rj1227

Victoria2, exactly.

The Cunard website says little--"dress shirt and trousers" with the aspirational statement that the dress should be appropriate to a "stylish restaurant" or theater on a special evening. I just saw a photo, probably from Cunard, of two couples dressed in smart attire. The two men were wearing a collared shirt and a sports coat, but their trousers looked denim. I also just read a travel agency website addressing evening attire on Cunard--it talked about slacks and a sweater or a collared shirt and sports coat. Look, this is my first Cunard experience, and I knew before signing up that Cunard was a formal cruise line. I am not debating what the dress code should be--again I think a collared sweater is more dressy than a collared shirt without a sports coat. Whatever the rules are, I will comply with. But I have limited luggage space for evening clothing. To those who have been on winter Cunard sailings, I am just trying to find out whether the four-word website statement of "dress shirt and trousers" is literally the rule or whether it is somewhat a guide and aspirational.

I thank everyone who took the time to respond. And it appears it was fortunate that I asked. But can I ask for some clarity with the responses. And yes, I am talking about evening dress. I asked about very nice dress jeans and about a collared sweater worn without a collared shirt. I take it that the jeans would be inappropriate. I can't say I am surprised. But if people are saying that a collared sweater is inappropriate, that does surprise me because I think that as dressy as a collared shirt. If anyone cares to respond, are you saying both items would not meet the dress code? And if one does and one doesn't, can you identify which one would pass and which one would not? Thanks again.

If it matters, I will be on a Transatlantic winter crossing on the QM2. My understanding is that a sports coat is not required. On the smart attire nights, is there anything wrong with a man wearing a nice pair of jeans or denim pants (rather than dress trousers) and a collared pullover sweater not worn with a collared shirt underneath?

Friends, thank you for the responses. I did call Cunard and was told that another passenger can be added if done at least 14 days before the sailing. I did not ask any specific questions regarding pricing. In my case, my sailing is in December, and at the moment, it is still not clear whether someone will be able to join me. I did send an email to my travel agent to begin a dialogue with her regarding option.

I am currently booked as a solo traveler in a balcony cabin on a future T/A crossing. I believe my final-payment deadline is August 15 (four months before the sailing). Other than paying a higher fare, is there any difficulty in adding before final payment a second passenger to the cabin I booked? What about after the final payment? I would think Cunard would welcome the addition because it means a higher fare and more spending on board.

Many thanks to all above who took the time to respond. You answered my questions about the two December crossings. If anyone has any information about the early January eastbound crossing, I would certainly welcome it. It does seem a tad different--one night longer, and right after the holidays when the desire to eat well and drink should be sated. I am thinking this is a more sedate trip than the December crossings with many Brits returning home after time in the US.

Cunard always offers two crossings in December and then an eastbound crossing in early January after New Year's Day. The January crossing is eight nights instead of seven. I know the QM2 is decorated for Christmas on the December crossings. And I would imagine the Atlantic could be more lively in the winter. My questions: 1. If you have taken a TA crossing in December would you recommend it? How is it different from TA crossings at other times of the year (other than what I stated above)? 2. What is the nationality mix and passenger composition like in December on the eastbound and then westbound crossings, and then on the eastbound crossing right after New Year's Day?