Cunard Transatlantic for younger passengers in Summer?(plus a few questions)

Hubby and I have looked at so many cruises and cruise lines for this summer we are getting a bit crazy. He has suggested a TA with Cunard going from New York to Southampton in August. We have always wanted to do this trip but figured it would be in 10 years time or so when we were a bit older.

We are late twenties, like to travel and have done 2 cruises before. Both of these were cruises over 12 days with Carnival to the Baltics and through the Panama Canal which we throughly enjoyed and are planning to cruise with them before the NY trip back. We do not mind what line, what ship as long as we are at sea and will talk to anyone but given our age we do like to party/stay up late as well as do things like Trivia, food and wine classes and relax by the pool. Is Cunard ok for us?

Just a few questions as well:

1) How formal is the dress in the day and evening? We always dressed up fully for formal nights with me in a long dress and hubby in a dark suit,shirt and cravat (he hates tuxes with a passion) but what is expected on other nights? Will hubby be ok in a smart shirt and trousers? Will maxi dresses and resort wear suffice for the day?

2)Is there any way you can have anytime dining without paying extra? We like to sit alone on occasion and work on our own time.

3)Are you made aware of any special events before you cruise? We have heard some nights are themed. Just want to know if I can plan to pack a white gown/mask etc.

4) Is there multi-cultural food choices on board and are they good? I am quite a fan of anything thats unusual or spicy and a look at the menus seemed a little plain.

5)Can you bring your own alcohol to be stored below decks? We want to by some specialty craft beers and spirits in NY before we sail.

Thanks for any input! :)

1. Your husband will need to wear a jacket each evening no matter what the dress code. Don't worry about daytime wear - anything goes.

2. There is no any time dining without paying extra (apart from the buffet area). Your choices would be speciality dining in Kings Court at $15pp, Todd English which would work out quite a bit extra or paying for a Club Balcony cabin which gives you any time dining in the Britannia Club restaurant.

3. The themed nights will be shown on your itinerary long before you sail. The theme just covers the ballroom and is not compulsory.

4. For a change of culinary scene, you could treat yourself in the renowned Todd English restaurant, offering a zesty taste of the Mediterranean. By evening, a corner of Kings Court becomes one of three mini-restaurants. La Piazza offers delicious Italian dishes, Coriander serves Indian cuisine and Lotus serves up flavours across Asia.

http://www.cunard.co.uk/cruise-ships/queen-mary-2/dining-bars-lounges/

5. You can carry on alcohol more or less to your heart's content. It goes through the scanner so they're aware you're bringing it on but no one will care.

The carry-on bag scanners in Brooklyn appear all to have been fitted with larger openings. I bring a collapsable cooler/tote that fits a case of wine upright and there's no trouble passing t through the scanners.

I'm not aware of provisions for storing passenger baggage other than in your stateroom, including alcohol.

Thanks for the advice.

We are not particularly worried whether we have the drinks on the ship or when we get home but just used to Cruise lines taking our drinks and storing them away. :)

Keeping it in the cabin would be better actually and it would be quite lovely to drink a NY craft ale while sailing away or have our own spirits on ice to relax one evening.

Underwatr is right about there being no below deck storage areas for passengers. Whatever you bring has to be kept in your stateroom.

If you enjoy late parties, there is dancing in the Queens Room until late and there is the G32 nightclub. If you prefer quieter late nights there is the Commodore Club and Chart Room. Finally, there is usually a late movie screening in Illuminations.

Hubby and I have looked at so many cruises and cruise lines for this summer we are getting a bit crazy. He has suggested a TA with Cunard going from New York to Southampton in August. We have always wanted to do this trip but figured it would be in 10 years time or so when we were a bit older.

 

We are late twenties, like to travel and have done 2 cruises before. Both of these were cruises over 12 days with Carnival to the Baltics and through the Panama Canal which we throughly enjoyed and are planning to cruise with them before the NY trip back. We do not mind what line, what ship as long as we are at sea and will talk to anyone but given our age we do like to party/stay up late as well as do things like Trivia, food and wine classes and relax by the pool. Is Cunard ok for us?

