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Post by Kymberlee on Jun 6, 2016 23:45:56 GMT
My DH and I PCSing moving to Germany this summer and taking the Queen Mary 2 over to Hamburg from New York. I'm in a quandary as to what to pack. I DO NOT want to overpack as everything we bring with us will be shoved in a suitcase for the two months we will be living in a hotel until we can get housing, but I certainly don't want to look like a total scrub on the ship. Any packing advice? I will be bringing at least 2 cocktail dresses and perhaps a long gown as well as workout clothes but what the heck do I wear during the day? I have only been on one cruise and that was a very informal booze cruise to Key West so no dress code on that ship. Suggestions would be most appreciated!  |
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Post by cadoodlebug on Jun 6, 2016 23:49:12 GMT
No clue but what a fabulous trip!
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theshyone
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,423 
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Post by theshyone on Jun 6, 2016 23:50:46 GMT
Cruise critic. And ask about the line and sailing you are going on. I've not ever known anyone to do a transatlantic,
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
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Post by valincal on Jun 7, 2016 0:05:57 GMT
I second the CC recommendation. I've cruised a ton, but never on the Queen Mary and never transatlantic. I'm sure you're fine with the usual summer day wear (shorts, capris, sundresses) but I have no idea what the weather will be like...the wonderful people at Cruise Critic will be able to give you more information about that. Have a fabulous journey!  |
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Post by ntsf on Jun 7, 2016 0:26:44 GMT
I would check cruise critic and I would figure out if they have laundry on board. pack light and flexible. one formal outfit should work..no one cares if you repeat. I have take three transatlantic...and loved them.
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Post by buddysmom on Jun 7, 2016 0:33:07 GMT
We did one about 4 years ago.
We went on Royal Caribbean which is probably more casual than the Queen Mary.
I did not bring a gown, it's easier to mix and match tops and bottoms.
We only went to 3-4 ports in a two week period since you're going across the Atlantic most of the time.
We then stayed in Italy for a about a week afterward.
Biggest mistake was taking two suitcases and having to lug them around Venice.
Last time I went to Europe for two weeks with just a carry-on.
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peabay
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Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Jun 7, 2016 1:38:16 GMT
Yes! We did Southampton to NY two years ago! It was AWESOME. I would say the QMII is a fairly dressy ship. I didn't see a lot of people walking around in shorts or super casual stuff. It's a very, very European crowd. Americans were outnumbered by Europeans by far. I spent the week in things like black leggings and long sweaters/tunics - comfortable but not extremely casual.
Oh, I'd do it again in a second. It was such a smooth sailing and so elegant. There are quite a few formal nights, but you don't have to do them. They keep some dining options open for folks who don't want to go formal. One thing I'd highly recommend was I bought a black, jersey knit long dress from J.Crew, I could dress it up with jewelry and a wrap, but it never wrinkled and I could practically roll it up in my suitcase. I think I wore it two of the nights, with different wraps just to change it up.
It's so lovely. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Make sure you go visit the dogs in the kennel!
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azredhead
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,755
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Post by azredhead on Jun 7, 2016 2:45:33 GMT
We did the Holland America Line Baltic Sea .FIL picked the cruise line. I would only take one cocktail dress or informal dress and one gown. We had only two formal nights for a 10 day cruise. We were surprised how much we enjoyed the dining room. We didn't think we would.. It was just him and DH and I. At our dinner table it was us and an older couple my FIL's age and a single older lady who was a freguent cruiser. We got to be good friends.
Our longest days (and roughest seas) at sea were to Russia. We had two full days. Some things were closed down due to weather as well. If you have to be on ship. We also didn't have wifi in some areas when we were out in sea. Different spots between Helsenki and then again in Russia were we didn't have access to internet and cable. Thank goodness most ships now are full of things to do. We were outnumbered by seniors lol, I think that's why FIL picked it. But we were okay with it. There were some honeymooners but no kids. Which was totally okay since we don't have any. I think it just depends on the ship and the cruise.
Take layers or things that can be changed in out of easy. Nothing I had to iron even my gown. I mostly had jeans, capris. Russia was freezing!So was Finland. The rest was hot! So it varied.
