The cruise was an Ensenada run that my family does periodically. It was a smaller ship than we normally take. The kilt was impractical because chairs were always on the move in dining and deck areas, recreational areas were full to the brim with herds of children running to and fro, and the bar areas were more compact than a pub. As a result I didn't want to risk snagging or tearing (these tartan tid-bits are expensive!).Originally Posted by TJ Kelley
I was also concerned about wearing it around pool water on deck and to access some of the ship's showrooms one was required (quite by design) to pass by the casino (which was very smokey--not where I want to take my kilt).
Although the staff and other passengers were generally polite it was a less inviting feel this time out. The crew are wrapping up their tourism season and then the vessel goes into drydock for some refurbishment and upgrades from stem-to-stern. Perhaps that affected the mood of the voyage on the part of the staff.
The people in Ensenada were very welcoming (in a touristy sort of way) and seemed to get a genuine thrill at the site of a kilt in their city. I am pretty certain that I was the only kilted bloke in the place! Many times they would say "Scottish" and "Scotland" in Spanish. I was regularly asked if I am from Scotland. I politely told them, "no but by family came from there." That was fine enough to satisfy their curiosity about it and was followed by nice compliments.
I wore my A_Hay! Custom Sporran. I popped into several leather shoppes. The leather artisans were absolutely thrilled with my sporran. They were curious about the style and construction. Tom, your work was praised on several occasions by some master craftsmen. Be proud, sir. It was praise well-earned.
It was a GREAT experience being kilted in another country. It was unusual (for me) but a nice experience (whilest ashore). Aboard ship was another matter. Not an awful experience but one to keep in mind for my future cruises.
My waistcoat and Onassis tie knot were a rousing success at the Captain's Dinner, though. If I'd had a kilt jacket with me them I might have ventured toward that for that particular occasion. Alas, I wore a three-piece suit. It looked fabulous...but Highland wear would have been fine, too. No black ties on this trip. It was more casual than previous trips. Still nice, though.
Sorry for rambling. Just answering a question and sharing my recent experience.
Happy kilting!! I would kilt up in a foreign country again without reservation. Great conversation starter (for genuine conversation and also haggling with the vendors), comfortable for being oot and aboot, and (most importantly) safe because you will be easier to spot if you are separated from your travelling companions and can be a walking rally-point.
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