shipmannj Posted September 11, 2013 #1 Share Posted September 11, 2013 Hi all, While not our first Cunard cruise, My friend and I have finally booked our first crossing this November from Hamburg-NYC. We would like, after many times of just simply using dark suits, to "do it right" and wear true formal on formal nights. Does anyone have any experience with the onboard rental service? What sizes to they have (I am 6'4 and need tall cuts, my friend is standard off the rack)? How expensive is it to rent onboard and how reliable is the service? The website does not give any further information other than to say that it is available. Is there another site I should be looking at, or a particular department I can call for further information? I figured that if anyone could help me, it would be the group here. Thanks for any assistance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaxted Posted September 11, 2013 #2 Share Posted September 11, 2013 Hi all, While not our first Cunard cruise, My friend and I have finally booked our first crossing this November from Hamburg-NYC. We would like, after many times of just simply using dark suits, to "do it right" and wear true formal on formal nights. Does anyone have any experience with the onboard rental service? What sizes to they have (I am 6'4 and need tall cuts, my friend is standard off the rack)? How expensive is it to rent onboard and how reliable is the service? The website does not give any further information other than to say that it is available. Is there another site I should be looking at, or a particular department I can call for further information? I figured that if anyone could help me, it would be the group here. Thanks for any assistance. You'd be much better off buying a tuxedo rather than renting one. One night alone would cost you $90. All the information you need about rentals, including sizes is here. https://ask.cunard.com/help/cunard/fleet/Formal_Hire Have a wonderful trip and enjoy those elegant evenings! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pepperrn Posted September 11, 2013 #3 Share Posted September 11, 2013 I have to agree with Thaxted, buy one (cheaper), don't rent (expensive). Here's a thought. In Southampton, on the day when QM2 is there (WB for New York), go to the West Quay Shopping Centre (five minutes in a taxi or fifteen minutes walking) and visit John Lewis or Marks and Spencer (both in the same mall, opposite each other) and both of you can buy Dinner Suits/Tuxedos to fit, that you can use for that crossing, and your future Cunard crossings and cruises. All best wishes, and Bon Voyage! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruise pup Posted September 11, 2013 #4 Share Posted September 11, 2013 I almost had a stroke when I saw the prices. I was toying with the idea of renting since I'm getting a large obc but with 4 formal nights that would eat up the entire amount. Just dug out the old tux and it fits me perfectly. Last time I tried I couldn't get into the trousers. And that tux set me back $125. Okay, you have to consider I also bought cuff links & stud, shirt, and tie & cummerbund but still that came to less than $200. and I bought it 10 years ago so it's more than paid for itself. Thank God the basic tuxedo doesn't really go out of style. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Scrapnana Posted September 11, 2013 #5 Share Posted September 11, 2013 Hi all, While not our first Cunard cruise, My friend and I have finally booked our first crossing this November from Hamburg-NYC. We would like, after many times of just simply using dark suits, to "do it right" and wear true formal on formal nights. Does anyone have any experience with the onboard rental service? What sizes to they have (I am 6'4 and need tall cuts, my friend is standard off the rack)? How expensive is it to rent onboard and how reliable is the service? The website does not give any further information other than to say that it is available. Is there another site I should be looking at, or a particular department I can call for further information? I figured that if anyone could help me, it would be the group here. Thanks for any assistance. I don't know where you live, but I would look for sales between now and your cruise. Also, if there is any kind of a discount men's store, try there. I have also heard of people buying tuxes from rental companies. When new styles come in they sell off the old. With a little effort you should be able to find something for the same amount or less than renting onboard and then you have it for future cruises. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruise pup Posted September 11, 2013 #6 Share Posted September 11, 2013 I don't know where you live, but I would look for sales between now and your cruise. Also, if there is any kind of a discount men's store, try there. I have also heard of people buying tuxes from rental companies. When new styles come in they sell off the old. With a little effort you should be able to find something for the same amount or less than renting onboard and then you have it for future cruises. You can also find good deals on tuxes on thru the internet. Keep in mind that the tuxes re-sold by the rental places are tuxes that have been re-hemmed many times. They also are usually designed with adjustable waists so that they can be re-sized. I'd much rather buy a brand new tux. They really aren't much money and you don't have to live near a store to get one and at a good price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Classiccruiser777 Posted September 11, 2013 #7 Share Posted September 11, 2013 Overstock has several and, based on my experience, they are of reasonably good quality. I agree with those that say to purchase rather than rent since Cunard is habit forming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shipmannj Posted September 12, 2013 Author #8 Share Posted September 12, 2013 Thank you all so much for your quick and thoughtful replies, as well as the link to the alternate Cunard site. You have given us much to think about. Why am I not surprised that the Cunard UK site has much more user friendly practical information than the US site. Again, thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norine Posted September 12, 2013 #9 Share Posted September 12, 2013 Some months ago on board QE my son who is more or less your height attempted to rent a formal suit as part of his luggage had gone astray - there was nothing on offer to fit other than off the peg sizes QM2 may have more choice but I doubt it. Best not to rely on this service - and the cost!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueRiband Posted September 12, 2013 #10 Share Posted September 12, 2013 What a welcome change to read that somebody wants to do formal nights right! So often we hear from posters who consider formal dress an imposition rather than a delight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vcdarty Posted September 12, 2013 #11 Share Posted September 12, 2013 Yes, $90. for one night is steepish. But the rates decline for more than a single night. I'm debating. Since we'll be doing a fair amount of traveling pre- crossing, and I hate lugging luggage, I may just rent dinner jacket and trousers (I'll pack shirt, studs, waistcoat, etc.). For three formal nights, that comes out to around $40. per night, and I can leave the 50-year-old dinner clothes home. Heaven knows they deserve a rest. J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack704 Posted September 12, 2013 #12 Share Posted September 12, 2013 DW and I decided to rent the tux on board. We think it's worth the money for the convenience. We're doing a little traveling in Europe prior to the west bound crossing. It's a lot to lug around. Harvey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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