I also only had two bags.My additional was a small backpack type bag that I could carry with me that had our camera, passports etc. I wanted to make sure I could carry it on me and not have to worry about leaving it some place. They also check our luggage on and off the ship and it took a while to get them so I was glad to have the smaller bag beside my one roll on. There was a long wait deboarding with our luggage (I can't remember why now) but I was glad to have the smaller bag.
I would love to do NCL (Norweigan). I love their ships and have way more than the one we took but that was our first cruise and at FIL bucket list and choice and expense. So we want to do one with just us. Transatlantic would be fun too. Have a great trip!
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Post by anniefb on Jun 7, 2016 5:23:52 GMT
I haven't done a Cunard cruise but I know the dress code is pretty formal. I think on the transatlantic crossing there would probably be 3 formal dress nights. A friend did a cruise recently on the Queen Victoria and said everyone was very formally dressed, even on the 'informal' nights. This is what the Cunard website says: ask.cunard.com/help/cunard/life-on-board/dress_code |
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Post by mrst on Jun 7, 2016 6:51:44 GMT
I have done quite a lot of cruises including Miami to Barcelona. There are obviously a lot of sea days so you have plenty of time for the lectures,sunbathing casino etc. You need some casual clothes that can be rinsed out. We found the weather cooler than expected. The degree of formality differs with the cruise line. Cunard is one of the most formal, but you can wear the same things several times without anyone noticing. Have a wonderful time!!
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Post by Kymberlee on Jun 7, 2016 9:54:54 GMT
Yes! We did Southampton to NY two years ago! It was AWESOME. I would say the QMII is a fairly dressy ship. I didn't see a lot of people walking around in shorts or super casual stuff. It's a very, very European crowd. Americans were outnumbered by Europeans by far. I spent the week in things like black leggings and long sweaters/tunics - comfortable but not extremely casual. Oh, I'd do it again in a second. It was such a smooth sailing and so elegant. There are quite a few formal nights, but you don't have to do them. They keep some dining options open for folks who don't want to go formal. One thing I'd highly recommend was I bought a black, jersey knit long dress from J.Crew, I could dress it up with jewelry and a wrap, but it never wrinkled and I could practically roll it up in my suitcase. I think I wore it two of the nights, with different wraps just to change it up. It's so lovely. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Make sure you go visit the dogs in the kennel! Haha! We will spending a lot of time at the kennels since we are taking the pooch with us. We were lucky enough to secure the last kennel on the last crossing to Hamburg. He has graciously allowed us to join him on the crossing. |
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Post by Kymberlee on Jun 7, 2016 11:07:36 GMT
peabay , are jeans appropriate during the day? I will also check out J Crew...I have a few things picked out from Title Nine which has more athletic type clothing (think Athleta) but they have some really cute separates that pack well. On formal nights, did you wear a gown or cocktail? I will be wearing a gown one night as my DH will be in his dress blues, but I was hoping to get away with cocktail the other formal nights. Also, the informal nights? I have several dresses that are dressier than work but not cocktail...sheath dresses that I would wear to graduations or promotion parties. Thoughts? I poked around Cruise Critic and was  at how incredibly formal some people were dressed. I get it, but I am just not feeling like dragging my entire closet of formal gowns with all the accessories onto the ship. I hate packing with a passion! It really stresses me to know end, and my husband doesn't get it.
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Post by Leone on Jun 7, 2016 12:35:09 GMT
I have done three crossings. Very fun. One Princess, one Costa (same captain who sank the Concordia four months later!) and lastly, RCCL. Only disappointing one was Princess...its like they gave the crew six days off across the Atlantic...little entertainment and nothing to do. I would expect Cunard to be much dressier than other lines and very formal. Sounds like a great adventure.
Check to see if all prices are going to be in dollars, pounds or euros. It will make a huge difference regarding your expenses on board. The minute Costa left Miami, all the prices went from dollars to euros so suddenly everything was 40% more expensive. The fact that it will be mostly Europeans onboard, you can feel like a poor American quickly as everyone around you is ordering $100 bottles of wine.
Dont expect a laundry onboard. Ask Cunard. Of course, they will do your laundry but on RCCL last year, a pair of underpants was $3. Costa and RCCL had no laundries for customers to use...claim its a safety issue.