 

Just a few questions as well:

 

1) How formal is the dress in the day and evening? We always dressed up fully for formal nights with me in a long dress and hubby in a dark suit,shirt and cravat (he hates tuxes with a passion) but what is expected on other nights? Will hubby be ok in a smart shirt and trousers? Will maxi dresses and resort wear suffice for the day?

 

2)Is there any way you can have anytime dining without paying extra? We like to sit alone on occasion and work on our own time.

 

3)Are you made aware of any special events before you cruise? We have heard some nights are themed. Just want to know if I can plan to pack a white gown/mask etc.

 

4) Is there multi-cultural food choices on board and are they good? I am quite a fan of anything thats unusual or spicy and a look at the menus seemed a little plain.

 

5)Can you bring your own alcohol to be stored below decks? We want to by some specialty craft beers and spirits in NY before we sail.

 

Thanks for any input! :)

A tie or bow tie formal nights a must, no tie needed on informal nights. But I am sure your hubby will go with the flow when you are all dressed up in your gown like many of the other lady passengers. My wife and I are doing the roundtrip transatlantic in June, if you do the transatlantic crossing I am sure you will love it:D

Welcome to the Cunard forum!

You're okay on most everything, but your young adult late night partying and pool relaxing objectives give me a bit of pause. Late night entertainment is not Cunard's forte--the primary and often sole venue for late night partying is G32, and there has been a lot of talk here about the uninspired DJ (especially lack of current nightclub music) and even occasional use of house bands playing Caribbean and other non-nightclub typical music. Another thing to know about G32 is, it's one of the few indoor spaces for smoking, and it has a terrible ventilation system. So some find it unbearable. As to the pool scene, it's nothing you can count on, as even in the summer, the temps crossing the northern Atlantic can be very cool, and wind and rain are not uncommon. Or you might get lucky with a string of warm, sunny days! Point is, you just never know.

Overall, Cunard hasn't done a lot to attract a young adult crowd, so you will not find a large number of peers.

With all that said, for well-traveled people who enjoy the company of all ages, are lifelong learners and can happily entertain themselves when nothing fancies, a crossing can be a delightful experience. We are from the US, too, and we like to end a European land vacation with a crossing. It can't be beat on price, serves as the perfect "vacation to recover from my vacation" and allows you to avoid jet lag because the one-hour daily clock changes enable you to step off in the states on NY time.

Only you two can decide--hit some reviews, particularly from your age group. Good luck with your research!

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A tie or bow tie formal nights a must, no tie needed on informal nights. But I am sure your hubby will go with the flow when you are all dressed up in your gown like many of the other lady passengers. My wife and I are doing the roundtrip transatlantic in June, if you do the transatlantic crossing I am sure you will love it:D

Thanks for even more advice everyone. :)

Is a Cravat considered acceptable? Hubby has his dress black suit for formal events and he often wears one of his cravats to go with it and a dark coloured shirt so its not wedding like...he has the floppy hair and thin build to pull it off. He likes dressing up just does not like the tux look at all and I agree.

He does have some ties for work if his neck wear isn't suitable. He sort of does it like below:

Formal calls for a tie not a cravat.

Formal calls for a tie not a cravat.

Is that just on Cunard or your take?

Hubby is not going to be happy if Cunard have said this, his black formal cravat has always been fine for black tie/formal events before.

The majority of male Cunard passengers wear a tuxedo on formal nights. It's not like "elegant night" on other lines.

QM2 on a transatlantic crossing, especially in summer has more an age range than I've found on other Cunard voyages. As a result, I found that although the dress code (for example the wearing of a jacket on informal nights) was strictly enforced, that as long as on a formal night a male passenger is wearing either a dinner jacket (tuxedo) or a dark suit, with a tie you will be just fine.

