IS AIRLINE LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE PROHIBITIVE FOR FLY CRUISERS?

I’ve been inspired to write this week following a recent conversation with regular Cunard cruiser. We were discussing a potential fly cruise holiday for himself and his wife for next year, and while being happy with both the price and the itinerary of the potential cruise holiday he had chosen, he decided in the end not to bother for one reason only – the airline luggage allowance.

I know this applies to everyone and most people seem to have no problems with airline luggage allowances in general, but I thought my client actually had a very valid point.

Cunard Line being one of the more traditional cruise options available pride themselves on the formality of their Gala evenings, and given the fact that most passengers on board buy into this philosophy this led my client to one very obvious question relating to his 14 night fly cruise:

“How am I (and more pertinently my wife) supposed to pack attire for at least 3 Gala evenings, another 10+ outfits for the remaining evenings as well as daytime attire for 14 days in one suitcase weighing no more than 20kg?”

A valid point I think you’ll agree. As my client pointed out 20kg may well be sufficient for a beach holiday but for 14 evenings including Gala nights and 14 smart casual days – not a chance.

I won’t name the airline in question but when asked if excess baggage allowance could be purchased I received the following answer – “Due to operational restrictions it is not possible to purchase excess baggage” – no exceptions, end of.

My client decided to take the matter up with Cunard themselves, quite rightly in my opinion raising the question that if Cunard want to uphold the formality of their brand in terms of dress code and formal evenings they surely must give clients the means to do so.

Have you found fly cruise luggage allowance prohibitive? Have you had to leave some outfits of choice at home simply because your suitcase would be too heavy? Do you think 20kg allowance is far too little?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Bye for now.