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peabay
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Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Jun 8, 2016 17:27:17 GMT
I have done three crossings. Very fun. One Princess, one Costa (same captain who sank the Concordia four months later!) and lastly, RCCL. Only disappointing one was Princess...its like they gave the crew six days off across the Atlantic...little entertainment and nothing to do. I would expect Cunard to be much dressier than other lines and very formal. Sounds like a great adventure. Check to see if all prices are going to be in dollars, pounds or euros. It will make a huge difference regarding your expenses on board. The minute Costa left Miami, all the prices went from dollars to euros so suddenly everything was 40% more expensive. The fact that it will be mostly Europeans onboard, you can feel like a poor American quickly as everyone around you is ordering $100 bottles of wine. Dont expect a laundry onboard. Ask Cunard. Of course, they will do your laundry but on RCCL last year, a pair of underpants was $3. Costa and RCCL had no laundries for customers to use...claim its a safety issue. There are laundry facilities on board. We had spent a week in Ireland prior to our boarding and I immediately went to wash clothes and was met by folks who were doing around the world trips. They had left NY in January and were returning to NY in May! They are the experts about everything on the ship and I picked their brains. But there are definitely laundry facilities. |
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peabay
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Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Jun 8, 2016 17:32:11 GMT
peabay , are jeans appropriate during the day? I will also check out J Crew...I have a few things picked out from Title Nine which has more athletic type clothing (think Athleta) but they have some really cute separates that pack well. On formal nights, did you wear a gown or cocktail? I will be wearing a gown one night as my DH will be in his dress blues, but I was hoping to get away with cocktail the other formal nights. Also, the informal nights? I have several dresses that are dressier than work but not cocktail...sheath dresses that I would wear to graduations or promotion parties. Thoughts? I poked around Cruise Critic and was at how incredibly formal some people were dressed. I get it, but I am just not feeling like dragging my entire closet of formal gowns with all the accessories onto the ship. I hate packing with a passion! It really stresses me to know end, and my husband doesn't get it. Depends on what you're pairing your jeans with. I wouldn't have felt comfortable in mom jeans and a t-shirt. Even Athleta gear would feel dressier, in a weird way! I say separates that pack well are a perfect choice. Formal nights, I did long dresses. I had one long "gown" and then the jersey knit long black dress I mentioned. There were women in dressy cocktail dresses though, I'm sure of that. Sheath dresses are perfect for the informal nights. You'll be dressed just right. There are definitely some people who take it to the "nth degree." I never felt uncomfortable or out of place. And I would do it again in a heartbeat! It was so relaxing. I'm afraid I'm making it sound stuffy and it wasn't at ALL. I have a low tolerance for pretension and I enjoyed every second. |
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Post by Leone on Jun 8, 2016 19:31:23 GMT
You all will enjoy this. I have a neighbor who makes way too much money. Ex..buys $1700 concert tickets in Vegas. She goes on big cruises every year. So she tells me that the last cruise which was back to back cruises in Europe...she took seven suitcases. She explained that there were seven formal nights and she wanted photos each time with a different formal. And she didnt want to get them squished so each one had its own suitcase.
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Post by anniefb on Jun 8, 2016 20:45:38 GMT
You all will enjoy this. I have a neighbor who makes way too much money. Ex..buys $1700 concert tickets in Vegas. She goes on big cruises every year. So she tells me that the last cruise which was back to back cruises in Europe...she took seven suitcases. She explained that there were seven formal nights and she wanted photos each time with a different formal. And she didnt want to get them squished so each one had its own suitcase. Wow! |
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scrapbug
Full Member
Posts: 343
Jun 26, 2014 0:11:46 GMT
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Post by scrapbug on Jun 8, 2016 21:15:58 GMT
I haven't done a transatlantic cruise, but would love to! Have fun! Check out the cruisecritic boards - lots of information there.
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Post by FrozenPea on Jun 8, 2016 21:21:04 GMT
No clue as to help you but my family did the QE2 from France to NY when I was 9 and I loved it! We were PCSing from Germany to California. Enjoy your trip!
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Post by ladytrisha on Jun 8, 2016 21:21:04 GMT
My Mom and her boyfriend did that cruise from NY to England and back again.
My Dad, Mom and I immigrated on the original Queen Mary in 1965 so for her it was sort of bittersweet to make the voyage again.