I varied wearing a bow tie with a slim black tie, just to add a bit of variety to photographs etc. So as long as there is some form of neck wear, your husband should be fine. It was quite common amongst the 20-35 year olds on board to wear a tie instead of a bow tie, so a cravat I'm sure will be fine. With it being a very international clientele there is obviously a degree of understanding that formal dress rules may differ from one country to another.

There were around 50 people in the 20-35 age group on board, although it is a big ship, so you don't necessarily bump into people all the time. I did find that the nightclub G32 became a natural area to get to know other young people onboard. From that point on people started to arrange to meet in the day or evenings elsewhere. It does annoy me G32 is a smoking venue but I think it's a great initial place to meet people.

The ship is huge and there are plenty of bars and space to explore. You'll have a great time :)

I'd say also that the Britannia restaurant menu is relatively traditional of an evening. The lunch menu often offers more exotic and spicy dishes and is well worth a trip. I've had some really nice curry dishes for example in the day in Britannia. The Kings Court offers the alternative dining and Corriander and Lotus are Indian and Pan-Asian offerings. That is one element of the Kings Court that works well, as they screen the area, in a way that makes it looks like a restaurant, rather than just the buffet you've used in the day!

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They do have a get together for 18-30 in G32 with a few glass of sparkling wine (champagne supposedly). In August last year it was well attended and I git to know a number of people I socialised with over the voyage. I was 32, so I broke the rules but there were 30 plus people there, lawyers, business people, some post-grad students so wasn't just students :) It runs for an hour on the first full day in the afternoon.

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The Kings court also has an area of an evening that serves pizza and pasta made to order. It's separate to the Italian alternative dining option and comes at no extra charge. The tables are set out and have waiter service. You can get your pasta or pizza nicely spiced up to your order. It's nice if you don't fancy the main dining room and you can just turn up anytime. Don't hesitate to ask for food to be spiced up in Britannia, I often ask for some Chilli to be added to a dish :)

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Thank goodness for that! He is quite fond of dressing a little dandyish when the occasion is right. When I said formal occasions I did not mean formal nights on other cruise lines as ourselves and our friends have seen this rule become very liberal on ships. I meant when we have attended functions on land which adds to the above comment about younger formal being a little different as on these occasions we saw that under 40s had normal ties or the cravat/slim tie.

Good to hear about the age range. Our recent Panama Canal cruise was mainly older passengers but we found friends our age at the Trivia and the hot tubs and got on with everybody. The smoking thing is a pain but it was like that in the club on Carnival.

The food news is great too I especially love Asian food. :)

Glad I posted on these forums as the internet is so conflicting. Thanks!

No worries, feel free to ask any questions you come up with. I was on her for 15 days, back 2 back last summer, so got to know quite a bit about life onboard. If you want to party QM2 has a real party side to it; Because it goes on till the very early hours of the morning, not everyone sees it or is aware of it.

You get plenty of people from cities like New York and London and many people are doing it as a once in a lifetime experience to tick off, so you meet a really interesting mix of people, including a few eccentrics. Some people are stupidly rich, many are just fascinated by travelling on the last great liner from the new world to the old or vice versa.

I think it's what makes a crossing unique, as you just can't define someone who books to go on QM2, as easily as you could RCI or certainly a Cunard voyage in the UK. You'll find people hosting their own parties, providing everyone with free drinks, and you never know you may even get invited along ;) It's unique, fun but can be as relaxing as you want, you can always find a quiet bit of deck, even on the warmest of days. There is no other large ship, I can think of that allows you that luxury. We got some great weather in August, beautiful warm sunny days on deck and just staring out into the Atlantic, with nothing else even remotely close is amazing :)

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Thanks for even more advice everyone. :)

 

Is a Cravat considered acceptable? Hubby has his dress black suit for formal events and he often wears one of his cravats to go with it and a dark coloured shirt so its not wedding like...he has the floppy hair and thin build to pull it off. He likes dressing up just does not like the tux look at all and I agree.

