Relocating to America by Cruise Ship....

[WinstonKennedy 0]

My wife and I are currently living in the United Kingdom, where we've happily been building a life for the last two years. However, we've decided the time is right to move to America (her homeland), and we're looking at options for how to make the move (once my visa is approved etc.)

We have quite a lot of possessions (more than would easily be accommodated on a flight), and we're also going to be bringing our dog with us to America, both of which are making us review the options available.

It was during a conversation with my parents that they suggest we consider a cruise, which apparently allows unlimited luggage (provided it can fit in your cabin!). The Queen Mary 2, which travels from Southampton to New York, also has dog kennels aboard which would facilitate bringing our dog easily. I'd make arrangements in New York for a uHaul (or large people carrier), then take our life across country to wherever we have decided to move.

I was wondering if anybody here has considered this option when relocating? It seems an interesting alternative to the flight over, and I would worry less about the stress on ourselves (and our dog!) from such a trip.

Also factoring in shipping all our possessions over, and cost of flight for the dog, it's looking pretty cost effective!

[UKGirl123 24]

Hi,

I looked at it when I was visiting due to flight restrictions when the volcananic ash was causing restricitons.

I was unaware there was no luggage restriciton or that you could take dogs as that would have been perfect for me. I had about 13 large suitcases in all and the dog and it certainly would have been a nice way to destress on the cruise on the way over.

I think its a great idea. If you do decide to do it this way post a review and let us know how it went. Good luck!

[Y&E 12]

I think that is a really good idea and I'd be interested to know how it goes if you decide to travel that way. Good luck with your move.

[Flames9_RN 358]

That would be pretty cool. I have been on a few cruises and fairly certain one could only bring on soo much luggage. Could be wrong though

[WinstonKennedy 0]

That would be pretty cool. I have been on a few cruises and fairly certain one could only bring on soo much luggage. Could be wrong though

Here's what they say on the website:

How much luggage can I bring with me?

You may take an unlimited amount of luggage on board which must be stored in your stateroom. For voyage only purposes, each case may weigh a maximum of 23kg due to health and safety reasons. Airlines have strict guidelines so you must adhere to these. Scheduled flight luggage allowances may differ so please check with your airline prior to travel.

Elsewhere they also say this regarding luggage & pets:

Baggage Allowances

There is no restriction for reasonable amounts of luggage on board the ship. However, airlines do have baggage restrictions (which vary on scheduled flights, depending on airline and route). Please note, that on UK regional flights the baggage allowance may be less than on international flights.

Excess Baggage

Airlines are increasingly enforcing stricter control over excess baggage. You should be aware that if you exceed the baggage allowance stated on your ticket, an excess baggage charge may be made by the airline at the time of check-in. As electrical appliances are no longer permitted in checked baggage, please remember to place all such items in your hand luggage.

Non-USA Flights

The standard economy class allowance is currently 20 kilos of checked baggage per person. Current hand luggage allowance is one standard-sized bag - not exceeding 56 x 45 x 25cm (including wheels, pockets and handles). Please check your ticket prior to departure.

USA Flights

Guests on scheduled flights with most airlines are permitted one piece of checked baggage, subject to airline regulation sizes and weighing no more than a total of 23kg per piece. Current hand luggage allowance is one standard-sized bag - not exceeding 56 x 45 x 25cm (including wheels, pockets and handles). Please check your ticket prior to departure.

Please note Cunard is not responsible for airlines' baggage restrictions.

Carriage of Dogs

Cunard can accommodate service dogs on certain voyages, dependent on itinerary and according to UK quarantine regulations. Please ensure you contact us prior to booking to ensure your chosen voyage is suitable. Once this has been confirmed, it is your responsibility to obtain all the relevant documents and certificates and comply with customs requirements to allow the service dog to travel. Service dogs are accommodated in staterooms with their owners.

