded apparel since the ship was preparing for dry-dock so I got a great fleece jacket that I love - the sleeves zip off so it makes a handy vest as well. You will need something for the wind.

[mariaemp675@hotmail.com]

Hi Flag Fan,

 

Yes, bring a small battery operated clock if you have one. No, there is no clock in the cabin like there are in hotel rooms.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Maria

[JGR01]

First .. you are NOT going on a Cruise .. you are doing a CROSSING. That is the proper term for NYC-Southampton.

 

People are giving you great advice so far.

 

You do not mention your stateroom choice. The answer of packing will vary if you are Princess/Queens Grill or Brittania restaurant. The Grills are much more formal (every nigth even without formal night designation). That can be a challenge!

 

Ascot Night ladies will need a hat (or something to make a hat onboard - FEATHERS are good choices).

 

Afternoon Tea should be a bit more dressy than your deck-wear. Again in Grill category even a bit more dressy.

 

Alarm clock is good just know how to set it each night. You loose one hour each day on this Crossing so every day is 23hours long!

 

Flip flops for pedicure appointment at the spa.

 

Sun screen for time on the decks!

 

The shops onboard will have such simple things as sweaters .. but more shops tend to be upscale (luxury goods) so you may want to purchase something blingbling or a new formal outfit for one evening.

 

WHY three formal nights? Night 2 is formal as it is the Captains Reception for Grill pax. Night 3 is formal for Brittania pax. So two nights running. Then the last formal night is 'for fun' tho in actuallity it conincides with a Captions reception that is by invitation only .. and also is Ascot Night.

 

Some people have mentioned a over-the-door makeup hanging bag so that the limited counter space in the bathroom is not stressed (I had a Q5 Suite and there was room but not a LOT extra tho there was plenty of off-counter storeage space).

 

Forget the binculars . there is not much to see while at sea!

 

A mobile phone is worthless unless you have one that work (different band type) in the UK .. and it will only work close to land .. I could see the south coast of England the night before Southampton and still no service .. tho once at dock my UK-style phone worked well.

 

E-mail accounts of your friends should you wish to use the in-cabin (or business center?) computers.

 

A sharp elbow for the hubby in case you go to the Planetarium and hear snoring next to you. The shows were great but the seats too comfortable and totally dark that the snoring was noticable!

 

You lucky medalion or rabbits foot for the casino.

 

If you need power for several things (computer, cell phone, camera, PDA and such) look at bringing a power strip or gang plug. I recall that the desk area did not have a lot of 110 power available.

 

CLOTHES! Breakfast can be casual in the dining room or Horizon (tho I never ate at the buffet I transited it sometimes). Then you may want something less for the 'morning walk' or deck time. Lunch will need a bit more clothing .. followed by afternoon on the deck (or some activity of your choosing). Tea. Dinner. Evening show/dancing etc. All potential cloth changes.

 

You did not say if you were post-Crossing touring in UK .. Cunard has a White Glove luggage service where they will ship luggage home (to the US) from the ship. You might want to plan one suitcase of only shipboard clothes to go home that way and travel a bit lighter while in the UK. AND if you bought sweater/jogging togs/t-shirts etc on the ship this is a good way to ship them home too!

 

Many people talk about the poor hair driers, lack of curling irons and lack of full length mirrors in the cabins. The suggestion would be to use the Hair Salon for your 'formal night portaits' and accept what the accomodations are onboard (your UK hotel will be similar with problems with current and power for these things also).

 

I like to drink plenty of water while in the sun. I have taken along the small packs of Crystal Lite and Kool-Ade that are designed for a single serve water bottle. Much nicer to have something cool and tasty rather than just cool water!

 

The Library has plenty of books so I would not worry about packing reading materials.

 

The biggest comment would be to ENJOY the Crossing and take enough clothes that you can change several times a day (or have things laundered) and not worry about running out.