 

I think you will enjoy Cunard.

And perhaps your husband might enjoy a visit to "Fine and Dandy" in Hells Kitchen when you are in NYC - we found it quite by accident and has some nice accessories for gents who like to dress up.

Is that just on Cunard or your take?

 

Hubby is not going to be happy if Cunard have said this, his black formal cravat has always been fine for black tie/formal events before.

Much as I hate to upset him, Cunard say:

Is there a dress code on board?

The dress code helps to set the tone of an evening on board the whole ship, and generally most guests enjoy the ambience generated.

A full break down of dress codes, the number of formal nights and any themed balls can be viewed via the link below along with the suggested attire for each type of evening:

What will the dress code be whilst I am on board?

During the day

Casual shirts, shorts, trousers and beachwear are ideal. The main restaurants require a casual wear dress code for breakfast and lunch, however you may wear shorts in either the Kings Court (Queen Mary 2) or Lido Restaurant (Queen Victoria & Queen Elizabeth).

Evenings

Evenings will be split into 2 different dress codes. You will be notified of the evening's dress code in your Daily Programme. As a guide, these will be:

Formal evening wear consists of an evening or cocktail dress or smart trouser suit for ladies. A tuxedo, dinner jacket or dark suit with appropriate neck wear for men or you may wear formal national dress or military uniform. Military or Award decorations may be worn on formal nights. A range of gentleman's formal wear is available to hire on board. Further details on this facility can be found by clicking here.

Informal evenings would consist of a required jacket and optional tie optional for gentlemen, whilst ladies should wear cocktail dresses, stylish separates or equivalent.

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. On formal nights, any guests wishing to dress more casually are welcome to dine in the Kings Court or Lido buffet restaurant and relax in the Winter Garden or Garden Lounge bar, but should not use other areas within the ship, including our Alternative Dining Restaurants, out of respect for their fellow guests.

Children

Children under 18 do not have a dress code but should adhere to the daily dress code where possible.

Much as I hate to upset him, Cunard say:

 

 

Evenings

Evenings will be split into 2 different dress codes. You will be notified of the evening's dress code in your Daily Programme. As a guide, these will be:

 

Formal evening wear consists of an evening or cocktail dress or smart trouser suit for ladies. A tuxedo, dinner jacket or dark suit with appropriate neck wear for men or you may wear formal national dress or military uniform. Military or Award decorations may be worn on formal nights. A range of gentleman's formal wear is available to hire on board. Further details on this facility can be found by clicking here.

.

That was the ambiguous sentence that had me questioning in the first place. :D as 'appropriate neck wear' has several different meanings to different people. He knows his neck has to be 'dressed' for formal events and would always adhere to that.

My research on this rainy afternoon in Australia - where the opportunities to dress formally are few - indicates that a cravat is generally reserved for daytime wear.

I do think the fellow in the picture above looks very smart.

That was the ambiguous sentence that had me questioning in the first place. :D as 'appropriate neck wear' has several different meanings to different people. He knows his neck has to be 'dressed' for formal events and would always adhere to that.

I can't speak for the vastly more experienced capnpugwash, but I've yet to see a cravat worn on any of my voyages with Cunard on formal nights, instead of a tie or bow tie.

On an informal night men can wear an open collar if they wish (although many will still wear ties), if your DH wishes to add a cravat to that, I think it would be excellent, and what a great idea, go for it :) As your photo above shows, it looks comfortable and relaxed.

But on a formal night, no matter how one dresses it, open collars are not permitted.

As others have stated, a tie or bow tie is required. I know that other lines so-called "formal nights" are more relaxed about this, but Cunard is not in my experience.

As you'll see once on board, at a cocktail reception in the Queens Room, or in the restaurants on board, the vast majority of men will be in black dinner suits and bow ties, with around 10% in dark suits and ties.

