ATW with checked baggage

[swenigale]

Hello. I'm hoping some traveler out there can help me. My husband and I leave to travel ATW (for 3 months) in just 9 days. Our trip involves flights and cruises, so we will be traveling with 3 or 4 checked bags. Since we will arrive in NZ by cruise ship, and not by air, our subsequent flight on Quantas (through BA) from CHCH to Sydney to London to Munich will not allow us the 2 pcs/pp baggage allowance. I suspect there may be a problem with Aegean in our short hop from Munich to Athens, as well.

Because 2/3 of our ATW trip is on cruise ships, we will be bringing the amount of luggage we normally do when we enjoy formal nights and dressy meals. We've always been able to check 2 large bags each on our flights. However, Quantas' website is making me nervous. Since we are arriving by ship, not air, from the US, we will be in a different category for baggage allowance (just 1 pc each!) We don't want to get socked with unexpected airline charges. I am hoping a printout of all of our travel plans will be enough to get us the "by piece" allowance from the airlines. My phone call to Quantas didn't give me any more help than a "maybe". Any thoughts or similar experiences?

[cruisetarp]

Sorry I can't help with any advice but you certainly are embarking on a wonderful adventure. I hope you will post reviews along the way or when you return so we may all enjoy your ATW along with you.