ClipperinSFO

Have only done TAs on Cunard (QM2/QE2), so I have approached the dress code in a strict and traditional way, meaning I wore black tie for the gala nights, and creative black tie for the non-gala nights, other than first and last nights. Not sure how I would handle evening dress for a cruise where the old school rules guiding non-gala nights would seem a bit less defined.

Thanks all. We have opted for the car transfer service to avoid changing trains with a lot of luggage. If there had been a direct train (or we had fewer bags) we definitely would have gone by rail, but really appreciate everyone’s input, it helped in evaluating the options.

On my last QM2 TA, I caught the heel of my shoe in the hem of my formal trousers. The next morning I rang and gave it to the butler and asked if they could be mended in time for the next gala night. The following day there was a ring at the door and a very nice stewardess returned the trousers pressed, repaired and ready to wear. It was so nice to have it all seamlessly sorted - pun intended.

This has been a wonderful thread - it’s really put this cruise on the map for me and I hope to do it one day myself on a Cunarder. Thanks for all your posts.

Thanks again - esp versus the direct vs connecting trains info. My only resistance to taking the train (and changing) is lugging around the various streamer trunks required for a crossing. Car and driver came back at UKL195 which is a lot of money, so may be willing to do the lugging ourselves since we are in no rush.

Thanks very much for this review. Had a good friend on the ship this trip also doing his first crossing (but in Britannia vs QG) and so eagerly awaiting his review. Key question, would you do it again? Sounds like you would but in a lower grade of cabin (PG is lovely BTW).

Thanks for all the suggestions. It's a mid-December Saturday. The cars are coming out quite expensive (GPB 150-200) and we are both relatively nimble with only one large bag and a couple of smaller ones each. We are in no particular hurry, so the train journey looks to be quite appealing. All I see are connections, either at Clapham Junction or Three Bridges.

We are disembarking in Southampton from QM2 on a Saturday morning and heading straight for Brighton for a couple of days. Any recommendations for how best to make the transfer? I am assuming we should use car service, (the trains look slow and require changes), but we are in search of a recommended car service for the run. Thanks in advance!

At one point, wasn't pressing *included* for QG suites? I seem to remember it was, although I am aware that now it is not.

The great thing about men's clothes, especially classics like a tuxedo, is that the styles change soooo slowly. Tailoring seems a small expense by comparison to having to get new garments all the time.

Agree with your last post @carolina_yankee. I would just buy a really good (used) tux now and have it tailored. Before our crossing in May, I had to visit the tailor to have jackets and trousers let out a bit. I was reminded the human body does change over time and in choosing quality garments, they can (within reason) be easily adjusted. Fwiw, my DH swears by Jos Banks, but regardless of our different strategies, we don't look too much like the sartorial odd couple.

Great story, thanks for sharing. We like the heavier seas to remind us that we are indeed crossing an ocean, and a storied one at that. The flat calm crossings are of course nice but not nearly as atmospheric as the rough(er) ones. This is one of the reasons we really like the winter crossings.

Lucky you! Hope you report in / let us know how it goes. From looking at the storm and QM2 itinerary, looks like you may skirt the worst of it, since QM2's first stop is Boston and the storm will have passed well to the East. Still if you're lucky there will be enough wave action to remind you you are truly at sea. Bon voyage!

Just looking at the ship's position and the storm track. Wonder what if any diversion will be needed after she leaves NY on the 23rd. And yes, very envious of those on the coming Atlantic Canada cruise, there should be a good rock and roll for the first coupe of days (well, relative to the QM2, which is a very stable ship).

Preach brother Phil! We are in the process of checking in for an upcoming TA and I remain disappointed by Cunard IT. It's clugey, doesn't work, or just redundant. Soooo many missed opportunities for engagement, good service and add on sales! Love Cunard, but certainly not for their IT guest interface!

Well in hindsight, the Rotterdam V sailed on for many many years more, so had one known that you could have done both easily. I smile on Rotterdam V and wish I had taken more pictures. I remember some of her public rooms were gorgeous in that classic MCM way!

Thank you @CGTNORMANDIE and @rkacruiser for the confirmation and added information!

Hi Everyone -- My parents crossed from NY to Cherbourg on the Bremen in April of 1960 at the start of their honeymoon, and I am trying to geotag a picture of theirs. Any idea from what pier in Manhattan she sailed? Pier 88? Thanks for any info or educated guesses!