May I suggest that your DH takes his cravats and packs one or two ties as well. That way he will be equipped for every night on board (and avoid the possible embarrassment of being denied entry to a restaurant) without the need to purchase a tie from the shops. Cravats are fine for day-time or, as I said, informal evenings (as cravats are "informal" wear :) (with the possible exception of ascot and weddings with "tails")

At the end of the day, "formal" does not mean an open-collared shirt. Many enjoy the formality of Cunard and don't wish to see it eroded.

I hope this helps. Bon Voyage :)

Sorry, I was in the middle of editing a paragraph when I was "timed out" :o

I meant to say:

May I suggest that your DH takes his cravats and packs one or two ties as well. That way he will be equipped for every night on board (and avoid the possible embarrassment of being denied entry to a restaurant) without the need to purchase a tie from the shops. Cravats are fine for day-time or, as I said, informal evenings (as cravats are "informal" wear (with the possible exceptions of formal Ascot morning suits or weddings with "top hat and tails" where the cravat is worn outside the collar as a tie))

My apologies.

While the cravat may have been considered by Sir Percival Blakney as the 'apotheosis of all neckwear' in the BBC Scarlet Pimpernel (played by the talented Richard E Grant), it is 2015 - not 1794.

While I've sadly seen jeans and a half buttoned shirt admitted on formal night (rude American who ranted about his rights etc), I've never seen a cravat.

It's my view that a cravat is usually reserved for eccentrics like authors, ageing musicians and colourfully fashioned men like Stephen Fry (although I've never seen a photo of him in a cravat - but he seems the type who would wear one).

My advice to the young lady asking about her partner is please don't let him wear it. Also, throw all his cravats away.

While he might hate a tux, a nice suit with tie will do. A man in a well fitting suit with a tasteful shirt and tie combination will always bring out his best. He can't go wrong.

This always becomes a very sensitive area in regards to Cunard. I totally agree with earlier posters and I am equally as passionate about dress code standards being upheld.

However I believe that by formal, we mean people making every effort to look as smart and well presented as possible. Basically we want to see people making an effort, so they don't look like someone visiting the local pub or nightclub.

I've long felt that while female passengers are given every flexibility to wear dresses, long or short and of every colour under the sun and to varying degrees of formality, it is perhaps a bit unfair on gentleman to not in anyway evolve their formal attire.

The rules are ambiguous, as clearly dinner jackets or tuxedos come in different colours, so is a bright pink or zebra print one appropriate if a person chose to express themselves in that way. I've also seen girls wearing dinner jackets at formal events, amongst the younger generations, which I'm sure some people wouldn't like but I very much respected the individual's right to express themselves whilst maintaining formality.

My point is that styled correctly, with an appropriate suit or dinner jacket, a cravat could certainly convey more of a sense of formality, effort and style and be more in keeping with the efforts of fellow guests at a ball, than a cheap dark suit and awful tie.

A formal night should be about making that extra effort, to look polished and extremely well presented, making it obvious that you have gone to that extra trouble for that special occasion.

I believe above all that Cunard transatlantic shouldn't become a museum piece or themed hotel. It should embrace traditions, but we want it to continue to be a liner and allow people of all generations to cross the Atlantic, in a sophisticated way. Fashions and rules evolve and it's important we maintain tradition but allow some modifications and expression. I'd certainly suggest that this has occurred with the female fashion onboard over the years, so why not with the males.

As long as the rules of dinner jacket/dark suit and some form of neckwear are followed, which they are here, it seems just a variation on the normal but within the rule book.

I think often technicalities can scare people off Cunard as they fear will be told you can't sit there or that is reserved for X! That there is a stuffy atmosphere onboard and that the ship takes itself to seriously. That's just not the case and I really believe that as long as fellow passengers see you being respectful of events and dress codes (making the effort to dress up) then you will find it such a relaxed environment.

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