Non-service animals are only carried on Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossings, in kennels, and are not allowed to visit any guest area of the ship. All animals must be:

• Fitted with a microchip.

• Vaccinated against rabies.

• Satisfactorily blood tested to ensure sufficient protection against rabies.

• Issued with an official PETS certificate, official PET passport or 3rd country certificate.

• Treated against ticks and tapeworm, no more than 48 hours before check-in and issued with an official certificate of treatment.

There is a possibility that service dogs may be travelling on your chosen voyage. If this is likely to affect the enjoyment of your holiday, please ask for further information at the time of booking.

Sounds like as long as you can cram it in your cabin, it's fair game!

On cruises in general, we're 28 and 26... are we too young to enjoy a cruise? I've never been on one before!

[mawilson 2,133]

What a great idea!

I don't see any problems - when you arrive in New York, you will go through immigration and customs just as you would at an airport.

[Krikit 1,165]

Cruising to your POE would be awesome. Having to find a place to put tons of luggage in cramped quarters would not be. This would be one of those times where I would have to be absolutely devastated if I couldn't bring something with me, this trip, in order to pack it. All the rest I would bring over within the allotted 10 years, including having visitors bring things too. Come back and tell us all about it if that's what you decide to do! And, no, you are never too young to cruise.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Ya, that would be pretty cool!!

[LlamaInvasion 76]

This is a great idea! I looked for this option myself, but sadly there's no trans-atlantic cruise ships from Norway (that I could find, anyway), lol. XD

[Fandango 1,440]

Cruises are awesome and this is a great idea! It's practical, and will be fun for you both.

Let us know how it goes...and let us know how the price works out. It would be great info for others in future.

Edited March 15, 2011 by Lisa C

[silvana.toma 15]

I worked on cruise ships, and the only thing i can say is that all cabins are very small unles you get a owner suite or a penthouse or whatever the cruise line calls it. The cabins are small and that was our most popular complaint from the guest.(usually they used to complain when we were already at sea, like we can get a carpenter and make their room bigger, or like we could kick out people from penthouses (that payd 5 times more than they did) and put them )

Also most cruise lines will not accept pets. There are one or two cruise lines that do, so make sure you check with your travel agent before booking anything.

But all i all it's a very good ideea(more expensive than flying, but at least fits your needs)let us know how it goes.

P.S. If you want tp pursue this ideea i would not cross over at the end of season as the sea is very rough, i have been in many cross atlantic storms and they are not fun ..not even for the crew!

[NatPatBen 3]

On cruises in general, we're 28 and 26... are we too young to enjoy a cruise? I've never been on one before!

Definitely not! During the past 10 yrs (from 18 to 28), I've been on 5 cruises. Just went on one last month with my husband. I like things like the trivia, game shows, karaoke, comedy shows, magic shows, and casino. He likes the magic shows, clubs, and hanging out on the deck. Defintely lots of fun activities for all ages. CruiseCritic.com has great forums where you can connect with other people going on the same cruise as you, or read reviews of specific cruises.

Saying that, if you plan to take a long cross-Atlantic cruise, you might want to take a short one first to get a feel for it.

[Flames9_RN 358]

2nd cruisecritic--lot of great info/tips

[iampatricias 17]

Have you been on a cruise before? I imagine you're talking about taking like, 6 or 8 suitcases? I don't know, I'm kind of surprised that everyone else in this thread seems so positive about it... I can't imagine trying to get several suitcases down...or up to my cabin in those little hallways... And with three of us in one cabin, adding two or three more suitcases to the room might have eliminated all of the floor space... I mean, I guess if it's cheaper and actually possible, it might be worth the effort!

[nane1104 146]

I think the idea is great, however, I have been on a cruise and the cabin space (eventhough we upgraded) was VERY limited.

Now I am wondering what would be cheaper: A cruise or a flight and mailing off your stuff? If you really have a lot, I'd ask some international moving companies for rates as well.