HELP A CUNARD NEWBIE

[Jimbo_Bost]

Having sailed of four different cruise lines I feel it's time to go for the ultimate in class, a transatlantic on the QM2. I have some questions, there seem to be so many dining options, are there surcharges for the non-main dining rooms. We will be in Britania for sure.
What are the dress codes for men?
In Cunards marketing photos ALL of the crusers seem to be "dressed to the nines", older, and well frankly kinda stuffy. Will us middle class middle aged people have a good time? I just dont want to feel out of place. Jimbo

[pkenned]

Hi Jimbo,

I have done two transatlantics, one on QE2 and one on QM2 - the latter was slightly more casual than QE2, but on my QM2 transatlantic, it was 4 formal nights out of six - tuxedo or lounge suit. I can't remember dress codes for the other two nights, possibly informal - jacket and tie for men, or casual - open neck shirts and slacks for men.

Shorts are pretty much a no-no in the evenings, but during the day, dress is very much what the weather dictates. I agree that the publicity photographs show people dressed to the nines, but dress codes are fairly relaxed. I'm sure you'll not feel out of place. I love the formal evenings and dressing up, but the rest of the time it certainly doesn't feel stuffy.

On QM2, there is the Todd English restaurant which charges, when I last looked, $20 per person for lunch and $30 for dinner. In the evenings, Kings Court (the self service restaurant) is divided into four themed areas, and one at least charges extra. During the day, there is certainly no charge and for meals elsewhere, there is also no charge. The Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants are obviously only available to those that book grill-class suites.

I'm sure you'll have a good time. Let us know when you get back.

Paul

[CanadianCruiseBooker]

I had two passengers on a recent Queen Mary saling and jacket and tie were the miniumum for the dining room every evening. Ladies usually have a bit more wiggle room but you can never go wrong with black and a few different sets of accessories.

[Jimbo_Bost]

Thanks to all for the feed back. I understand now that Cunards marketing and the reality of life on the Cunard ships are kinda far apart. People are people, I'm sure we will have a grand time. PS i wish "formal night" on EVERY cruise line was reinstated. I love squeezing into my 12 year old tux! Jimbo

[flora]

I have to agree, people are people. We were nervous about dress initally but were surprised to see how casual some were. I thought jeans were a no no but we did see them in the day time (not to many though) As far as the dining room a good black suit with a tuxedo or dress shirt and a nice tux bow tie will fit the bill perfectly You will also need a sport jacket and ties for the other evenings. I wore lots of mix and match black---pants long skirts sparkly tops .... these will be fine. You will always see someone who is less "dressed" than you.
As Ive said in previous posts, food quality was a disappointment, we feel it was much better on Princess, Celebrity and Royal C. however the ship does have a lovely feel and ambiance of its own, very quiet , sedate and high class. If thats what you want then this is it!