Kilted on a cruise formal night

[MuffinMan]

Quick question, going on a cruise, I basically have two Alpha Kilts and I am trying to get the wife to agree in a SWK Saffron. On formal night I want to wear one of them (hopefully the SWK), but I really can't afford the price of a extra suitcase on the plane to carry everything need just for one night. So if I don't bring a PC what would I wear and still be formal?

MM

[davedove]

It depends on the cruise line and how formal you want to get. Typically, I see everything from slacks and a dress shirt to a tuxedo, but that is on lines like Carnival and Norwegian. Some of the more upscale or traditional lines may require more.

Typically, the guideline given is tuxedo or dark suit, so plan accordingly.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Formal is formal; jacket, waistcoat, tie... I used to lecture on cruises, and I know that packing can be a hassle. I also know that most of our passengers packed far more clothes than they needed. Here's what I'd suggest:

On the flight to join your ship wear your blazer, white shirt and tie, dress shoes. In your carry-on bag pack all of your socks, t-shirts, underwear, and your sneakers. Carry in your hand whatever book, or magazine, you intend to read on the flight.

Checked luggage:

First pack you PC, waistcoat, etc. flat on the bottom of your bag. Over these lay one or two pair of trousers (depending on the length of your cruise) and your white shirts (tip: send them to the laundry before you leave and tell them you want them back folded, not on hangers-- they pack better that way). Pack two spare neckties, again laid flat in the case. If you are bringing another pair of shoes, stuff them with extra socks and place them on their sides in the corners of the bag, with the soles against the side of the suitcase to avoid soiling your clothes. Finally, on top of everything else, layer your casual clothes, shaving kit, and a zip-lock bag with a tin of shoe polish. Everything should fit.

Don't worry about wrinkles, you can touch up your clothes with an iron on board, if necessary. Also, don't over-pack. Ships usually offer laundry services for their passengers.

Bon Voyage!

[davedove]

Another point is that, if you're like most people, you don't get the opportunity to wear the PC very often, so use this as an opportunity to wear the jacket you probably spent a few bucks to buy.

Besides, if you go for the whole look, you'll be the best dressed man aboard.

[saecoman99]

the biggest thing is dont over pack. shorts, 2 pairs of pants ,polo shirts
you can go for dinner in pants and polo everynight. you can do the kilt a night or two. since you can take 2 suit case on the ship it will all fit. we have
been on several cruises now and you wear half of what you take. let me know what line and how many days and we can help

[Zardoz]

Do you own any other kilt jackets? Our last cruise was Chistmas 2007 on Carnival, which is a pretty informal cruise line in general. Their "formal" night is "Black tie optional", which means a dark suit is OK for gentlemen, so I just wore my Argyll and waistcoat with a white shirt and a tie co-ordinated to the outfit, and was more 'dressed up' than some passengers. Except for the tie and white shirt I got more than one use out of the rest of that outfit during the 5 days we were on the boat, so I did not need more than one case to bring along my kit. I took 3 kilts with a few co-ordinating shirts and hose etc. and only one pair of jeans that I wore once for our horseback shore excursion.

Here's me and Mrs.Z on the formal night.

[MuffinMan]

Thanks for thoughts we are doing a disney cruise and flying in, thats why luggage between the four of us will be tight. I will using just one suitcase for our snorkle gear, three masks are optical so from past experience we bring our gear instead using rental stuff. I want be able to use things mutiple times, I don't think a PC will work in this situation. We have been on other cruises so I know how people dress. Would it be totally out of place to wear a waistcoat instead of a jacket?

MM

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Would it be totally out of place to wear a waistcoat instead of a jacket?

MM

You will look like you have taken your jacket off at the dinner table, something a gentleman should never do. I'd advise against it. If you are that pushed for luggage space, why not just forgo the kilt idea altogether?

[English Bloke]

... You will look like you have taken your jacket off at the dinner table, something a gentleman should never do...

I fully concur. You beat me to it MoR. It's definately NOT the done thing. That said, you can; but there may be mutterings behind the menu cards from those who know. I wouldn't want that. A jacket, waistcoat, dress shirt and bowtie can't take up that much luggage space surely. Go on... it's a great chance to show off a Kilt beautifully presented.

[MuffinMan]

You guys are right, I should show it off and stand proud, now I have more just my word on why I need to full kit


MM