She did the same as you - a few nice evening dresses, boyfriend had his dress blues (retired Air Force). She had some nice slacks and comfy walking shoes and easy wearing tops with a newer t-shirt type. Casual but not pants with "juicy" across the butt LOL My mom is not comfortable in sneakers, so for her flats were good.
She enjoyed it very much, but she did come down to see me and we went to see "our" original Queen when she got home, even though Long Beach has not treated her very well.
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Post by Kymberlee on Jun 8, 2016 21:34:50 GMT
Thanks so much for the input everyone! I'm sure I am overthinking this big time. By the point we actually get on the ship, all I am going to want to do is sit on my rear end and drink a very large glass(es) of champagne. Between the move, trying to tie everything up at work, my DH's promotion party, and applying for a new job in Germany, I am spread a little thin right now. Ah well, it will all get done as it always does.  |
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,768
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Post by valincal on Jun 8, 2016 21:53:53 GMT
Thanks so much for the input everyone! I'm sure I am overthinking this big time. By the point we actually get on the ship, all I am going to want to do is sit on my rear end and drink a very large glass(es) of champagne. Between the move, trying to tie everything up at work, my DH's promotion party, and applying for a new job in Germany, I am spread a little thin right now. Ah well, it will all get done as it always does. Yes it will! Enjoy your time in Germany...I lived there as a child and teenager for two of my dad's postings, once in the north and once in the south. Just got back from a visit a few weeks ago! Where will you be living if you don't mind me asking? |
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Post by Kymberlee on Jun 9, 2016 0:46:16 GMT
valincal, we will be in Stuttgart. We can't wait!  ??
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,768
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Post by valincal on Jun 9, 2016 0:56:40 GMT
valincal, we will be in Stuttgart. We can't wait! ?? Just a couple of hours from where I lived in the Black Forest. You will love it--there is so much to see and do in that area! I hope you share some of your travel experiences with all of us. |
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quiltz
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Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on Jun 9, 2016 1:06:15 GMT
valincal , we will be in Stuttgart. We can't wait! ?? This is a great part of Germany. The zoo is a great place to visit & you are a short train ride away from so many places. Enjoy. |
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Post by Kymberlee on Jun 9, 2016 1:11:45 GMT
valincal , we will be in Stuttgart. We can't wait! ?? Just a couple of hours from where I lived in the Black Forest. You will love it--there is so much to see and do in that area! I hope you share some of your travel experiences with all of us. Be careful what you wish for.  We have some dear friends who moved there last year so I feel that we are way ahead of the game. |
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
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Post by valincal on Jun 9, 2016 15:18:54 GMT
Me again, Kymberlee !  You're in luck...the QM2 is in drydock being refurbished! So she should look pretty sharp for your trip. Queen Mary |
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Post by Kymberlee on Jun 9, 2016 22:36:32 GMT
Me again, Kymberlee ! You're in luck...the QM2 is in drydock being refurbished! So she should look pretty sharp for your trip. Queen Mary I read that! I can not wait! |
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Post by jmd74 on Jun 9, 2016 23:55:55 GMT
I am so incredible jealous! We were stationed in Heidelberg from 96-2001 and loved every minute of it! I would go back in a heartbeat! Enjoy your time on the ship, it sounds amazing.
If it's not too much to ask, is the military covering the whole cost or partial costs? It's something to think about if we are lucky enough to get orders to Germany again before my DH finally! Decides to retire.
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Post by grammadee on Jun 10, 2016 0:53:12 GMT
Hope you come up with a plan that does not stress you out. I have never been on the QMII, only on Holland America cruises. People wore a lot of basic capris and dresspants with various tops. Wash & wear is a good idea, so you can trade off, do laundry, and then get your top back into rotation.
You will need a windbreaker/ raincoat and then something of sweatshirt or sweater weight to wear under it for cooler evenings I would think. We needed that on the Baltic this time of year.
I would suggest if you want to look different each formal night, then pack one formal gown and one cocktail length dress, and then a variety of accessories--jewelry &/or scarves--to make each night's attire unique.
Above all, use that Atlantic crossing to unwind after a crazy month.
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We have some dear friends who moved there last year so I feel that we are way ahead of the game. 
You're in luck...the QM2 is in drydock being refurbished! So she should look pretty sharp for your trip. 
